Regulation could stifle video over 'Net (and again why are you surprised djf)

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>
Date: September 14, 2006 4:05:02 PM GMT+02:00
To: Dewayne-Net Technology List <dewayne-net () warpspeed com>
Subject: [Dewayne-Net] Pulver: Regulation could stifle video over 'Net
Reply-To: dewayne () warpspeed com

[Note:  This item comes from reader Robert Berger.  DLH]

From: "Robert J. Berger" <rberger () ibd com>
Date: September 13, 2006 10:19:16 PM PDT
To: Dewayne Hendricks <dewayne () warpspeed com>, David Farber  
<dave () farber net>
Subject: Pulver: Regulation could stifle video over 'Net

Regulation could stifle video over 'Net, says VON speaker

By Tim Greene, Network World, 09/12/06

<http://www.networkworld.com/news/2006/091206-vonkeynote.html>

As video on the Internet takes hold, proponents of the technology  
should beware the potentially stifling effects of government  
regulation, warned the keynote speaker at the 10th anniversary VON  
show in Boston Tuesday.

Reduced prices of video recording gear and reliable broadband IP  
services have made it possible for consumers to create and distribute  
their own video productions, said Jeff Pulver, the founder of VON.  
But just as FCC regulations threatened VoIP in 1996, they could also  
threaten the development of video over IP, he said. "Expect [the FCC]  
to be loud," Pulver said.

He pointed to comments yesterday at VON by FCC Commissioner Deborah  
Tate that the FCC would likely consider regulations to ban child  
pornography on the Internet, and those regulations could restrict  
development of legitimate content. "I consider it a warning shot,"  
Pulver said.

He drew a parallel between this potential regulation and an attempt  
to ban or restrict Internet voice in 1996, and predicted a long  
battle and offered to help advocates of rights of IP video  
innovators. "The VON coalition will take people through the stages of  
what's going to happen," he said.

Reliable broadband Internet services and dropping prices of high- 
powered video recording and editing equipment make TV-quality IP  
broadcasts possible. This puts in the hands of consumers tools that  
previously only professional motion picture studios could afford. "I  
predict we will see new talent. Kids will produce video like we've  
never seen because they can," he said.

He cited the ability of individuals to create their own video  
equivalents of television networks, accumulating links to programming  
content they choose. "It's because people have freedom of expression  
that they are going out and doing this stuff," he said.

But sharing similarities with TV networks could attract government  
entities that currently tax and regulate network franchises. The FCC,  
which regulates broadcast and cable television, might try to regulate  
these personal networks as well because they are "TV-like," he said.

"There are ways to fight this," he added. "Don't let regulation get  
in the way of your innovation."

<snip>

Weblog at: <http://weblog.warpspeed.com>



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