The BBC's digital rights plans will wreak havoc on open source software

[SteveHoffmanUK]

Today's Guardian exposes some sneaky plans by the BBC to try to leverage its broadcast license into control over the devices that can receive broadcasts,thus undermining the concept of free/open source software.

The article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/dec/22/bbc-drm-cory-doctorow.

[pwnst*r]

interesting article, thanks for posting.

[starcraft.man]

Oh BBC, you used to be relevant. At least I'm told so.

[tghe-retford]

As a person with an interest in media, I am astounded that the BBC could even justify DRM to control who can and cannot access their services, which I have paid for, and would expect universal access to, as per the conditions of a licence fee.

This computer, my Wi-Fi radio (I am sure the BBC would also apply DRM to audio if they could!), my Netgem iPlayer set-top-box and my Samsung TV's all use Linux to function - all software licensed under the GPL. If the BBC gets its way, all of these devices could fail to work.

[SunnyRabbiera]

Someone will bypass these restrictions though, give them time after the Beeb has its way.

[Joeb454]

As a person with an interest in media, I am astounded that the BBC could even justify DRM to control who can and cannot access their services, which I have paid for, and would expect universal access to, as per the conditions of a licence fee.

Nobody said you wouldn't be able to access it. Because the license fee is there - they'll have to provide a linux compatible version somehow, much like the iPlayer etc.

I imagine this will either be in the form of some kind of plugin to install, or simply something other than DRM being used.

[Psumi]

Nobody said you wouldn't be able to access it. Because the license fee is there - they'll have to provide a linux compatible version somehow, much like the iPlayer etc.

I imagine this will either be in the form of some kind of plugin to install, or simply something other than DRM being used.

No, they don't have to provide it, just like with MP3/DVD/etc. codecs/etc. Which are not free in the U.S, but we still use them for free. :|

[speedwell68]

A very interesting article indeed. Personally I think that Ofcom aren't going to allow this.

[Groucho Marxist]

As a person with an interest in media, I am astounded that the BBC could even justify DRM to control who can and cannot access their services, which I have paid for, and would expect universal access to, as per the conditions of a licence fee.

This computer, my Wi-Fi radio (I am sure the BBC would also apply DRM to audio if they could!), my Netgem iPlayer set-top-box and my Samsung TV's all use Linux to function - all software licensed under the GPL. If the BBC gets its way, all of these devices could fail to work.

As a broadcaster, I count my blessings that all of America's media outlets aren't subsidized to the state. This recent incident with the BBC only exacerbates matters for viewers, and one would think, programmers alike.

[jayze]

I'm probably naive, but, having read the threads I picked out a few comments....its true that the BBC are not exactly relevant anymore...I mean except for the odd drama/docu UK style what do they produce that anybody wants to watch or hear except other than due to habit. BBC news eg is my last choice when I want to catch up on whats going on. I don't understand the implications of the legalities, but I've been on this earth long enough to know that for sure if the BBC start withdrawing services then people will just find another way and that the loser at the end of the day will be the BBC. who will merely **** everyone off...the punter always votes with his feet! (ps anyone on here old enough to remember shoving wire up chimneys to get offshore radio caroline when the BBC did indeed have a monopoly?)lol!..and I'd like to add that as a UK net user its hard enough as it is..googles restricted/yahoos restricted/utube shows only half the vids etc and so forth. I was silly enough to sign up for a USA webmail...jeeze..the problems that causes would be a whole new thread...to summize..socrates said it....the gov exists for the people and not the people for the gov. And to finish...bear in mind Ofcom dont have that much clout!..they do their best but check out their funding and you'll see what I mean.:popcorn:

[starcannon]

Guess I'll have to watch "The IT Crowd" on DVD from Netflix then. Does the BBC do any other programs :lolflag: ?

[wipeout140]

Guess I'll have to watch "The IT Crowd" on DVD from Netflix then. Does the BBC do any other programs :lolflag: ?

They don't do the "The IT Crowd" - Channel 4 do it, in the UK anyway. BBC America may show it on behalf of channel 4

[Gizenshya]

I always used to think that the best way to do communist/socialist projects was to do it like that-- the only people who need to pay are those who use it. I thought it was unfair to make people pay for something they might not use.

But I never realized the problems that eventually turn up, like this. Perhaps an exemption program would be best, where everyone pays unless they get approved not to. But even then there could be problems... so maybe just the everyone pays all the time, whether they use it or not, is actually the best option.

Well, that is, for state-owned projects in general. The media is another issue. Governments need to have media outlets... but not entertainment, IMO. This causes its own problems.

[jayze]

LOL...good point...actually the government are often more entertaining than the BBC!...:popcorn:

[handy]

Next year I think we will start to really see the overt moves being made (particularly in the developed world) by the big media & technology corporations with regard to their plans for profiting from internet transferred data.

New devices, new markets & new pricing plans for both the old & the new.

Trouble coming for the internet, as I see it.

When the likes of Intel & Sony predict that 95% of internet traffic will be video by 2013, we know that they have BIG plans.

There will be new laws passed in countries as well, & this one scares the hell out of me, it may very well be ratified next year:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Counterfeiting_Trade_Agreement

[Qola]

I don't watch TV anymore. Most shows in the UK suck now anyway, so no biggie.

[jayze]

Yeah well its one thing passing laws and entirely another policing them....some laws are defunct just by virtue of the fact they are unenforceable...if I wake up one morning to a blank screen I'll know you guys are all banged up lol!...either that or I'm back on ms...at the end of the day its all about money...and if you want an old ladies opinion...the way the worlds going right now..I think the big fish will have a lot more frying to do than worrying about a bunch of cool people being nice to each other on the net. :lolflag:.:popcorn:

[jayze]

TV? whats TV got to do with it....in the YUK you need a TV licence for "any receiving equipment"...:popcorn:

[Qola]

YUK? lol

[jayze]

Then again, in the YUK its not so long since you had to have a licence to keep a dog!:popcorn:

[jayze]

Yuk as in Y for Yonderfull!...I'll probably be demoted to two cans and a piece of string or a carrier pigeon tomorrow lol ...:popcorn: