Is PGP a a DRM system? [LWN.net]

Is PGP a a DRM system?

Posted Jan 18, 2006 20:18 UTC (Wed) by chel (guest, #11544)
Parent article: Reactions to the GPLv3 Draft and a GPLv2-V3 Comparative Chart (Groklaw)

Just wondering, besides the entertainment industry wanting a "For your eyes only." system, these mechanisms, can be usefull, like in PGP. Where does signing and protection against unauthorised access stop, and where does DRM start?

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Is PGP a a DRM system?

Posted Jan 19, 2006 8:14 UTC (Thu) by Wol (subscriber, #4433) [Link]

If you're talking about the wording in GPL v3, it's where the DMCA starts and stops.

The DMCA uses the same wording, I believe, as v3 namely "an effective technological protection measure".

So if someone uses GPL v3 code as part of a technological protection measure, or DRM, then they are barred from suing under the DMCA. Or rather, they're not barred, but the act of suing voids the GPL and turns them into a copyright pirate.

Cheers,
Wol