QuietTiger, the company that markets SunnComm‘s CD copy protection technology, is buying out DarkNoise Technologies, a small, UK-based company that has a rather radical approach to curbing people copying CDs in even the most old-fashioned ways. Here’s how it does it: Darknoise actually modifies the audio of the songs slightly, by inserting data into digital audio files. If those songs are then copied–even by holding a tape recorder in front of a stereo speaker–the formerly inaudible Darknoise addition becomes audible and makes the copy unlistenable, the company claims.
Interesting how two different news sources have a take on this:
CNET News.com: “If the Darknoise technology holds up to continued testing, it could be a substantial development in the ongoing technological arms race between would-be music copiers and record labels eager to reduce or eliminate unauthorized copying.”
DRM Watch: “If technology such as DarkNoise can really close the analog hole, then there is opportunity for the media industry at large to abuse the technology and truly upset the balance of rights inherent in copyright law. Consumer advocates should see big red flags in the Dark.”