Sony BMG has settled the first of the lawsuits brought against them over the First4Internet XCP rootkit software and the MediaMax security hole software which it included on its music CDs and which, when transferred to customers’ computers via the CDs, left their computers wide open to security breaches.
The First4Internet XCP and MediaMax software were intended by Sony as copy-protection and anti-piracy measures.
Under the terms of the settlement, Sony has agreed to allow customers who bought CDs with the First4Internet XCP software to return the CDs in exchange for either the free download of three full albums from a list of about 200 albums, or for $7.50 in cash and the download of one album. They have also agreed to recall all CDs containing the First4Internet XCP software, which had the effect of essentially installing a rootkit on the computer systems of those who bought the CDs and inserted them into their computer’s disk drive.
While Sony is not recalling the CDs which shipped with the MediaMax software, also demonstrated to be a security hole, they are offering those customers who bought CDs with the MediaMax software free MP3s of the music from the affected CD, and also offering them a free download of the album of their choice from the list of 200.
Of course, this is not going to be the end of this saga. Not only are there still consumer versus Sony lawsuits in the pipeline, but I’d be stunned if we don’t see a Sony versus First4Internet lawsuit, with Sony looking for restitution to recoupe their losses which resulted from this fiasco.
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SONY; I guess it is a good thing I have never liked Sony’s products. Everything Sony has to be matched to Sony; the memeory stick, their MP3 players have to go through a Sony software transfomation to download music, voice etc. I prefer things that play together without having to force them to play nice. Now with the rootkit problem I am even more weary of Sony and now BMG, of which I will never buy any more music even it I have to just listen to radio..Sony/BMG goofed up and I think it will take a while to rebuild public trust, unless people enjoy taking chances ruining a computer that probably has much needed infomation. I don’t prefer to take chances and yes I read the EULA’s and I have declined to download some software because of the EULA. I may not be the brightest bulb in the pack, but I have not went out yet either. It sould teach Sony a lesson by lost sells and show other software makers that you can’t play around with the hand that feeds you; the consumer..