“DVD-Jon” achieved hacker prominence when, six years ago, he released code allowing DVD users to circumvent copying restrictions. He also has released a work around to Apple iTunes’ FairPlay DRM.
Google has been soliciting amateur and professional video since April and is officially “considering” charging for some premium clips. The videos Google stores on its servers were, until July 28, viewable only by the company’s multimedia player.
Johansen’s coding and software are primarily in the audio and video realms, including JustePort, which streams non-iTunes audio to Apple’s Airport Express wireless amplifier and hub.
Like many hacker sites, Johansen’s subscribes to the Creative Common License, an open source protocol.
According to a Google spokesperson, the Mountain View, Calif., company does not intend to file charges.