Zack's Kernel News
Zack's Kernel News

Zack Brown discusses implementing digital rights management in-kernel, improving lighting controls, and updating printk().
Implementing Digital Rights Management In-Kernel
Content providers are always interested in ways to stream audio and video in such a way that the data cannot be copied by the recipient. Sean Paul recently posted a patch that the Chrome OS team has been using for three years to control content on Exynos, MediaTek, and Rockchip hardware. The patch can be used to turn content protection entirely off, it can request that content protection be enabled by the hardware driver, and it can actually stream protected data.
The patch was received with suspicion by kernel developers.
Pavel Machek specifically said that he couldn't see any case where a user would set the feature to anything other than "off." He also asked, "If kernel implements this, will it mean hardware vendors will have to prevent user[s] from updating the kernel on machines they own?" And wondered, "If this is merged, does it open kernel developers to DMCA threats if they try to change it?"
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.