Here’s the translation to American English:
The recent proposal by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States has raised alarm among advocates for public access to media. While many are focusing on former President Donald Trump’s criticisms of public broadcasting, a more subtle shift in policies is taking shape: the potential transition to a new standard for digital television that could limit citizens’ access to public airwaves that belong to them.
The FCC is considering the ATSC 3.0 standard, which incorporates digital rights management (DRM) systems into television equipment. Driven by the National Association of Broadcasters, this change seeks to privatize public airwaves by allowing over-the-air content to be encrypted. This would mean that viewers could only access certain programs if they purchase new televisions with integrated DRM keys.
This transition represents an additional cost for viewers, who should have access to a resource that is already part of the public domain. While many Americans have opted for online streaming platforms, millions—especially in rural or low-income areas—still rely on over-the-air television for information and entertainment. Historically, broadcasters have received valuable licenses in exchange for offering their programming for free to everyone within their coverage area.
The introduction of DRM in over-the-air broadcasts could jeopardize this system, transforming access to programming from a universal service to one controlled by private entities that will limit compatible technology and devices. This shift raises questions about innovation in the sector; one example is the DVD market, which has not seen significant advancements due to similar restrictions.
Moreover, DRM clashes with fair use principles, which allow actions such as recording a program to watch later. The restrictions imposed by DRM complicate these activities and could lead to penalties for circumventing the system, thus limiting users’ ability to utilize the content in the way they wish.
Despite broadcasters’ arguments about developing interactive features that benefit the public, the lack of interest in the voluntary adoption of these innovations suggests they are not truly beneficial for the population. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) have urged the FCC to reject this proposal, advocating for free and unrestricted access to public airwaves and emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing the interests of millions of citizens over those of a few media conglomerates.
via: MiMub in Spanish