[FC-discuss] Letter to the BBC

[Rob Myers]

I asked someone I know who works in TV. They are not a lawyer (and 
aren't at the BBC) but they have to know this stuff.

The BBC may not have a real choice about adding DRM.

Due to the 2003 Communications act the BBC don't own third party 
content. It's leased to them by the external production company. The BBC 
thus have to protect the rights of the external company under the 2003 act.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030021.htm

It's the UK equivalent of the DMCA in terms of content providers getting 
their wildest dreams written into law. It will presumably bite them at 
some point in the future the same way the DMCA is currently biting 
Viacom via YouTube. It needs amending but that won't happen until after 
the next elections at the earliest.

Anyway, it might be worthwhile arguing that the BBC can fulfil its 
obligations under the 2003 act without DRM. If anyone can suggest how to 
do that. :-)

- Rob.