[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]
---
http://www.microsoft.com/ebooks/das/antipiracy.asp
Message-Id: <20010806155202.DAF2D10515_at_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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Received on Aug 06 2001
Intro
