Audio Broadcast Flag Introduced in Congress

Declan McCullagh writes "We found out in mid-2004 that the RIAA was lobbying the FCC for an audio version of the broadcast flag. But because a federal appeals court slapped down the FCC's video version last year, the RIAA needs to seek formal authorization from Congress. That process finally began today when the audio flag bill was introduced. It would hand the FCC the power to set standards and regulate digital and satellite radio receivers, and RIAA Chairman Mitch Bainwol says it strikes "a balance that's good for the music, good for the fans, and good for business." The text of the bill is available online."

Comments

Re:Bad for consumers and business

[cloudmaster]

It's bad for consumers because they are going to have to replace otherwise working radio equipment, right?

Not as written. That's why it's good to RTFA *before* posting...

(2) shall not make obsolete any devices already manufactured and distributed in the marketplace before the implementation of such regulations

Re:Bad for consumers and business

[BLKMGK]

I predict you'll be hearing from more than one person who has lost music transfering from one computer to another - I know I've talked to a few of them. Nothing like trying to move say 60 songs from one machine to another and afterwards only having 50 of them.....

I for one don't use iTunes and prefer to rip the USED CDs I buy instead. Screw 'em!