Commerce seeks input on preventing online piracy

The Commerce Department's Internet Policy Task Force is looking for public input on how to best protect copyrighted works online without stifling innovation.

The Task Force released a Notice of Inquiry on Tuesday asking for input from all stakeholders Internet services providers and consumers on how to protect copyright holders while ensuring a free flow information online. Commerce will use the comments submitted to prepare a report the Obama administration will use as it prepares a new international approach to protecting intellectual property online.

“The Department of Commerce has played an instrumental role in the development of policies that have helped digital commerce flourish,” Locke said. “Our ongoing challenge and commitment is to align the flexibility needed for innovation in the Internet economy with effective means of protecting copyrighted works that are accessible online.”

The notice specifically asks for policy ideas that will protect copyright holders while ensuring transparency and due process in an attempt "to build confidence in the Internet as a means of distributing copyrighted works." Interested parties are asked to file comments by e-mail. Preventing the piracy of movies, music and software online has become an increasing priority for the White House, resulting in a higher profile for White House intellectual property enforcement coordinator Victoria Espinel in recent months. The White House is expected to release updated policy to address the issue early next year.

In addition, Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) introduced a bill last month that would ramp up the federal government's enforcement efforts and give the Justice Department new authority to shut down websites that traffic in pirated goods. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates online piracy costs the U.S. economy a total of $58 billion in output every year.