The Broadcast Flag is back
The Broadcast Flag is back folks. We thought it was gone but apparently this thing just won't die. It has sneaked in under a general telecom bill but if you read the details of the bill, you will see a bunch of things about copy protection. This guy is worse then the first one! It includes mandates for an Audio Broadcast flag that will spread its DRM blanket over digital and satellite radio. The new provision though calls for more copy protection then ever and a broader stance on what is Fair Use. The bad news is that this bill is being voted on today but Senator John Sununu of New Hampshire is proposing an amendment to strike this broadcast flags on both video and audio. This is going down today so if you feel so inclined to support this amendment, Public Knowledge has a list of Senators you should call ASAP.
Filed under: Industry, Regulatory, OTA
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jim @ Jun 22nd 2006 11:39AM
Better buy equipment now that does not support the flag I guess and hopefully it will still work when the flag is enabled. This is just big business, profits, power and control. It has nothing to do with piracy. Part of being an American is freedom. Freedom to do, go and watch what you want, when you want, and how you want in the privacy of your own home.
I love HD, DVD's, movies, surround sound, etc. If they keep this up and make it difficult and expensive, I have absolutely no problem canceling my service and turning off the TV. Then where will their profits be?