[okfn-discuss] Keeping DRM out of HTML5

Thu May 16 20:54:16 UTC 2013

Back when Apple was first presenting the idea of iPhone apps as an
alternate universe, sans Flash, a web developer friend of mine said an
interesting thing:  That he felt like one possible upside might be that
this would actually help the web be the web; help the web stay the web.
 Ie, the web could focus on remaining an open platform for all kinds of
content, using its common protocols, while apps went off and monetized.

So at the least, there may be a strong case to be made that a DRM-free web
can "Help The Web Be The Web" or stay the web.  Open to all.

Also, the idea of the OKFn being a member of the W3C is really, really
compelling.  And indeed, probably one of the few ways to truly move the
needle, in time.  If none of the key members objected, then this has been
incubating a long time, and may be nearly inevitable.  We should still make
our case, though.

Heh.  Maybe the OKFn chooses this particular moment to join the W3C in
protest.  :) (Sort of a twist on leaving in protest; might even give media
a hook to report on.)

- Heath

On Thursday, May 16, 2013, Aaron Wolf wrote:

> Gavin, I agree. So I was just reframing: Native apps and segregated
> platforms are indeed a threat if not a sabotage of the open web. The
> calculus must be whether DRM in HTML is an effective defense in any way,
> whether it will not have worse downsides, and whether we can afford the
> political damage of acquiescing. Keeping the frame about trying to
> compromise in order to ward off worse threats, I'm willing to support
> continued discussion about what compromise makes sense.
>
> --
> Aaron Wolf
> wolftune.com
>
>
> On Thu, May 16, 2013 at 3:58 PM, Gavin Chait <gavin.chait at okfn.org> wrote:
>
> Aaron, there is a fast-growing alternative to the open web.  Native apps.*
> ***
>
> ** **
>
> And that is a world controlled by Google, Apple and Microsoft.****
>
> ** **
>
> Ars Technica has a good review of the stakes:
> http://arstechnica.com/business/2013/05/drm-in-html5-is-a-victory-for-the-open-web-not-a-defeat/
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> G****
>
> ** **
> ------------------------------
>
> *Gavin Chait** | Head of Services* *| Open Knowledge Foundation
> *gavin.chait at okfn.org | M:  +44 (0) 78 9495 7090  | http://okfn.org/****
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* Aaron Wolf [mailto:wolftune at gmail.com]
> *Sent:* 16 May 2013 20:12
> *To:* gavin.chait at okfn.org; Open Knowledge Foundation discussion list
> *Subject:* Re: [okfn-discuss] Keeping DRM out of HTML5****
>
> ** **
>
> Gavin,****
>
> I think there's a certain frame missing from your point. I see it simply
> like this: if the proprietary-publishers have enough power to really
> sabotage the open web otherwise, then compromising on DRM in order to avoid
> that sabotage is indeed in our interests.****
>
> I think that's what you're saying. If not, if you think that the open web
> will survive and be robust regardless of what saboteurs may do, then
> accepting DRM is totally debatable. The idea that more-open but-DRM'ed
> stuff will bring more total net openness is misguided, I think. Bringing
> easy accessible DRM into the frame is sure to enable and encourage adding
> DRM in tons of places where it might otherwise be avoided.****
>
>
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