Microsoft code cracker shuns publicity

NEWS An anonymous programmer has cracked the Microsoft Reader's ebook encryption which protects the copyright of electronic books. The discovery allows the conversion of any title available on the Reader device to a version viewable on a web browser or PDA. Speaking to Technology Review, published by the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), the program's creator said: "I wanted to circumvent the two-persona- limit, a rule built into Microsoft Reader at the behest of publishers that allows purchasers to read the same e-book on up to two devices, but no more." He has not released the programme into the public domain. The developer decided to remain unidentified in the light of Dmitri Sklyarov's case. Sklyarov was jailed for demonstrating a similar theoretical concept which would allow people to get past copyright protection in Adobe's e-books. A US grand jury indicted Sklyarov and Elcomsoft, his Russian employer, on five counts of copyright violations last week.