Boucher pointed out that Vivendi Universal's (EAUG.PA) Universal Music Group will soon release its new CDs in copy-protected form, making them impossible to play on personal computers and some CD systems as well. Consumers should be able to use computer programs to defeat that copy protection, he said.

``What do you say to the guy who only wants to use that code so the CD he bought will play on his computer?'' Boucher asked reporters after his speech. ``That's harmless activity, yet under section 1201 he's guilty of a crime.''

Boucher said he did not know when he would introduce the bill in Congress, as he was still lining up support. The bill will face heated opposition, he acknowledged, as the recording and movie industries see section 1201 as a key measure in their battle against online piracy.