Out-Law / Your Daily Need-To-Know

A coalition of 20 major technology companies, consumer groups and trade associations has launched its public opposition to legislative proposals that would allow the US government to set anti-piracy technological mandates for computers and other consumer electronics devices.

The Alliance for Digital Progress (ADP), whose members include Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Cisco and Hewlett-Packard, said it will fight legislation like the Consumer Broadband and Digital Television Promotion Bill, introduced last year, that would have imposed government-mandated technological measures to prevent copying in any product that handles digital content.

Although that bill did not eventually pass, the group believes that similar proposals are to be introduced again, backed by Hollywood studios.

The coalition said it is concerned about the piracy of digital content, which it characterised as a "serious and complex problem". But it claims that "government-designed and mandated technology that swaps the diversity of marketplace solutions for a 'one size fits all' approach" is not the answer.

According to the ADP, such measures would raise the price of electronics devices, from CD and DVD players to PCs. The group adds that technology mandates would "stifle innovation" and render the devices consumers use today obsolete.

The ADP suggests that movie studios should address the problem of digital piracy by providing alternatives, such as offering content on-line in a variety of digital formats.

The ADP argues that the government should not step into the role of technology designer. In a statement it said: "The proper role of government is to help educate consumers about digital piracy while strongly enforcing existing copyright laws."

Two weeks ago, a similar coalition of music labels and IT firms was launched, in part to oppose new legislative action regarding digital piracy.

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.