Calling for Sunshine at the Smithsonian
As we mentioned in a prior post, the Smithsonian and Showtime Networks have entered into a deal with troubling implications for the public domain (especially in light of the proposed WIPO Broadcasting Treaty). A FOIA request has been sent to the Smithsonian seeking public disclosure of the terms of the deal (EFF is representing the Center for American Progress in connection with the request).
Now 215 citizens have signed an open letter to the Smithsonian, demanding that the terms of the deal be made public. Signatories include technology luminaries (Vint Cerf, Mitch Kapor, David Farber), filmmakers (Michael Moore, Ken Burns), academics (Larry Lessig, Pam Samuelson), and public interest groups (Public Knowledge, Future of Music Coalition, Ass'n of Research Libraries).
Kudos to Carl Malamud at the Center for American Progress for spearheading the sunshine effort.
Related Issues: File Sharing
Want to learn how you can defend free speech, stand up for privacy, fight for government transparency, support consumer rights, and protect your right to innovation in the digital world? Visit http://eff.org/fight to find ways to help.
