F.C.C. Approves Internet Anti-Piracy Tool

[Khephra]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government Tuesday approved an anti-piracy mechanism that will make it harder for computer users to illegally distribute digital TV programs on the Internet. The goal is to speed the transition to higher quality digital broadcasts and ensure such programming remains free.

Broadcasters and the movie industry had urged the Federal Communications Commission to take such action, while consumer groups said it will force some people to purchase new electronics.

Some people already share TV shows and movies online, though the practice is limited by the speed of Internet connections -- it can take many hours to transfer high-quality copies.

But as Internet connections get faster and broadcasters switch to much clearer digital television, the movie and television industries fear consumers will put high-quality copies of shows and films on the Web that others can download for free. This would reduce the broadcasters' ability to sell the shows for syndication or overseas.

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http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Digital-TV-Piracy.html