 | |
| Developer(s) | Sony DADC |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 1998 |
| Type | Optical disc copy protection, digital rights management |
| Website | web |
SecuROM is a CD/DVD copy protection and digital rights management (DRM) system developed by Sony DADC and introduced in 1998.[1]: 11 It aims to prevent unauthorised copying and reverse engineering of software, primarily commercial computer games running on Windows. The method of disc protection in later versions is data position measurement, which may be used in conjunction with online activation DRM. SecuROM gained prominence in the late 2000s but generated controversy because of its requirement for frequent online authentication and strict key activation limits. A 2008 class-action lawsuit was filed against Electronic Arts for its use of SecuROM in the video game Spore.[2] Opponents, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, believe that fair-use rights are restricted by DRM applications such as SecuROM.[3][4]
- ^ Block, Debbie Galante (June 2001). "Key2 the kingdom: Sony offers copy protection for CD-R". Emedia Magazine. 14 (6). Online, Incorporated: 10–11 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Pigna, Kris (24 September 2008). "EA Hit with Class Action Lawsuit over Spore DRM". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on 1 October 2009. Retrieved 9 January 2009.
- ^ "Electronic Frontier Foundation's website's DRM section". Archived from the original on 2011-06-03.
- ^ Lohmann, Fred (November 21, 2008). "Apple Downgrades Macbook Video with DRM". EFF. Retrieved September 4, 2017.
So this is just another example of the way in which the MPAA companies use DRM not to stop piracy...but rather to control those who make devices that play movies.