SSSCA/CDBTPA Open Forum

[pszaro]

For those of you aware of the DMCA and the problems it has caused the lives it has ruined, and the freedoms it has stolen, the new CDBTPA (renamed from the former SSSCA) threatens with even more onerous restrictions on consumer rights. It must be stopped.

The following webpage is a record of user comments over the last few days, and provides a form for you to submit your own comments. I've read every one of them, and *not one* is in favor or support of the CDBTPA.

http://judiciary.senate.gov/special/input_form.cfm

Why should you care? Do you like your computer? Do you like being able to copy files from, say, your computer to a floppy disk? Do you like being able to watch DVD's in your computer, as well as in your DVD player? If the CDBTPA passes, you probably won't have these freedoms, and you'll certainly lose others.

Basically, the bill calls for Digial Rights Management "features" to be built into ALL personal digital devices. That is: CD-ROM drives, DVD-anything hard drives, motherboards, CPU's, personal MP3 players... the list goes on and on. Fortunately, most of the tech industry is resisting this bill in its current state because of the effects it will have on the already-slow economy and already-elusive consumer interest. Groups like Disney and the RIAA, on the other hand, endorse it fully, and gee, I wonder why?

If you don't feel like filling out the form, or aren't informed enough to have an opinion, at least do your fellow citizens a favor, and pass the word along.