EFF has proposed the addition of a new CPTWG co-chair to represent the views of public interest and consumer groups.
CPTWG (the parent organization for the ARDG) is administered by three co-chairmen, one each to represent the consumer electronics (CE), information technology(IT), and motion picture industries. Decisions regarding the organization and procedures of CPTWG are made by these co-chairs, as most recently illustrated at the April 10, 2003 meeting of CPTWG, when the three co-chairs unanimously rejected a proposal by public interest and consumer groups to permit members of the press at meetings of the ARDG.
The events of the April 10 meeting make it clear that public interest and consumer groups are not adequately represented in CPTWG or its subgroups. Public interest and consumer groups have been participating in the CPTWG process on a regular basis for over a year, and anticipate being actively engaged in the future.
The issues discussed at CPTWG meetings are of critical importance to consumers and the public at large. It is literally the future of consumer media devices that is being negotiated at these events. Unfortunately, the ability of the public to engage in the debate is hampered by the expense of attending these meetings, their technical nature, and the exclusion of the press.
In light of these limitations, it is particularly important that groups representing consumers and the public interest be afforded the ability fully to participate and contribute to the CPTWG process. Having equal representation in CPTWG decision making is one aspect of fulfilling that goal.
The co-chairs indicated that the EFF proposal will be addressed at a future meeting of CPTWG.
Posted by fred at April 23, 2003 01:51 PM