Congressman Lantos Calls for Boycott of U.S. Software

In a move condemned by U.S. software publishers, Rep. Tom Lantos (D- Calif)
told the Congressional Telecommunications Subcommittee chairman, Edward
Markey (D. Mass) during the June 29 hearings on the Sega TV channel, that
he is prepared to take steps to block U.S. software publishers from the
market via a nationwide boycott. He added that "We will take whatever kind
of legal steps, whatever kind of commercial pressure, and whatever kind of
embarrassing exposure is necessary."

Congressman Lantos has been pushing for rating of video games which he
described as "filthy and disgusting". He wants the U.S. publishers to use
an expensive ratings system sponsored by the Japanese corporation,
Nintendo, The U.S. publishers have proposed the American Game Labeling
System. According to U.S. Software Industry spokeswoman, Karen Crowther,
"The Japanese system is a thinly disguised plan to put Nintendo's small
U.S. competition out of business." She asserts that under the Nintendo
system, one of her member's $39 CD-ROM discs of games will cost 1.5
million dollars to rate.

Crowther says the Japanese system is primarily aimed at Nintendo/Sega
cartridge games whereas the American system can be used for all types of
electronic games, including those on the "Information Highway". Under the
American Game Labeling System, computer games will be rated on content in
the categories of Violence, Sex/Nudity and Language. "The systems give
similar information but the Japanese system, designed by a billion dollar
company, is too expensive for the smaller U.S. competition.", states
Crowther. "We have nothing to be embarrassed about, however Lantos should
be embarrassed to be helping Nintendo block U.S. companies from market."
In the same hearing, it was asserted that Nintendo's sales account for 10%
of the U.S. trade deficit with Japan.

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