Broadcast Flag = Teh Suck
On 06 May 2005, we Americans won a significant battle (link) in the fight to reestablish our fair use rights for copyrighted media.
Hollywood (and others) had coerced the FCC into restricting what consumers can do with the digital video signals we receive, via a device called the "broadcast flag" (more information here). Do you want to record a show and then burn it to DVD to play in your car's entertainment system? You won't be able to with the broadcast flag.
Even with this victory, the fight is not over. The MPAA lost the case on the basis that the FCC had overstepped its bounds, not on the fact that the broadcast flag is inherently illegal (see the oft-cited "Betamax case", Sony v. Universal Studios). Their next goal is to get Congress to extend the FCC's jurisdiction.
Visit the Electronic Frontier Foundation's website ("EFF" under Nerd Links) for more information on this and other issues that affect your rights in the 21st century. Make sure we keep this one in the "W" column: support the EFF and/or write your congressmen.
2 comments:
The major media providers pretty much run cartels. Things like the broadcast flag ensure that those cartels can determine how and when we are able to enjoy the entertainment they provide. Self-determination of the "how" and "when" are part of our fair use rights.
As for the socket wrenches...I never said it would be explained in the very next post. :) It should be soon, though.
Ask and ye shall receive...this time, at least.
Post a Comment