Security Systems Standards and Certification Act

(es-kah)

A proposed law in the United States. This law would basically extend the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to hardware devices. The new requirement would be that all future digital devices include built-in anti-piracy technology. This proposed law is being supported by a few large media organizations and few others who have looked at the initial drafts. It requires "certified security technologies" in a wide range of devices. As most who have looked at digital security know, this will basically lock most users out of the rights they now have to copy things between devices for personal use yet, as most also know, such locks will only work for average users; those who are determined to copy will quickly find a way to do so. Essentially, the proposed SSSCA is trying to do with legislation what should be done with innovative marketing; it should be fought at every turn. Sen. Fritz Hollings, Dem, S.C. is the reported sponsor.

More Information

• Draft of Law
• Opposition Petition
• ACM Letter