If a hacker did this, there would be jail time involved. SonyÂ’s installation of malicious and dangerous code on computers without disclosure merits similar treatment.

Earlier this week, computer security researcher Mark Russinovich published an analysis showing that some new Sony CDs install software that not only limits the copying of music on the discs, but also employs programming techniques normally associated with computer viruses to hide from users and prevent them from removing the software.

Russinovich's findings -- posted on the Web site (http://www.sysinternals.com/) that he runs with another researcher -- indicated that the CDs in question use software techniques that behave similarly to "rootkits," software tools that hackers can use to maintain control over a computer system once they have broken in.

He found that traditional methods of uninstalling the program would not work, and that attempts at removing it corrupted the files needed to operate his computer's CD player, rendering it useless.

Sony spokesman John McKay said the technology has been deployed on just 20 titles so far, but that the company may include it on additional titles in the months ahead.

Did you get that – Sony has knowingly installed programs that are hidden and which damage your computer if you try to play some of their CDs. Not only that, they plan to keep installing it, even knowing that attempts to remove the programs will destroy your computer. That arrogance is criminal, and merits prosecution.

Posted by: Greg at 02:35 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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