Sony accepts to compensate customers for buying CDs containing rootkits

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on January 30 that Sony BMG Music Entertainment has approved a maximum reimbursement of $ 150 per customer for damages that digital anti-piracy software contains rootkits in. CD of this company caused.

Sony BMG's digital music copyright protection software only allows its music CDs to run on genuine or Microsoft-made devices.

In addition, the software also limits the number of copies, monitoring the habits of listening to customers' music and sending out promotional information.

FTC said Sony BMG customers also face some relatively dangerous risks because its software contains rootkit germs - a dangerous type of malware. And customers also face many difficulties in removing that software from their PC.

According to an agreement with the FTC, Sony BMG must complete the settlement and return the new CD by the end of June to customers who have purchased a CD containing dangerous anti-piracy software before 31 / 12/2006.

In addition, Sony BMG must publish full details of the CD usage limits, what kind of devices can run its CDs and eliminate the collection of customer information.

During the next two years Sony BMG must provide its customers with a copy-protection software removal tool as well as fix security holes related to this software. This information must be published in detail and complete on its website.

The agreement between FTC and Sony BMG will be publicized for about 30 days. After that time, the FTC made the official decision.

Sony BMG representatives still do not have any official comments on this information. Last month Sony BMG also had to accept compensation of about $ 4 million to settle a similar case with more than 40 US states.

Hoang Dung