It seems that you're using an outdated browser. Some things may not work as they should (or don't work at all).
We suggest you upgrade newer and better browser like: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer or Opera

×
It's more complicated than that, since DMCA 1201 has far reaching consequences, which go beyond US, therefore it makes sense to oppose it in general. Opposition to it sends message to the industry that created this idiocy, which includes multinational corporations, which aren't limited to US. This industry also attempts to squeeze DMCA 1201 like rules into international trade agreements (ACTA, TPP, TAFTA and the like) to bypass democratic mechanisms in many countries, knowing that people in general oppose this stupidity. Therefore it's ignorant to think that the problem is limited to US only.

By the way, note that Poland had one of the strongest protests against ACTA which helped to shelve it in EU (at least for now).
Post edited April 12, 2013 by shmerl
Good update on this. There is a proposal in the Congress to remove the ban on circumventing DRM for legal usage. But it still needs to be passed, and for sure authors of DMCA would be strongly opposed. So show your support!

See http://fixthedmca.org/unlocking-technology-act.html
Post edited May 09, 2013 by shmerl
low rated
avatar
shmerl: http://fixthedmca.org

GOG as staunch opponents of DRM should support this campaign aimed at repealing the notorious and commonly abused section 1201 of the DMCA - the anti circumvention provision.
GOG claims to be against DRM, but all their games are DRMed. All GOG games require an account and an internet connection before you can even access them. So it would not make sense for GOG to be support a campaign against the DMCA.
Having an account to buy a game does not equal to DRM. As well as having an Internet connection. You are mixing up things. Account is not required once you bought it. I.e. save the installer - and then account is not necessary to install it later and play it (unlike Steam for example which makes a big difference). Internet connection can be compared to having a road to a retail store. Again - it's not needed once you bought the game.

So it would make perfect sense for GOG to oppose DMCA circumvention provisions, which are essentially a fence around DRM created by the DRM lobby.
Post edited May 09, 2013 by shmerl
avatar
doady: GOG claims to be against DRM, but all their games are DRMed. All GOG games require an account and an internet connection before you can even access them. So it would not make sense for GOG to be support a campaign against the DMCA.
I know you are just trolling, but that's like saying that books have DRM because you have to go to a store to buy one.

You have to be mentally capable of making the difference between:

1. Obtaining the object you are purchasing (e.g. going to a store to get it, or ordering it by mail, or downloading it online; no difference there, just different ways of obtaining the purchase)

2. What you can do with your purchase after you have obtained it the first time.

DRM applies only to #2. If the book e.g. required you to call the store or the book publisher every time you want to start reading it, then it could be considered to have DRM, as the usage is controlled after the purchase.

avatar
shmerl: So, are GOG interested in publically denouncing DMCA 1201?
Double-edged sword, because on the other hand GOG has to be able to go to meetings with the bigwigs from which they want to negotiate DRM-free games, like EA, Ubisoft and such.

It may be a bit similar case how GOG does not allow discussion and links about PC game cracks on the site. I presume it is in order not to upset the game publishers that they need to negotiate with.
Post edited May 09, 2013 by timppu
avatar
shmerl: http://fixthedmca.org

GOG as staunch opponents of DRM should support this campaign aimed at repealing the notorious and commonly abused section 1201 of the DMCA - the anti circumvention provision.
avatar
doady: GOG claims to be against DRM, but all their games are DRMed. All GOG games require an account and an internet connection before you can even access them. So it would not make sense for GOG to be support a campaign against the DMCA.
Ok, I'll bite. What's the acceptable alternative you propose?
May 6th is a proposed day to take action against DRM:

https://defectivebydesign.org/dayagainstdrm/