Sony sailing past rootkit controversy

Iria · Nov 22, 2005, 09:02 AM

Though Sony BMG Music Entertainment faces a torrent of criticism and lawsuits stemming from copy-protection software on some of its CDs, the so-called rootkit controversy has not yet had much of an impact on sales, according to market trackers.

Certainly, the pressure on Sony is mounting. On Monday, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott charged that the entertainment giant violated Texas' new anti-spyware law by releasing albums that secretly installed rootkit software that hid itself on computer hard drives. Rootkits can open a PC to viruses and other malicious code.

"Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak-and-dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers," Abbott said in a statement. "Consumers who purchased a Sony CD thought they were buying music. Instead, they received spyware that can damage a computer, subject it to viruses and expose the consumer to possible identity crime."

Abbott's response is the latest in a string of protests, online and off, that have led Sony to an unprecedented recall of more than 4.7 million CDs and an offer to replace the 2.1 million that were sold.

But despite three weeks of stinging criticism and calls for boycotts, consumers appear to be buying and using Sony CDs just as they always have.
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Read More / Source: News.com

Nov 22, 2005, 09:02 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 87	Sony sailing past rootkit controversy Though Sony BMG Music Entertainment faces a torrent of criticism and lawsuits stemming from copy-protection software on some of its CDs, the so-called rootkit controversy has not yet had much of an impact on sales, according to market trackers. Certainly, the pressure on Sony is mounting. On Monday, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott charged that the entertainment giant violated Texas' new anti-spyware law by releasing albums that secretly installed rootkit software that hid itself on computer hard drives. Rootkits can open a PC to viruses and other malicious code. "Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak-and-dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers," Abbott said in a statement. "Consumers who purchased a Sony CD thought they were buying music. Instead, they received spyware that can damage a computer, subject it to viruses and expose the consumer to possible identity crime." Abbott's response is the latest in a string of protests, online and off, that have led Sony to an unprecedented recall of more than 4.7 million CDs and an offer to replace the 2.1 million that were sold. But despite three weeks of stinging criticism and calls for boycotts, consumers appear to be buying and using Sony CDs just as they always have. __________ Read More / Source: News.com