>>Lets not lose track of the fact that both these issues, (Norton and Sony), were well intentioned attempts to protect.
Sony is attempting to protect its outdated business model. Digital information has no value once it has been released. (It has to be unencrypted to play on standard machines. At this point it can be copied.)
Markets evolve all the time and products lose their value. eg ivory, slaves, fur or whales. Old growth timber will be the next one to become illegal.
I might give Sony the benifit of the doubt except for the fact that in 2005 alone Sony was fined over US$500 million for manipulating music charts and movie reviews (to increase Sonys profits by tricking Sonys customers).
I can not get past Sony violating other peoples copyright in its attempt to protect its own. (LAME mp3 player and Apples iPod format)
Nor Sony trying to violate my privacy (XCP phones home) or break my PC.
Nor can I justify releasing an uninstall tool that only worked on the PC that requested it (not all PCs are connected to the internet), left more security holes and was only available if you allowed Sony to send your details to 3rd party marketers.
Nor Sonys other DRM that installs even if you tell it not to.
That shows Sony was not 'well intentioned' (in my opinion)
Nor do I think any DRM will stop or even slow down commercial pirates and only reduces normal users rights to fair use.
