Posted November 25, 1997

On November 24, 1997 the Center for Democracy and Technology and the Media Acceess Project filed joint comments with the FCC strongly opposing any application of "v-chip" requirements in the Telecommunications Act to personal computers. In the filing, CDT and MAP argued that:

• The plain language of the v-chip statute applies exclusively to devices designed to receive broadcast television programming.

• The courts and the FCC have already interpreted language identical to that contained in section 551 as being restricted to programming received by over-the-air signals

• The legislative history shows that congress only contemplated sets that display over-the-air signals.

• The Commission should not extend "v-chip" requirements to a new medium where they are particularly inappropriate and run contrary to the goals of the 1996 act and the stated intent of congress.

While the Commission has informally signaled its intent to avoid rule-making on PC's at this time, due to the negative impacts of the threat of v-chip regulation CDT and MAP have asked the Commission to specifically reject any application of the v-chip requirements to personal computers or the Internet.

For Additional Information

• Background on the V-Chip for PC's issue
• Text of CDT/MAP Comments

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