According to the Advanced Access Content System copy protection body, bloggers "crossed the line" when they published a software key, capable of circumventing the digital rights management technology encryption on some HD-DVDs, on thousands of web sites. Many said they had done this as an exercise in free speech. An AACS executive said it was looking at "legal and technical tools" to confront those who published the key.
Michael Ayers, chair of the AACS business group, said it had received "good cooperation from most folk" in preventing the leak of the key. "It started out as a circumvention effort six to eight weeks ago but we now see the key on YouTube and on T-Shirts. Some people clearly think it's a First Amendment issue. There is no intent from us to interfere with people's right to discuss copy protection. We respect free speech. We know some people are critical of the technology. But a line is crossed when we start seeing keys being distributed and tools for circumvention."
A search on Google shows almost 700,000 pages have published the key. "We will take whatever action is appropriate. The key that has been leaked has now been revoked. This is the first round and will not be the last." He emphasized that AACS brought stronger tools to the table than previous copy protection system and said the system had been designed to cope with breaches.
News source: BBC News
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