Can the AACS manage to get managed copy right?

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Friday, 25 May 2007 09:42

Opinion and Analysis

Michael Ayers, of the AACS, told PC World that "We're at the 0.93 version of the spec; it's not the final version. It's been taking a while to roll out. It is disruptive to respond to the various attacks. It means we're putting aside finalizing the agreements and getting managed copy out."

He continued that: “The final version will include things like managed copy--which will address the main thing that hackers claim they're interested in."

As for the AACS standard, Ayers said that: “All of the studios are interested in doing it. The studios have been looking forward, and realize they need to meet this consumer need for flexibility in the use of their content, whether they're making a backup or putting something on their home media jukebox server platform or their car. [The studios] have bought into the idea of managed copy, but there had to be a demonstration that the managed-copy scheme was secure.”

It certainly looks like there'll be plenty more horse-trading yet before the MMC standard is truly finalized, all the while fighting off the increasingly successful attacks of the pirate community. Still, the MMC is something the AACS needs to get right, for consumers are demanding the right to make backup copies which MMC will allow consumers to do. Getting that 'right' for consumers is something that simply can't be stuffed up, or the pirates will do it for the AACS, whether they like it or not.

Members of the AACS LA (Licensing Administration) include Sony, IBM, The Walt Disney Co, Toshiba, Panasonic, Warner Bros, Intel and Microsoft.