Amazon tightens Kindle DRM and closes Libby loan loophole, angering users

The new DRM update for the Kindle Oasis adds a hardened layer of protection to books stored on the device, meaning that most DRM-removal tools will no longer work. While Amazon has not officially commented, The eBook Reader reported that the update has now reached the Oasis, making it the latest Kindle model to receive the change. The only supported Kindle model that has not yet received the new DRM is the Kindle Voyage, and users expect it to be updated soon.

There are legitimate reasons for removing DRM, such as reading a purchased book on a non-Amazon e-reader that does not have access to the Kindle app. Amazon's move narrows those options for consumers.

In a separate change, Kindle users can no longer keep a Libby-borrowed book past its due date by turning on airplane mode. That workaround allowed readers to continue accessing a loaned ebook even after the loan period ended, effectively giving them extra time with the book. Reddit users now report being prompted to turn on Wi-Fi to access their loans, meaning the trick no longer works. Since the books are digital and the copy would still be returned to the library system, the workaround did not prevent other users from borrowing the title.

Online reactions have been largely negative. One Reddit user commented, "glad I switched to Kobo," referring to the rival e-reader brand, while another called the Libby change "my biggest nightmare." There are no easy solutions for affected users, other than switching to another brand. Kobo books currently use a DRM version that is easier to remove, but Kobo devices also do not support the airplane mode loophole for Libby loans.