Apparently many libraries, including the ones in my country, are moving over to a system where you're not allowed to digitally download the epub file anymore. You're only allowed to borrow the book, and read it, in a closed ecosystem: an app. This per definition then excludes the majority of e-ink readers that don't run Android. This is due to Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on the accessibility requirements for products and services (Text with EEA relevance) (source) entering into force June 28 this year.

As the Adobe DRM solution hasn't been updated for years, it isn't capable of fulfilling all the requirements that this law lays out without endangering the DRM solution. Text-to-speech is one function that isn't fully supported by Adobe for example. This means that there are apparently two directions to go for full compliance, Readium DRM which is barely supported as well or a closed app ecosystem.

This is frustrating on so many levels, especially if I would like to borrow an ebook in my native language that isn't available elsewhere on the web, which is often the situation for books in my language (and I'm guessing most languages outside of English). The alternatives left is borrowing a physical copy, or buying it.

The enshittification of everything continues...

top 3 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] khannie@lemmy.world 8 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

Well that's annoying. I did a search just now and found this guide on converting and de-DRMing.

I haven't tried it myself but from reading through it looks reasonably handy to follow.

edit: Looks like that might unfortunately be out of date.

[–] Yingwu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

Yep, but unfortunately app-only ebooks doesn't utilize Readium at all (I think). Then you'd have to decrypt books from a specific app which can vary greatly depending on country and/or provider.

[–] Chee_Koala@lemmy.world 5 points 5 days ago

Getting the adobe DRM removed already felt pretty violating, I pay for my library membership but still have to install some shady third (commercial, ugh) party software? What a dumpster fire.