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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).
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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-