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Sony BMG Faces Legal Challenges Over Use of Digital Rights Management Software
Sony BMG recently became embroiled in two separate lawsuits relating to its use of certain software included in its compact discs (referred to as MediaMax and XCP) that are designed to protect the audio content from unauthorized copying and distribution. It has been reported that MediaMax and XCP have been included on millions of Sony BMG CDs and that they may represent a security threat to the computers on which they have been installed.
In one suit, the State of Texas (through its Attorney General, Greg Abbott) has alleged that Sony BMG’s distribution of XCP is in violation of Texas’ Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act because the software prevents location and removal from the computer it is installed on, and also because Sony BMG has induced users to install XCP by intentionally misrepresenting the character of the software.
The other suit is a class action, led by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and two California law firms, alleging that Sony BMG’s distribution of both MediaMax and XCP is in violation of four different aspects of California law, including California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act which prohibits deceptive practices, unfair methods of competition and unfair acts.
For additional information on the State of Texas suit, visit:
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagnews/release.php?id=1266&PHPSESSID=8utcijlna8guaccin65hp7lj33
For additional information on the Electronic Frontier Foundation class action, visit: