Topic: RIP MyFairTunes and QTFairUse...

[scottws]

Those two programs could be used to remove the FairPlay DRM on iTunes store-purchased MP4 files at zero loss in quality because they were able to capture the decrypted MP4 file in memory and save it.  Well apparently the authors of those programs started a new project called Requiem that was a deCSS-like attack on the encryption itself.  Apple responded immediately by serving cease and desist letters and updating iTunes to 7.6 and QuickTime to 7.4.1, both of which break all current FairPlay-defeating tools.  What's more, the authors of MyFairTunes and QTFairUse (and FFU, another tool) are fully complying with the letter and will not update their programs to defeat the current DRM.

This blows.  I updated both iTunes and QuickTime recently, because QTFairUse6 always kept pace with the releases.  Well now I'm stuck and can't go back, which sucks because I just bought a track today from the iTunes store.

[Cobra951]

Moral of the story: don't fund DRM-pushing bullies.

Edit:  That does suck.  Someone will pick up the ball and run with it, though.  Encryption in this context is fatally flawed at the conceptual level.  It can always be broken without cryptographic genius.

[scottws]

It's actually fairly interesting.  The music industry has basically realized that DRM was a mistake, which is why pretty much any new place that pops up selling downloadable tunes is selling them DRM-free.

The problem now is that Apple put on DRM at the request of the recording industry.  Well now that they are firmly at the top of the downloadable song market, I'm sure they are content to leave the DRM on there and keep people attached to iTunes and the iPod.

The funny thing is that the only reason I ever started buying tracks on iTunes was because I knew I could strip the files of the DRM.  Now that I can't, I'll stop.  If you search the web, this is pretty much the general sentiment... that myFairTunes and QTFairUse actually made Apple money.

[Cobra951]

I honestly don't see why anyone should put up with it, given the choices.  I talked about my good experience buying an Amazon MP3 album recently.  (Thread is here somewhere.  You were there.)  I'm sure they're not unique.  I realize you prefer AAC.  The bulk of the market won't care, though, as long as their player of choice handles the format.

[ren]

I thought that most of the music at the iTunes store was DRM free now, or did I hear incorrectly?

[scottws]

EMI tracks are DRM-free.