Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Copyright Law Blogs -> Michael Geist

Copyright Law

: Michael Geist

61 Reforms to C-61, Day 38: TPMs - No DRM Regulatory Authority

By Michael Geist

One of the ongoing concerns with anti-circumvention provisions is the prospect that the legal rules create incentives to use - and possibly misuse - DRM.  France, which many people hold up as an example of a country that prioritizes copyright and creator protection, has many of the same concerns about DRM misuse and the lack of interoperability.  Its copyright law establishes a DRM authority which is charged with ensuring interoperability. The authority is an independent administrative body focused on DRM.  It submits an annual report to the government and may appear before parliamentary committees on future copyright law reforms.  The creation of a specific body to address these issues is an acknowledgement of the need for regular review of concerns arising from the use of DRM supported by anti-circumvention legislation.  Bill C-61 contains no such acknowledgement or awareness of the prospect of unintended consequences from this legislation.

Full post as published by Michael Geist on August 13, 2008 (boomark / email).