Libraries Use DRM to Expire Audiobooks

Valleye writes "CNN is reporting that some US libraries are using Microsoft Media DRM to automatically 'return' audiobooks checked out of their catalog. A patron with a valid library card visits a library Web site to borrow a title for, say, three weeks. When the audiobook is due, the patron must renew it or find it automatically "returned" in a virtual sense: The file still sits on the patron's computer, but encryption makes it unplayable beyond the borrowing period."

Comments

Missing The Point?

[CleverNickedName]

The whole reason of returning library books/media is so that others may borrow it.

Surely this is not necessary when borrowing an easily reproducible copy.

clock?

[Lil-Bondy]

could one not mess around with clocks and such to make the file think that it is still last tuesday?

Shhh

[Doc Ruby]

Next, libraries make a killing in the used MP3 market!