EFF translates iTunes Music Store rules

By Jan Kabili

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has published a Guide to DRM (Digital Rights Management) for Online Music, attempting to translate into plain English restrictions on ownership of music you legitimately purchase from the iTunes Music Store and other music services. The article alleges that some music service DRMs give you less rights of ownership than you would have had if you purchased a CD (at least before CDs were also subject to DRMs).
According to EFF, Apple's DRM restricts:

  • Back-up copies—in that songs can only be copied to 5 computers;
  • Formats—in that songs are only sold in AAC format;
  • Player compatibility—to iPod and other Apple devices only;
  • Remixing—through restrictions on editing, excerpting, and sampling songs.
  • Transferability—restricting rights to give away or sell purchased music.

EFF also points out that Apple reserves the right to change the rules regarding what you are allowed to do with purchased music. DRM's like these are no laughing matter. Violations may subject you to liability under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act. Take a good look at the Terms of Sale and the Terms of Service at the iTunes Music Store before you buy.
 

Recommended