Digital Media Consumers' Rights Act
(H.R. 107)
Digital Media Consumers' Rights Act
(H.R. 107)
DMCRA is an attempt to restore balance in U.S. copyright law. In a direct challenge to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), it provides that it would no longer be illegal to circumvent technological measures intended to prevent copying of CDs as long as the copying does not result in infringement of the copyright in the work. It also provides that it would no longer be illegal to develop software and/or hardware to enable such copying.
This is important to libraries in that, if passed, librarians would no longer be breaking the law by making copies of digital materials for purposes of preservation, archiving and interlibrary loan.
DMCRA was introduced in the House of Representatives January 7, 2003 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Only one hearing has been held so far, by the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection. There has been no further action and none is currently scheduled.
For further information see American Library Association web site.
Also read an article in the Wikipedia: DMCRA.Home | MELANET | MIDEASTCAT | MELA Annual Meeting | MELA Notes
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