The Answer to Securing Data? Self-Destructing Files

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

> Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2003 23:06:55 -0400 (EDT)
> From: GLIGOR1 () aol com
>
>
> The Answer to Securing Data? Self-Destructing Files
>
> By Bernhard Warner and Lucas van Grinsven
>
> LONDON/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - If technology firms like Sony (6758.T) and 
> Microsoft (MSFT.O) have their way, songs and movies will expire after a 
> single play -- unless you pay the copyright holder their due.
>
> The technology that makes this possible -- known as digital rights 
> management, or DRM -- will forever change the way we consume media and 
> software, experts believe.
>
> Software and media companies continue to push new content security 
> initiatives, each plugging their own version of DRM that aims to protect 
> content from unwelcomed eyes. In the near future, emails, spread sheet 
> programs and Webpage content alike will be secured with digital locks.
>
> Sun Microsystems (SUNW.O) said this week it plans to roll out new software 
> to protect copyrighted content stored on mobile phones and smart cards. 
> Meanwhile, Warner Music released the new Steely Dan album "Everything Must 
> Go" on CD and DVD Audio, the latter being an encrypted, "rip-proof" 
> format.  The biggest market for content security is expected to be 
> corporations, government agencies and hospitals who need to keep sensitive 
> data from falling into the wrong hands. But so far, it's the media 
> companies that have made most noise about DRM.
>
> PIRACY KICKSTARTS THE MARKET
>
> Ravaged by piracy, movie studios and recording labels have been fitting 
> new CD and DVD releases with layers of computer code with the aim of 
> preventing or limiting users' ability to copy, or "rip," them onto a blank 
> disc and trade online.
>
> Consumer electronics companies such as Sony and Nokia (NOK1V.HE) have 
> stepped into the mix too, installing DRM systems into new hi-fi systems 
> and hand-held devices to ensure copyrighted materials aren't reproduced 
> and transferred from gadget to gadget without consumers paying for it.
>
> The media barons insist that if consumers are going to listen to music and 
> view movie clips and news headlines on any gadget with a screen, then the 
> rights holders must be paid.
>
> Media firms acknowledge they are treading a sensitive line between 
> preserving copyrights and satisfying the consumer. A system that 
> introduces too many limitations will most certainly end in bad PR and a 
> consumer backlash.
>
> CELINE WON'T SING
>
> "We have to find ways to mitigate piracy caused by open (technology) 
> formats. But at the same time we have to meet consumer demand for these 
> formats," said Barney Wragg, vice president of Universal Music's 
> (EAUG.PA)(V.N) eLabs, a technology R&D unit for the world's largest record 
> label.
>
> Last year, record label Sony Music came under fire when new European CD 
> releases by artists Celine Dion and Shakira wouldn't play on a PC or 
> Apple's (AAPL.O) Macintosh computer.
>
> A lot of the early bugs have been dealt with, and record companies say 
> they will continue to roll out new copy-protected discs and offer online 
> downloads that expire after a few listens based on the latest DRM systems.
>
> But a large complication still looms -- the lack of unified standards.
>
> DRM technologies come in a variety of flavors, pushed by device makers 
> such as Philips (PHG.AS) or software firms like Microsoft, which will 
> equip its Office 2003 software suite with user controls designating who 
> can print, copy or forward data.
>
> Last year, Sony and Philips acquired Intertrust, the pioneering American 
> digital rights firm and holder of the most DRM patents, for $450 million. 
> The duo's clout, it is hoped, will bring gadget makers and software firms 
> onto the same page.
>
> "It's very important to have collaboration and not confuse the consumer," 
> said Mike Tsurumi, the European chief of Sony's electronics arm.
>
>
>
> 06/16/03 09:40 ET
>
> Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited.  All rights reserved.


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