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Windows Tracks CDs & DVDs You Watch

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the you-just-can't-make-this-stuff-up dept.

lcypher writes "The AP is reporting that there is spyware within Windows Media Player 8(which ships with XP), which records the song titles and DVD titles that a user listens to or views in WMP8. Microsoft execs claim no marketing use right now, but they won't rule it out. " This looks like less of a big deal than the article makes it out to be, but it definitely could be used for evil.

4 of 418 comments (clear)

  1. Pr0n by 68030 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Turns out they are just tracking all the pron
    file names so they can track them down on
    kazaa easier.

    Those lazy bastards. (:

  2. And they're using this for... by bero-rh · · Score: 4, Funny


    From: Microsoft Legal Department
    To: Valued Customer
    Subject: Windows Media Player Usage Report

    Hello,
    we have noticed you have played back pirated episodes
    of Star Trek Enterprise downloaded from the net.

    This is a violation of federal law.

    We charge you $10,000 for this information; if we do not receive this amount of money, your registration information (as well as the information you used to register on any websites, as tracked by Internet Explorer) will be forwarded to the MPAA.

    --
    This message is provided under the terms outlined at http://www.bero.org/terms.html
  3. Re:marketing data? by stinkydog · · Score: 5, Funny

    What kind of marketing data are they going to get from "user 3453845 watches the hell out of 'tina3.wmv'"?

    You laugh now but soon, all your popups will be for Jergens, Vasoline and inflatable girlfriends.

    SD

    --
    âoeWho knew something as harmless as willful ignorance could end up having real consequences?â
  4. Re:unique id by mark_lybarger · · Score: 3, Funny

    what unique user id? is this derived from the os install key? if so, i'd say it's not that unique :).