I reported the uproar over Sony's ill-considered decision to put rootkit software as copy-protection on some of its music CDs to the Ann Arbor District Library, my main source for borrowing music these days. I got this reply in return from Eli Neiburger. (Did I mention that I love my library?)
I've passed word on to our selectors not to buy any Sony/BMG copy-protected CDs for the forseeable future. Not only is this reprehensible, but we could get into some support nightmares if people try to remove the rootkit since it's gotten so much press.
Talk to your own local library and tell them about the problem and the headaches they are liable to if their patrons check out a music CD that damages their computer!
Some links:
- Sony sued over copy-protected CDs (BBC)
- The rootkit of all evil? (BBC)
- EFF confirms secret software on 19 CDs (Electronic Frontier Foundation)
UPDATE:
- Sony Rootkit Roundup (Boing Boing)
Technorati Tags: aadl, libraries, library, music, rootkit, sony
