Sony's copy protected music CDs install software called XCP on your computer when you play them. The software runs in the background, even when you aren't listening to the CD. It opens an internet portal that can allow hackers to gain access to your machine.
It only affects computers; it can't do anything to harm portable CD players.
It runs cloaked, and can't be detected by antivirus software, and can't be disabled/uninstalled without disabling your CD drive. Sony has issued a "patch", but technology experts found out it leaves another even bigger vulnerability on your machine if you use it. The only fix right now seems to be a hard drive reformat.
Class action suits have been filed in multple locations, and the AG of the state of Texas has filed charges against Sony.
The music CDs are marked with a copy protection logo on the side spine of the jewel case. Sony has a list of the affected titles on their website, and the news is all over the 'net, if you do a google search. Too many hits to list a link. Sony has issued a recall, but a lot of retailers "don't seem to be aware of it."
Here's the Sony site: read it yourself, don't take my word for it.
www.sonybmg.com
click on the big banner at the bottom of the screen, marked "Information on XCP content protection"
I have no vested interest in any of this; I'm just letting people know so they can protect themselves.
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11-27-2005, 10:42 AM
