MS content control coming

[Jason McCullough]

http://library.northernlight.com/FB20020623170000020.html?cb=0&dx=1006&sc=0#doc

Wierdly, when Drudge linked to this he missed the most important part:

'Microsoft is developing a new system to improve computer security that will address concerns about privacy, security and intellectual property, Newsweek reports in the current issue. Among the several benefits of the ambitious long-range plan, called "Palladium": it will seal information from attackers, it will block many viruses and worms from your computer and it will allow users to participate in new services and applications that allow control of their personal information even after it leaves their computer. Palladium could even help keep out spam from your inbox. To ensure security, the system requires special security chips, which Intel and Advanced Microdevices have agreed to produce. "It's one of the most technically complex things ever attempted on the PC," says Gartner analyst Martin Reynolds.'

Here comes the mp3 lockout chips.

[DennyA]

MP3 lockout chips and the 2002 version of the Processor Serial Number.

MS is the LAST company I trust to do this. I'm not one of those evil-empire, Linux-loving MS bashers, but after seeing some of their licensing machinations, there's some scary stuff on there.

Maybe I shouldn't be selling my old P3/700 after all. I think "unlocked" PCs will be collectors items in a few years. Better make a few backup copies of my no-activation Windows 98SE and Me CDs as well.

Of course, then the MPAA and RIAA will get Congress to slip a bill requiring the "security chips" in any PC before it can legally log on the Internet.

(You may think I'm being facetious, but read up on what's going on behind the scenes with HDTV right now. People paying $2,500 for a current generation HDTV are gonna be mighty pissed a couple of years down the road. And enjoy Tivo while you have it...)