Why Is Apple Embedding Your Details Into Each DRM-Free Tune? June 2, 2007
Read more Apple , Digital Audio , Gizmodo UK , Music , Online , iPod
Music lovers have waited a long time to get their mitts on DRM-free music [without pirating] and the recent deal between Apple and EMI seemed to be the answer.
Hell, most people don’t even mind forking out the extra 20p per track - a higher quality track too - for the privilege of being able to do what they like with them. But, there’s a shadow looming.
According to Ars Technica, Apple is embedding your name, account and email details in every DRM-free track you download. Why? The likely scenario seems to be that if the tunes you pay for end up on a P2P file sharing site online, or your mates iTunes catalogue, then they’ll be able to nab you for copyright infringement.
OK, we all know that a tool will arrive online to remove that incriminating info but until then what the hell is Apple playing at? The company is refusing to say – for now – but considering the amount of anger this move is causing, I’d be surprised if Apple didn’t make an official statement this week.-Martin Lynch
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
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They'd better – so even free singles of the week will be subject to action from Apple if they appear on Demonoid or whatever? That's almost voyeuristic – like some digital Rear Window.
This info also appears in Fairplay version 1 and 2 DRMed files.
Prepare to be surprised, Martin – Apple has declined to comment on why it's doing this ( http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/06/02/drm.free.music.privacy/ ). I suppose it makes a degree of sense if it's preventing seeders on P2P networks from getting away scot-free, but as the MacNN article says, this information is not even encrypted, throwing the question of user privacy from third parties into sharp perspective.
Hasn't it always been the case to embed this info on DRM tracks? A Get Info on my DRM tracks shows a "Purchased by" and "Account Name" email address under the Summary tab.
Apple have always said that the drm free tracks were to allow you to use the track on any of your equipment, not to share with every tom, dick or harry. If you're only playing the music on your mp3 player, etc then what does it matter if there is addition information embedded in the track.
@Goingblind: fair enough, but it's not even encrypted for Apple's exclusive dissection.
The irony I see is that most of us will gladly say yes to having our iPods (or other possessions) engraved free of charge.
Unless you plan to violate copyright law, having your name in both DRM and non-DRM tracks is simply your claim of ownership over these tracks. You can still give the non-DRM versions to your friends - you just have to be willing to accept the consequences, but that doesn't seem to be on the minds of those who are rasiing the issue.