Still Sticking it to the Consumer

STILL STICKING IT TO THE CONSUMER
[SOURCE: C-Net|News.com 11/15, AUTHOR: Gigi Sohn, Public Knowledge]
[Commentary] We're down to the last few days of this Congress, in a lame duck session, and the recording industry is still trying to stick it to consumers. The industry continues to push legislation that would outlaw new, innovative devices that consumers use to listen to satellite radio and digital terrestrial radio. It is because of efforts like this that Public Knowledge is proud to join with the Consumer Electronics Association and other public interest and industry organizations in launching the Digital Freedom Campaign. The campaign is intended to ensure that consumers continue to have the right to use lawfully the technology and digital media that they own. The collective amnesia the entertainment industry has about its past and recent attempts to limit consumers' rights and technological innovation is nothing short of startling. Beginning with the piano roll at the start of the 20th century, continuing with radio, TV, the VCR, MP3 players and digital video recorders (remember Replay TV?), entertainment companies have tried either to legislate or litigate innovative new technologies out of existence. Bringing balance back to copyright law is more important than ever, as increasing numbers of Americans become creators themselves by using digital tools to engage in social commentary and civic discourse online. Our communications system has never been so democratic--but it will not stay that way if our copyright laws are used to preserve the business models of old, centralized "command and control" media. It is time for the next Congress to revise our copyright laws to reflect the realities of today's digital culture.
http://news.com.com/Still+sticking+it+to+the+consumer/2010-1023_3-613557...