People are already distributing illegal copies of music. This move by iTunes and EMI should reduce the current level of illegal activity, since it will be easier to simply purchase a song from a quality source without DRM's built-in presumption that every customer is a potential thief.

DRM adds so much hassle that it ultimately drives millions of otherwise honest people to engage in illegal activity. Take DRM away, and they have no reason to act outside the law.

There will always be people who don't respect copyrights. Removing DRM won't turn ordinarily dishonest people into honest people, but it will take away the urge to steal rather than pay if your primary reason for stealing is an annoyance with DRM.

--Making hay while the sun shines--
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