Yesterday, the rumor was circulating that Bruce Willis was suing Apple over rules concerning what happens to a digital music library after the owner passes away. It seemed rather strange for Willis to be filing suit against Apple, but I guess someone needs to do it. The way Apple’s rules on digital content read now, when you die, ownership reverts to Apple.
That is ridiculous considering that you pay money for the content and you should be able to consider it yours. Apparently, the story, which originally surfaced from Daily Mail, is not true. This debunking of the rumor allegedly comes from Willis’s wife Emma Hemming via Twitter.
Understanding Digital Ownership
The issue of digital ownership is a complex and often misunderstood topic. When you purchase digital content from platforms like Apple, you are essentially buying a license to use the content rather than owning it outright. This means that the content is tied to your account and cannot be transferred to someone else, even after your death. This is in stark contrast to physical media, such as CDs or DVDs, which you can pass on to your heirs.
The current digital content policies of many companies, including Apple, state that the licenses are non-transferable. This has led to significant frustration among consumers who feel that their digital purchases should be treated like any other asset. The idea that thousands of dollars worth of digital music and video could simply vanish upon the owner’s death is unsettling for many.
The Need for Change
I wish somebody with the means to fight for all of us little guys would take up this cause. If you die and have thousands of dollars worth of digital music and video, that content should belong to your estate, not the company you purchased it from. This is not just a matter of consumer rights but also a question of fairness and justice.
There have been some movements towards addressing these concerns. For instance, some states in the U.S. have enacted laws that allow for the transfer of digital assets upon death. However, these laws are not uniform and often do not cover all types of digital content. Moreover, they can be difficult to enforce, especially when dealing with international companies.
One potential solution could be the creation of a digital inheritance framework that allows consumers to designate beneficiaries for their digital content. This would be similar to how people can designate beneficiaries for their financial accounts or insurance policies. Such a framework would provide clarity and peace of mind for consumers, knowing that their digital assets will be handled according to their wishes.
Another approach could be for companies to offer more flexible licensing options. For example, they could provide an option for consumers to purchase a transferable license for an additional fee. This would allow consumers to pass on their digital content to their heirs without violating the terms of service.
The issue of digital ownership is one that needs to be addressed. Consumers deserve to have control over the content they purchase, and companies should be more transparent about what happens to digital assets after the owner’s death. While the rumor about Bruce Willis suing Apple may not be true, it has certainly brought attention to an important issue that affects us all.
via Times of India
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