DRM software is designed to protect copyright in material such
as music, films or software that is stored or transmitted
digitally. It works by encrypting the content and managing how that
content is used.
The policy debate around DRM is often cast as an argument
between publishers of software, music and movies, anxious to
prevent revenue loss from illegal duplication; and consumers, who
fear they may lose existing rights to freely enjoy what they have
purchased and to pass it on to others when they have finished with
it.
The issue has hit the headlines recently as music giant Sony BMG
has come under fire for selling CDs that install allegedly
dangerous copy-control software on user’s PCs. The firm has now
temporarily ceased production of the CDs.
However, to portray the issues surrounding DRM as merely a
consumer versus publisher debate is misleading, said APIG
today.
APIG exists to provide a discussion forum between new media
industries and Parliamentarians for the mutual benefit of both
parties. It informs Parliamentary debate through meetings, informal
receptions and reports.
It points to wider applications of DRM in, for example, allowing
individuals to buy the right to read a book just once, or pay a
fraction of a penny every time they play a song. This allows
publishers greatly flexibility in the services they offer and leads
to increased consumer choice, says the Parliamentary Group.
“DRM systems bring threats and opportunities to both publishers
and consumers,” said APIG Chairman Derek Wyatt MP. “This inquiry
will seek to establish how consumers, artists and the distribution
companies should be protected in a continually evolving market
place.”
The inquiry will focus on:
- Whether DRM distorts traditional tradeoffs in copyright
law;
- Whether new types of content sharing license (such as Creative
Commons or Copyleft) need legislation changes to be effective;
- How copyright deposit libraries should deal with DRM
issues;
- How consumers should be protected when DRM systems are
discontinued;
- To what extent DRM systems should be forced to make exceptions
for the partially sighted and people with other disabilities;
- What legal protections DRM systems should have from those who
wish to circumvent them;
- Whether DRM systems can have unintended consequences on
computer functionality;
- The role of the UK Parliament in influencing the global agenda
for this type of technical issue.
APIG requires written evidence from interested parties by 21st
December 2005.
