12/13/2007, 2:55pm, EST
Thursday, December 13thCongressman pushes for harsher DMCA
Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), the chair of the House Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property, today argued that the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) does not go far enough, despite common complaints about its severity. Berman is overseeing a hearing on the PRO-IP Act, a bill which could increase statutory damages for copyright violation, and even establish an intellectual property enforcement office in the Department of Justice. Before today's witness testimonies began, Berman admitted that there were things he would like to change in copyright law to make the DMCA more strict.
He argues for instance that Internet service providers should not be granted "safe harbor" protection for material on their networks, and that filtering technology may, in some cases, have to be made a legal mandate by Congress. Berman is also in favor of reevaluating the "effectiveness of takedown notices," a view that may have originated with media giant Viacom. The company is strongly in favor of increased DRM, and is presently suing YouTube despite the latter's willingness to take down copyrighted video immediately upon request. Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman has in the past spoken to business lobby groups about his position. [via Ars Technica]
Filed under: industry, security
Other story tags: copyright, DMCA, politics, PRO-IP, Viacom
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MTR forever...
"He argues for instance that Internet service providers should not be granted "safe harbor" protection for material on their networks, and that filtering technology may, in some cases, have to be made a legal mandate by Congress."
Yes. we need to stop these service providers completely and filter everything, for anything, forever.
"...Viacom. The company is strongly in favor of increased DRM, and is presently suing YouTube despite the latter's willingness to take down copyrighted video immediately upon request."
good for you, Viacom! its high time someone made the service providers responsible for protecting Viacom!
(end sarcasm)
it would be nice if this Howard Berman actually represented his constituency.
Congressman Howard Berman 2221 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-4695 Fax: 202-225-3196
Call him and tell him he is the kind of Dem that will make us Independents vote Republican!!!
Also make sure you call your local representative and tell them that this bill is ONLY good for big business and will kill creativity!!!