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Gillmor on consumer rights
Dan Gillmor of the San Jose Mercury News writes in favor of consumers' rights.
In the world of electronic devices, digital entertainment and software, customers are routinely subjected to restrictions that forbid modification of products they've already purchased.
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EFF files comments with FCC
EFF has filed initial comments with the FCC in docket 02-230, opposing a broadcast flag mandate.
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Group to discuss "Analog Hole" may be formed
At Wednesday's CPTWG meeting, attendees heard reports from proponents of the formation of a new CPTWG sub-group, to be called the "Analog Working Group" or the "Analog Issues Discussion Group". Representatives of groups of consumer electronics, information technology, and entertainment companies briefly discussed the nature and scope of the group's work. EFF attended the CPTWG meeting and heard the presentations.
If CPTWG charters this group, it may consider technologies which can be used to control "redigitization" by means of analog-to-digital conversion. CPTWG's chairs could make that decision in the next several weeks, and meetings of the new discussion group could begin early in the new year.
Although the group would not be charged with developing legislation, it is difficult to imagine that any recommended measure to control digitization could be widely implemented voluntarily.
We've discussed the "Analog Hole" before, and noted that Hollywood studios have called for the formation of an "inter-industry" discussion forum on this topic. If the CPTWG sub-group is formed, it may turn out to be that forum. If so, it's worth your attention.
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FCC comments due tomorrow
Initial comments on the broadcast flag should be filed with the FCC by tomorrow, December 6.
You can file a comment electronically using the ECFS system. You should first read the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this matter, and learn about filing comments with the Commission.
You can also use ECFS to view comments already filed by others; search for docket no. 02-230.
We urge you to avoid misconceptions about the proposed mandate and to consider your comments carefully.
There will be a reply comment period in which additional comments may be submitted in reply to initial comments. Reply comments will be due by January 17 and may also be filed using ECFS.
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