MESSAGE
| DATE | 2006-01-18 |
| FROM | From: "Inker, Evan"
|
| SUBJECT | Subject: [NYLXS - HANGOUT] Consumer group calls for anti-DRM laws
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Consumer group calls for anti-DRM laws
By John Leyden
Published Wednesday 18th January 2006 10:13 GMT
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/18/drm_consumer_opposition/
A UK-based consumer rights group has called for MPs to introduce new laws to
ensure consumers' rights to use digital content are protected. The use of
digital rights management technology on CDs, DVDs and music downloads to
control or restrict the use of copyrighted digital works shows that the
current regime of self-regulation is failing to protect consumers' rights,
according to the National Consumer Council (NCC).
In a submission to an All Party Internet Group (APIG) inquiry into the
subject, the NCC highlights the controversial use of rootkit-style DRM
technology by Sony/BMG in arguing that industry can't be trusted to act
alone. The NCC reckons DRM constrains the legitimate consumer use of digital
content, for example, by preventing consumers from playing DVDs they've
bought abroad or in making compilations of material they have purchased for
their own use. These restrictions undermine consumers' existing rights under
consumer protection and data protection laws.
Jill Johnstone, director of policy at NCC, said: "Because of the current
situation, consumers face security risks to their equipment, limitations on
their use of products, poor information when purchasing products and unfair
contract terms.
"While we recognise the value of intellectual property rights, we have
little confidence in self-regulation by the industry. We welcome this
opportunity to present our concerns to MPs and hope this will ultimately
lead to an improvement in the rights of consumers."
The All Party Internet Group announced an inquiry into Digital Rights
Management last November. The probe will look at issues including the degree
of protection needed for both copyright holders and consumers. The APIG
plans to hold a series of public meetings taking evidence on the subject at
an as yet unannounced date.
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