Copy Protection

[jseal]

Gentlefolk,

I’ve just learned of a copy protection system that Sony uses on some of its CDs that could cause people problems if you have a Windows machine.

An example is this Van Zant (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00092ZM02/104-1082324-8355130?v=glance) CD. Scroll down to the comments.

The first time you play it, several device drivers are copied to a hidden directory on your hard drive and a hidden application is installed. If you notice them, and want to get rid of them, don’t just delete them, you could disable your computer’s CD. For a complete explanation, go here:

http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights.html

You can also go to the Van Zant web site to get some information about how to unhide the software, or even uninstall it.

If you buy this from iTunes, its still legal and your PC does not have hidden software installed.

[jennaflower]

The Van Zant CD in question is awesome... and personally I didn't find it bothersome that their cd is built with extra protection against illegal copying and sharing..

[Oldfart]

Jennaflower,

I can understand putting protection on the album, but to plant "bombs" that'll damage your machine if you copy cannot be legal.

[Lilith]

I don't believe anyone has the right to install something on my computer without my consent. Sony should have to clearly identify that they use such software on the cover of the CD, so that I have the option to make a less invasive choice.

[wyndhy]

they just had a case about this in europe i believe. i had heard that they do put something on the case, or mention it in the agreement thing that pops up when you open it but no-one either notices them or reads them. i believe they also ruled that all disclaimers regarding the copy right protection must be easy to read and blatant. whatever that means.


i understand the desire for such tactics now but it sucks for those who just want to make compilations from their own cd's. i suppose copyright protection outways fair use. blame the peeps that abuse it, not the companies that try to protect their stuff.

if i'm wrong, and they don't disclaim -- they should all spend eternity in hell on the level reserved for peeps who eff up puters.

[jseal]

Virus writers are now exploiting Sony's anti-piracy software (XCP) to hide their programs. Anti-virus companies have discovered three virus variants that use XCP's stealthy capabilities if it is found on the compromised Wintel PC.

Security firm Sophos (http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/2005/11/stinxe.html) has announced that it had found a virus attached to a spam message posing as an e-mail from a British business magazine. The subject line of the message is: "Photo Approval Deadline". Anyone running the program attached to the message will have their computer infected with the Stinx trojan. This program, in turn, creates a backdoor and attempts to install another piece of code to make the machine a zombie.

Three class-action lawsuits have already been filed against Sony.

Be careful!

[moose]

I'm with you lilith the protection should be on the media, and i suspect this will cost sony plenty. isnt it strange the company that makes the burners for you to copy things has to do sneaky things to stop the tools they sold you from working

[jseal]

http://blog.sonymusic.com/sonybmg/archives/xcp.html

[jseal]

... i suspect this will cost sony plenty ...
moose,

You were right.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4568670.stm