Quote:
Originally Posted by CyGuy
If that is the case, then DRM (or any kind of encryption) on media that is available for purchase to the general population should be illegal.
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I know for a fact that it is the case and agree that we
should avoid DRM and
definitely should lobby for a DMCA re-write or, at the very least, an exception for DRM-aided-device locking.
Because, as you suggest, it "doesn't add up" in a world of fair use. Alas, nobody ever accused the DMCA of being written according to any calculus other than that of its media-mogul lobbyist backers' profit streams.
We, as normal humans, believe ripping a CD to our computer and copying it to an iPod is fair use. The RIAA believes that this enables listening to it in two places at once (you're out listening and a housemate is home listening) which should (to them) require the purchase of 2 copies. Your copying to allow this, then, connotes "stealing 1 copy." The DMCA (having been largely authored by these folks) largely agrees and definitely agrees if said content is laden with DRM.