New Zealand leads international charge against DRM

From Schoolforge-UK

According to this report in Computerworld the New Zealand State Services Commission is creating an international community of government agencies to tackle the IT industry's introduction of digital rights management (DRM). Concern in government circles has been raised over long-term access to data which may have been created using DRM-based software.

Groklaw picks up on this theme, highlighting particular excerpts from Microsoft's XP Home EULA (End User Licence Agreement) that illustrate how DRM software already permits the company to restrict users' access to music or video files. In the words of the LinuxAdvocate.org plain English translation:

"You agree that at any time, and at the request of “content providers” (eg. media giants such as Sony and BMG), Microsoft may disable certain features on your computer, such as the ability to play your music or movie files."

Hands up those who have never accepted (or authorised acceptance of) this EULA?

WikiSysop 09:41, 14 Jun 2005 (BST)