The Ethereum Foundation believes that Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) should not be published as a W3C Recommendation. We have submitted a formal objection to the W3C opposing the recommendation of EME. As a member of the W3C, we contribute to the standards-making process and believe that EME and Digital Rights Management (DRM) in general have negative effects on security and accessibility. The Ethereum Foundation has objections to EME, as well as the widespread use of closed-source DRM technology in major web browsers, and we feel that efforts should be made to prevent further adoption of EME as a standard.
Our objection to EME as a W3C standard is based on several key factors, which we have outlined in the statement submitted to the W3C on April 13, 2017. We believe that EME does not align with the values and mission of the W3C, as it inhibits the Open Web, poses security risks, and limits legitimate use of web content. Additionally, EME’s implementation supports non-open technology, does not contribute to the long-term growth of the web, and does not align with the core values of the W3C.
In conclusion, we urge the W3C to discontinue the effort to publish EME as a Recommendation and consider the potential negative impact of this technology on the Open Web and the internet community as a whole.
