Apple’s DRM-Free Music - They’re Spying on You!

So back in April, there was all this hubbub about Apple offering DRM-Free music in iTunes for a $1.29 vs. the usual $0.99. We wrote about it here. The big issue is that the industry (labels) like DRM-Free music because consumers can’t share the files (not easily at least). Consumers don’t like DRM because we’re locked into using a specific device or music service.

The “exciting” announcement was made, but EMI and Apple left out the part where any DRM-free downloads we purchase are going to be watermarked with the our names and email addresses (reported at Listening Post).

Now I’m not saying I’ve ever participated in file sharing, but let’s just say that someone broke into my house and emailed a friend of mine one DRM-free track from my library with a note to “check out this band you’ve never heard of.” If said friend posted the track somewhere without my knowledge, I don’t think I’d be real happy knowing my name and email address are exposed on the file. Or what if someone stole my iPod or laptop? If Apple and the industry want to keep a “close eye” on things, at least encrypt our information. You’re Apple for chrissakes.

In the article an attorney said “Some of the privacy problems, in light of this, is that anyone who steals an iPod that includes purchased iTunes music will now have the name and e-mail address of its rightful owner.” Sure, spam and potential identity theft are concerns, but I’m actually more worried that my name will be permanently etched into a Kelly Clarkson guilty-pleasure download, ruining my credibility and leaving me embarrassed and ashamed. I mean, not that I’d ever download Kelly Clarkson. I’m just saying. Some music downloads should just be kept private, right?

My wife downloaded “Since U Been Gone” from my computer. I swear.