Bill Would Protect Copyrights on Software

Responding to intense lobbying from television, movie and music companies, an influential U.S. senator introduced a bill to require protections against copyright infringement in many new electronic devices and software.

The bill by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ernest F. Hollings, (D-S.C.), would give manufacturers, consumer groups and copyright holders 12 to 18 months to devise a standard technology that would protect against unauthorized uses of digital films, music and other copyrighted works.

If the groups failed to agree on such technology, the Federal Communications Commission would have a year to come up with a standard.

Although strongly supported by Hollywood and the record labels, the proposal faces stiff opposition from consumer electronics companies and the information technology industry, as well as leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Opponents say the bill is far too broad and that Congress should leave such complex technology issues to the private sector.