How can I explain why DRM cannot work?
Problem
I am looking for the shortest comprehensive way to explain to people that are trying to use DRM as a technology to prevent users from using their data in some fashion deemed undesirable, why their solution cannot work by definition. Ideally I'd like something that: Covers why technically it is impossible to have people access local data, but only in such-and-such a way Imparts an understanding of why this is, to avoid follow-on "But what if" rebuttals Is intuitive enough and short enough that even a politician (j/k) could grasp it When faced with this situation I try to be clear and concise, but I usually end up failing at least on one of these points. I'd really like to have a 'stock' answer that I can use in the future.
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1 Fix
Fix for: How can I explain why DRM cannot work?
The fundamental problem with DRM is that you're giving somebody a locked box and the key used to open it. You're distributing a copy of the key with the lock. Every person that possesses a protected Blu-Ray, DVD, software package, and protected CD also possesses the key that will unprotect it. The people who design the DRM systems can try as they might to hide the key such that only those in the know (i.e. authorized decryptors/players/users) can find it, but there are a lot of curious people i…
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