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[IP] ] more on ISO MPEG Rights Expression Language




Delivered-To: dfarber+@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 13:03:14 -0600
From: Tim Onosko <tim@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: [IP] more on ISO MPEG Rights Expression Language
X-Sender: onosko@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx

The debate over DRMs did not begin on the IP list, nor will it end on it. However, in reference to Mr. Guitierrez's query, these points:

* The use of the tern "persistent" protection of content as used in this MPEG press release indicates persistent control beyond the term and scope of copyright law, a controversial concept in and of itself.

* Digital Rights Management is not waiting for an MPEG standard like digital video compression was. It is waiting for an acceptable and reasonable middle ground between content owners' rights and consumers' desires. As Apple's "light" DRM (as seen in the successful iPod and iTunes Music Store) seems to imply, consumers respond most favorably to the least intrusive DRM. An ISO standard DRM won't necessarily be the most successful DRM if consumers reject it for being onerous. And, with all of these content companies at the helm, it will no doubt be another attempt to forge the "ultimate" DRM, meaning the most secure and perhaps the most restrictive DRM.

* One of the names on the list of endorsers is Leonardo Chiariglione, who has already headed one such failed attempt at an industry-standard DRM, the RIAA's SDMI (Secure Digital Media Initiative), and was the prime mover behind another proposed (and as yet unadopted) DRM system, OCCAMM.

This may be the first time ISO/MPEG has undertaken this task, but not the first such attempt. This is a complex issue to which many people believe there is a simple and obvious answer. There is not.

- Tim Onosko

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