Op-Eds :: June 12, 2007

Copyright Safeguards: Feasible, Affordable [Gordon]

Letter to the Editor

As published in The Washington Post

Fred von Lohmann argued in his June 6 op-ed, "Copyright Silliness on Campus," that technology will not stop illegal file-sharing on campuses. At a hearing last week, the House Committee on Science and Technology learned a number of important facts about this issue that I, as chairman of the committee, would like to share.

Technology can be effective at reducing illegal file-sharing. Using a commercial network-filter system, the University of Utah reduced its copyright violations by more than 90 percent. While illegal file-sharing programs are likely to become more sophisticated, so will technologies to block them.

These technical countermeasures are not expensive. Arizona State University spent about $100,000 to buy and install its network filter system -- less than it spends to upgrade its anti-spam and anti-virus software each year. The University of Utah saves $1.2 million a year in reduced bandwidth demand and $70,000 a year in reduced costs of dealing with copyright notices.

Network-filter technologies do not disrupt networks or interfere with legitimate uses. Neither Arizona State nor Utah received complaints about disruptions of legitimate network use. Although a witness from the University of Chicago expressed concerns about technical problems, that university has not actually tested these systems.

Reducing illegal file-sharing is not a "futile battle," as Mr. von Lohman suggested -- many campuses are making progress, and as with combating many illegal activities, technology is a key part of their success.