A new group, the Alliance for Digital Progress (ADP), combines tech giants Microsoft, Cisco, Intel and Apple, as well as consumer groups and think tanks:

The new group is trying to prevent any new attempts at legislation that would require the introduction of technology that makes it hard to copy films or music, or play DVDs on more than one device.

"Piracy of digital content is a serious, complex problem that concerns all of us," said ADP President Fred McClure, a former official in the Reagan and first Bush administrations.

"But government-designed and mandated technology that swaps the diversity of marketplace solutions for a 'one size fits all' approach is not the answer.

"We are greatly concerned that Hollywood is trying to pressure Congress into forcing technology mandates on to American consumers," said Mr McClure. [BBC News]