1. The Downside to DRM

2. What is DRM? “Digital Rights Management” Software used to control access to copyrighted material Protect company from piracy

3. Uses Limited copies of DVDs or installs of software Music CD with code to confuse ripping software Company sets server to block sensitive email being forwarded

4. Drawbacks Stays on your computer after the file is removed Often lead to computer problems Infringes on end users “fair use”?

5. 10 Reasons Against DRM 1. DRM doesn't prevent illegal use of files, it just makes it a bit more difficult to access them. 2. All it takes is one person to crack the file and it can be made available to everyone. 3. Anyone selling content on CD is already selling unprotected files anyway. 4. DRM adds a lot of costs for content producers - Implementing DRM isn't free of course. 5. There's a huge hidden cost in trying to sell DRM'ed content.

6. 10 Reasons Against DRM cont. 6. Often the costs of the DRM are passed along to the consumer as well. 7. DRM-free content will play on your device of today and your device of tomorrow. 8. Your media devices of the future will be significantly different than your media devices of the present. 9. DRM fundamentally changes who is control of your media. 10. Whenever you buy DRM'ed content you support the system of DRM

7. Real-world Examples Sony BMG hides DRM on CD’s that opens holes for hackers Class-Action lawsuits against Electronic Arts(EA) for DRM software on games Apple iTunes music downloads

8. Slashdot Responses “If I uninstall software, I don't expect phantom memory use by something I'm not using anymore. I know it's not realistic, but it doesn't change that uninstalled programs should not leave shit all over my hard drive.” “While the EULA may have given them the right to eat babies, did it fully disclaim that it would install additional software that would be running all the time, hidden, and not removed by the uninstaller? To have informed consent, you need to inform. Also you need a way to not consent, which means a return policy more open than ‘piss off’.” “Why should I have to run Deep Freeze, or any type of software to return my system to a state before a program is installed? Unless I give explicit permission for a program install something, then it should not be installed. How is EA doing this different from anyone installing trojans, spyware, or virus?”

9. Discussion Q’s Are software companies justified in using DRM? Are there alternative methods to protect their “intellectual property”? Does it need to be so strictly protected in the first place? Personal Experience with DRM?