News Room
DIGITALEUROPE welcomes Commissioner Kuneva's initiative to better inform users of personal music players
28 September 2009Brussels, September 28, 2009 - Millions of people are enjoying the freedom of movement that a personal audio device allows. Whether they are learning a new language while commuting on the tram; listening to their favorite author, poet or composer; or living their life with their personal soundtrack, an individual audio experience requires courtesy, responsibility and safety. "Indeed, consumers' safety has the highest priority for the digital technology industry." said Bridget Cosgrave, Director General of DIGITALEUROPE.
Bridget Cosgrave, Director General of DIGITALEUROPE welcomes an industry-led and science-driven process for standards development. Experts will elaborate new specifications to match users demand and address public health needs. "DIGITALEUROPE looks forward to working with the European Commission and standardisation bodies to best serve consumer interests" she added.
DIGITALEUROPE recommends that any requirements should be harmonised globally. Unharmonised requirements would undermine credibility and confuse users potentially exposing themselves to inappropriate volume of noise. Overly stringent regulations will drive sales of products from countries with more relaxed regulation.
Exposure to noise is part of daily life as the SCENIHR Study explains. Musical portable players are only part of the exposure. The workplace remains the major cause for hearing disorders. The risks of hearing loss because of PMPs are much smaller than pop concerts and discotheques. The digital technology industry will take the necessary measures to ensure that their products stay within acceptable limits. We are also in favour of an increased public awareness program to bring this to the attention to the society at large. A public health education plan would ensure better information for the populations at risk.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Manufacturers have already implemented methods to inform the users on noise exposure. Information is included in the user's manual. Being pro-active, some of DIGITALEUROPE members have already implemented a volume limiter on their personal players. The system allows users to set a maximum volume level to restrict the exposure to noise. Some of the players can also be controlled with a code. It enables parents to ensure that their children listen to music safely.
For further information, please contact:
Magali MERINDOL
Communications Officer
T. +32 2 609 5315 M. +32 477 229 939 E. magali.merindol@digitaleurope.org
http://www.digitaleurope.org