Despite last-minute snags, Congress passed a new version of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, reconciling differences between House and Senate measures. President Clinton was expected to sign the bill.
In addition to implementing the treaties passed by the World Intellectual Property Organization in 1996, the bill makes it illegal to circumvent electronic encryption devices, with violators subject to a $2,500 fine. However, it includes an amendment supported by library and education groups delaying such a prohibition for two years. It also calls for the Librarian of Congress to work with the Commerce Department to determine what exemptions should be made for fair use.
The Senate passed the measure October 8; that same day, Republican leaders in the House, angered that the Electronic Industries Alliance trade association had chosen a former Democratic representative as its president, removed the bill from its calendar. However, the House finally passed the measure unanimously October 12.