[Infowarrior] - Rep Berman's at it again.....

[Richard Forno]

http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=print_story&articleid=VR1117970777&c
ategoryid=18

To print this page, select "PRINT" from the File Menu of your browser.
Posted: Thurs., Aug. 23, 2007, 5:46pm PT

Lawmaker proposes piracy warning
Internet subscribers would receive letter
By DAVE MCNARY, BEN FRITZ
A leading lawmaker will propose federal legislation requiring telcos and
cable operators to send Internet subscribers a warning letter if they access
pirated content.

Rep. Howard Berman (D-Los Angeles) disclosed Thursday at a U.S. Chamber of
Commerce antipiracy panel in Hollywood that he'll introduce the legislation
as early as next month.

If enacted, it would mark a significant change in federal law by making
Internet service providers responsible for piracy on their networks, not
just those who download or share the content.

Berman, speaking at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, indicated that under the
legislation there would be a phase-in period for ISPs to notify subscribers.
"Initially, it would be a voluntary program," he added.

Berman indicated he'd introduce the bill with Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.)
through the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and
Intellectual Property.

Berman, a 13-term member of Congress whose district includes Hollywood, said
the legislation will be part of a broader bill to strengthen
anticounterfeiting efforts. It will require that federal agents enforce
intellectual property violations by Internet service providers, mandate
interagency cooperation and initiate the use of international attaches to
provide information.

Thursday's panel culminated four days of events in Los Angeles designed to
raise awareness of and build support for anti-piracy efforts. Rep. Brad
Sherman (D-Los Angeles) cited a recent study by the Los Angeles Economic
Development Corp. showing that piracy causes $5.2 billion in annual economic
losses -- over half of that to the motion picture business.

The Chamber also sponsored an event at the Chinese Theater to demonstrate
infrared technology employed to spot illegal camcording in theaters. Andrews
Intl. VP Andrew Lamprey said studios are currently using his firm's security
services on as many as 300 screenings per week.