What is the Digital Freedom Campaign all about?
The Digital Freedom Campaign was launched to protect the rights of individuals, including artists, innovators, and consumers, to use digital technology free of unreasonable government restrictions or the threat of costly lawsuits.   Digital technology enables anyone and everyone to be an artist and an innovator - to produce music, to create cutting edge films and videos, and to reach new audiences.  It allows individuals to enjoy these new works when they want, where they want, how they want and to participate in the process.  These are basic freedoms that must be protected and nurtured.

What is Digital Technology?
Digital technologies provide a way for users to utilize and enjoy the benefits of innovation and creativity.  They include devices and services used to create or listen to music, view and generate videos, play games, distribute content, and time-shift entertainment or information.

Are New Digital Technologies Under Attack?
Yes!  Some major content companies view digital technology as a threat to their established business models and their historic control over the creation and distribution of music, videos, film, and other works.  They have resorted to costly lawsuits against new digital technologies and backroom legislative maneuvers to roll back the rights of consumers, artists, innovators, producers, and creators to use digital technology when, where, and how they choose.

How Real Is This Threat?
The threat is very real.  The primary targets are devices or services  that allow individuals to time-shift or place-shift legitimately acquired content.  In the last year alone, Google and XM Satellite radio and numerous smaller companies have been the targets of massive lawsuits.  Recently a major content company attacked the Slingbox and threatened to sue – just because the device allows you to watch YOUR TV in a different location.

Is this a New Problem? NO.  Major content interests have attacked virtually every new consumer technology, from the player piano to the radio, from the VCR to the MP3 player.     This is true even though these new technologies have consistently opened up new revenue and distribution channels for copyright owners.  It is time for artists, innovators and consumers to join together and say “enough is enough.”

Is this about Digital Piracy?
No.  Some big content companies always claim that any new technology that requires them to change their business model is “piracy”.  The Digital Freedom Campaign stands strongly against commercial piracy and believes artists deserve to be fairly compensated for their works. But it is wrong to call consumers “pirates’ just because they want to enjoy their lawfully acquired content where, when, and how they want .

What Can I Do To Help?
Join the Digital freedom Campaign.  You can send a letter to your Congressman and Senators.  E-mail your friends for them to join.  Sign a petition supporting the Campaign.  Host a banner on your web site, blog, or My Space page.  Help us get more members for the Campaign. Support the bands listed on our site because they support your digital rights.