W3C Publishes EME (Encrypted Media Extensions) as Recommendation

[engine]

The W3C has published EME (Encrypted Media Extensions) as a W3C recommendation, to enable a plugin-free playback of encrypted media in web browsers. The problem here is that EME is causing frustration with certain sections of the industry that don't want automatic playback of DRM protected content.
In defence of the move, W3C says that there is better protection from within the browser, whereas, there is less so when downloading a a plugin.

...the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) published Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) as a W3C Recommendation or Web standard. EME is an Application Programming Interface (API) that allows plugin-free playback of protected (encrypted) content in Web browsers, which works seamlessly on all major platforms. W3C Publishes EME (Encrypted Media Extensions) as Recommendation [w3.org]

[graeme_p]

I do not want DRM at all - it is yet another thing that strengthens the position of big business vs small sites.

[keyplyr]

enable a plugin-free playback of encrypted media in web browsers

Nice...

I keep my browsers lean and fast, as few extensions/plugins as possible. I get pretty tired seeing those "please install ___ plugin to play this content" messages.

[graeme_p]

@keyplyr, you have to install the DRM systems, which may or may not be part of the browser, so its either going to bloat the browser or require a plugin by another name (lighter than things like Flash, but still).

You will also find that some DRM systems are not available for some browsers or OSes.

I have not seen a "please install plugin" message for a long time.

[keyplyr]

Integration of DRM into web browsers delivers improved performance, battery life, reliability, security and privacy to users watching their favorite TV shows and movies on Netflix and other video services. We can finally say goodbye to third-party plugins, making for a safer and more reliable web

I like the added protection of my copyrighted work. If browsers can't play my hijacked music, the incentive to steal it may diminish

I've never been a fan of RIAA tactics in general but they do support the rights of copyright holders & content owners.

If EME is adapted, then all major browsers will add support so there won't be any further negotiation. This will likely be up to Google since Chrome dominates the industry.

[graeme_p]

@keyplyr, but that means you become dependent on the DRM provider - they control the distribution channel, even though the transfer is direct from your website.

[graeme_p]

Actually, its even worse than I said above: I am dealing with the possibility of distributing you DRMd files yourself: however, that is an unusual and in practice it will mean distributing your content through someone else.

Outside some niche markets, DRM is for big players, because requires that someone has centralised control of the process and can both ensure that the client has the DRM software installed and that DRMed content is send to them.