The DRM fight isn’t over yet

From an article on Cnet UK:

Be warned: your account information is stored in every file
Although iTunes Plus files feature no copy protection, files downloaded still contain the email address you have registered with iTunes. So although files can physically be shared with, and played by, friends and family, any of your purchases that end up on file-sharing networks, for example, can be traced back to you.

If you’re interested in an easy way to check your own files, find an iTunes Plus file on your computer. Then choose to open it with a text editor (Windows Notepad works fine). It’ll take a while to open and will appear to be full of nonsense text, but if you choose the ‘Find’ option and type in the email address you have registered with the iTunes Store, you’ll find that your DRM-free music is not personal information-free.

I realize it’s a small concession to make to the music industry’s piracy concerns. But we wouldn’t be as comfortable with an identifying code being embedded in a book or magazine. And remember, they are asking customers to pay more for a product that remains inferior to the free version.


3 Comments so far

  1. Lena January 14th, 2009 4:34 pm

    I am afraid that this is but a small step on the way to the brave new world. I personally am over worrying about it, it’s coming and worrying ain’t gonna stop it. Personal info is no longer personal. Unrelatedly, when installing Leopard, there is no way around entering your info. Used to be optional, but no longer. I am not fond of this model of living at all, but I am afraid it’s already here waving “hello”.

  2. Charles January 14th, 2009 4:56 pm

    There is no such thing as a free version.

  3. jay January 24th, 2009 11:42 am

    Lena, the way around the Leopard data collection is easy — lie. Unfortunately, this method fails when you actually want to buy something and need to give up actual information to get the credit card purchase authorized. Overall, it is scary as hell.

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