The paper argues against the phenomenon of copy protection of CD's, focusing on the technological inconveniences experienced
by the CD buyer as a result of this protection. It studies the different technological methods used in copy protection and the disadvantages and inconveniences involved in employing these methods. It then moves on to the issue of media conglomerates' disregard for consumer interests and the
infringement on the rights of the consumer. It takes a close look at American copyright protection laws and the
controversy behind home recording rights. It concludes with a summary of the shortcomings of copy protection. Outline Introduction: "Four Charley Pride Fans" Anecdote What is Copy Protection? History How It Works, and Doesn't Spy-Protection as Symptomatic in the Industry Symptomatic of Disregard for Customers Future Direction of the Problem Legal Difficulties for Private Users/hackers What the Law Says and Doesn't Right of Reproduction and Fair Use Royalties from Recording Devices What the Industry is Thinking Appear to Lose Sales Copying Actually Aids Sales Misdirected Greed Copy-proofing Is Useless Ways to Get Around It New Recording Devices Avoid It These Discs are not actually CDs Conclusion