UK Cops Want A Way To Avoid Copy Protection Scheme

from the oh-sure,-they-get-to-download-for-free... dept

It's no secret that both Microsoft and Intel have been working on building copy protection technology deeper into their operating system and chips, respectively. It's not entirely clear why they feel that they should take away functionality from their end users in favor of the entertainment industry, but that's their choice. However, it appears that Microsoft's constantly name changing copy protection for Windows Vista has at least one group worried: authorities in the UK. Kenny in Boston writes in to point out that UK officials are worried that the "Trusted Platform Module" will make police work more difficult, since they won't be able to easily rummage through suspects' computers. Of course, rather than fighting it directly, they're simply negotiating with Microsoft to make sure there's a backdoor for the police. What they don't seem to realize is that, if there's a backdoor for the police, it's quite likely that others will figure it out pretty quickly as well, mostly rendering any copy protection system (once again) useless as copy protection, but quite effective as a customer annoyance.
Hide this

Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.

Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.

While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.

–The Techdirt Team


Reader Comments

Subscribe: RSS

View by: Time | Thread


  • identicon
    Jeremy, 15 Feb 2006 @ 10:10am

    No Subject Given

    There will never be a total copy protection of any software. If a hacker/programmer is bound and determined, it will get cracked. Most games these days have a no cd crack for them within a week of a game being released.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Charles Compton, 15 Feb 2006 @ 11:40am

      Re: No Subject Given

      I have a simple solution to all of this. The artist needs to GIVE away their music. If they set up a e-commerce web site that allows users to download the songs for free and allowing them to buy the shirts, hats and whatever else they can stamp their name on. They could even sell the video's and stamped copy of their CD. They will make more money that way. Of course RIAA would have to figure out how to get their grimy little paws in on it. It may not be the perfect fix, but it is a start.

      RIAA should be embracing the digital community instead of fighting them every step of the way. I mean, everything is going digital. I wonder if they realize that the cassette is gone the way of the 8-track. RIAA has been one or two step behind since all this started.

      There is my inflation adjusted 2 cents.

      link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 15 Feb 2006 @ 12:38pm

    DIREC TV / OSX and Linux

    DSS finally came up with some heavy duty copy protection for the DSS cards, it hasn't been cracked for a year now, but then again, if its not hack able, then just use the compeditors product instead.

    Lucky enough for us, Apple OSX x86 for PC is hacked to work on newer PC computers which you can download a leaked and pre-hacked version of Tiger 10.4.4, and also there is good old Linux which is free.

    So if Microsoft wants to play hardcore copy protection, then people wil just start moving on to the next platform and developing for it instead.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    giafly, 15 Feb 2006 @ 12:44pm

    BotLicker

    FTA: On its Windows Vista website, Microsoft says Bitlocker Drive Encryption "provides considerable off-line data and operating system protection for your computer".

    The correct name is "BotLicker". The programming team gave it this name to protest Microsoft's relationship with "Big Media".

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    veridicus, 15 Feb 2006 @ 2:22pm

    They've provided back doors before

    In the past Microsoft built an NSA key into Windows. So they've been willing to work closely with autorities before to provide back doors. We may never actually find out what they do to comply.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Elzeard, 16 Feb 2006 @ 9:18am

    No Subject Given

    Remember who said that?
    Why is it that All of the Computing Public is treated as if they are hard-boiled criminals? And why are they so unaffected by such treatment?
    Is there some research that tell Big Biz that all customers are crooks? Or is that their emotional assessment?
    I believe most people do not have the inclination &/or skill to rip-off the Entertainment Industry wholesale. I do know of two people who have DL'd movies and music for themselves and friends, and I don't condone that. However, I do wonder how much people like that are crippling the industry. How often do they watch or listen to their ill-gotten warez? From what I've seen, their burnt discs are more a trophy than a product.
    Yet there are those who do merchadise media in volume. That is certainly a problem that Should be corrected, but not by treating ME like a master thief. Any Product or Policy that abuses my trustworthy nature like that is going straight to the bottom of my preference list.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

    • identicon
      Elzeard, 16 Feb 2006 @ 9:22am

      -- "You are all Thieves!"

      I had given a subject - "You are all Thieves!"
      -- referring to a quote from Bill Gates (1985?).

      link to this | view in chronology ]


Follow Techdirt
Essential Reading
Techdirt Deals
Report this ad  |  Hide Techdirt ads
Techdirt Insider Discord

The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...

Loading...
Recent Stories

This site, like most other sites on the web, uses cookies. For more information, see our privacy policy. Got it
Close

Email This

This feature is only available to registered users. Register or sign in to use it.