I was surprised to learn that some of my coworkers had not heard of the Sony debacle, so I thought I'd give a quick run-down. The progression thus far:
1) Sony ships new music CDs for purchase by retail customers.
2) CDs are discovered to have DRM software (basically, copy protection) that auto-installs on your Windows PC when you play the CD, without warning.
3) Sony issues an uninstaller, which creates a security vulnerability on your Windows PC.
4) Managing to uninstall the DRM software disables your CD drive.
Oh, it gets better.
5) Despite saying they do not report personal data, Sony's DRM software reports which CDs you are listening to. Also Sony can control your computer.
6) Sony denies doing anything wrong.
7) The president of the RIAA says Sony did nothing wrong, except maybe write buggy software because of the security problem.
8) Sony is discovered to have used open source software illegally in the DRM software.
9) An estimated 500,000 networks are reported to be infected, including military and government sites.
10) Apple and Sony drop possible plans for collaboration.
11) Sony CDs are banned in the workplace.
12) The EFF and the states of Texas, New York, and California sue Sony.
This string of unfortunate incidents has set back legitimate DRM, as well as progress in the music industry, a fair pace. And the worst part is, most people haven't even heard of this yet.
Get the full scoop at www.sonysuit.com.
