For as long as there have been portable recording devices there have been people recording concerts. This has remained a point of contention within the music industry, with some acts being staunch in their refusal to let the audience record their shows, while others have been more open to the idea. Since the proliferation of smartphones preventing recording during live performances has become downright impossible to do, anyone with a smartphone can record parts of — or even all of — shows. At times these bootleg recordings can actually be pretty decent.
According to Variety, Apple may be providing live performance venues with a tool that may be able to shut down the ability of Apple devices to record during shows. The tech giant is currently working on a device that would emit an infrared beam that would disable the device’s camera. While an interesting technology, questions do arise about giving the ability to block the usage of an important part of a device and how it could lead to more restrictions on devices outside of the users’ control.
The patent claims that when a user would attempt to use their camera the screen would read “Recording Disabled.” The problems with this technology is how easy it would be to restrict recording in other situations where it is legal and at times important to document events such as political rallies or situations that involve law enforcement. Where, exactly, would the line be for this technology and would it be easy to replicate?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting people to put the screen down and enjoy the world as it unfolds around them, but this may seem a bit extreme in forcing that.
(Via Variety)