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Even MORE Problems For Sony BMG
John Stith
Staff Writer
2005-11-17
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It seems to me Sony BMG needs to do a little research when it starts picking out its vendors for DRM software. They've received more grief in the last two weeks then they have for most anything they might have done in recent years, maybe ever. Some security folks are claiming today that the code used in the DRM software they picked up from F4I violates the GNU General Public License for open source software.
This doesn't like good for the multinational corporation in their efforts to protect their copyrights. Bloggers have been connecting the dots for the F4I software package and keep finding more and more problems. They claim to have found LGPL, GPL and now FAAC infringement violations. The charges against Sony continue to mount. While this does seem to be the fault of F4I, the stuff was on Sony's product. It's looking like Sony either didn't check thorougly what they were getting into or they some malevolent ideas on a lot of things.
So, let quickly recap: Sony sells CDs with DRM software containing rootkit malware. They get caught. They offer a fix. The fix makes matters worse. The Sony exec in charge puts foot in mouth. Viruses surface using the holes provided by the rootkit. Charges of copyright infringements (what's the DRM for anyway?) on open license software surface as well. Sony's getting sued. They issue a recall on the offending discs. In the meantime, Sony's losing record sales and credibility at a time of year when people spend more money than ever. Also consider they're trying to push through their Blu-Ray DVD technology and the PlayStation3.
These charges aren't good when you're caught loading malware on people's computers and are facing possible copyright infringement charges (What was the DRM stuff for?). Sony might want to try some kissing up through their PR people because their credibility is in question and they're fighting a losing battle. Not good for the home team. It does make one wonder though. Sony got nailed in New York with a payola problem. They frauded and lied to the public with a fake movie critic. They've been caught bribing, lying and indirectly damaging private property. Some are even charging copyright infringement (which they call theft). I wonder what else they're doing wrong?
About the Author:
John is a staff writer for SecurityProNews covering cyber security.
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