NEW DMCA EXCEPTIONS

The IPKat learns from USA Today that the Library of Congress has recognised six exceptions to the rules against decryption of technological protection measures under the DMCA. These include:

*Allowing users of mobile phones to break software which locks their handsets in with a particular network;

*Allowing academics to break locks on DVDs to obtain film snippets which will be used for teaching compilations;

* Allowing blind people use special software to read copy-protected electronic books

However, there is no exception for decrypting security protection CDs to allow their contents to be copied on to MP3 players.

The exceptions will expire after three years.

The IPKat welcomes what sound like clearly defined, sensible, competition and social welfare minded exceptions.