CEA Praises Oregon for Putting Freeze on MPAA-Backed Model Communications Security Bill; More and More States Recognizing Harmful Impact of 'Theft Of Service' Legislation.Business Editors ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2003 The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA CEA carcinoembryonic antigen. CEA abbr. carcinoembryonic antigen CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) ) today praised Oregon Senator Charles Starr (R-Hillsboro) for withdrawing his sponsorship and support of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA MPAA abbr. Motion Picture Association of America )-backed bill, S.B. 655. Deceptively de·cep·tive·ly adv. In a deceptive or deceiving manner; so as to deceive. Usage Note: When deceptively is used to modify an adjective, the meaning is often unclear. promoted by the MPAA as legislation solely designed to prevent communications piracy piracy, robbery committed or attempted on the high seas. It is distinguished from privateering in that the pirate holds no commission from and receives the protection of no nation but usually attacks vessels of all nations. , the overly broad bill would have extended the Digital Millennium Copyright Act The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a United States copyright law which implements two 1996 WIPO treaties. It criminalizes production and dissemination of technology, devices, or services that are used to measures that control access to copyrighted works (commonly (DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) A U.S. law enacted in late 1998 that provides penalties for developing hardware or software that overrides copy protection schemes for digital media. ) to criminalize crim·i·nal·ize tr.v. crim·i·nal·ized, crim·i·nal·iz·ing, crim·i·nal·iz·es 1. To impose a criminal penalty on or for; outlaw. 2. To treat as a criminal. lawful products and consumer conduct. "State Senator Noun 1. state senator - a member of a state senate senator - a member of a senate Charles Starr is to be commended for standing up for Oregon consumers," said CEA President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Gary Shapiro. "What was sold to him and Oregon lawmakers by the MPAA as a mere communications piracy law actually was a ridiculously broad and ambiguous bill that threatened Oregonians' lawful use of consumer electronics products in their own homes. Senator Starr realized the truth about the MPAA bill and withdrew his support. Now, instead of being rushed through the legislature, S.B. 655 will be considered in the full light of day by an after-session study commission." Oregon is the latest state to put a halt to MPAA-backed "theft of service" legislation, which also is being considered in other states, including Texas and Florida. In response to objections from CEA, retailers and consumer advocacy groups, Colorado Governor Owens vetoed a similar bill last week and Tennessee followed suit the next day by putting an indefinite hold on the MPAA bill. "There is a growing pattern here," Shapiro continued. "Lawmakers across the country are quickly discovering that these MPAA-backed bills are not really about preventing cable or Internet service theft. Instead, they are about enabling unprecedented control over lawful consumer conduct by the threat massive civil and criminal penalties. "CEA stands firmly against piracy and theft of service. However, the MPAA approach would criminalize legitimate activities, such as attaching a VCR VCR: see videocassette recorder. VCR in full videocassette recorder Electromechanical device that records, stores on a videotape cassette, and plays back on a TV set recorded images and sound. or TiVo-like device to a home network without the express permission of the service provider. These bills are harmful to consumers, harmful to technology, and harmful to the public interest. That is why they are being rejected across the country as soon as lawmakers discover the truth about their impact. "CEA continues to urge state legislators around the nation to follow the lead of Colorado, Tennessee and now Oregon in rejecting this ill-considered legislation." About CEA: The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent pre·em·i·nent or pre-em·i·nent adj. Superior to or notable above all others; outstanding. See Synonyms at dominant, noted. [Middle English, from Latin prae 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
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