Virginia congressmen Bob Goodlatte (R) and Rick Boucher (D) have re-introduced the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act, legislation which, if enacted as law, would make electronic gambling illegal in the United States, with penalities of up to five years in prison. In addition, the legislation would grant law enforcement the authority to stop credit card and other forms of electronic payments, and prohibit businesses from accepting credit card and electronic payments for gambling transactions.
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CEA Against Sate VOIP Regulation
Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro released the following statement in response to the Telecommunications Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committeehearing examining the regulatory treatment for voice over the Internet protocol (VoIP):
“VoIP is an emerging technology that will revolutionize the way people communicate. This exciting new technology will be a key element in driving consumer demand and adoption of broadband. Based on the testimony given at this week’s hearing, there is clear consensus among industry and policy leaders that the Federal Communications Commission must act swiftly to preempt VoIP services from state regulation to allow the technology to flourish.
DMCA Foes Find Allies in House
The DMCA bars consumers from circumventing encryption on digital media products, even if they only intend to make copies for personal use.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Virginia), already has 19 co-sponsors, including powerful House Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-Texas). It’s unlikely the bill will become law this year, but its proponents see the backing as a good sign.
Read more at Wired News.
