Microsoft tells BBC fix for FairUse4WM is coming

September 1, 2006

marcus c, D4rk0n3, Siswell, ItsRick and a host of
other CD Freaks have used our news submit to tell us
about a new utility called FairUse4WM, all week long. This file was introduced
on the Doom9 forums several days ago by the author. The author insists
that the program should not be used for rental music and only for legitimate
purchases. The author has tried to find ways to make sure that the program
is not used for piracy and has added many checks and balances that make it
impractical for pirates.

Basically, with FairUse4WM you can remove the
Windows DRM from certain files that "offer" this protection. Afterward, you can
take the file and use it however you wish and not be burdened by any previous
restrictions. The program can take a protected file and in seconds, render it
ready for Fair Use. The icing on the cake is, that it does not touch the music
file, so there is absolutely no degradation. It simply strips out the digital
rights management. Did I mention it's free?

Since then, FairUse4WM has been on many forums and
news sites, so, it was only a matter of time before Microsoft saw it and tried
to come up with a solution to the "problem". Today, at The
Register, writer John Leyden is saying he has come across
evidence of such a plan from Microsoft that was quoted to the BBC:

Microsoft licences its DRM technology to online
stores, such as Napster, who use it as a means to restrict the use of
music purchased online so as to ensure copyright is not infringed. Marcus
Matthias, senior product manager, Windows Client Division, told the BBC: "Microsoft is aware that a tool recently
surfaced that circumvents Windows Media Digital Rights Management
technology. Fortunately, the Windows Media DRM system has built-in
renewability, we have an update to address the circumvention, and are
working with our partners to deploy this solution," he
added.