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Sony Rootkit Allegedly Contains LGPL Software

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the this-keeps-getting-funnier dept.

Deaths Hand writes "According to this Dutch article the Sony DRM software (or rootkit, if you may prefer) contains code from the LAME MP3 encoder project, which is licensed under the LGPL. However, the source code has not also been distrbuted, hence breaching the license. Here is an english translation of the page." So apparently Sony violates your privacy to create a backdoor onto your machine using code that violates an Open Source license. This story just keeps getting stranger.

17 of 623 comments (clear)

  1. Takedown noticy against Sony by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Someone should send a takedown notice to the Sony corporation.

  2. It serves them right! by AndroidCat · · Score: 5, Funny

    If they'd gone Open Source from the start with their rootkit, the community could have contributed bug fixes and improvements. Even their competitors could have gotten involved, resulting in a truely powerful bug-free rootkit for use by everyone.

    --
    One line blog. I hear that they're called Twitters now.
  3. Sneaky Sony by Ritz_Just_Ritz · · Score: 5, Funny

    I knew something was up when I saw that Aibo perched at my keyboard when I woke up this morning.

    Next thing you know, they'll be after our precious bodily fluids.

  4. Re:just say no by the_xaqster · · Score: 3, Funny

    I am sure there is a "In soviet Russia" joke in there somwhere!

    --
    I'm just here to regulate Funkyness
  5. Re:This story gets better and better by Manhigh · · Score: 3, Funny

    Next thing you know they'll buy SCO.

    --
    "Open the pod by doors, Hal" > "I'm afraid I can't do that, Dave" sudo "Open the pod bay doors, Hal" > alright
  6. What's next? by Pig+Hogger · · Score: 5, Funny
    The more it goes, the worse it seems. What's next?

    - Sony rootkit eats kittens?
    - Sony rootkit throws momma from the train?
    - Sony rootkit spawns Darth Vader?
    - Sony rootkit deflates tires of soccer moms?
    - Sony rootkit steals cookies from girl scouts?
    - Sony rootkit cheats at final exams?
    - Sony rootkit pours hot grits down Natalie Portman's pants?

    1. Re:What's next? by 10101001+10101001 · · Score: 5, Funny

      - Sony rootkit infringes cookies from girl scouts?

      There, fixed that for you.

      --
      Eurohacker European paranoia, gun rights, and h
  7. Plus patents... by Bazman · · Score: 4, Funny
    "So apparently Sony violates your privacy to create a backdoor onto your machine using code that violates an Open Source license..."

    ... from a project that may be[1] in violation of patent law! Woohoo!

    Baz

    [1] in some lawyers opinion.... see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAME for info.

  8. Notification? by Grendel+Drago · · Score: 4, Funny

    This is all so ridiculous. It's not like Sony even asks the user if they want this crap installed. Where would they even put the copyright notice? Of all the underhanded nonsense...

    --
    Laws do not persuade just because they threaten. --Seneca
    1. Re:Notification? by Professor_UNIX · · Score: 5, Funny
      This is all so ridiculous. It's not like Sony even asks the user if they want this crap installed. Where would they even put the copyright notice? Of all the underhanded nonsense...

      This is the problem with the viral nature of the GPL and even the LGPL licenses and is why you should really consider using BSD licensed software in your DRM rootkits in the future. Screw the FSF!

  9. The perfect comment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    http://bash.org/?577451

  10. Re:Uuuuuh by ppz003 · · Score: 5, Funny

    $sys$README ?

  11. Re:Thank god! - What's Next by DikSeaCup · · Score: 3, Funny
    Not just bunnies, but many cute furry animals die when subjected to Barbara Streisand's music.

    I know it causes me significant pain ...

    --
    I talk about stuff.
  12. Re:Sony needs to protect its image... by ettlz · · Score: 4, Funny
    I also feel sorry for the poor chap who buys Ricky Martin, Neil Diamond or Celine Dion CDs, I really do.

    Yes, but what about the DRM issue on these CDs?

  13. Re:Thank god! by heinousjay · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's like an infinite loop of hypocrisy: My god, it's full of piracy!

    --
    Slashdot - where whining about luck is the new way to make the world you want.
  14. Yeah but... by Spy+der+Mann · · Score: 3, Funny

    let's not forget that the rootkit would have to distribute the source code with it!

    Hmmm I wonder...

    $sys$rootkit.cpp
    $sys$rootkit.h
    $sys$drm.cpp
    $sys$drm.h
    $sys$lgpl.txt
    ...hmmmm Nah.

  15. Re:Code vs metadata by croddy · · Score: 4, Funny
    It doesn't matter that they're using LAME code to detect and disable LAME. It matters that they are distributing LAME code without offering the source code.

    Under the LGPL, they must offer us the source code. This protects our ability to rebuild the DRM rootkit for different versions of the LAME library -- so that it can detect newer LAME libraries, or our personal modified copies of the LAME library, and disable those as well.