Chuck Grassley: “I wanted to make a few brief remarks on S. 2037, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, which would implement the…”

“I wanted to make a few brief remarks on S. 2037, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, which would implement the World Intellectual Property Organization treaties. The amendments adopted in Committee make some significant improvements to the original bill. For example, the bill now includes provisions clarifying educational institution and library liability and use exemptions, as well as provisions dealing with distance learning. The Committee also adopted provisions addressing concerns regarding pornography and privacy. Further, I worked with Senator Kyl to make sure that our law enforcement and intelligence people are able to carry out their duties in the best, and most effective, manner possible. It was important to me that the bill be clarified to ensure that parents are not prohibited from monitoring, or limiting access to, their children in regard to pornography and other indecent material on the Internet. I don't believe anyone wants to restrict parents' rights to take care of their children, or to take away tools that might be helpful for parents to ensure that their kids aren't accessing sites containing pornography. The interests of the copyright owners had to be balanced with the needs of consumers and families. I think that the Committee made a significant improvement to the bill in defense of this important protection for our families. Also, the Committee worked on changes which protect individuals' right to privacy on the Internet.”