In part 1, we explained how to remove the iTunes DRM using a method that is OK by Apple, and is 100% legal. This method has disadvantages in that there is a reduction of quality and it’s time consuming. If that doesn’t bother you then that’s probably the way to go.
However, in an ideal world, we’d like to be able to remove the DRM without a reduction of quality and without wasting time doing it.
Now, before we continue, this article is about removing the DRM of songs that you yourself bought. It won’t work for stuff you don’t own, and once you have removed the DRM, the usual legal restrictions apply (don’t distribute etc.)
Removing the iTunes DRM
You need to use the software myFairTunes. This is a Windows only application, so OS X users will have to use Bootcamp if they are on an Intel machine.
Then run that software to convert protected AAC (m4p) files to unprotected (m4a) AAC files. And you’re done. Note that in certain countries this may be illegal. See the discussion below.
But I want to convert them to MP3s
Frankly, why would you? An m4a AAC file is an unproprietary format, and is generally regarded as superior to mp3 especially at low-bitrates. If you convert to an MP3, you are just recompressing a file that has already been compressed. The whole point of using myFairTunes is to convert a protected m4p file into an unprotected mpa file.
Wait! AAC is proprietary, right?
No. AAC is not an Apple thing. It part of the MPEG-4 specification. It’s the fairplay DRM that is added to the iTunes AAC files that is proprietary. Once that is removed the file is similar to other compression systems like MP3. Apple chose AAC because it is better than MP3 at low-bitrates. They didn’t develop it. Hence, many other players support AAC such as Zune.
If your mp3-player doesn’t support AAC then you should consider getting a new player that does and most now do.
Why would I want to remove the DRM if I’m not a crook
Bear in mind that you can already easily buy non-DRM AAC files. Buy a CD and import it into iTunes, and you have your non-DRM AAC files.
It wasn’t long ago that Apple’s own Rip, Mix, Burn campaign was encouraging you do just that on non-DRM’d CDs. In other words, Apple themselves agree that copying songs that you already own for your own personal use is legal.
Remove the DRM, and you can play your songs on the player of your choice without reduction of quality. There is nothing unethical about that desire. I bought the song, I want to choose where I can play it (in my own home, say).
But is removing the DRM legal?
This is the tricky point. Apple already allows you to remove the DRM in a certain way, using their own software, so the removal of the DRM per se is probably not illegal. However, you are certainly breaking the End User License Agreement by using other software to simply strip out the DRM. Since these EULA’s themselves may not actually be legitimate especially outside of the USA, the whole legality of what you can and cannot do with DRMs is a legal grey area. Use your own judgement, and if your not happy use the method outlined in Part 1.
It’s definitely illegal to distribute copyrighted music to other people, so please respect the copyright of the material that you own.
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