From Ars Technica:
An attorney for Microsoft, Bonnie MacNaughton, said that “our own intellectual property was stolen from us and used to create this tool,” adding that Microsoft believes FairUse4WM’s developer seemed to have had an advantage over other hackers to crack the DRM.
However, when asked for a response to Microsoft’s allegations, Viodentia claims that he did no such thing. “I didn’t use any Microsoft source code. However, I believe that this lawsuit is a fishing expedition to get identity information, which can then be used to either bring more targeted lawsuits, or to cause other trouble.” Indeed, while Viodentia appears to be vigilant in keeping his real-life identity a secret, Microsoft’s lawyers have said that they are attempting to get Viodentia’s IP address or any other identifying information by going after websites hosting the software, as well as any online services that he has used under that pseudonym. Microsoft claims that although the “stolen” code comes as part of the Windows Media software development kit, it is “not easily accessible.” Well Microsoft, you know what they say about security through obscurity. (Hint: It’s not good.)
Source: Microsoft files lawsuit over DRM crack
This goes right to the point of DRM. It can never be 100% secure. Any system devised by humans can be broken by humans. All DRM really does is inconvenience paying customers.
In other DRM news, Microsoft’s new Zune music player, the closest anyone’s yet come to a true end-to-end iPod-killer, will not use Microsoft’s current “PlaysForSure” DRM, but will come with a completely new and different standard for locking down music tracks. Not only does this mean that anyone who currently has an investment in PlaysForSure music tracks or subscriptions like Napster won’t be looking too hard at the Zune, it means that Zune users won’t be able to purchase tracks from Napster or Wal-Mart, even though those music stores are prominent Microsoft partners.
Confused yet?
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