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U.K. Group Wants DRM'd Media Labeled
peterfa writes "The BBC reports that the U.K. 'All Party Parliamentary Internet Group' wants companies to label their DRMed products. Consumers will see a label on the product before they buy. The label will spell out clearly just how easy it is to copy media, and what they can and cannot do. This is in response to Sony BMG and their virus-like DRM. The group claims the industry is turning media into a rent system, rather than a purchase system."
They should go one step further and include information on how to crack the DRM on each label.
I got my Linux laptop at System76.
Isn't this exactly what the All Party Parlamentaric Group in the UK is proposing?
"The group claims the industry is turning media into a rent system, rather than a purchase system." Uh oh, I hope they don't give out late fees (knowing Sony, they probably would). Or "ripped the songs and shared them all over the internet" fees.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
Copy this media and face the wrath of Captainnnnnnnnnnnnn COPYRIGHT!
If they call it Dope-ass Rap Muthaf*ckas on CD packaging, I'm sure it would sell!
I'm sure some sold-out artists will do something like promoting DRM in their subliminal lyrics like;
"my juice is flowin' like a man with a mission / my words are blowing your minds into a submission /
you can't copy my style 'cuz you ain't an original / DRM on my record 'cuz my lyrics aren't replaceable"
Of course, there are reason why I am not a rapper... or a poet...
"Don't let fools fool you. They are the clever ones."
The usual consequences of listening to the Rolling Stones, in fact.
I hope they have to do it like smoking warnings in massive black and white letters "DRM while pregnant can seriously harm fair use"
This is what the DRM labels are intended to be like: "Warning! This media has DRM on it. It may not be able to play on all devices and is restricted so you cannot transfer the media to a portable music player"
This is what DRM labels could look like after industry lobbyists change the law: "This media is certified Copyright Safe with DRM technology. Enjoy your media with DRM!"
And this is what DRM labels could look like for kids' products: "This has Captain Copyright's Red Tape of Approval!"
Don't forget, boys and girls, that when you are dealing with the UK retail trade, the phrase "I'll call in the Trading Standards people" is the magic spell that converts "Sorrimate, not our problem" into "Here is your money back, sir." I have seen this demonstrated on at least one occasion.
Damn you Brits, not only do you get Doctor Who first, and also have much more interesting political meetings, you also have a magic spell that converts "Not our problem" into "Here is your money back"! This is why Brits are healthier than Americans.
Please, for the good of Humanity, vote Obama.
We just need to get Tipper Gore and some Congressional wives involved. Tell them that some sinners may not be able to view the "Jesus of Nazareth" DVD due to DRM and we'd have a full out Congresional inquiry into the matter. ;-)
In many cases, it is actually in the record label's interest to post the "Tipper Tag" (Explicit lyrics label) because it will, quite frequently, boost sales.
The DRM warning, on the other hand, will most likely cut sales, ergo it is not in the label's interest.
It seems the solution is simple. Government should mandate that the DRM label contain profanity of the manufacturer's choice before the word "DRM".