Last.fm Strongly Denies Sharing Data With RIAA

bonch writes "Last.fm and CBS vehemently deny sharing any user data with the RIAA, contrary to previous reports. One anonymous party calls it 'irresponsible journalism,' and Last.fm goes so far as to suggest it is a target of slander. Carla Duckworth of the RIAA confirmed, 'We've made no such request for this information.'"

Comments

From the Article:

[InMSWeAntitrust]

This all leaves us in the same place we were in Februaryâ"with a slew of accusations, a handful of denials, and zero evidence.

That's what happens when you believe rumors.

Re:From the Article:

[afallowhorizon]

Don't think about what PR departments say; think about what they _don't_ say. Why exactly did the RIAA word it that way?

-Exactly-! Why would the RIAA say "We've made no such request for this information." when they could have said "We've made no such request for this information, and neither has the Unified Reptoid Conspiracy which controls us." As it stands now, they've pretty clearly used their carefully crafted lawyer speak to completely leave out any mention of the vast network of cold-blooded alien masters lurking in the shadows. Frankly, that makes me a little suspicious.

Sure!

[Anonymous Coward]

Like the company is going to come right out and tell people.... "we fuckin sold you out to make a quick buck! hahahahaha!"

Is it logical that the RIAA would want that data? Yup. Would CBS really cooperate with them? Yup.

I have no problem believing they really did it. And have no problem believing that they would LIE about it. Both are really in their best intrests.

Re:Sure!

[MindlessAutomata]

Suddenly, everyone accused of rape fits the bill too!

Is it logical that Tom would rape the supermodel Tina? Yup. Would her friend Sheri cooperate with the police? Yup.

I have no problem believing Tom really did it. And have no problem believing he would LIE about it. It's really in his best interest.

With your logic there's no way for Last.fm to win. Simply because they were accused of it, and because the accusation was plausible, they are guilty. I know these are liberal times and all, but let's not jump the gun.

So, did they get the data?

[Anonymous Coward]

The RIAA says that they didn't request the data, but note that there is no denial that they received it.

Re:So, did they get the data?

[putch]

yeah also note that cbs/last.fm only deny handing over "user info" which is seems like a carefully constructed statement. how exactly do they define "user info?" it implies that they have handed over some info.

Re:TechCrunch and Pandora

[Red Flayer]

FWIW, the Valley is a small place. One of Arrington's first interviews was Tim Westergren, founder of Pandora.

There doesn't need to be any fiduciary interest on Arrington's part, familiarity with Pandora might be all it takes to make him favor Pandora.

And also, not sure where you're getting the concept of a big rivalry between Pandora and Last.fm. I've observed no such thing... just that people use what they are comfortable with. Maybe there're fanboys sprouting up, but I think you're overanalyzing.

IMO, Arrington's just a twit. Twits exist independently of financial arrangements.