from Hacker News

Privacy implications of browsers’ (mis)implementations of Widevine EME (2023)

by exceptione on 6/16/25, 10:06 PM with 80 comments

• by tgsovlerkhgsel on 6/17/25, 1:19 AM

  I've set DRM to require explicit approval in the browser, and I've seen random web sites that have no obvious reason to do so randomly request the permission.

  I don't know what exactly causes this, since it's intermittent (the same web site doesn't always do it) and happens even with various ad and tracking blockers in place.

• by jwrallie on 6/17/25, 12:36 AM

  Interestingly, DRM is also being used by Signal for privacy concerns over Windows Recall, as discussed on HN [0] previously.

  [0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44053364

• by 1vuio0pswjnm7 on 6/17/25, 2:57 AM

  Popular web browsers way too complex, far too difficult to control.

  Simpler software could satisfy web users.

  Could reduce potential for surveillance and annoying distractions. Easier to audit and control.

• by exceptione on 6/16/25, 10:06 PM

  (I had to editorialize to get the title within the limits)

• by JCattheATM on 6/16/25, 11:50 PM

  I flat out have DRM disabled in my browser. If I really really need it, then that's what VMs and VPNs are for.

• by shmerl on 6/17/25, 12:09 AM

  Not surprising at all.