Controversial Subject: to get stuff going :o)
Two things:
## Minor APIG inquiry.
APIG is a group of our members of Parliament who take an interest in all things "Internet", which includes DRM (I don't know why :). They're currently making enquiries about problems with DRM; see:
http://www.apig.org.uk/current-activities/inquiry-into-digital-rights-manage...
It's a pretty narrow enquiry, and not really questioning the basic motivations behind the use of DRM. I've started a response, I would appreciate comments:
http://www.alcoholicsunanimous.com/chod/apig.xhtml
This isn't AFFS endorsed, but I'm hoping that it will be. There are a variety of problems with this initial version I know all too well, and the end version needs to be much improved (and much shorter...). What I really need, though, are real examples (e.g., the Sony rootkit) of DRM damaging user's freedoms under the headings I've listed (since these are the topics the MPs will address). Hopefully, if we do well with this limited document response (we're restricted to 1000 words, and I've already blown 2000... :o/ ) we'll get asked to give an oral presentation, which is the real chance to make an impact.
## Major Government study
Our Chancellor has announced a large, 12-month study into intellectual property (i.e., all the various laws such as copyright, patents, etc.):
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/gowers
This is very new, and hasn't started yet, so there is little we can plan right now, but we can certainly prepare. The UK Govt. has a real (usually negative) effect on EU policy, so I think we'd welcome all the help from our European friends we can get with this.
Cheers,
Alex.