The UK National Consumer Council has called for new laws to better govern the use of DRM software, and has angered the entertainment industry in doing so. The NCC is making the point that consumer's systems are being opened up to security risks due to the use of DRM software, particularly where rootkit technology has been utilised (as in the recent Sony case.) The fears of the NCC are quite founded, in my opinion - after all, these are our machines, and they don't belong to the likes of Sony, the RIAA and the MPAA. Additionally, some DRM software applications have opened up security holes that are ripe for exploitation by malware.
Jill Johnstone, director - policy, NCC, said that thanks to the current situation, consumers are facing security risks to their equipment, limitations on the use of products, poor information when purchasing products, and unfair contract terms.
The Council aims to carry out research to find futuristic consumer issues, and to develop and make policy solutions work to foster change where required.