MP3s to have copyright protection?

[Brian Turner]

MP3 creators to add copy protection

A new version of MP3 - the digital music format that kicked off the online music sharing revolution - is being developed that will include technology to stop unauthorised copying and sharing.
The two companies that own the patents covering MP3, Thomson and Fraunhofer, are working on a new version that will incorporate so-called digital right management (DRM) technology.

DRM can be used in conjunction with software and hardware players to limit the number of copies of a music file a user can make, or to prevent forwarding. As yet, however, it is unclear how the new protection system will work.

"Eventually, digital distribution will be a significant mass market," Rocky Caldwell, director of technology marketing for Thomson, told CNET News. "We think it will be served well by [digital rights management] that is based on standards. No one else seems to be proposing that."



More: http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994731

[trevHCS]

Could be interesting trying to stop people copying MP3's especially the forwarding bit - does that include forwarding by mail I wonder?

The trouble is, unless they add something to the MP3 spec. that is so spectacular that everyone has to have it, people will just continue to use older writing software or software that ignores the new rules (even if they have a patent) and so won't work.

Also people aren't going to buy MP3 players which will only play the new versions therefore manufactures are very unlikely to make them.

Of course all we need is MPEG 4 music files and that'll scupper 'em.

Trev