Why Apple is to blame for iTunes DRM

Iria · Jun 17, 2006, 01:46 AM

Source: Boing Boing
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EFF Staff Technologist Seth Schoen has written a great blog-post on the Defective By Design campaign, which stages public anti-DRM protests in hazmat suits. So far, the campaign has targeted a Bill Gates keynote speech at WinHEC in Seattle, and Apple stores across the US over the iPod's use of DRM. As Seth notes, "the fame of the 'Mac/PC' platform rivalry -- just like the 'Democrat/Republican' rivalry -- is an obstacle to learning about new issues. If anyone criticizes Apple for labor issues (as a recent article did) or Microsoft for using digital rights management, the prominence of 'Mac vs. PC' makes the general public assume that the critic wants everyone to switch to 'the other platform'".

Many Apple fans were upset that Defective by Design targeted iTunes/iPod DRM, claiming that Apple can't be held responsible for its decision to use its technology to control instead of empower its customers. Seth expertly addresses each of these arguments, showing that Apple's embrace of DRM has been enthusiastic, abusive and thoroughgoing, not merely a necessity of the market.

Jun 17, 2006, 01:46 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 87	Why Apple is to blame for iTunes DRM Source: Boing Boing __________ EFF Staff Technologist Seth Schoen has written a great blog-post on the Defective By Design campaign, which stages public anti-DRM protests in hazmat suits. So far, the campaign has targeted a Bill Gates keynote speech at WinHEC in Seattle, and Apple stores across the US over the iPod's use of DRM. As Seth notes, "the fame of the 'Mac/PC' platform rivalry -- just like the 'Democrat/Republican' rivalry -- is an obstacle to learning about new issues. If anyone criticizes Apple for labor issues (as a recent article did) or Microsoft for using digital rights management, the prominence of 'Mac vs. PC' makes the general public assume that the critic wants everyone to switch to 'the other platform'". Many Apple fans were upset that Defective by Design targeted iTunes/iPod DRM, claiming that Apple can't be held responsible for its decision to use its technology to control instead of empower its customers. Seth expertly addresses each of these arguments, showing that Apple's embrace of DRM has been enthusiastic, abusive and thoroughgoing, not merely a necessity of the market.