Text 8226, 62 rader
Skriven 2005-11-16 00:14:32 av Adam (1:379/45)
Ärende: 1 4 Geo
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From: Adam <mmmmm_beer_mmmm_donuts@moes>

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/11/15/outlaw_parliament_drm/

"The All Party Parliamentary Internet Group (APIG) is to hold a public inquiry
into the issues surrounding Digital Rights Management (DRM), including the
degree of protection needed for both copyright holders and consumers.

DRM software is designed to protect copyright in material such as music, films
or software that is stored or transmitted digitally. It works by encrypting the
content and managing how that content is used. Click Here

The policy debate around DRM is often cast as an argument between publishers of
software, music and movies, anxious to prevent revenue loss from illegal
duplication; and consumers, who fear they may lose existing rights to freely
enjoy what they have purchased and to pass it on to others when they have
finished with it.

The issue has hit the headlines recently as music giant Sony BMG has come under
fire for selling CDs that install allegedly dangerous copy-control software on
user’s PCs. The firm has now temporarily ceased production of the CDs.

However, to portray the issues surrounding DRM as merely a consumer versus
publisher debate is misleading, said APIG today.

APIG exists to provide a discussion forum between new media industries and
Parliamentarians for the mutual benefit of both parties. It informs
Parliamentary debate through meetings, informal receptions and reports.

It points to wider applications of DRM in, for example, allowing individuals to
buy the right to read a book just once, or pay a fraction of a penny every time
they play a song. This allows publishers greater flexibility in the services
they offer and leads to increased consumer choice, says the Parliamentary
Group.

“DRM systems bring threats and opportunities to both publishers and consumers,ö
said APIG Chairman Derek Wyatt MP. “This inquiry will seek to establish how
consumers, artists and the distribution companies should be protected in a
continually evolving market place.ö

The inquiry will focus on:

     * Whether DRM distorts traditional tradeoffs in copyright law;
     * Whether new types of content sharing license (such as Creative
Commons or Copyleft) need legislation changes to be effective;
     * How copyright deposit libraries should deal with DRM issues;
     * How consumers should be protected when DRM systems are discontinued;
     * To what extent DRM systems should be forced to make exceptions
for the partially sighted and people with other disabilities;
     * What legal protections DRM systems should have from those who
wish to circumvent them;
     * Whether DRM systems can have unintended consequences on computer
functionality;
     * The role of the UK Parliament in influencing the global agenda
for this type of technical issue.

APIG requires written evidence from interested parties by 21st December 2005."

Adam

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