Richard Stallman – Lianza Keynote 2

An article by Paul    Comments Off

Richard gave an ‘us and them’ style of talk in which he spoke about the concepts of ‘free software’ and DRM.

Examples included the use of root-kit software installed on Sony music discs and AACS DRM content control.

E-book readers came in for a roasting. Stallman was not happy with the concept of purchasing content via a Kindle and (as he alleges) it’s purported back door that allows Amazon to erase books on end users Kindles.

The idea that Amazon would know all about you before you bought a book from them was also strongly disliked.

He proposed several ideas including the notion that copyright should end 10 years after the date of publication and the introduction of three broad categories of copyright works:

• Functional (things you use to do a job in your life) works that should be free.
• Works that say what you thought
• Works of art & entertainment

Overall an interesting talk that filled the full 60 minutes and showed a good connection with the audience. #lianza09