In yet another bad move, Firefox has decided to include DRM in coming versions. First, DRM is not Digital Rights Management as claimed by its proponents but it is Digital Restriction Management used to impose restrictions on end user. So Firefox has decided to allow an option so that third parties can restrict its user. The entire Free Software community is fighting against DRM while Firefox is saying that they will include DRM to have a better voice in the forum.
How This Will Impact Firefox?
Most people using IE are using it just because it came bundled with the operating system. The same goes to Safari. Others who want a different browser install Google Chrome due to better rendering, faster loading, apps and last but not least, marketing by Google. Already Firefox's market share is falling. But still Firefox is having a good user base compared to other lesser known browsers. Who are those users? Most of Firefox's users are people who care more about freedom. They use Firefox against all odds because they feel it respects their freedom (but recent moves by Firefox paints a different picture). So the move to include DRM will repel most of the Firefox users to switch to some other browser they feel that respects their freedom.
We can Just Disable DRM?
The point that anyone who doesn't like DRM can just disable is not valid. The reason not to support DRM is not a choice but a moral obligation. So, if Mozilla stands firm and says no to DRM, then surely there will be some backlash among users against DRM. Remeber, what Wikipedia did with SOPA? Can't we do it again?
Conclusion:
Dear Firefox, stop implementing DRM before everyone abandons you. You are respected for the values that you stood by. Once people find that you have lost those values, you will be forsaken for ever!
How This Will Impact Firefox?
Most people using IE are using it just because it came bundled with the operating system. The same goes to Safari. Others who want a different browser install Google Chrome due to better rendering, faster loading, apps and last but not least, marketing by Google. Already Firefox's market share is falling. But still Firefox is having a good user base compared to other lesser known browsers. Who are those users? Most of Firefox's users are people who care more about freedom. They use Firefox against all odds because they feel it respects their freedom (but recent moves by Firefox paints a different picture). So the move to include DRM will repel most of the Firefox users to switch to some other browser they feel that respects their freedom.
We can Just Disable DRM?
The point that anyone who doesn't like DRM can just disable is not valid. The reason not to support DRM is not a choice but a moral obligation. So, if Mozilla stands firm and says no to DRM, then surely there will be some backlash among users against DRM. Remeber, what Wikipedia did with SOPA? Can't we do it again?
Conclusion:
Dear Firefox, stop implementing DRM before everyone abandons you. You are respected for the values that you stood by. Once people find that you have lost those values, you will be forsaken for ever!
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