Tech Firms Fight Copy Protection Laws

buulu writes "CNET is running an article about Alliance For Digital Progress going on the offensive against Hollywood over digital copy protection. The alliance consists of some of the big names: Apple, Cisco Systems, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Information Technology Association of America, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, etc."

Comments

You did. Here's why:

[burgburgburg]

They are part of this because they are part of everything potentially important. If two people in the industry get together, Microsoft will clamor to be number three. Being a part gives them the ability to a) seem like they are supporting whatever view is involved while b) making sure that Microsoft's interests are always served above all others.

They are specifically part of this because they do NOT want government regulation of this sort of control of digital content. Because they care about their users rights? Of course not! Because if the government is setting the agenda on digital content protection, then Microsoft isn't. Microsoft is all for DRM (WMP9,TCPA,Palladium, etc.). Just on their terms exclusively. They do not want to have to answer to Washington. Only Bill. Always Bill.

Re:Fun times ahead ?

[Anonymous Coward]

I just visited their web site. Their member list (according to their web site) is as follows:

Alliance For Digital Progress Members

American Electronics Association
Americans for Tax Reform
Apple
Business Civil Liberties, Inc.
Business Software Alliance
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Citizens Against Government Waste
Citizens for a Sound Economy
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Computer Systems Policy Project
Consumer Alert
Defenders of Property Rights
DigitalConsumer.org
Digital Media Association
Dell Computer Corp.
Hewlett-Packard Co.
Information Technology Association of America
International Business Machines Corp.
Intel Corp.
Massachusetts Software & Internet Council
Microsoft Corp.
Motorola Inc.
National Association of Manufacturers
National Center for Public Policy Research
Semiconductor Industry Association
60 Plus Association
Washington Legal Foundation

Now, their big issue is this new computer broadband saftey and protection so and so act that came up last year.

The thing that strikes me is that this legislation is SO screwed up that both Microsoft and the BSA are against it. No one needs to be reminded that Ms and bsa have been nazis on this issue until now. Worse than Nazis... sheesh. This is going to be good. :)

Later Bozos
Sam Mz

Re:Wait, did i see

[packetgeek]

Three words:

embrace and extend

If you want new policies shaped to your liking you have to be at the table to make it happen...