[FYI] (Fwd) FC: Microsoft's position on eBook encryption, anti-pirac

["Axel H Horns" <horns@ipjur.com>]

------- Forwarded message follows -------
Date sent:      	Mon, 06 Aug 2001 11:53:09 -0400
To:             	politech@politechbot.com
From:           	Declan McCullagh <declan@well.com>
Subject:        	FC: Microsoft's position on eBook encryption, anti-piracy efforts
Send reply to:  	declan@well.com

[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]

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http://www.microsoft.com/ebooks/das/antipiracy.asp
Message-Id: <20010806155202.DAF2D10515@cluebot.com>

    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




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