EFF: Federal Communications Commission Adopts Hollywood Tech Mandate: Claiming that it is an “anti-piracy mechanism,” the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today mandated that consumer devices capable of receiving broadcast digital television (DTV) signals must implement content control technologies demanded by the entertainment industry. The “broadcast flag” mandate will go into effect by July 1, 2005.

“The FCC today has taken a step that will shape the future of television,” said EFF Senior Intellectual Property Attorney Fred von Lohmann. “Sadly, this represents a step in the wrong direction, a step that will undermine innovation, fair use, and competition.”
“The broadcast flag rule forces manufacturers to remove useful recording features from television products you can buy today,” said EFF Staff Technologist Seth Schoen. “The FCC has decided that the way to get Americans to adopt digital DTV is to make it cost more and do less.”

[Thanks boingboing!]

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