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Black Flag

Although the courts dealt a blow to the supporters of the so called broadcast flag, it is Congress that always has the last trump. According to this EFF alert, an un-named Senator or Senators have inserted legislation into an unrelated appropriations bill reviving the broadcast flag.

If successful, as I understand it, the hardware and software to implement the digital rights management would block your VCR, TiVo, DVD recorder, home theater receiver, cell phone, personal video device, router, or PCs from transporting, displaying, or recording anything containing the flag without the permission of the provider.

If this legislation had been effect earlier, there would be no VCR, DVD, CD-ROM, TiVo, or any other device that could transport, display, or record anything containing the flag.

If it's not already too late, you may want to contact your Senator and ask him or her to vote to remove the broadcast flag amendment.

Aloha!