Senators aim to restrict Net, satellite recording

Found on CNet News on Sunday, 14 January 2007
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Satellite and Internet radio services would be required to restrict listeners' ability to record and play back individual songs, under new legislation introduced this week in the U.S. Senate.

The rules are embedded in a copyright bill called the Platform Equality and Remedies for Rights Holders in Music Act, or Perform Act, which was reintroduced Thursday by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Joseph Biden (D-Del.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).

But the measure goes further, taking aim at portable satellite radio devices, such as XM Satellite Radio's Inno player, that allow consumers to store copies of songs originally played on-air. The proposal says that all audio services--Webcasters included--would be obligated to implement "reasonably available and economically reasonable" copy-protection technology aimed at preventing "music theft" and restricting automatic recording.

The Recording Industry Association of America applauded the effort and urged Congress to make passing the legislation a top priority this year.

"We love satellite radio," RIAA CEO Mitch Bainwol said in a statement. "But this is simply no way to do business. It's in everyone's best interest to ensure a marketplace where fair competition can thrive."

Oh yes, I bet they love satellite radio. In fact, they love it so much that they sued XM. Hopefully this bill won't make it; and if it does (after all, the industry pressures it) perhaps streaming services will move out of the US into more friendly and less restrictive nations.