Sen. Smith’s (R-Ore.) broadcast flag bill (CED Jan 23 p4) will be the starting point for legislation the Senate Commerce Committee hopes to mark up in mid-March that would give the FCC power to impose broadcast flag regulations, Chmn. Stevens (R-Alaska) said Tues. “We're going to push a broadcast flag bill and at the very least give the FCC the authority to do it,” he said at a hearing on the digital and audio flag issue. “I think we can enact a bill that will eliminate some of the problems that the FCC tried to work out,” Stevens said. But the audio flag issue is more difficult, he said.

Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) disclosed Tues. it voluntarily began a voluntary worldwide recall of 3.6 million PS2 AC adapters. The recall came after Sony realized the units -- shipped with the slim-line version of its console since Oct. 2004 -- might overheat, a potential safety risk. Free replacement adapters are being offered.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission staff (CPSC) has developed a draft plan entitled International Consumer Product Safety Program Plan - China (draft plan) to improve the safety of the following consumer products imported from China and Hong Kong (China): clothing, textiles, and toys; hazardous products such as cigarette and multipurpose lighters; home appliances; hazardous chemical consumer products; and bicycle helmets.

In a voluntary recall, RadioShack is calling in its Wet System Video Head Cleaner following 39 reports to its poison control center of children having accessed the product. No illnesses were reported. Labeled as containing isopropanol, the solution actually contains methanol, which if ingested can cause blindness or death. The $13 product, sold at RadioShack stores Dec. 1995-Jan. 2005, should be kept out of reach of children until consumers can return it for a refund, RadioShack said.

Patriot Act Sec. 212 needs serious reform to be re- authorized in Dec., members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security said at a hearing Thurs. The section lets service providers voluntarily give law enforcement content and records of subscribers’ communications -- such as e-mail messages and login information -- if ISPs believe there is an immediate risk of death or serious injury. Law enforcement agencies also can approach ISPs with requests to provide such information. Providers are immune from liability for such disclosure, which in other circumstances has spurred customers to sue. But Sec. 212 alarms members and advocacy groups concerned with civil liberties.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to determine the risks of injury associated with the mechanical malfunction of cigarette lighters. The CPSC is soliciting comments on certain regulatory alternatives and other possible ways to address these risks and the economic impacts of such alternatives.

The Journal of Commerce Online reports that the World Trade Organization (WTO) Heads of Delegations will meet on August 3, 2004 on the January 1, 2005 elimination of textile and apparel quotas imposed on WTO member countries. The article notes that only 17 countries have been invited to this meeting -including the U.S., European Union, China and India - but that other countries want to attend. (JoC Online, dated 07/27/04, www.joc.com )

The Journal of Commerce (JoC) reports that ocean carriers are strongly opposed to a security fee of $1 per foot of vessel length proposed by the South Carolina State Ports Authority. According to JoC, the charge will take effect in July and is expected to bring in $1 million to cover increased security costs. (JoC Pub 03/15 - 21/04, www.joc.com)

Is consumer demand for DTV equipment increasing, and what efforts are being made to promote DTV and HDTV to consumers? Are mandatory receiver labels and other materials necessary at point of sale to minimize consumer confusion? Those are among key questions posed by FCC in 2nd periodic review of DTV transition begun Mon. with rulemaking devoted mainly to how agency should develop policies to accelerate clearing of broadcast spectrum.