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Record Labels Release Software To Combat Piracy
mrsalty writes "CNET reports that IFPI representatives are pushing a new piece of software to delete filesharing programs. It will also 'search computers for music and movies and remove any illegal copies'." From the article: "Digital File Check is easy to use and can help people prevent their employees, children and others from illegally downloading and swapping movies ... It could be especially useful for parents who want to encourage their children to enjoy music responsibly on the Internet ... It is free, voluntary and for private use only and does not tip off any antipiracy organizations."
It starts out as voluntary. Then it's mandated by law. Soon enough it becomes illegal to run operating system software that this software does not run on. And they do not port it beyond Windows. Indeed, this could become a very powerful weapon against Apple. If running such software on a regular basis becomes mandatory by law, and a port is not made to Mac OS X, then Apple could be in a real bind. Wouldn't that be something if the media groups were able to get revenge on Jobs for his recent animosity towards them by basically outlawing Mac OS X, hmm?
Cyric Zndovzny at your service.