The Register: Homeland Security Urges DRM Rootkit Ban

[Jason Dunn]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/02/17/rootkit/

"US government officials took Sony BMG to task over its controversial use of rootkit-style copy protection at a security conference this week. If the technology proves harmful to consumers, tougher laws and regulations might be proposed, a senior Department of Homeland Security exec warned. "Legislation or regulation may not be appropriate in all cases, but it may be warranted in some circumstances," said Jonathan Frenkel, director of law enforcement policy with the DHS's Border and Transportation Security Directorate, PC World reports. Sony BMG's flawed approach to Digital Rights Management technology was exposed after security researchers discovered XCP anti-piracy software, that shipped with some of Sony BMG's music CDs, masked its presence and introduced a vulnerability that hackers and virus writers began to target. Under pressure, Sony was forced to recall discs loaded with the technology and create an exchange program for consumers."

I'm not sure if I should be impressed that the US government is giving Sony a whack over the head for their dangerous DRM tactics, or frustrated that the only reason they care is homeland security and not consumer rights. :?

[Jason Dunn]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/02/17/rootkit/

"US government officials took Sony BMG to task over its controversial use of rootkit-style copy protection at a security conference this week. If the technology proves harmful to consumers, tougher laws and regulations might be proposed, a senior Department of Homeland Security exec warned. "Legislation or regulation may not be appropriate in all cases, but it may be warranted in some circumstances," said Jonathan Frenkel, director of law enforcement policy with the DHS's Border and Transportation Security Directorate, PC World reports. Sony BMG's flawed approach to Digital Rights Management technology was exposed after security researchers discovered XCP anti-piracy software, that shipped with some of Sony BMG's music CDs, masked its presence and introduced a vulnerability that hackers and virus writers began to target. Under pressure, Sony was forced to recall discs loaded with the technology and create an exchange program for consumers."

I'm not sure if I should be impressed that the US government is giving Sony a whack over the head for their dangerous DRM tactics, or frustrated that the only reason they care is homeland security and not consumer rights. :?

[gdoerr56]

Uh, do we REALLY want the US Government telling even Sony what is and is not acceptable?

We already have too much regulation that impact our ability to get our hands on the latest and greatest toys. Any additional interference or regulation will only make that situation worse.

I am firm believer in Buyer Beware and carefully research my purchases. Even then I have made a few impulse purchases of items that have disappointed me (Prismiq, anyone) but I made these purchases with my eyes open.

I personally have not purchased anything from Sony for over two years and I don't plan to start now. If Sony's market shrinks significantly because other consumers do the same, they will be forced to change their ways to recapture their former glory. This will likely have far more impact that additional regulation or oversight.