Cory Doctorow delivered a detailed talk addressing the complex challenges posed by general-purpose computers and the ongoing struggle to regulate their use. He traced the history of digital rights management (DRM) from early attempts to prevent software piracy through physical protections to the current era of legal restrictions and surveillance technologies. Doctorow explained how initial DRM efforts, such as dongles and encrypted disks, failed both commercially and technically, as users found ways to bypass protections while legitimate customers faced inconvenience.
The introduction of laws like the WIPO Copyright Treaty sought to criminalize the circumvention of DRM, but Doctorow argued these measures ultimately failed to stop unauthorized copying. Instead, they imposed restrictions that made it illegal to inspect or share information about software behavior, enabling easier censorship and control without effectively addressing piracy.
Doctorow emphasized that regulators often misunderstand the nature of general-purpose computers, applying heuristics suited for specialized technologies that do not fit the flexible and programmable nature of modern computing devices. Attempts to restrict certain software or network protocols resemble efforts to remove features from specialized devices but fail when applied to computers capable of running any program.
He highlighted the convergence of DRM and malware, citing examples such as Sony's rootkit scandal and Nintendo's firmware bricking as illustrations of how attempts to control computing often result in invasive surveillance and loss of user control. Furthermore, Doctorow warned that emerging technologies like software-defined radios, 3D printing, and bioengineering peripherals will intensify demands for restrictive regulations.
The talk also addressed the broader implications for digital rights and freedom, noting that future conflicts will extend beyond copyright to include control over devices embedded in everyday life, from cars to medical implants. Doctorow called for vigilance and support for organizations defending open and free systems to ensure users retain the ability to monitor and control their devices.
Ultimately, Doctorow framed the current copyright disputes as early skirmishes in a much larger, ongoing battle over computation, freedom, and surveillance in the digital age.