In response to the EFF and Public Knowledge action alerts this week regarding the Broadcast Flag issue, I emailed Senator Feinstein my concerns. Her response email, received today is posted below. If you have comments please write!
June 24, 2005
Dear Ms. Vogele:
Thank you for writing to me about the digital broadcast
flag. I appreciate hearing from you.
I feel strongly that we must prevent the theft of copyrighted
works, and that includes digital television (DTV) programming.
As we move forward in the digital age, it is increasingly easy for
unauthorized copies of copyrighted works to be made and illegally
distributed. Over-the-air digital content is the easiest to pirate.
As we contemplate the use of new technologies to protect
copyrighted works, we must pay careful attention to ensure that a
balance is struck between competitive protections and individual
consumer interests. It is important to allow for the continued fair
use of copyrighted material, even while we seek to stop
unauthorized reproductions from being illegally distributed outside
the home and over the Internet.
Again, thank you for writing. Please know that as the
Senate considers legislation of the broadcast flag, I will be sure to
keep your views in mind. If you should have any questions, please
feel free to contact my Washington, DC staff at (202) 224-3841.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator