The leading trade associations for the recording and software industries announced a landmark compromise January 14 that aims to protect copyright on movies and music without new government involvement. The agreement attempts to prevent congressional intervention in the debate over what consumers can do with legally purchased copyrighted material, including the recently reintroduced Digital Media Consumers’ Rights Act as well as a bill crafted by Sen. Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.) to require copy-protection technology in computers, according to a January 15 Associated Press report.
Lobbyists for such companies as Microsoft, IBM, Intel, and Dell Computer agreed to oppose legislative efforts to permit viewers to make backup copies of DVDs for personal use or to copy songs onto handheld listening devices. In return, the Recording Industry Association of America agreed to argue against requirements to build anti-copying locking controls into future generations of entertainment devices. However, the Motion Picture Association of America, which has vigorously argued for such controls, was noticeably absent from the negotiations.
Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) praised the agreement for helping to overcome a rift between the two industries. RIAA Chief Executive Hilary Rosen said it would help stem “needless legislative battles, silly rhetoric about what divides us, and continuing disharmony in the public policy arena.”
Posted January 20, 2003.