Those who don't do politics, get done in by politics.
The HackSDMI challenge is a contest sponsored by the Secure Digital Music Initiative to break DMAT, their media encryption format.
Faced with the MP3 format, the media industry is attempting to find a format that will allow the record industry to protect their investments. But with DMAT, consumers won't be able to make backup copies, play content on whatever player they want, or even own a work. Artists won't be able to publish their works without a major record label.
The EFF is calling for a boycot of the HackSDMI challenge. Many people don't agree with this, and feel that hackers should show the SDMI committee just how futile watermarking solutions are. What do you think?
Visit EFF for more information about this boycott.
I'm a conspiracy freak. Of course, I think you have to be to live in this country. Below are some links on why I'm so paranoid:
Ex-NSA expert warns of concealed backdoors