[I rather like this line: "We are also helping to deploy powerful surveillance services that can identify illegal distribution of Microsoft® Reader eBooks across the Internet, and report findings to publishers... The information and evidence gathered by this tool can form the foundation for subsequent civil and criminal enforcement." I presume MS means automated monitoring of pirate websites/FTP sites and Usenet, but that's a singularly awkward way of putting it. --Declan] --- http://www.microsoft.com/ebooks/das/antipiracy.asp Message-Id: <20010806155202.DAF2D10515at_private> Anti-Piracy Efforts Beyond Encryption: Microsoft's Commitment to Secure Distribution of Digital Intellectual Property Software can be used to encrypt digital content and establish rules for its lawful access and use, but encryption is only one part of Microsoft's overall strategy for maintaining digital intellectual property rights. With so much at stake in protecting the commercial value of our own software products, Microsoft has been at the forefront for many years in initiatives that foster respect for digital intellectual property. As eBooks inspire a new era in publishing, Microsoft is pleased to support the Association of American Publishers (AAP) in its unprecedented efforts to implement programs to proactively address the threat of eBook piracy. As an AAP member, Microsoft is sharing its expertise and resources to ensure that eBook reading is safeguarded from the threat of piracy and copyright theft. Microsoft is proud to work with the AAP to ensure that consumers are educated on the value of owning eBooks. * We are sponsoring an educational Web site to inform the public of the value of copyright and the costs of piracy. * We are also helping to deploy powerful surveillance services that can identify illegal distribution of Microsoft® Reader eBooks across the Internet, and report findings to publishers. * We will help guide a new AAP advisory board in creating a comprehensive program to fight eBooks piracy, in which all AAP members are invited to participate. Microsoft and the AAP also welcome the participation of other retailers and publishers in these efforts. The AAP is the national trade association of the U.S. book publishing industry. The AAP has approximately 250 members, including most major commercial book publishers in the United States, as well as smaller and non-profit publishers, university presses, and scholarly societies. Protecting intellectual property rights in all media is among AAP's highest priorities. "AAP is delighted to join with Microsoft in this effort that will benefit all the players in the exciting eBook market, including publishers, authors, retailers, and consumers. Intellectual property is the fastest-growing segment of our economy and our most precious commodity in the global marketplace." Patricia S. Schroeder, President and CEO, Association of American Publishers -- August 2000. "Three E's" of Digital Security Encryption In building their eBook businesses with Microsoft Reader, publishers and resellers will encourage consumers to use legitimate distribution channels and respect intellectual property rights. However, apart from Encryption, digital property anti-piracy efforts require two more "E's": Education and Enforcement. Education Education is the cornerstone for a safe and legal electronic marketplace-a marketplace in which consumers, publishers, and merchants understand how to protect themselves and the integrity of their transactions. The education efforts target two groups: * The publishing industry, to ensure that consumers are educated on the importance of copyright laws, and the risks associated with pirated electronic content. * The general public, to establish an awareness of the inherent value of eBooks and other copyrighted digital property, and the importance of ensuring copyright protection on the Internet. Enforcement The Association of American Publishers (AAP), with the support of Microsoft, is implementing programs and services focusing on enforcement: * Using technology developed by Microsoft to protect its own intellectual property on the Internet, the AAP has implemented an aggressive Internet surveillance program, which includes an automated, intelligent Internet search tool that searches for unauthorized distribution of eBook content 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The information and evidence gathered by this tool can form the foundation for subsequent civil and criminal enforcement. * The AAP and Microsoft will also work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that copyright laws are honored and that pirates are pursued and prosecuted. Publishers and eBooksellers are invited to join the AAP and Microsoft in these efforts. "Piracy is not a question of 'if', but 'when.' No technology is immune to it. The key is having a comprehensive plan in place to counter it at every level and minimize the threat." -- Dick Brass, Vice President of eMerging Technologies, Microsoft Last Updated: Monday, March 19, 2001 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITECH -- Declan McCullagh's politics and technology mailing list You may redistribute this message freely if you include this notice. To subscribe, visit http://www.politechbot.com/info/subscribe.html This message is archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------
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