Random House abandons DRM for audiobooks

Random House Audio announced earlier this week that it will no longer require a registered (DRM) encryption of its digitally sold audiobooks.

The decision to make all audio books DRM-free came after the major publishing company tested the sale of new audiobooks in watermarked MP3 format through eMusic.com and found that all online pirated versions of the titles originated from cracked DRMs and CD rips.

The largest online audiobook store Audible.com, however, sells DRM versions of their audiobooks as a matter of policy. According to BoingBoing.net, Random House's announcement and Amazon.com's recent acquisition of Audible may cause the popular online store to follow suit.

In support of its decision, Random House said that its findings “are entirely consistent with what the music industry has found in the last six months...that MP3 distribution does not in itself lead to increased piracy.”

Related links:
Paste: MySpace Music deal attracts big labels
Paste: Amazon unveils MP3 Store
BBC.com: What is DRM?

Got news tips for Paste? E-mail news@pastemagazine.com.