Comments on: Zero-DRM iTunes Tracks Offer Zero-Privacy Too http://www.psfk.com/2007/06/zerodrm_itunes_.html Ideas & Trends Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:15:58 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Michael http://www.psfk.com/2007/06/zerodrm_itunes_.html/comment-page-1#comment-62 Michael Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-62 <p>You seem to be confusing the iTunes DRM (Fairplay) with the new DRM-free 'iTunes Plus' tracks (no Fairplay).<br /> embedding your user-name is called watermarking. it is not DRM - it doesn't limit what you can do with the track or on what devices you can play it. <br /> The only reason why it would be a problem to have your name embedded in the (easily editable) metadata of the iTunes Plus purchase, is if you intend to redistribute copies of the track (P2P for instance) which is illegal.</p> <p>Anti-DRM technologies like Hymn were designed to strip the Fairplay DRM from iTunes tracks but by default, they kept this username metadata intact because it was developed as a comment against DRM, not copyright. </p> <p>Online stores like e-music use similar techniques but nobody has cried that the sky is falling over there - in fact, they have often been championed as the DRM-free indie alternative.</p> <p>Even web-sites like Digg.com, which is full of reactionary teenagers who love/hate Apple but all hate DRM, have collectively decided new DRM-free iTunes technique is a non-issue despite a slew of articles suggesting that it is a 'shocking discovery'.</p> <p>This move by Apple should be seen as a victory against DRM which, if successful, might break down more DRM barriers in the entertainment industries.</p> You seem to be confusing the iTunes DRM (Fairplay) with the new DRM-free ‘iTunes Plus’ tracks (no Fairplay).
embedding your user-name is called watermarking. it is not DRM – it doesn’t limit what you can do with the track or on what devices you can play it.
The only reason why it would be a problem to have your name embedded in the (easily editable) metadata of the iTunes Plus purchase, is if you intend to redistribute copies of the track (P2P for instance) which is illegal.

Anti-DRM technologies like Hymn were designed to strip the Fairplay DRM from iTunes tracks but by default, they kept this username metadata intact because it was developed as a comment against DRM, not copyright.

Online stores like e-music use similar techniques but nobody has cried that the sky is falling over there – in fact, they have often been championed as the DRM-free indie alternative.

Even web-sites like Digg.com, which is full of reactionary teenagers who love/hate Apple but all hate DRM, have collectively decided new DRM-free iTunes technique is a non-issue despite a slew of articles suggesting that it is a ’shocking discovery’.

This move by Apple should be seen as a victory against DRM which, if successful, might break down more DRM barriers in the entertainment industries.

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