Sony rootkit music off the Ann Arbor District Library's purchase list

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! And mention it to your favorite used CD store owner as well.

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 to Suspend Making Antipiracy CDs (AP via Yahoo News)
- DHS Official Weighs In on Sony (Brian Krebs, Washington Post)

UPDATE 2: 11/13/05
- Sony Shipping Spyware from SunnComm, Too (Ed Felten via Boing Boing)

UPDATE 3: 11/14/05
- Sony Suffers Stroke, Recovers Abruptly (Or Does It?) (LA Times blogger Michael Hiltzik asks if Sony can be trusted)

Technorati Tags: aadl, libraries, library, music, rootkit, sony

Comments

[Maryanne]

Just checked the Sony site and they've suspended manufacture on disks with XCP. They're offering an exchange as well.

http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/

Check out the spin!