| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Jenny Pareti tel: 703 907 7079 e-mail: jpareti@CE.org |
CEA Comments on Discussions with MPAA Regarding State Digital Piracy Laws
Discussions are a
| Arlington, Virginia | 4/7/2003 |
The following statement was issued today by Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro regarding ongoing discussions between CEA, consumer electronics manufacturers, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and individual movie studios concerning proposed legislation to combat digital piracy at the state level: "Earlier this week, we and others met with representatives of the Broadband & Internet Security Task Force, representing cable operators, programmers and equipment suppliers as well as MPAA, to discuss model state communication service theft legislation prepared by the task force. We received draft amendments to the model legislation that reflect concerns expressed by CEA and its members to clarify that the manufacture and use of consumer electronics and other equipment, particularly multi-purpose devices, designed for legitimate purposes would not be subject to criminal and civil liability. The goal of such discussions is to strike the right balance between protecting against theft of service and interfering with other activity.
"Our initial discussion was a positive step forward. We look forward to continued dialogue with the task force, MPAA and other interested parties."
About CEA:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) represents more than 1,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $85 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.
CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Defining Technology's Future. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.