DRM and Netflix

Well Defective by Design's Anti-DRM campaign is now targeting Netflix and the buzz is hitting the blogs. Hacking Netflix is covering it and Frostfire and others are providing Anti-DRM card to include in your return envelopes. I have to say, I agree with Hacking Netflix, this should be sent to the MPAA and studios. The main problem with DRM is that it restricts "free use" when you have purchased a CD or DVD.

As I see it, Netflix is not selling the movie, they are renting it or renting access to it online. Add to that the fact that Netflix is at the mercy of the studios and I fail to see how harassing Netflix will solve the DRM debate. This may be an ingenious way of getting the word out for the Anti-DRM campaign, but what will the result be? Even if they persuade Netflix that DRM is evil, all it will mean is that either we will have less variety in our watch it now selections or Netflix pulls the plug on the entire thing. That may be a victory for Defective by Design, but a loss for Netflix customers.

Then there is that quiet question that floats around everybody's head, but nobody really wants to ask:
"If I sign and send in one of these anti-DRM cards to Netflix, will I be tagged as a movie pirate?" It is a legitimate question.