James Delahunty
9 Feb 2007 10:20
Warner Music has rejected a suggestion from Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steve Jobs, asking all recording companies to consider dropping the requirement for Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection on music downloads. Warner boss Edgar Bronfman said the proposal was "without logic and merit". Jobs' letter had highlighted an undeniable fact; DRM is not stopping or limiting piracy.
DRM puts several restrictions on users, including the maximum amount of time that songs can be burned to CD. However, it also has the undesirable effect of making interoperability impossible - that is, songs purchased from stores only work on a limited number of music players that support the DRM system.
Jobs insisted that if record companies would allow it, the company would remove DRM from iTunes downloads. "This is clearly the best alternative for consumers, and Apple would embrace it in a heartbeat." Jobs said. Warner Music is the world's fourth largest record company.
Source:
BBC News