The Weird Rules Governing What We Download (2024)

It had been a great day: dinner with friends, raucous stories, cold beer, lots of laughter. And now, a movie to cap it all off—some new, Oscar-buzzworthy flick. There’s no Blockbuster in my town (what few brick-and-mortar video stores remain feel like stubborn holdouts from an era past). For better or worse, media—movies, books, music—exist in the digital world now. A few clicks on a mouse are all that stood between me and a new release.

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    Kyle Wiens is CEO of iFixit, the largest online repair community, as well as founder of Dozuki, a software company dedicated to helping manufacturers publish amazing documentation.

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The Weird Rules Governing What We Download (2024)

FAQs

Is removing DRM illegal in the US? ›

"DRM removal is perfectly legal only if done for personal usage" As long as you're only doing it for stuff you bought, and not distributing it further, you're fine. techuntold.com/is-it-legal-to…

Is it legal to remove DRM from a Kindle book? ›

You need either a Kindle device or an old version of Kindle for Windows or Mac to be able to remove DRM from Kindle files. Removing DRM isn't illegal, but doing so in order to distribute copyrighted material usually is.

Is bypassing DRM illegal? ›

As a general matter, you should not circumvent these copyright controls, or you may face civil and criminal penalties under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Some copyright owners embed a form of DRM into their digital work in order to control its use and distribution.

What happens if you break DRM? ›

jurisdictions copyright infringement is a civil matter, and there is pretty robust legislation that protects "fair use" and the "right to repair". Modifying (Removing DRM on) a piece of software that you yourself have bought is perfectly legal.

How do I get around DRM ebooks? ›

In order to decrypt Google Play Books, you are required to export your Google Play books as EPUB files via Adobe Digital Editions. Then open Epubor Ultimate, and add your Google Play books listed under the Adobe tab in the left side panel to the right main windows of Epubor Ultimate to remove Google Play DRM.

Is it legal to convert Kindle book to PDF? ›

Yes, if you plan on using the file for yourself. However, due to copyright, don't plan to share these PDFs with others since it's not legal. We've also got a guide on how to send PDFs to your Kindle if you want this process the other way around. Best Kindle 2022: which Amazon ereader should you buy?

How to break DRM? ›

Convert the file format: Change the DRM-protected file into something else, such as MP3 or AAC. You can use software or online converters. Use DRM removal tools: Download software designed for removing DRM from music files. These tools will strip away the digital rights restrictions.

Is it legal to remove DRM from movies? ›

Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), removing or attempting to defeat DRM is illegal. But as long as you're doing it for music or video you own, and not reselling it after you remove it — no one will care.

Is DRM a law? ›

DRM technologies include licensing agreements and encryption. Laws in many countries criminalize the circumvention of DRM, communication about such circumvention, and the creation and distribution of tools used for such circumvention.

What made it illegal to break any sort of digital rights management DRM? ›

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is a US law that went into effect in 1998. It makes it a crime to figure out how to defeat DRM systems, whether or not a copyright is actually violated.

How is DRM legal? ›

The technology provided by DRM not only enables content creators to retain ownership of their work but also allows them to exert more control of their products. Licensing contracts and agreements legally specify what users can and cannot do with their creation.

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