This particular protection mechanism is bypassed by all browsers when they access the content. Are browsers infringing too?
Clearly what is most important is the intent. In this case, it is very clearly RIAA's intent to make the aforementioned videos obtainable publicly via the use of HTTP agents. Browsers are HTTP agents. youtube-dl is an HTTP agent. Either they are all infringing or they are all not infringing.
On the other hand, it is clearly the intent of my door and lock to keep people out.
Clearly what is most important is the intent. In this case, it is very clearly RIAA's intent to make the aforementioned videos obtainable publicly via the use of HTTP agents. Browsers are HTTP agents. youtube-dl is an HTTP agent. Either they are all infringing or they are all not infringing.
On the other hand, it is clearly the intent of my door and lock to keep people out.