2003 Status from Public Knowledge

Thanks to Gigi, Mike, Sarah, Nathan, Alex and Ann!  :-)

Seth


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Hollidays
Date: Fri, 19 Dec 2003 15:19:08 +0000 (UTC)
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]

Dear Friend of Public Knowledge:

2003 has been a breakout year for Public Knowledge and its efforts to
protect your digital rights both in Washington, DC and throughout the US. 
Despite numerous efforts by large media companies to dictate how, where,
when and for how long you can listen to music or view movies and video, PK
and its public interest and industry partners were able to counter them. 
For example:

  * Every attempt by large media companies to convince Congress to pass
legislation limiting the use of computers, "fair use" of media and use of
P2P networks failed.

  * The motion picture industry's efforts to pass "Super DMCA" state laws
that would require the express permission of your cable or internet service
provider every time you wanted to use a specific device were foiled in seven
of nine states.

  * The recording industry agreed that it would no longer ask Congress to
impose technological mandates on consumer electronics devices and computers.

But Public Knowledge was doing more than just saying "no."  Indeed, there
are now four bills pending in Congress that would expand the public's
digital rights.  And Members of Congress, their staffs and industry
representatives are increasingly seeking our advice on proposed legislation
and technological matters that affect you.

There is much we want to accomplish in 2004--and we need your help. We're
not asking for a lot--$20, $40--whatever you can afford.  Make a year-end
contribution at <http://www.publicknowledge.org/donate>, or mail it to 1875
Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 650, Washington, DC 20009. All donations are
tax deductible and you will be supporting:

  * A judicial challenge to the broadcast flag.  We will argue that the FCC
does not possess the power under the law to require the flag.

  * A campaign to stop the Super DMCAs once and for all.  We are about to
launch a resource center that will give state and local advocates the tools
they need to stop these misguided bills.

  * Keeping you informed about the increasing use of digital rights
management (DRM) tools in the marketplace.  We want to be able to tell you
what each kind of DRM does, why you should care, and what you can do about
it.

  * Making serious progress on getting a digital rights bill passed into
law.

Whether or not you can make a contribution, please pass this email on to a
friend and urge him or her to join our action network
<http://www.publicknowledege.org/join_form>.  And please let us know how we
are doing and what else we should keep on our radar screen.

Many thanks, and happy holidays!  

Gigi, Mike, Sarah, Nathan, Alex and Ann