CEA Applauds States Rejecting So-Called 'Theft Of Service' Bills; Tennessee Joins Ranks with Colorado Governor in Standing Up for Consumers and Technology.

Business Editors

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 23, 2003

Applauding the most recent state to put a hold on Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)-backed legislation to unfairly broaden state laws against communications piracy, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today urged other states to follow the Tennessee and Colorado example in rejecting the so-called "theft of service" legislation.

"The Tennessee bill sponsors' wise decision to put the brakes on this legislation reflects a growing recognition of the pernicious nature of these MPAA-backed bills and their harsh impact on lawful consumers," said CEA vice president of technology policy Michael Petricone. "Tennessee's action comes a day after Colorado Governor Owens vetoed a similar anti-consumer, anti-technology measure. We are encouraged to now see state lawmakers recognizing the bills' shortcomings and heeding the warnings issued by the technology community, retailers and consumers groups.

"While CEA opposes cable theft, the MPAA 'Model Communications Security' bills as drafted clearly need fundamental revisions to ensure that innocent consumers and products are not criminalized. The Tennessee legislature and Colorado Governor Owens have recognized that there is no need to rush these flawed proposals into law. We urge other state lawmakers to join them in standing up for consumers and technological advancement."

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

7th Annual Consumer Electronics CEO Summit
June 18-20, 2003, Vail, CO

CEA 2003 Summer Technology & Standards Forum
August 4-8, 2003, Quebec, Canada

CEA 2003 Fall Conference and Industry Forum
October 12-15, 2003, Carlsbad, CA

2003 Fall Electronic House Expo (EHX)
November 11-13, 2003, Long Beach, Calif.

2004 International CES - Defining Technology's Future
January 8-11, 2004, Las Vegas, NV