Music industry questions Google on piracy

The music industry wants assurances from Google and Verizon that their proposed regulatory framework for the Internet would include protections against piracy and child pornography.

Several groups representing the music industry including the Recording Industry Association of America; the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers; and the American Federation of Musicians wrote to Google chief executive Eric Schmidt on Wednesday seeking details on the Google-Verizon proposal as it relates to the transmission of unlawful content.

"The music community we represent believes it is vital that any Internet policy initiative permit and encourage ISPs [Internet service providers] and other intermediaries to take measures to deter unlawful activity such as copyright infringement and child pornography," the letter states.

"Accordingly," the letter continues, "we are deeply interested in the details of your proposal as they may relate to the protection of content and to making sure that the distinction between lawful and unlawful activity has operational meaning."

The groups argue distinguishing lawful from unlawful activity has long been a firmly established tenet of broadband policy, but complain the current legal and regulatory framework is not doing enough to protect songwriters, technicians and other music industry professionals from copyright infringements.

"The current legal and regulatory regime is not working for America’s creators. Our businesses are being undermined, as are the dreams and careers of songwriters, artists, musicians, studio technicians, and other professionals," the letter states.

The groups say they share a common goal with Google of creating "an Internet predicated on order, rather than chaos." They express hope the Federal Communications Commission, lawmakers and various stakeholders can work together "to make the distinction between lawful and unlawful content relevant in the marketplace."