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We've been outspoken as anyone when it comes to draconian DRM measures, but we never thought we'd see the day when the RIAA declares DRM is dead. And now that it has, we're a little bit worried - could this be a sign of the apocalypse?
Consider that just two years ago, RIAA chairman and CEO Mitch Bainwol said "DRM serves all sorts of pro-consumer purposes." Consumers, of course, held a decidedly different opinion and the growing demand for DRM-free music has led to numerous music services and labels offering music without digital restrictions. Nevertheless, the RIAA predicted a comeback for DRM last year, but is now singing a different tune.
"DRM is dead, isn't it?," said Jonathan Lamy, chief spokesperson for the RIAA, when asked about the RIAA's view on DRM for an upcoming SCMagazine article.
Lamy's comment was in reference to the DRM-less iTunes store and other online services offering unrestricted music. And while the rest of us have known this for awhile, this is the first time that the RIAA has said on record that DRM is dead. Let's hope it stays that way.
Image Credit: bajainsider.com
Comments are closed on this article
Trooper_One
July 21, 2009 at 12:48pm
""DRM is dead, isn't it?," said Jonathan Lamy, chief spokesperson for the RIAA"
Feels like there's something sinister on the horizon.
They're coming...
Trooper_One
July 21, 2009 at 12:48pm
""DRM is dead, isn't it?," said Jonathan Lamy, chief spokesperson for the RIAA"
Feels like there's something sinister on the horizon.
They're coming...
I Jedi
July 20, 2009 at 8:32pm
What, a dollar-per-song is too much for you to petty up? Companies have to be able to make some sort of profit that is meaningful.
yogurt80
July 20, 2009 at 10:16pm
I would be willing to pay .75-$100 per sonf for a high bit-rate, FLAC song with no DRM.
yogurt80
July 20, 2009 at 7:01pm
So... Does this mean they're going t kill the Blu-Ray managed copy before it starts? I think BRMC is the stupidest idea ever. I have to pay extra to back up a movie I paid for? No thanks.
TechJunkie
July 20, 2009 at 4:31pm
Then the RIAA needs to drop ALL pending charges on anyone that have been taken to court and all settlements that have procured needs to be paid back with interest and legal fees.
Vegan
July 20, 2009 at 5:13pm
What does their new opinion of DRM (not that I believe them) have to do with that, if I may ask? "DRM is dead" does not equate to "We won't pursue the illegal distribution of music".
nekollx
July 20, 2009 at 5:31pm
it has nothing to do with it, except 90% of their cases hing on "this is a violation of DMC" if DMC is dead you cant turn around and then persecute DMC violation
it like someone sating "selling ice cream with sprinkles is dead" then suing anyone who doesn't use sprinkles
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Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Cyberdiver
July 20, 2009 at 8:53pm
The cases hinge on DMC not DRM. Lack of DRM does nothing to diminish DMC.
nekollx
July 20, 2009 at 4:58pm
including TPB since they entired biased case hinged on DMC
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Asterixx
July 20, 2009 at 5:54pm
Nunc est bibendum!
I think you're confusing "DRM" with "DMCA".
DRM = Digital Rights Management, a bunch of schemes the RIAA (and MPAA, and game and software companies - Windows Activation and Windows WGA are two types of DRM) use to prevent copying.
DMCA = Digital Millenium Copyright Act, a bunch of laws that makes it illegal to circumvent DRM schemes.
Just because some companies may stop using DRM does not make it legal to circumvent DRM schemes. Similarly, if Sony decided today to stop using DRM on its future PS3 games, it's still illegal to circumvent any DRM on existing titles.
...and DRM or no, it's still illegal to provide copyrighted material for unauthorized downloads. Don't hold your breath waiting for the RIAA's refund checks...
nekollx
July 20, 2009 at 6:31pm
DMCA = Digital Millenium Copyright Act, a bunch of laws that makes it illegal to circumvent DRM schemes.
But if DRM is Dead your effectivly saying
DMCA = Digital Millenium Copyright Act, a bunch of laws that makes it illegal to circumvent a useless and non functional scheme, a dead horse.
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Cyberdiver
July 20, 2009 at 9:01pm
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a US copyright law that implements two 1996 treaties of the WIPO. It criminalizes production and dissemination of technology, devices, or services intended to circumvent measures (commonly known as DRM) that control access to copyrighted works. It also criminalizes the act of circumventing an access control, whether or not there is actual infringement of copyright itself. In addition, the DMCA heightens the penalties for copyright infringement on the internet.
JohnP
July 20, 2009 at 4:05pm
Of course, this will last only until another "foolproof" DRM scheme comes along.
DRM free movies? That would defintely be the sign of the second coming...
I Jedi
July 20, 2009 at 8:41pm
Well, imo, the consumer is almost always going to win battles like these overtime. Businesses use to once care about their customers and use to treat them like royalty. Now-a-days companies punish customers for buying their products and find ways to piss their base-line off. When it comes to the digital age of media, you will find that people will always find ways around company based bs that hurts the end consumer. Rather it be passing around a Windows CD key, or giving your friend a ripped DRM-free music. Companies need to go back to the ideal that the customer deserves respect and shouldn't be treated as a criminal for buying their products. They need to also offer insintives for buying products from them. This won't stop piracy, but it will, imo, slow it down to a point where the company makes a good enough profit, even with a minimal loss.
nekollx
July 21, 2009 at 9:39am
amen, i'm tired of paying these companies to be treated like criminal
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
dag1992
July 20, 2009 at 4:26pm
Well I've seen a few movies with a digital copies. Sadly the DRM is still there.
