iTunes goes DRM-free. Is it Worth it?

Cheryl | Jan 13, 2009 | View Comments


When it comes to mp3 players, the iPod is definitely among the most popular ones available. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for its software iTunes. Every new version released just seems to have something or the other wrong.

One big caveat of iTunes was that its store sold music with encryption (DRM). This meant if you bought a song or album, you were restricted to burning the song seven times and transferring it to about five computers. Then came iTunes Plus, which sold DRM-free music for a higher price.

Now, iTunes has decided to go DRM-free as well. The store will update its existing music collection to the Plus versions and new music added will also be free of DRM encryption. So what are the good and bad parts of this decision? Let’s take a look.

One thing is that users will no longer be bound by any sharing restrictions. That means once you buy a song, you are free to play it on as many playback devices as you want, including other media players that support the AAC format. Another benefit is that if you already own the iTunes DRM version of a song, then you can download the AAC version from iTunes Plus for a lesser price than it would cost you to purchase the song otherwise.

The downside to iTunes Plus is that users can still be pulled up for copyright violation if they share the file. How? Well, each song has the user’s email address stored in it. That means if one of your files ever made its way to the p2p networks, guys at the RIAA could easily trace the file back to you and thereby pull you up for it.

Overall, I think that iTunes going DRM-free is a step in the right direction. What are your thoughts on the subject? Does this move mean you will buy more music from iTunes? Let me know in the comments.


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About the Author: Hi, I'm Cheryl and I also blog over at http://www.ghacks.net/. I have a Masters degree in Zoology but I love discovering and writing about new technology as well. I enjoy blogging, especially about all things related to multimedia. I'm extremely passionate about sports and I'm a supporter of the Arsenal Football Club.

  • I dont buy music from iTunes, but if I did and i shared it with a mate,  and it found its way to a P2P network then Id go nuts.  Stick with the old
  • Personally, I think it will help out iTunes' market share even more.  If people know their songs aren't just tied to their iTunes, I think it will shift more people over.
  • There was never any concern when you bought a CD. You could listen to it anywhere. Why they ever made restrictions on digital files is beyond me. That's why people get them free, because of all the problems sites like iTunes cause.
  • It's good that it is going DRM-free. I personally don't like the idea of DRM and would rather be without it. That was one of the reasons I refused to buy anything through iTunes.
  • personally I think it's about time...

    there is now no reason why people won't use itunes
  • well it is a relieve that DRM is gone - however it may results in more Copy Right violations
  • I'll definitely be using iTunes more now the drm has gone. Is it a bad thing that people will get pulled up if songs get onto p2p networks? I feel probably not. The constant assertions made by the pirate community that downloading music increases sales and benefits artists is completely unproven, and recent economic events will mean that musicians are hit even harder.
    Sharing music and downloading it for free is not a fundamental human right, no matter how many people partake in it.
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