arstechnica.comYet another bill aimed at restricting the rights of entertainment consumers was introduced to the US Senate yesterday. Dubbed the PERFORM Act ("Platform Equality and Remedies for Rights Holders in Music Act of 2006") and sponsored by the cross-party team of Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and majority leader Bill Frist (R-TN), the proposed changes to the Copyright Act would force the use of protected formats for all streaming media services, whether online, on cable, or through satellite radio and TV. Not surprisingly, the EFF and the Home Recording Rights Coalition (HRRC) have already voiced their opposition to the measure.
"The birth of the digital music place has been a boon for businesses and consumers. However, these new technologies and business models have become so advanced that the clear lines between a listening service and a distribution service have been blurred," Feinstein said at the introduction of the bill. "I believe that the PERFORM Act would help strike a balance between fostering the development of new technologies and ensuring that songwriters and performers continue to be fairly compensated for their works."
More purposed BS laws again.
