James Delahunty
21 Nov 2005 18:53
The backlash from the tactics used to cloak files on a copy protection technology used by Sony BMG on some CD albums continues with a lawsuit filed against the company by the state of Texas. It alleges that Sony BMG used "spyware software" to enforce limitations on how the disc can be used by a consumer. The software in question, XCP, was developed by UK-based First4Internet and is included on titles by some major artists such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and Celine Dion.
The problem lies in how the software is hidden in the Windows operating system. It has been called a "rootkit" as it's file hiding techniques are similar. This left Windows installations much less secure by providing an easy solution to virus writers who wanted to hide their files so they can avoid detection by anti-virus scanners.
"Sony has engaged in a technological cloak and dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers," said Greg Abbott, Texas attorney-general. The lawsuit seeks penalties of around $100,000 per violation under the Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act, passed earlier this year. Sony BMG was also left with no choice but to recall almost 5 million CDs, a practise that will cost the company an estimated $4 million.
Source:
Telegraph