Apple’s iPad to have more of the same…DRM that is

Monday, the LA Times reported that Apple plans to offer most books on the iBook store with fan favorite FairPlay copy protection. Yes, that’s the DRM that gets most of your knickers in a twist on the iTunes Store. Not this again. When will the industry learn?

It’s an attempt to keep piracy under control, which is in partly understandable. Authors—not unlike artists, movie studios and app programmers—don’t want you to steal their hard work. But you’re the one paying for it; you aren’t supposed to be the problem, unless you turn around and give everyone and their brother your music, movies and apps.

A quick reminder, FairPlay is the reason you have to authorize your iTunes account on every new computer you buy and install iTunes on. Well, the ones that you want to play “your” music, movies or other iTunes content on. Up to five of them at least. And don’t forget to deauthorize any unused computers or hard drives; though that’s hard to remember to do.

The LA Times goes on to point out that “the majority of publishers are expected to embrace FairPlay.” Guess who won’t? You and me.

I really don’t understand why DRM is even necessary anymore. Why is anything more than having your iTunes account name or details attached to all of our media necessary? I don’t share my media with anyone anyway, but knowing there are identifying details on said media would be enough to deter most piracy. At least the kind that’s stoppable. Piracy will continue; it always does. But I really think identifying information on your media that’s just as hard to strip as traditional DRM on your media is a happy medium for both producers and consumers. It’s less restrictive, but provides evidence in cases of abuse to the rights of that media.

If you really hate DRM, like moreso than most, you can join the effort to make your voice heard on the subject at DefectiveByDesign.org. Let’s just say they aren’t too happy about DRM on the iPad.

Am I missing something? Please, give me your thoughts on DRM in the comments. I’m really interested to hear opinions. I’m doubting that anyone really embraces DRM.