Comment Number:	539814-00304
Received:	1/9/2009 10:37:12 AM
Organization:
Commenter:	J Carson
State:	GA
Agency:	Federal Trade Commission
Rule:	FTC Town Hall to Address Digital Rights Management Technologies - Event Takes Place Wednesday, March 25, 2009, in Seattle
Attachments:

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Comments:

DRM invalidates my right to fair use. Under the fair use laws, I have the right to make a backup copy of the media I purchase; incase I break the disc, loose it, etc. With DRM I cannot even do that, so if my media becomes unusable I have to go purchase another copy. The only people that DRM affects are honest people. DRM does NOT deter piracy, as it was intended. If someone wanted to defeat the DRM, it takes only a few minutes; but the fact is, one shouldn't have to do that to make a backup or even just play the music/game. DRM is essentially "crippleware". Some music labels have installed "malware" without the consumers knowledge and called it DRM. Lots of games for the computer only let you "activate" them a handful of times then you have to go buy a new one; which isn't nice because things happen and you have to wipe your computer or you get a new one etc. DRM is what keeps me from making a backup copy of my xbox games. I treat the Discs as if they were gold, but things (or children) happen. Sure, I could modify the hardware and void my warranty to make backup's work; but I refuse to do that as it will void my warranty; but that's besides the point that I should not have to do that. DRM is not the answer. DRM hurts the consumer.