Learn something about DRM
Written by Teresa on October 7th, 2008
What is DRM?
DRM is the shortcut of Digital rights management (DRM), a very controversial topic; DRM refers to access control technologies used by hardware manufacturers, publishers and copyright holders to limit usage of digital media or devices. It can also refer to restrictions associated with specific instances of digital works or devices. DRM overlaps with software copy protection to some extent; however the term “DRM” is usually applied to creative media (music, films, etc.) whereas the term “copy protection” tends to refer to these mechanisms in computer software.
Where DRM can be used for?
Using DRM, commercial and non-commercial content owners can publish their digital content securely, as they can set and enforce policies that govern how third-parties can use their content. DRM also enables stakeholders in enterprise value chains to distribute their digital content safely, ensuring privacy. For example, DRM allows protected email and document management within and between corporations, as well as for handling data such as medical patient records and accessing government services.
DRM becomes essential any time digital information is deemed important or sensitive enough to be protected by laws, rules, or policies.
This includes cases when digital information:
- Must be made easily available to certain people and kept away from others.
- Will be used differently by different kinds of users.
- Needs to be tracked or audited as it moves through a process or organization.
Support DRM and Anti-DRM
Advocates argue it is necessary for copyright holders to prevent unauthorized duplication of their work to ensure continued revenue streams. Opponents, such as the Free Software Foundation, maintain that the use of the word “rights” is misleading and suggest that people instead use the term Digital Restrictions Management (DRM). Their position is essentially that copyright holders are attempting to restrict use of copyrighted material in ways not covered by existing laws. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, and other opponents, also considers DRM systems to be anti-competitive practices.
A customer Terrell said:
“DRM” stands for “Digital Restrictions Management” for a reason. It’s because that’s what it is. It sure doesn’t preserve any “rights” of mine.
I’m one of the “vehemently opposed to DRM” folks. And in fact, I had not bought a DVD for exactly the reason of CSS. This was until “DVD Jon” came along and liberated us from that evil. This is especially an issue for folks whose only DVD players are in their computers. I see no valid reason why I should be prevented from watching my legally purchased DVD–bought and paid for–on my GNU/Linux computer using Free Software.
Unless the DRM can be easily cracked, like today’s DVD’s, I won’t touch it. Record companies, take note: your DRM will continue to get cracked. You will never win, because any lock eventually gets broken. It’s like the copy protection schemes of 25 years ago–you’re fighting a losing battle.
Another customer David Lane’s opinion:
DRM is reality
DRM has come to a head in recent days. As reported in this week’s Search Engine, there is a class action lawsuit against Electronic Arts over DRM in their newest game - Spore.
Sadly, it is something that we seem to be afflicted with, whether or not you like it or has a choice (a la the DVD issue). I would argue that it is something we are going to have to continue to live with as more and more “stuff” is controlled through some form of it. After all, almost every piece of purchased software has some form of DRM associated with it and there are very few of us that can work in technology without having to deal with it. As strong as the Open Source community is and has grown, the players that have shareholders to answer to (although there are fewer of those this morning than yesterday) are still more powerful and still have to show a profit. And as long as money is king, DRM will be a fact of life.
Want an even scarier option? Take a look at the bill introduced into the Canadian Parliament just before the government was dissolved on copyright. DRM has NOTHING on that.
In practice, all widely-used DRM systems have been defeated or circumvented when deployed to enough customers. Restricting copying of audio and visual material is especially difficult due to the existence of the analog hole, and there are even suggestions that effective DRM is logically impossible for this reason.
Then how do you think about DRM?
A: There is greater evil than DRM, and I have mostly tolerated it up to this point
B: I am very opposed to DRM, but I have been known to purchase some “locked” material
C: I am vehemently opposed to DRM, and have never bought a single piece of DRM-controlled material
D: Who cares anyway, DRM’s days are numbered.
Question from http://www.linuxjournal.com
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