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If you must NEVER play them in your PC
Sony released a CD-copy protection systems on its CDs. The CDs install a "rootkit" on your PC. Sony's rootkit code modifies Windows so you can't tell it's there, a process called "cloaking" in the hacker world. It acts as spyware, surreptitiously sending information about you to Sony. And it can't be removed; trying to get rid of it damages Windows.
The code has the effect of destabilising Windows and has virus like qualities that has resulted in the over half a million computers world-wide being infected. Those are amazing infection numbers, making this one of the most serious internet epidemics of all time -- on a par with worms like Blaster, Slammer, Code Red and Nimda.
On Nov 14th after an outcry, Sony agreed to recall the CDs.
If you have a recently purchased Sony CD it may well contain this malware and how can we be sure that all the CDs have been returned. The best approach is simply not to buy Sony BMG CDs for some time both to avoid infection and to punish the bastards for such dishonourable behaviour.
The big question is why they are not being prosecuted in the same way that individual hackers have been.
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or read the most recent entries here.No kidding! You have got it right. The best solution to this overboard copy protection is boycotting their products. Additionally, the feds should consider using the RICO act and other charges against Sony for spreading viruses, hacking, etc. Lastly, I would not be surprised if Sony gets hit with some big lawsuits for damages over this. Obviously this was not vetted by their lawyers, or worse, their lawyers were incompetent and did not consider the potential liability...
Posted by: Walter Jeffries at November 20, 2005 11:15 PMI think it just shows how frightened Sony are of the success of online distribution of music. The days of buying a piece of round plastic for a rediculous price are surely numbered!
Posted by: The Last Page of the Internet at December 5, 2005 06:06 PM
Stumble It!