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by flipbrad 5098 days ago
If DRM is standing in the way of lawful use, there is an (apparently never used) remedy in English law: complaining about it.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/296ZE

1 comments

Interesting but Section 296ZE(2) specifically excludes the prevention of access when it is by a "computer program" and sub-section (9) excludes works for access by private individuals at a time of their choosing. So it seems to be very narrow in scope of application - how do you know about it?

I only skimmed it but doesn't it merely allow you to complain; the SoS won't necessarily take any action.

Do you know what this section is directed towards? It appears to be something like forcing a company to hand over data necessary to allow a researcher to work with the companies copyright materials??

Note there's a bulletin, http://www.share-the-vision.org.uk/bulletins/bulletin_70.doc, from Aug 2010 where it says that section has never been applied (see also page 2 of http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file51998.pdf).