"In an environment where access to copyrighted materials is expanding as quickly as the means and opportunity to copy these materials, we intend to be aggressive and creative in seeking solutions to protect the rights of our member companies and their artists," said David Stebbings, RIAA senior vice president, technology. "Today we have shown that prerecorded CDs can be protected from unauthorized copying on a CD-ROM recorder."

In addition to protecting copyrighted sound recordings from duplication on current and future multi-purpose recorders, the RIAA's system can also restrict unauthorized online distribution. According to Stebbings, the system will not be prohibitively expensive or time consuming to implement, and will in no way effect the computer's processing speed or other applications. Nonetheless, its application would require installation in computer systems and therefore the support of the computer and electronic industries.

"Our vision for a healthy future that benefits the public, our recording artists, and other industry groups depends on a spirit of cooperation," said Stebbings. "The CPTWG is an excellent platform for industries to work together to produce viable solutions."

The RIAA is a trade association whose member companies create, manufacture and/or distribute more than 90 percent of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States.