[kwlug-disc] One way to kill open source

[Chris Irwin]

On Mon, May 11, 2009 at 14:33, Richard Weait <richard at weait.com> wrote:
> On Mon, 2009-05-11 at 14:00 -0400, john at netdirect.ca wrote:
>> http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-300769.html?tag=nl.e589
>
> The article suggests:
> "Software companies could be held responsible for the security and
> efficacy of their products, if a new European Commission consumer
> protection proposal becomes law."
>
> This is unlikely, if enacted, to apply to Free Software; no contractual
> agreement.  It will increase the cost of proprietary software as they
> scramble to pay for insurance.  Proprietary software quality will not
> improve.

I'm a little curious how this would affect DRM on software and media.
Especially considering the Sony rootkit fiasco, and the effects of
certain DRM products used in PC Gaming. A bit from the article:

A priority area for possible EU action is "extending the principles of
consumer protection rules to cover licensing agreements of products
like software downloaded for virus protection, games or other licensed
content", according to the commissioners' agenda. "Licensing should
guarantee consumers the same basic rights as when they purchase a
good: the right to get a product that works with fair commercial
conditions."

-- 
Chris Irwin
<chris at chrisirwin.ca>