WSJ: DRM and the future

In an article titled "," The Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required) takes a look at the current incarnations of digital rights management (DRM) and what the future might hold. Citing Apple's iTunes Music Store as an example, the article notes that one of Apple's recent DRM changes -- increasing the number of computers capable of playing songs to five -- was retroactive, and applied to all songs, not just those purchased after the change took effect, demonstrating the power of DRM. "However, there's nothing preventing Apple from making its DRM retroactively more restrictive -- though the company says that's unlikely."

The article also discusses the mediocre success subscription-based online music stores are having and notes that future DVDs may also employ various DRM technologies. "You may, for instance, be able to make a copy of the 'Toy Story 4' DVD for your laptop -- but not do the same thing with 'Charlie's Angels 5.'"

by MacNN Staff