Librarian of Congress Extends Certain Classes of Work Exemption from Prohibition on Circumvention

Librarian of Congress James Billington is extending on an interim basis an exemption from the prohibition on circumvention for certain classes of work. In other words, people are still allowed to circumvent technology protections for specific classes of work so long as they "engage in noninfringing uses." The Register of Copyrights, Marybeth Peters, is preparing a fourth triennial rulemaking proceeding in which she will issue recommendations on which classes of work are appropriate for the exemption. Originally, the three-year rule was to expire on October 27. The Register, however, was delayed in making her recommendations, so the Librarian extended the current policy. Effective October 28, the extention will remain active until the Register makes her recommendations and the Librarian of Congress issues final regulations. It is expected that final rules will be adopted in a few weeks.