Check new music CDs for PC copy-protection
The music industry's latest attempt to halt unauthorised online music distribution could result in widespread use of copy-protection technology that prevents users from burning music files from CDs onto hard disks.
Copy-protected CDs have been quietly distributed to music stores around the world as part of record labels' attempts to halt the illegal reproduction of music.
Israeli copy control specialist Midbar Tech claims one million CDs featuring its technology have already been released in the European market alone, although the labels have yet to officially speak on the issue.
But one of the world's top five record firms admitted trials have begun in Germany, and could spread to other countries.
'Under the EU copyright act, copyright holders are encouraged to use technical means to protect their copyright,' said a spokesperson for the company. 'We're not trying to stop people making copies, it's the distribution that's the concern. And we're not the first industry to try this - VHS vidoes have been copy protected for years.'
But the stragey has been criticised by analysts, who believe the industry should look to develop better online music services to prevent users taking matters into their own hands.
'It's taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut - a further example of the music industry not really thinking how to address this market, throwing a technology solution at something that won't be solved by a technology solution,' said Rebecca Ulph, analyst at Forrester Research.
Ulph also said the problem with any copy-protection technology, particularly one designed to restrain one of the biggest growth areas on the Web, would inevitably attract hackers.
'None of these things is uncrackable. Someone will eventually manage to do it and because of the Internet, once it's cracked, anyone who wants it will be able to overcome the protection.'
Source: PCPro
