CopiaSystems Universe

In the continuing story of SONY BMG and its copy protection "spyware", the state of Texas has brought suit against SONY under its new Anti-spyware law:

"AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The state sued Sony BMG Music Entertainment on Monday under its new anti-spyware law, saying anti-piracy technology the company slipped into music CDs leaves huge security holes on consumers' computers.

The lawsuit is over the so-called XCP technology that Sony had added to more than 50 CDs to restrict to three the number of times a single disc could be copied."

The AP story continues:

"Attorney General Greg Abbott accused Sony BMG of surreptitiously installing "spyware" in the form of files that mask other files Sony installed as part of XCP.

This "cloaking" component can leave computers vulnerable to viruses and other security problems, said Abbot, echoing the findings of computer security researchers.

"Sony has engaged in a technological version of cloak-and-dagger deceit against consumers by hiding secret files on their computers," Abbott said in a statement.

The term "spyware" has been used broadly to cover programs that are installed without users' full knowledge and consent, whether or not they actually spy on a user's activities."

I think it is time that companies like SONY (and can you say Microsoft) and others are held accountable for their activities, such as installing software on user's computers without their permission. 

Music companies are not the only one's violating our trust.  A few days ago I upgraded my Adobe Acrobat, and unannounced and undesired software was installed on my PC, including Yahoo Search Bar (HEY - I use Google search and I don't need more than one!) as well as Adobe's lite photo manager.  I don't want that crap - why push it on me when I did not ask for it.

It is time for the software bullies (and music bullies too) to take notice - if you violate our trust we will go elsewhere!

Want to read the whole story on the law suit against SONY?  Check it out here...