Sony BMG Illegally Copys Program
Sony BMG has more problems with their great idea to plant a virus like program on everyone’s computer to control how they copy MP3 files.
The controversial copy-protection software used by music publisher Sony BMG on music CDs appears to have used an open-source project, so it looks like they may have illegally copied a program to try and prevent people from copying their music.
The XCP program, developed by British software firm First4Internet and used by Sony BMG to restrict copying and sharing of music CDs, is already highly controversial because it acts like virus software and hides deep inside a computer where it leaves the backdoor open for malicious hackers.
The XCP program will install itself on any Windows-operated personal computer when consumers want to play any of 49 title CDs from Sony BMG. The program forces consumers to use a music player that comes with it so they can get the virus on your computer.
It turns out that this music player contains components taken from an open-source project, an MP3 player called LAME.
At least five functions in the XCP software are identical to functions in LAME and have references to the LAME open-source MP3 code.
The controversial copy-protection software used by music publisher Sony BMG on music CDs appears to have used an open-source project, so it looks like they may have illegally copied a program to try and prevent people from copying their music.
The XCP program, developed by British software firm First4Internet and used by Sony BMG to restrict copying and sharing of music CDs, is already highly controversial because it acts like virus software and hides deep inside a computer where it leaves the backdoor open for malicious hackers.
The XCP program will install itself on any Windows-operated personal computer when consumers want to play any of 49 title CDs from Sony BMG. The program forces consumers to use a music player that comes with it so they can get the virus on your computer.
It turns out that this music player contains components taken from an open-source project, an MP3 player called LAME.
At least five functions in the XCP software are identical to functions in LAME and have references to the LAME open-source MP3 code.
posted at
9:11 PM
