Shame on you, Sony!

I have always been a vocal opponent of DRM (Digital Rights Management, a.k.a. copy-protected) CDs. I knew from the beginning that to make DRM CDs, the CD had to have some way of keeping your computer from reading the track information off of the CD, and this usually involved a software on the CD of some sort.

Now we learn that many of the different DRM software from various companies that Sony uses do indeed install software, many without our knowledge, even if we do reject installing the software onto our computers. At the minimum, these kept you from listening to any CDs, labeled and unlabeled, as DRM copy-protected. At worst is the whole fiasco now of the software creating "hidden" files, which is now being exploited by viruses, spy-ware, ad-ware, and trojans. What this means is that if you decide to play Ricky Martin's "Life" CD on your computer, you could be opening it up to any attack by malicious software that can do anything from corrupt your computer so that it runs slow, to tracking all of your key strokes that you make (so evil-doers can find your online banking accounts and passwords for example).

And the fixes that Sony has given up has now been shown to cause even more loopholes in the system, because many of the patches that Sony is trying to supply come from the original manufacturers of the DRM technology, and as such, may be full of loopholes.

My advice: do not buy any CD that is clearly labeled "Copy Protected," and if you pop in a CD that wants to try to install a program on your computer, eject it immediately, and return to the place of purchase (better to be safe than sorry).

Sony even admits to wrongdoing, and is now recalling all unsold affected disks (which it clams is around 20 titles, but is proving to be more like 45 titles). They are working on a plan to exchange faulty disks with new pressings on non-copy protected disks.

I was of the opinion that DRM does not do squat at all to curb illegal copying. Since different regions of the world are receiving different batches of CDs, and usually one person out there is able to beat the protection schemes. This person will place the files on the internet, and those who are frustrated about not being able to rip their music onto their iPods will end up searching for and downloading the songs illegally anyway. Thus Sony and company are shooting themselves in the foot anyway.

Here are some links to read up on the current state of Sony and their DRM PR disaster.

PC Pro
EFF Homepage
Freedom to Tinker blog

And for a full list of affected CDs, visit idiotabroad.com.

I would also recommend boycotting Sony and Co. (this should include Sony Productions, in charge of movies, and items like the upcoming Sony PS3)for doing this to the consumers, many without them knowing what has happened to their computers, and why their bank accounts and private information is suddenly revealed. And if you played any Sony CDs on your work computers, they might be affected too now, and sensitive business documents may be vulnerable. Buyer beware!