Cory Doctorow outlines the important public policy issues semi-hidden in W3C efforts to standardize Encrypted Media Extensions (EME).
I knew I would agree with Cory’s points, more or less, before even reading the post. But I also knew that many of his points, if not all, aren’t going to be persuasive to some in the DRM discussion.
If you already favor reasonable accommodation between consumers of content and rightsholders, recognition of “fair use,” and allowances for research and innovation, enjoy Cory’s post and do what you can to support the EFF and others in this particular dispute.
If you are currently a rightsholder and strong supporter of DRM, I don’t think Cory’s post is going to be all that persuasive.
Rather than focusing on public good, research, innovation, etc., I have a very different argument for rightsholders, who I distinguish from people who will profit from DRM and its implementations.
I will lay out all the nuances either tomorrow or the next day, but the crux of my argument is the question: “What is the ROI for rightsholders from DRM?”
You will be able to satisfy yourself of my analysis, using your own confidential financial statements. The real ones, not the ones you show the taxman.
To be sure, someone intends to profit from DRM and its implementation, but it isn’t who you think it is.
In the meantime, enjoy Cory’s post!