DRM prevents you from downloading copies of books you've purchased from online storefronts, but is it legal to bypass DRM to create backups? Cory Doctorow, an expert on the DMCA, weighs in on the subject.
  • M. Orange@beehaw.orgEnglish
    28·
    7 days ago

    Just in case anyone didn’t feel like reading the article, here’s the last (and imo most important) paragraph:

    However, without changing the DMCA, we can’t expect to see real, lasting change in this space. Doctorow said as much to me: “What we really need to do is get rid of DMCA 1201, that law that makes it a crime to format shift your media…it’s the same law that stops farmers from fixing their tractors, blocks independent mechanics from fixing your car, stops rivals from setting up alternative app stores for phones and games consoles…this law is a menace!”

    • Chahk@beehaw.orgEnglish
      12·
      7 days ago

      Good guy Meta. Fighting for us little guys, downloading terabytes of books, defending against lawsuits. Maybe they’ll overturn DMCA?

      /s

      • psud@aussie.zoneEnglish
        10·
        7 days ago

        I luckily live in a country where I may break copy protection if it is to move the content into a format where I can use it as I prefer

        Eg I could (and did) legally break copy protection on DVDs to allow me to watch them on my Linux computer

        • Neshura@bookwormstory.socialEnglish
          6·
          6 days ago

          Over here you can even make copies for personal use or sharing with a close group of friends.

          I love the unintended consequences of declaring that the internet is to be treated under the same laws as radio broadcasts. Suddenly being allowed to make a recorded copy of anything as long as you yourself create the copy becomes significantly more important.

  • orcrist@lemm.eeEnglish
    13·
    6 days ago

    It’s interesting when people are put to the choice. On the one hand they could purchase a book with DRM that they don’t actually own. On the other hand, they could look for alternative means by which to obtain the book. And the more the publishers f*** with you, the more you might be inclined to never give them a penny.

    • Neshura@bookwormstory.socialEnglish
      5·
      6 days ago

      I will never stop being confused by this law. Just crossing the street cannot possibly be illegal anywhere. I’m fully convinced the entire thing is an elaborate joke by the americans.

      • baggachipz@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        7·
        6 days ago

        Like everything else here in the US, it’s borne out of racism. In the Jim Crow era, most black people couldn’t afford a car. White people driving around didn’t like those pesky walking people getting in their way, so they made it difficult to cross the street. It then gave cops a way to threaten/arrest/persecute them.

    • orcrist@lemm.eeEnglish
      4·
      6 days ago

      How can they catch people who have produced unlocked epubs? There are plenty of ways if they have your device at some future date.

      I suppose the easiest predictable thing other than having your device seized when you’re entering the country for example or when you get arrested for example is that back doors could be installed on Android or iPhone that look for unapproved media.

      The technology is already good enough for that. It’s only a question of implementation.

      • Taleya@aussie.zoneEnglish
        3·
        6 days ago

        I’m too fucken old to read a book on a goddamn phone screen and my eco reader is too old to enshittify. Mwahahahahha i am untouchable

  • StarlightDust@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    5·
    6 days ago

    Sadly its not doable with Kindle and Linux anymore. I buy my ebooks since I only read indie but I will only do it from Itch or other DRM free sites.

  • ctkatz@lemmy.mlEnglish
    4·
    7 days ago

    i’m glad that there is an(other) program for audible. i like this one better. it automatically converts to a file format i prefer and downloads my books immediately, which is convenient for preorders. besides that, i personally would like to not use the audible app for playback; this is just a personal preference though. i have an audiobook app that works just as well. if anything this would just be me eliminating an app from my devices than anything else.

  • spacecadet@lemm.eeEnglish
    3·
    7 days ago

    I would if I could, but Kindles new DRM can get around DeDRM. Waiting for an update. Trying to find a new way to buy books but seems like you just get locked into someone else DRM, which may have less support around DRM removal