Sony BMG Settles Over CD DRM

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Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday December 20, 2006 @11:31AM from the sorry-about-that dept.

aurispector writes "Sony BMG Music Entertainment will pay $1.5 million and kick in thousands more in customer refunds to settle lawsuits brought by California and Texas over music CDs that installed a hidden anti-piracy program on consumers' computers. The settlements, announced Tuesday, cover lawsuits over CDs loaded with one of two types of copy-protection software — known as MediaMax or XCP. Although it's great to see this as a victory for consumers, I can't help but wonder about the next wave of DRM schemes."

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This is sad. by urbanradar · 2006-12-20 11:43 · Score: 5, Insightful

Everyone saw it coming, but it's still sad. If I broke into your house and got caught, I would never get away with simply having to replace the broken lock and saying I'm sorry. But when Sony violate their customers' rights as gravely as they did, they get away with paying what amounts to little more than a token fee.

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Basilisk Digital
Fair Compensation by Alyred · 2006-12-20 12:00 · Score: 5, Insightful

So, let's see. When Sony thinks that someone has "pirated" music, they sue them for, what, $1,500 per song, yet illegally invade people's computers and privacy and get off with a hundred dollars or so per person?

Where's the justice in that?
What about criminal charges? by zentigger · 2006-12-20 12:15 · Score: 5, Insightful

If I hacked into thousands of computers and installed a root kit without permission, I'm pretty sure I would be facing enough jail-time to seriously stretch my sphincter. In Texas, I bet that would probably be enough to get the chair! Someone should be going to jail for this kinda crap, and Sony should have their corporate charter dismissed and the assets seized. (corporate death sentence)

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the above is my personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect that of the little voices in my head
Re:Just boycott these companies. by NeutronCowboy · 2006-12-20 14:03 · Score: 5, Insightful

Holy crap, batman - someone completely missed the point of a boycott. Note: you boycott a company if you decide that you are not going to buy their products regardless of their intrinsic merit. So yes, you boycott a company even if they release the best rear-projection TV ever, or if it comes with the kitchen sink and does your laundry, too. Finally - can I point out that you just placed watching TV on a nice TV set above having principles and following through with them?

Wow.

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Those who can, do. Those who can't, sue.