Internet Day Against DRM: Limit the use of DRM technologies

On International Day Against DRM, the Open Rights Group is calling for limits on the use of DRM technologies, which restrict the ways that we access and control digital content.  

Executive Director Jim Killock said:

‘The government recently published long overdue amendments that will bring copyright law into the 21st century. Now, we need to challenge those corporations that, in the name of copyright enforcement, are stifling competition and restricting consumer rights. DRM technologies enable companies to control and dominate the market by preventing competitors from making add-ons that work with their products. DRM also erodes the rights we have over our purchases, preventing us from passing them on, selling them or simply using them how we want.’

Typically used to control how digital content was consumed, DRM is now being used in the manufacture of products such as coffee makers where it has been used to ensure that only the manufacturers’ coffee can be used in their machines. Car manufacturers Renault have effectively made car owners ‘rent’ their car’s battery from a battery manufacturer.  DRM ensures that they are locked into this contract as the battery can be remotely prevented from re-charging.

The International Day Against DRM is organised by the Free Software Association: https://www.defectivebydesign.org

For press inquiries, email pam@openrightsgroup.org