Sony BMG Settles Over CD DRM

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."

Comments

Re:The Best Democracy Money Can Buy

[cashman73]

Consumers won't get, "thousands more." From the article, "In addition, Sony BMG agreed to reimburse consumers whose computers were damaged while trying to uninstall the XCP software. Customers in both states can file a claim with Sony BMG to receive refunds of up to $175."

"Customers have 180 days to file claims, which must include a description of how their computer was harmed and documentation of repair expenses."

Granted, $175 is still a decent amount of money. So if you're computer was reasonably fscked, it would probably be a good idea to go through the paperwork. Unfortunately, Sony is probably betting that most people will probably decide it's not worth the hassle. Then, there's the fact that about half of the paperwork customers file will end up going to some overworked, incompetent paper-pusher office slave who will either take way too long to approve the request, or reject it for some bullsh*t reason,...

This is sad.

[urbanradar]

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.

Fair Compensation

[Alyred]

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?

Slashdot editors brainwashed or what?

[raap]

This story report is horrible! First it's the Sony rootkit. Name it as such. Not some "DRM" bullshit. Second: "victory for consumers" ? This is wrong on so many levels, I don't believe it. We are customers, not consumers. And no, it's not a victory, not at all. Sony did commit thousands of computer crimes for purely financial interests and got a slap on the wrist. Kevin Mitnick would be in Jail for 3000 years for this. And if my information is correct, the settlement states explicitly, that Sony does not recognize any guilt. Sorry for this rant. But how can such a misleading article be on the front page?

What about criminal charges?

[zentigger]

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)

Meanwhile in a secret Sony Research Lab...

[vivin]

Sony Suit: Well guys, looks like our DRM scheme tanked. But $1.5 is nothing. Muahaha. That's lunch money for me. What new stuff do you have?
Researcher John: Well, we got this thing where we can put in subliminal messages into the music that our customers buy. Stuff like "P2P and Piracy rapes your mom!" or "Buy more sucky and/or mediocre music!" or "Mike is a fag!"
Researcher Mike: Shut up John!
Sony Suit: Oh that's good stuff! Anything else?
Researcher John: Well, Mike has another idea.
Researched Mike: (holds up cute puppy) We can threaten to kill this cute puppy if they pirate stuff!
Sony Suit: EXCELLENT! (pets cute puppy) Woo's a cute puppy-wuppy! Woo's gonna die to pwotect our intewests!! Oooohh!! Sooo cute! Yesyouare!! Yesyouare!!

Re:Just boycott these companies.

[NeutronCowboy]

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.