Copy Protection: More Trouble than it is Good?
I believe copy protection on audio CDs is pointless. Here is my rationale:
1. It is far from robust. If it can be done, it can most certainly be undone.
2. It doesn’t combat music piracy and file sharing. Scenario: I buy a CD and wish to upload it to my MP3 player. I cannot because of the copy protection. I end up downloading an illegitimate copy from a torrent just to be able to enjoy the music the way I like.
3. It is a waste of resources. I believe the resources that get wasted on imposing such micky-mouse defense mechanisms could be put into innovation and change. The likes of Prince, Radiohead, Issa - all those that have gone to new levels in record distribution - are cases to look at.
I don’t think for a moment that music should just be given away, not at all. But I also don’t believe that consumers should be restricted in their behaviours because of the bad guys. I feel that by not allowing people to upload the albums they pay money for to their MP3 device of choice, encourages illegal behaviour.
