CEA Comments On Discussions With MPAA Regarding State Digital Piracy Laws

14-Apr-03

The following statement was issued 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."" For more information about the CEA, visit www.ce.org.

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