“We congratulate the DSTAC on completing its report and fulfilling its mandate from Congress to identify, study and report on software based methods for securing video content. Recognizing the wide diversity in networks, security protocols and consumer devices offered by pay TV providers, the DSTAC Report correctly concludes that any new security technology should not disrupt this vibrant and innovative market and the continuing development of market-based security solutions.
“The DSTAC report highlights the tremendous success of MVPD launched apps, which millions of consumers use today to watch video content via all kinds of retail devices including tablets, smartphones, Xbox, Roku, Kindle Fire, Smart TVs and more. The ongoing introduction of IP technology and cloud-based services will only continue to develop more exciting retail options for consumers.
“Regrettably, the report veers off course by including a controversial proposal to place a burdensome technology mandate on MVPDs known as AllVid. This approach could jeopardize consumer protections including privacy, emergency alerts, parental controls, and inhibit innovation by allowing the government to dictate the way video content is delivered to consumers. Fortunately, the report reflects substantial opposition to the idea of a new, government-imposed technology mandate and extensively describes the proposal’s shortcomings.”
