Submitted: January 23, 2006 - 10:53am
Last updated: February 21, 2008 - 12:25am
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) is seeking support for the Digital Content Protection Act of 2006, a bill that would grant the FCC the express power to regulate receiving devices for the purposes of "limit[ing] the unauthorized copying and indiscriminate redistribution of digital audio and video broadcast content over digital networks." The bill would mandate the flag for digital broadcasts and includes language permitting "customary historic use of broadcast content by consumers to the extent such us is consistent with applicable law." But it would also give the affected industries a chance to come up with their own compromise solution before the FCC issues any new broadcast flag rules. The bill would create a private-sector panel including computer, equipment, broadcast, cable and public interest representatives to come up with that compromise. The bill is expected to be discussed at a Jan. 24 Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the flag technologies. http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6300984?display=Breaking+News...
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