This letter is also available in PDF format.
The Honorable Thad Cochran
Chairman
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Mr. Chairman:
We write to ask you to oppose any last-minute efforts being mounted by the music industry to enact the so-called Audio Flag legislation.
This special-interest bill would place severe limitations on digital and satellite radio receivers that allow consumers to time-shift content for future listening. It has nothing to do with stopping piracy, or redistribution over the Internet. But it has everything to do with banning legitimate technologies and limiting Americans’ ability to privately enjoy their legally-acquired content where, when and how they want.
Legislation like Audio Flag that would roll back consumer rights and harm innovation should be subjected to a full and open debate. It should not be slipped into an unrelated bill and passed in the middle of the night.
For these reasons, we respectfully ask that you oppose any efforts to enact Audio Flag legislation.
Signed,
- Consumer Electronics Association
- Public Knowledge
- Computer & Communications Industry Association
- Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Media Access Project
- Home Recording Rights Coalition
