EFF: Apple still at the forefront of DRM use

Posted on 8 Jan 2009 at 11:26

Digital rights campaigners have warned that despite dropping of DRM from the iTunes music store, Apple is still a widespread user of DRM to protect both its own and others’ content.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation lists seven instances in which Apple still employs usage restrictions, some of its own volition.

Apple, the EFF notes, uses DRM to lock iPhones to AT&T and Apple’s iTunes App Store, to prevent recent iPods from syncing with software other than iTunes, and to prevent OS X from loading on generic Intel machines, something Apple has confirmed.

It also requires iPod accessory vendors to use a licensed “authentication chip” in order to make accessories that can access certain features on newer iPods and iPhones and has deployed the DRM-encumbered DisplayPort video connector in its newest notebooks.

The other implementations come at content providers’ behest. The iTunes Store still applies restrictions to movies, TV programs and audiobooks.

“The majority of these DRM efforts do not have even an arguable relation to ‘piracy’,” says EFF activist Richard Esguerra. “And even where things like movies and audiobooks are concerned, DRM is not only futile, but will likely be counter-productive, making the ‘legitimate’ alternative less attractive than the darknet options. This week's announcement is another step in the meltdown of DRM for music. But it is also a stark reminder that Apple remains at the forefront of employing DRM to shove competitors to the fringes and wrest control out of the hands of users.”

Author: Simon Aughton

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