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NEWS
Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th Street, S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D. C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

March 4, 2013
Neil Grace, 202-418-0506
Email: Neil.Grace@fcc.gov

STATEMENT FROM FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI ON THE COPYRIGHT

OFFICE OF THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS POSITION ON DMCA AND UNLOCKING NEW

CELL PHONES

Washington, D.C. – The following statement is attributable to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski:
“The Copyright Office of the Library of Congress recently reversed its longstanding position and stated it
is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act for consumers to unlock new mobile phones, even
those outside of contract periods, without their wireless providers’ permission, and that consumers are
subject to criminal penalties if they do.
"From a communications policy perspective, this raises serious competition and innovation concerns, and
for wireless consumers, it doesn't pass the common sense test. The FCC is examining this issue, looking
into whether the agency, wireless providers, or others should take action to preserve consumers' ability to
unlock their mobile phones. I also encourage Congress to take a close look and consider a legislative
solution."
-FCC-

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