[offtopic]European parlament proposes to ban Web caching.

opinions?

>-----Original Message-----
>From: Don Heath <heath@ISOC.ORG>
>To: ISOC-CHAPTERS@listserv.isoc.org <ISOC-CHAPTERS@listserv.isoc.org>
>Date: 26 тЕБПСЮПХ 1999 Ц. 03:09
>Subject: Statement
>
>
>>This is the statement to be released by ISOC regarding the proposed
>>action of the European Parliament on web caching. If the Chapters,
>>particularly the European chapters, would like to issue a separate
>>statement endorsing or supporting the ISOC position, let us know
>>and we will be happy to assist in its prepartion and distribution.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Don
>>
>>The Internet Society expresses concern regarding the European
>>Parliament proposed copyright directive that bans caching of
>>web content by Internet Service Providers serving customers
>>in Europe.
>>
>>The major residual Internet service cost today is the phenomenal
>>amount of repeated transmission of the same information. Up to one
>>third of content in the Internet today is a precise copy of content
>>sent within the preceding few minutes. Caching allows this content
>>to be stored in a local cache server which then fulfills additional
>>requests for the same information. This reduces absolute transmission
>>capacity requirements. Automated content caching offers significant
>>potential in driving Internet service costs down, and in so doing
>>makes the Internet more efficient and affordable to a far larger user
>>population.
>>
>>The Internet Society urges the European Parliament to reconsider
>>its decision to outlaw caching. Otherwise, inefficiencies would
>>be introduced into the Internet, resulting in increased costs to
>>consumers. "The Internet does not need laws that slow its
>>performance, clog its arteries, and reduce value received," said
>>Don Heath, president and CEO of the Internet Society.
>>
>>The Internet Society recognizes that the world of electronic
>>publication offers challenges to owners of artistic and
>>intellectual property. But banning all caching goes far beyond
>>merely solving a copyright problem. The basic Internet HyperText
>>Transport Protocol (HTTP) has a well-defined method by which a
>>content owner can specify restrictions on web caches. Where no
>>restriction is specified, caching should be allowed. The area of
>>copyright protection in an electronic world is a subject of vigorous
>>study today and we are confident additional non-destructive solutions
>>can be found.
>>
>>Attempting to legislate a widespread communications technology
>>out of existence is a Luddite reaction. Ultimately, such actions
>>will enjoy the same self-damaging outcomes as the Luddite movement
>>of a previous century.
>>
>>There is a great opportunity for Europe to be a major player in
>>a radically different global information economy. To attempt
>>to ban the use of the very technologies that underpin this
>>dramatic change is most damaging for all Europeans. The
>>Internet Society strongly urges the European Internet community
>>and European legislatures to recognize and embrace the
>>opportunities created by the wave of Internet-inspired
>>technologies.
>>
>>The Internet Society advocates addressing copyright concerns in a
>>manner that does not impose barriers to the electronic trade of
>>ideas, information, content and entertainment, rather than attempting
>>to impose artificial and regressive restrictions which do not, in
>>fact, address the core problem in intellectual property protection
>>in the first place.
>
Nilda Vany Martinez Grajales
Especialista en TecnologМa de Informacion/Asistente Administrativa
Red de Desarrollo Sostenible de Panama
Tel.: (507) 230-4011 ext 213
       (507) 230-3455
Fax: (507) 230-3646
e-mail: vany@polux.sdnp.org.pa

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Received on Sat Mar 06 1999 - 22:45:50 MST