Andy Sullivan, US database-protection bill stalls in Congress, Reuters (via Forbes.com,) 03.03.04. Sullivan's report provides a few more details, illustrating how the Energy and Commerce committee "gave a negative recommendation" to the Database and Collections of Information Misappropriation Act, while voting for its own bill. "House Republican leaders now must choose between two sharply contrasting bills, a situation that could effectively kill both of them, several lobbyists opposing the measure said." Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL), one of the proponents of the newly-introduced Consumer Access to Information Act, reportedly said that the DCIMA could, by placing serious restrictions on data and facts, could significantly hamper scientific research. "While the differences may be nuanced to many of us, the consequences could be disastrous," he was quoted. Evidently, the new bill emphasizes protection of "highly time-sensitive information, like stock quotes." However, one legislator complained that the bill approved by Energy and Commerce would provide insufficent protection for commercial databases. (Source: The Virtual Chase)
Posted by
Garrett at 3/04/2004 11:05:00 AM.
The open access movement:
Putting peer-reviewed scientific and scholarly literature
on the internet. Making it available free of charge and
free of most copyright and licensing restrictions.
Removing the barriers to serious research.
