Open Rights Group welcomes EMI move to ditch locked-up music

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 April 2007

OPEN RIGHTS GROUP WELCOMES EMI MOVE TO DITCH LOCKED-UP MUSIC

The Open Rights Group, a grassroots membership organisation that campaigns for Internet users’ rights, has today applauded EMI’s move to sell unencumbered digital music compatible with all MP3 players.

Consumer groups and regulators across Europe have criticised “Digital Rights Management” (DRM) software that stops consumers playing music purchased online on many mobile phones, non-Windows computers and MP3 players. Some DRM software has caused serious security problems when installed on CD buyers’ computers. Last month, EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection Meglena Kuneva asked: “Do you find it reasonable that a CD will play in all CD players, but an iTunes song will only play on an iPod? It doesn’t [sound reasonable] to me. Something must change.”

Open Rights Group board member Ian Brown said: “It’s great news that EMI has finally listened to their customers and technology experts and dropped DRM. Music fans can now listen to top-quality audio on whatever MP3 player and computer they like – without risking security breaches and player lock-in from flawed ‘copy protection’ tools.”

Members of the Open Rights Group are available for interview. In the first instance, please contact Michael Holloway on +44 (0)20 7096 1079 or email michael[at]openrightsgroup.org. About the Open Rights Group The Open Rights Group is a digital rights advocacy group based in the UK. It aims to increase awareness of digital rights issues, to help foster grassroots activity and to preserve and extend civil liberties in the digital age.