Center For Copyright Information Announces Three Major Steps Towards Implementation
As a part of its continued effort to ensure consumer protection, the Center for Copyright Information (“CCI”) announced the appointment of longtime technology, consumer protection and copyright expert, Jill Lesser, as its Executive Director. In addition the group announced the members of its consumer-focused Advisory Board and an agreement with the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) to implement an independent review process for consumers.
CCI was formed in September 2011 as part of a collaborative effort between U.S. content creators in the movie and music industries and leading Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to develop a ground breaking Copyright Alert System (“CAS”) and educational framework intended to inform the public about and deter copyright infringement through direct communication with consumers. Lesser will help lead the group in its work with the partner ISPs and content owners to implement the CAS, which is focused on the inadvertent or purposeful unauthorized distribution of copyrighted content through peer-to-peer networks.
“Jill has spent her career solving complex problems at the intersection of technology, copyright and consumer rights,” said Thomas Dailey, Chairman of the Executive Board of the CCI and Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Verizon Communications, Inc. “CCI’s mission is to implement the most thoughtful and consumer friendly system to-date for promoting the lawful enjoyment of copyrighted material. Jill’s ability to find solutions that work for content creators, ISPs and their customers will be critical to this task.”
Lesser’s background includes serving as the Deputy Director of Public Policy and Director of the Civic Media Project at People for the American Way (“PFAW”) and as Senior Vice President for Domestic Public Policy for AOL Time Warner, Inc. She is also a Board Member of the Center for Democracy and Technology.
“I am excited to lead CCI as it begins this constructive effort to reduce and deter online copyright infringement in a way that is centered on education and deterrence, not punishment.” said Lesser. “This unprecedented collaboration demonstrates that when content providers and distributors work together we can protect copyright and empower consumers at the same time.”
CCI also announced the formation and membership of its Advisory Board, which will include Jerry Berman, the chairman of the Internet Education Foundation and founder of the Center for Democracy and Technology; Marsali Hancock, the president of iKeepSafe.org; Jules Polenetsky, the current director and co-chair of the Future of Privacy Forum; and Gigi Sohn, internationally known communications attorney, and president and CEO of Public Knowledge. Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Advisory Board will actively consult on issues the Executive Board is considering with regards to the design and implementation of the CAS, as well as CCI’s educational framework.
In addition to these appointments, CCI announced the retention of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”), a global leader in conflict management. AAA will be the independent entity that manages the program’s independent review process, including the training of neutral reviewers for situations where a subscriber has received multiple alerts but believes a mitigation measure should not be imposed.
In addition to Chairman Dailey, Executive Board members of CCI include Vice Chairman Steven M. Marks, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Recording Industry Association of America; Marianne Grant, Senior Vice President, Motion Picture Association of America; Alan Lewine, Senior Counsel, Comcast; Daniel Mandil, Associate General Counsel, Viacom; and Brent Olson, Vice President of Public Policy, AT&T.
Source: Center for Copyright Information
