Hackers crack Amazon Kindle copyright protection

Posted on Wednesday, December 23 2009 @ 21:21 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Hackers have broken the copyright protection on Amazon's Kindle e-reader. The hack allows users to convert Kindle eBooks into an open format so they can be read on other devices. More info at The Register.
The hack began as an open challenge in this (translated) forum for participants to come up with a way to make ebooks published in Amazon's proprietary format display on competing readers. Eight days later, users going by the handles Labba and i♥cabbages had a working program that did just that.

The hack is the latest to show the futility of digital rights management schemes, which more often than not inconvenience paying customers more than they prevent unauthorized copying.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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