For Burgeoning Internet Downloads

Statement By 60 Plus Association President, James L. Martin

Arlington, VA — The 60 Plus Association is quickly learning that Internet issues are seniors’ issues. The current debate over how to stop illegal downloading of music and movies directly affects our members and their families, almost all of whom use the Internet on a regular basis. We agree that artists and other owners of digital content should be protected. But consistent with the 60 Plus philosophy of robust, free market initiatives, we also want to keep the government out of the business of designing technologies to prevent copying and then forcing people to use them.

The private sector appears to be solving this issue on its own. Many companies are developing competing products that prevent illegal downloads without making it difficult to use the Internet for legitimate activities. We believe that the government should focus on enforcing the law, not adding unnecessary hurdles to Internet accessibility.

Last year, when 60 Plus first became active in this issue on behalf of senior citizens, I declared that government ought to enforce existing copyright laws already legislated that prescribe serious penalties for people who make illegal copies of digital content such as music, software and motion pictures, but that the free market should be allowed to do what it does best: initiate ideas, develop products and take them to market where consumers decide whether they fit the bill or not. I’ve not changed that position one bit; as a matter of fact, I’ve grown considerably more resolute. Seniors may traditionally embrace new technologies a bit late…devices like VCRs, cell phones, computers and DVDs…but embrace them, we do. And the technology to download movies and songs is upon us and I’m confident seniors will become an ever-expanding market dynamic in the months and years ahead.

60 Plus joined the Alliance for Digital Progress to ensure that the fight against illegal downloading is won without the government making the Internet a more difficult place for America’s seniors to enjoy. We look forward to working with Congress to achieve these goals.

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