FCC Commissioner Asks Amazon, eBay for Help in Targeting Fraudulent Cable Boxes
Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Mike O'Rielly asked the CEOs of Amazon and eBay for those companies' help in cracking down on video set-top boxes that fraudulently carry the FCC's logo indicating they comply with the agency's equipment authorization or boxes that don't comply with those authorization requirements. In a letter to Amazon's Jeff Bezos and eBay's Devin Wenig dated May 25, O'Rielly said the FCC doesn't have an obligation to crack down on unauthorized set-tops, but many such boxes are being used in pirating of video content. He asked that the online retailers commit to removing from their sites any devices with fraudulent FCC logos or devices that haven't been certified if the agency brings those devices to the companies' attention, with supporting evidence. He also asked the companies to give the FCC names of device manufacturers, distributors and suppliers "if the situation arises."
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In a response letter to O'Rielly, Amazon Vice President-Public Policy Brian Huseman said the company already "strictly prohibit[s] the sale of IP-infringing and non-compliant products," and that it last year became the first online retailer to ban the sale of streaming media players that promote or facilitate piracy. It said it proactively scans product listings for signs of potentially infringing products and uses a variety of automated real-time tools and human reviewers to identify inauthentic goods. It said it will remove suspected listings and at times take action against sellers' entire accounts. That work has resulted in "tens of thousands" of illicit streaming device listings being blocked, plus several criminal referrals to law enforcement. Amazon said it would "appreciate the opportunity to collaborate further with the FCC," and if any noncompliant devices are identified, "we seek to work with you to ensure they are not offered for sale." The company also works with CBP and other law enforcement agencies to prevent inauthentic goods from reaching its customers. eBay didn't comment.