DRM group plans retaliation for HD DVD key exposure
updated 12:30 pm EDT, Fri May 4, 2007
HD DVD key backlash
The group behind the AACS copy-protection scheme is contemplating "legal and technical tools" for going after those exposing the key used on HD DVD discs, according to the BBC. The code made headlines on Wednesday, when after one Digg user submitted a Boing Boing story with the key, site staff complied with a removal request and began deleting posts and comments. The userbase fought back, flooding the site with the key through numerous new posts. Digg founder Kevin Rose has since agreed to allow the key, and accept any legal consequences.
These consequences may indeed be coming however, as the AACS group says posters "crossed the line" through their actions. "Some people clearly think it's a First Amendment issue," says AACS chair Michael Ayers. "There is no intent from us to interfere with people's right to discuss copy protection. We respect free speech.
"But," he adds, "a line is crossed when we start seeing keys being distributed and tools for circumvention. You step outside of the realm of protected free speech then." Ayers' organization has been actively tracking down everyone publishing the key, with a stated intention of taking "whatever action is appropriate."
The leaked key is also likely to be ineffective in the future. It was already removed from WinDVD prior to the Digg revolt, and although another playback program may still be exposed, the AACS group has already switched to a new DRM technique.
Why I don't support HD
05/04, 01:05pm reply
This is why I will not buy a Blue Ray or HD-DVD DVD player. Doing so supports an over intrusive DRM system, and in fact is the industry's main motive for pushing the standards.
No thanks.
Terrin
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
They can't win...
05/04, 01:36pm reply
It's a battle AACS can't win. People will always find ways to break DRM and share their knowledge with other people. However, I can see why this guy is trying... he wouldn't have a job otherwise.;-)
kuehnem
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2003
Overstepped rights?
05/04, 01:46pm reply
I believe AACS' claim that people overstepped the bounds of free speech should be taken as seriously as their insistance that copy protection doesn't infringe on customer's Fair Use rights.
hayesk
Professional Poster
Joined: Sep 1999
Bad marketing...
05/04, 01:48pm reply
I've long joked that the people and industry behind AACS have it completely backwards and that they should take a hint from drug dealers. Get people hooked first, then s**** them over with AACS. You don't s**** them first, THEN ask them to buy the product.
Piablo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2007
spread it far and wide
05/04, 02:15pm reply
09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0
climacs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
sue the b*******
05/04, 02:16pm reply
why not? after all it worked so well against Napster. That suit and the numerous suits against individual file downloaders completely stamped out online piracy.
Oh, wait...
climacs
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
Just another douche . . .
05/04, 03:31pm reply
This guy is just another old grouchy douche, he might as well start waving a stick in the air and scream "Hey you kids, get off my lawn", it would probably work just as well.
We should start a chain email with the crack in it with a message "help save freedom of speech, send this to everyone in your address book" only everyone copies that stupid fascist prick each time.
One time for the napster jab climacs.
Tins
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2007
money
05/04, 04:17pm reply
When will they finally learn that the money they invest on encryption NEVER pays off. Think of all the copy protection on CD's how did that turn out?? yea.. thats what i thought.
So they dump millions into copy protection only to have it cracked. And they wonder why they are losing money...
and the one thing these people NEVER get is.. most people who pirate would never buy the s*** to begin with!!!
eldarkus
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2004
climacs
05/05, 09:39am reply
You'll be receiving your lawsuit papers in the morning. You've been warned, but you decided to go and distibute it anyway. Plus, from what we understand, you rented a movie four years ago and watched it TWICE! We will not stand for this kind of c***!
LouZer
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2000
Re: Why I don't support
05/05, 09:40am reply
This is why I will not buy a Blue Ray or HD-DVD DVD player. Doing so supports an over intrusive DRM system, and in fact is the industry's main motive for pushing the standards.
And to think I thought a good enough reason was its higher cost (for both).
LouZer
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2000