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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."
I have never bought anything that contained DRM, but if I did accidentally buy something, I would simply demand a refund.
Anything with DRM should have a message on it similar to the "WARNING: SMOKING KILLS" warning. I don't want a small label I have to search for - it should be big, clear, and standardised. The exact same logo/warning message should appear on every product. Something like "Warning: This product uses Digital Rights/Restrictions Management" would do the job.
Anyway, if anyone accidentally buys a product with DRM, they should be entitled to a refund. It is for all intents and purposes a defect, if you thought the product you were buying was a movie/music that you could use however you like.
Well, this is refreshing. I mean, lets face it, vendors are peddling crippled products for their convenience, not the customers'. Often, people don't even realize what they're buying, so it would be nice to have a notice.
This reminds me of a prediction I made about the iTMS - I think a lot of people are OK with paying $.99 per song *now*, but in a few years when perhaps they've gone through a couple more computers, and the iPod isn't as in-style as it is now, there will be a backlash of customers realizing that they paid for something they cannot easily use on "other" players (the burn-to-CD-and-rerip technique notwithstanding). I can visualize a similar diffculty with these crippled CDs - they will want to play them in a laptop or similar device that won't handle the DRM gracefully, and only then will they discover they paid for something only to find that it doesn't provide the value expected. It makes sense to notify the customer of what they are buying up front, rather than hiding it and hoping they never notice (obviously, some never will).
But, as my sister told me when we discussed this, they will likely chalk it up to "technology has moved on" and view it the same way they view VHS as not playing in DVD players, and simply rebuy the same movie/album, again. I sure hope that doesn't become the mainstream attitude - it will give the record companies and movie studios yet-another-reason to implement DRM any chance they get.
I had to go through a few hoops to return what the store claimed was "non-returnable".
I think perhaps phrases like "not fit for the purpose for which it was bought" may have been helpful, along with "I'll see what trading standards has to say about that then" if that doesn't work.
It's being sold as an audio CD. You have a reasonable expectation that it will work in your audio CD player(s). If it doesn't, then as far as I'm concerned either the CD or the player(s) is faulty. Assuming your player(s) work(s) with other CDs, the implication would be that it's the CD that's faulty. Therefore, you're entitled to a refund, end of story.
I don't buy very many CDs anymore, but if that happened to me and the store refused to accept the return, I'd definitely be contacting trading standards.
It's official. Most of you are morons.
Definitely, DRM products should be labeled.
Notice, however, that genetically modified food is not labeled. That was accomplished by corrupting the U.S. government. Probably that will happen in the case of DRM, too.
I'm not entirely sure how they would do that.
What's so cool about...
1. Rated R? Because it's what only adults can see.
2. Explicit Lyrics? Because it's how only adults can talk.
3. DRM? Because it's, um.. adults can, um...
I'm sure they'll try, though.
Respect the laws of physics, for the laws of physics have no respect for you.
By visual inspection alone, it is impossible to look at a CD and know whether it is of the "corrupt" ilk.
I look for the Philips Compact Disc logo. If it's missing, then the product may be incompatible. I wish more people refused to buy stuff without the logo. It would enforce a standard upon the industry. Use the logo or don't sell.
The logo use requires technical standards to be met. When the standards are met, then it should play with no issues an any compliant device.
Look for the logo. Get the clerk to help you look.
The truth shall set you free!
I had to go through a few hoops to return what the store claimed was "non-returnable".
Interestingly, CDs (and other digital media) are exempt from the returnability requirements of a few laws (e.g. the Distance Selling Regulations, which require you to be able to return within 28 days for a full refund just about anything you buy online or via mail order) because of the possibility that you can copy them. Clearly this exclusion should not be extended to DRM-laden discs.
Which is why the law should define official text, just like cigarette warnings are prescribed. Also the minimum size requirements.
The moon is not fully subjugated. I demand a second assault wave preceded by a massive nuclear bombardment.
"WARNING: Will NOT play on iPod" will be understood by 99% of the population, resulting in lost sales. .. as something good .. it's ENHANCED, right?
"Contains ENHANCED DRM" will also be undersood by 99% of the population
Wouldn't it be better to do just the opposite: "This media is free from DRM" or "Play it anywhere anyhow"?
That, and I think any DRM media should be disallowed from being included within 30 feet of non-DRM music in physical stores, and they must be segragated in online stores. For example, a search for "music" must me mutually exclusive with "DRM music", so that there is no question as to which it is you're buying. I don't expect to see this in my lifetime.
Is it just my observation, or are there way too many stupid people in the world?
DRM's presence is a simple yes-or-no. "Adult" is an opinion call which is guaranteed to be wrong for some of the people some of the time. Simple as that.
Reality is the ultimate Rorschach.