Congressional committee considers Internet accessibility bill June 10

From Deaf News Today:

A congressional committee will hear testimony June 10 on a bill that would bring closed captioning to Internet video.

Massachusetts Congressman Ed Markey introduced the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act. Sites like Netflix and iTunes are not required to carry closed captioning, but if the proposed law is passed, there would be a standard required for large Internet video services in the US along with smart phones and other portable devices that display video.

The bill, known as H.R. 3101, would not affect user-based sites like YouTube. The bill also calls for funding of research into real-time texting that would apply to cell phone communication.

There are six lawmakers sponsoring the legislation. It’s been endorsed by AT&T along with Verizon.

The hearing takes place at 10am in the Rayburn Building.

A spokesperson for Hearing Loss Association of America is expected to speak, along with a US Army veteran, blinded while serving in Iraq.