Digital Download Rights Proposed

Staff On Aug 20 2001 - 6:00am

Proposed legislation backed by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) would clarify downloaders' rights.

The Music Online Competition Act, introduced by Reps. Rick Boucher and Chris Cannon, exempts from copyright liability the buffer copies made in the course of browsing or webcasting and lets consumers make archival backup copies of music that they lawfully acquire over the Internet. The Act, said CEA, "does not confuse home recording rights and fair use with piracy."