Sony Says No To Spyware! Sort of!

In response to criticism from bloggers, security experts, and Homeland Security (!), Sony has decided to remove its controversial XCP technology from CDs. The technology, which apparently prevents more than a few copies being made, eliminates the ability to transfer the music to your IPOD, and enables Sony to tell what you're listening to, has been attacked as spyware, not only because it installs without you knowing it, but because it can be used to hide attacks on its computer.

Have these idiots learned NOTHING? Lets see.... People aren't buying our CDs. What can we do about it? I know, we'll put malicious software on them that ensures they'll never trust another CD from us again and will be more likely to get a pirated copy from a friend. The record industry needs to realize that things have changed. While some people (myself included) continue to buy CDs, others will either copy (which is illegal) or pay only for songs they want from a legitimate service. If your business model is broken by technology, you need to adapt in a consumer friendly way, not one that alienates them further.

Too bad, because I'd heard great things about the new Neil Diamond album. I might have bought it, but not if it's going to attack my computer. The idea a Neil Diamond album worth buying attacks my sensibilities enough.