The Alliance for Digital Progress (ADP), whose members include
Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Cisco and Hewlett-Packard, said it will
fight legislation like the Consumer Broadband and Digital
Television Promotion Bill, introduced last year, that would have
imposed government-mandated technological measures to prevent
copying in any product that handles digital content.
Although that bill did not eventually pass, the group believes
that similar proposals are to be introduced again, backed by
Hollywood studios.
The coalition said it is concerned about the piracy of digital
content, which it characterised as a "serious and complex problem".
But it claims that "government-designed and mandated technology
that swaps the diversity of marketplace solutions for a 'one size
fits all' approach" is not the answer.
According to the ADP, such measures would raise the price of
electronics devices, from CD and DVD players to PCs. The group adds
that technology mandates would "stifle innovation" and render the
devices consumers use today obsolete.
The ADP suggests that movie studios should address the problem
of digital piracy by providing alternatives, such as offering
content on-line in a variety of digital formats.
The ADP argues that the government should not step into the role
of technology designer. In a statement it said: "The proper role of
government is to help educate consumers about digital piracy while
strongly enforcing existing copyright laws."
Two weeks ago, a similar coalition of music labels and IT firms
was launched, in part to oppose new legislative action regarding
digital piracy.
