More Than 70 Groups Urge Industry Initiative to Protect Digital IP Rights

Internet stakeholders should participate in voluntary industry initiatives to address illegal intellectual property-related activity, more than 70 groups wrote Congress Thursday. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, Artists Rights Alliance (formerly the Content Creators Coalition), the Committee for Justice, American Legislative Exchange Council, Americans for Tax Reform, Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council and Rainbow PUSH Coalition signed. The letter cites online statistics on digital theft: 2001-2015, U.S. music revenue fell from $14 billion to $7 billion. It also cited the need to protect IP rights through international trade agreements and the link between IP and free speech, consumer protection and national security.