Sony DRM

[md usa spybot fan]

SONY BMG STATEMENT ON XCP COPY PROTECTION
http://blog.sonymusic.com/sonybmg/archives/xcp.html

SONY BMG STATEMENT

We are aware that a computer virus is circulating that may affect computers with XCP content protection software. The XCP software is included on a limited number of SONY BMG content protected titles. This potential problem has no effect on the use of these discs in conventional, non-computer-based, CD and DVD players.

In response to these events, SONY BMG has swiftly provided a patch to all major anti-virus companies and to the general public that guards against precisely the type of virus now said to exist. The patch fixes the possible software problem, and still allows CDs to be played on personal computers. It can be downloaded at http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/. Starting today, we will also be adding this link to the SONY BMG label and corporate sites. We deeply regret any possible inconvenience this may cause.

We stand by content protection technology as an important tool to protect our intellectual property rights and those of our artists. Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, SONY BMG is temporarily suspending the manufacture of CDs containing XCP technology. We also intend to re-examine all aspects of our content protection initiative to be sure that it continues to meet our goals of security and ease of consumer use. More information about our content protection initiative can also be found at: http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp.

Opinion: Rather than just "… temporarily suspending the manufacture of CDs containing XCP technology.", do the right thing and recall the CDs that contain the XCP DRM software that are currently available to consumers through retailers. Without taking this step you are continuing to subject more and more people who are unaware of the problem to possible hidden malware using the rootkit that you install with these CDs.

I believe that you have the right to protect your intellectual property, however, the XCP DRM that you employed went far beyond the terms and conditions of the EULA that "… this CD will automatically install a small proprietary software program (the “SOFTWARE”) onto YOUR COMPUTER."

Consumers' have rights too. One of those rights is the unrestricted and uninterrupted enjoyment of personal property (their computer). Apparently those rights were not a major concern in the development of the XCP DRM when you hooked the operating system to hide files and intercept device drivers. In addition, you provided no means to uninstall the software. All this without disclosing this in the EULA. As it turns out your XCP DRM is something I would expect from hackers or malware purveyors, not from a legitimate music company.

Come on Sony BMG Music Entertainment start doing the right thing, recall the CDs that are still in the market place!!!