Record Labels Release Software To Combat Piracy

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Record Labels Release Software To Combat Piracy

Posted by Zonk on Friday September 23, 2005 @06:58AM from the who-needs-a-music-collection dept.

mrsalty writes "CNET reports that IFPI representatives are pushing a new piece of software to delete filesharing programs. It will also 'search computers for music and movies and remove any illegal copies'." From the article: "Digital File Check is easy to use and can help people prevent their employees, children and others from illegally downloading and swapping movies ... It could be especially useful for parents who want to encourage their children to enjoy music responsibly on the Internet ... It is free, voluntary and for private use only and does not tip off any antipiracy organizations."

29 of 427 comments (clear)

fair trade? by overpayd · 2005-09-23 06:59 · Score: 5, Funny

"Please remove your spyware-filled file-sharing software in favor of our spyware-filled file-sharing-deleter software." -IFPI
1. Re:fair trade? by nudeatom · 2005-09-23 07:03 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I tried, but it wont run on Linux. Damn this crappy operating system. I will be forced to continue using P2P networks to download fully legal software and NOT illegal music
  
  --
  Yeah right, Like Im gonna write a sig.
2. Re:fair trade? by nmb3000 · 2005-09-23 07:22 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I tried, but it wont run on Linux.
  
  That's alright. For those using a unsupported operating system, the **AA will send you a device to help you remove all pirated material on your computer and iPod.
  
  If you want to be doubly sure though, you can send your computer away and they'll run it through their automagic de-pirater device.
  
  Either way, you're sure to be safe from those evil pirated files!
  
  --
  "What do you despise? By this are you truly known." --Princess Irulan, Manual of Muad'Dib
  /)
3. Re:fair trade? by lbmouse · 2005-09-23 07:29 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Turn the tables...
  Who wants to be the first to write a new piece of software to delete the Digital File Check software? It should 'search computers for annoying file-sharing-deletion programs and remove any it finds'. It should be easy to use and can help people prevent their noisy employers, parents and others from deleting their stash.
4. Re:fair trade? by C0rinthian · 2005-09-23 07:50 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  But is it a legally acquired, authorized copy of "Folsom Prison Blues"?
5. Re:fair trade? by Agent+Green · 2005-09-23 08:48 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  The question is though... ...Does it support Ogg Vorbis?
  
  --
  // Agent Green (Ian / IU7 / KB1JQO)
  // IEEE 802.3: All 10base Are Belong To Us
OH MY GOSH! by MicroPat · 2005-09-23 07:00 · Score: 5, Funny

I can't wait until the download completes!!!!
1. Re:OH MY GOSH! by chrismcdirty · 2005-09-23 07:25 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  I'd like to know how it differentiates between a legal file and an illegal file. Would it delete my podcasts of a local radio show that are perfectly legal, but distributed in mp3 format? Would it delete a ripped copy of a DVD that I created from a DVD recorder. Would it delete any movie files (mpeg, wmv, avi, mov) I have stored, regardless of their content? Or will it actually perform hashes on every single file stored on the computer that has an extension that could deem it illegal?
  
  --
  It's like sex, except I'm having it!
2. Re:OH MY GOSH! by Shadow+Wrought · 2005-09-23 07:40 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  She jumped up, grabbed it in mid-air, bit and decided she didn't like classical music...
  Instead of asking the obvious question, "why were you throwing your CD" (note no "?"- I'm not a asking), I will instead point out that your kitty might have better appreciated an introduction to classical music via listening. If, however, you are comitted to an introduction of classical music via taste, I would recommend that the composers' works are played in the correct order. Nothing tastes worse than decomposing maestros.
  
  --
  If brevity is the soul of wit, then how does one explain Twitter?
3. Re:OH MY GOSH! by MCraigW · 2005-09-23 07:43 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  I'd like to know how it differentiates between a legal file and an illegal file.
  It doesn't. The EULA says that it doesn't and that you have to make that determination yourself. It only deletes what you tell it to delete. The EULA also says it may not find everything.
It must use magic! by Inkieminstrel · 2005-09-23 07:01 · Score: 5, Interesting

How, pray tell, does it tell the difference between bits that come from my CDs that I own versus those which come from CDs that others own? I believe one of those copies is perfectly legal.
1. Re:It must use magic! by CyricZ · 2005-09-23 07:07 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  It probably doesn't. After all, these companies don't exactly believe in fair use, even if it is legally mandated. As far as they're concerned, any such file should be treated as an illegal copy, and thus should be deleted. It's quite possible that that's what this software has been designed to assume.
  
  --
  Cyric Zndovzny at your service.
2. Re:It must use magic! by techstar25 · 2005-09-23 07:15 · Score: 5, Interesting
  
  It doesn't try to determine which is legal and which isn't. It only compiles a list of ALL the media files on your computer, and then compiles a list of all the media file in your "shared" folder. Any deleting has to be done by the user.
3. Re:It must use magic! by interiot · 2005-09-23 07:18 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  The EULA is short and scary. In summary, his tool is designed to rid yourself of illegal files, but please back the illegal files up first (oh, and we blame the "unpredictable file sharing programs" for any damage).
  1. IFPI's suppliers have developed the Software solely to perform the limited functions described in this license under these terms of use. IFPI, its national groups and its suppliers do not make any other warranties or guaranties about the Software, its operation or results, and the Software is thus provided 'AS IS' and 'WITH ALL FAULTS'.
  2. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR OTHER TERMS (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE) ARE EXCLUDED.
  3. Given that the Software is provided at no charge, the downloading, installation and use of the Software is done at your own discretion and risk. Given the unpredictable behavior of some file-sharing programs, you should always retain a back up of important programs and files on your computer when installing or using software like this.
  4. In no event shall IFPI, its national groups, its Software or other suppliers, or endorsing parties be liable to you or any third party for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, consequential or other damages of any kind. Consumers' statutory rights are unaffected.
  5. It is your responsibility to comply with the law and the terms of this license. The user will indemnify and hold IFPI, its national groups, suppliers and endorsing parties harmless from any claim or demand, and damages and costs arising thereof, made by any third party due to or arising out of the user's violation of the law or this license.
Remove illegal copies??? by jarich · 2005-09-23 07:01 · Score: 4, Interesting

And how do they know what an illegal copy looks like? Are they deleting every song on my computer that doesn't have DRM on it?
So the kid with 20 gigs of music he copied off of his CD collection is going to be ~really~ upset when he finds out his Mom ran this program on his computer and wiped out his ~legal~ music collection.

--
Agile Artisans
1. Re:Remove illegal copies??? by CyricZ · 2005-09-23 07:19 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Fucking commie kids recording the music they just created in their parents' garage. Anti-capitalistic hate-mongering terrorists! Hopefully the next version of this program detects such social filth, kicks them square in the scrotums, cuts their guitar strings, and defecates on their drum set. That ought to teach those punks for being creative without enlisting the permission of the recording industry.
  
  --
  Cyric Zndovzny at your service.
HAH!!! by ivan256 · 2005-09-23 07:01 · Score: 4, Funny

Man, I haven't laughed this hard all day. Why can't the Slashdot April Fools posts have this level of quality?
1. Re:HAH!!! by tktk · 2005-09-23 07:08 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Because the Slashdot April Fools jokes are written by unpaid fools. If you want quality fools, you have to go with RIAA or MPAA.
Yeah right... by Spy+der+Mann · 2005-09-23 07:01 · Score: 4, Interesting

"It is free, voluntary and for private use only and does not tip off any antipiracy organizations."

When you release the source code, I might believe you.
Interesting by Julian+Morrison · 2005-09-23 07:02 · Score: 4, Insightful

...how these people use "employees and children" in one sentence. It's as if they think the two are nearly synonymous.
1. Re:Interesting by ArsonSmith · 2005-09-23 07:10 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  You're obviously not a manager. Employees are children that will sit around and post to slashdot all day if not monitored closely.
  
  BTW I'm not a manager either.
  
  --
  Paying taxes to buy civilization is like paying a hooker to buy love.
Heh... by tktk · 2005-09-23 07:05 · Score: 4, Funny

Damn, no Linux or Mac OS X version once again. I want to complain...
Oh wait...nevermind, carry on.
Re:Linux version by jandrese · 2005-09-23 07:13 · Score: 4, Funny

Doh, I was in too much of a rush to comment. The correct version:
#!/bin/sh

find / \( -iname "*.mp3" -or -iname "*.avi" -or -iname "*.mov" -or -iname "*.wmv" -or -iname "*.rm" -or -iname "*.ogg" \) -delete

I'm sure it will be mandatory under some new copyright law in a couple of years.

--

I read the internet for the articles.
Polish computer virus by DaoudaW · 2005-09-23 07:14 · Score: 4, Funny

This reminds me of the Polish computer virus.
Damn, Deleted iTunes by doublem · 2005-09-23 07:41 · Score: 4, Funny

It deleted all the songs I bought through iTunes!

And the sound files for my computer games!

And all my digital photos!!

WTF??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Damn glad I have a backup on my Linux Box.

Oh well, better uninstall this damn thing.

Wait a second, why isn't there an entry for it in "Add / Remove Programs"?

I guess I'll just delete the install fold--

What do you mean "Access Denied"????? I logged into the frigging Administrator account to do this!

Damn it, this Windows install is only six months old. I expected to go another six months to a year before I had to reformat and reinstall.

--
"Live Free or Die." Don't like it? Then keep out of the USA
Mom Removing illegal copies??? by Kirkoff · 2005-09-23 07:55 · Score: 5, Funny

So the kid with 20 gigs of music he copied off of his CD collection is going to be ~really~ upset when he finds out his Mom ran this program on his computer and wiped out his ~legal~ music collection.
Remember kids, that's why we never give Mom administrator privleges.

--
There are exactly 42,935,718 letter sized sheets in a square mile.
In other news... by ecumenical_40oz · 2005-09-23 08:24 · Score: 4, Funny

Police in select communities are now offering "write 'em yourself" tickets for a variety of misdemeanors. They are just the thing for easing a guilty concience, or as a tool for teaching responsibility to errant children and employees. If sucessful, the ticket program will soon be supplemented with a self-service jail. Just find an empty cell, set the timer, and close the door until it clicks.
to paraphrase Gene Roddenberry by DumbSwede · 2005-09-23 08:37 · Score: 4, Funny

McCoy: Dear Lord. You think we're intelligent enough to... suppose... what if this thing were used where legal files already exists?
Spock: It would destroy such files in favor of its new matrix.
McCoy: "Its new matrix"? Do you have any idea what you're saying?
Spock: I was not attempting to evaluate its moral implications, Doctor. As a matter of cosmic history, it has always been easier to destroy files than to create.
McCoy: Not anymore; now we can do both at the same time.
Spock: Really, Dr. McCoy. You must learn to govern your passions; they will be your undoing. Logic suggests...
McCoy: Logic? My God, the man's talking about logic; we're talking about universal armageddon.

--
Letter To Iran
I'd like to try this too by commodoresloat · 2005-09-23 09:41 · Score: 5, Funny

Does anyone have a .torrent link so I can download a pirated copy of the software?