Image Software Currency Detector Pretty Useless

Found on Techdirt on Tuesday, 13 January 2004
Browse Software

I avoided the big story of the last week or so concerning the fact that many image manipulation programs, including Photoshop, were now including technology that's only purpose was to stop people from scanning images of major currencies. However, this latest article on the topic brings up two interesting points. First, and most importantly, the system they're using is so weak, that just about everyone has figured out a way around it. This is just like many copy-protection systems found on entertainment offerings.

The other disturbing part about this revelation is that Adobe admits that they don't even know how the blocking software works. They were given the code by by the Central Bank Counterfeit Deterrence Group without details on how it works or what it really does. In other words, the software could do a lot more than blocking images of currency.

So, they basically gave Adobe (and others) some code without explaining details? What upsets me is that they didn't question it, but simply added it. I guess many people will not use the new Photoshop CS; not only because of the censorship, but thanks to undocumented code parts.