What is Digg?31 Comments
- Breadstick, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"But nowhere in the EULA does it say that the DRM software is being installed. So the software is installed WITHOUT the knowledge or consent of the user. The EULA only says that the player software will be installed"
Does the EULA have to describe in detail how the software works, or just what it's purpose is? - xilch, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I wouldn't count on it. Orin Hatch wants to do worse things to other peoples computers than install a root kit.
- dshield, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1But nowhere in the EULA does it say that the DRM software is being installed. So the software is installed WITHOUT the knowledge or consent of the user. The EULA only says that the player software will be installed. Read Mark Russinovich's original article at http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights.html
and see if you change your mind. - c.trinity, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0No matter what they'll say from now on,they did it big time and that's the real story.
That's the only truth. - jayf, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Talk about shooting yourself over and over in the foot. For those you aren't up to speed, here's a digest...
1. Sony employs technology to keep its paying customers from enjoying music in ways which Sony doesn't approve.
2. In doing so, they violate US fair-use rights (inability to copy said music to iPod).
3. The technology isn't even effective (use some capable ripping software or in some cases a Mac).
4. The technology, in an attempt to keep from being found, also installs a hiding place for virii/malware/and other harmful programs.
5. The technology if removed harms Windows PCs to varying degrees.
6. Sony still refuses to admit wrong-doing, all they are doing is protecting their copyrights.
7. Breaking news! The technology is suspected of employing other software to whose open-source licenses are not being adhered. (a.k.a. Copyright infringement, the very thing Sony is saying they are trying to protect through use of such software).
Cost of implanting Orwellian software on world's PCs: 10 Billion $
Cost of reluctantly pulling it from store shelves: 50 Million $
Cost of demonstrating that downloading MP3s off the internet remains the easiest, fastest, and safest way to enjoy music: PRICELESS - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1This is a good think that this happen, yes I know half a million windows computers is infected but this way more people may understood what's really happening all around, my little advice, if you could, don't use ms windows!
- Osiriscky3, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0wow i thought this was another repeat of the Rootkit saga and i was like stupid noob BUT it wasn't so you get a cookie
and a DIGG FTW - wilf_brim, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I agree that the EULA for Sony's DRM software was at best misleading and incomplete. The lawsuit that the State of CA (and other governemnts have files) claim that it was so incomplete and misleading as to be illegal.
From the point of view of Symmantec, et al, Sony is a big corporation with several platoons of +4 paperwork attack rating lawyers. They are afraid that somebody like Sony would, if they came out and identified their product in their defs files, immediately request injunction and probably file for damages. It is only now, when public opinion is so against Sony that they feel safe in declaring them as malware.
It is pretty unfair and dangerous that somebody like Sony can get away with somethat most smaller firms would get slammed for, but that is the system. People are afraid of the infamous "Lawyer-ling rush!!!" - Opiate, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0How does that differ from displaying a banner on digg.com or doing a search on google? hypocrites...
- detrate, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Can't wait to see how this plays out on www.diggvsdot.com :-P
- jiminoc, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Bruce makes some excellent points as usual
- trogdoor, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Unfortunately I doubt it. but I won't buy one.
- dongiaconia, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0At first I thought it was a dupe, but it's kind of like a compilation of all the previous stories.
I'm actually glad this happened though, because now average users will be wary of DRM technology, not just people that know about the EFF.
+digg - sheesh, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0'It acts as spyware, surreptitiously sending information about you to Sony. And it can't be removed; trying to get rid of it damages Windows.'
opiate says: "LIES - It does not send any information it only displays a banner. There are tools to remove it."
Uh, how does it get this banner? By SENDING a banner request to Sony. A banner request that at a minimum contains your IP address, the time, the date, and information about the CD you are playing.
Looks like YOU are the liar.
And the "tools to remove it" make the problem worse, as has been explained again and again.
The bottom line: Sony is STILL spreading lies and disinformation, using shills like opiate to post ***** here on Digg. - TK99, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0With any luck it will piss off the wrong people in Congress and they will make a law against such things.
- 16x9, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0> wilf_brim wrote: "He makes some good points, but he misses a big one. All software that installs with the knowlege and consent of the user can't be removed as viruses or spyware. That is restraint of trade, and is illegal."
I take your point and I've heard this argument before. But my question is this...
Provided that the removal software doesn't call something spyware, a virus or whatever, why can't removal software simply allow the computer's owner to remove ANY software.
Maybe this is too simplistic an idea but if a removal program scanned for ALL software (including spyware, viruses and the like) and allowed the user to delete any or all of it, then how could a company like SONY argue restraint of trade?
Pushed to the extreme, even a utility that erases a hard drive could be thought of restraining someone's trade because it erases their software. And when it comes right down to it, our computers belong to us. So what if at one time agreed to have SONY's root kit installed because we clicked "OK" on their 416 page EULA. I later changed my mind and I want it gone. I can't imagine Adobe taking legal action because years ago I installed a copy of GoLive and now I want to delete it. - redpoint73, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0A good summary of the issue to date.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Bruce wrote my favorite book ever on encryption. I also recommend checking out this audio interview with him:
http://www.itconversations.com/shows/detail119.html - pgm_01, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Sitting in my system tray I have a software firewall, a program that reads from my hardware firewall, anti virus and an anti-spyware program. I watch the sites I visit and use Firefox (most) of the time. I still spent hours tracing a trojan and removing it. It installed as part of some adware that I never agreed to, yet there it was. There are enough problems without supposedly "reputable" companies trying to take over my system.
Sony installed a program without the users consent. They could have written it in the EULA and covered their asses but obviously they felt they did not even have to that. Companies have been allowed to grow to a point where they control too much. They meet to discuss ways to grow profit, not ways of improving their product. If this hurts Sony enough maybe it will make other companies at least think about consumers rights, or at least the consequences when they get caught crossing the line. - MioTheGreat, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0At least microsoft has been protecting the x64 kernel from this crap.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0next there will be a dramatic 'made for TV' movie...
- lonelycanuck, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0I hope this story never dies
Shameless Self Plug - http://www.lonelycanuck.com - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1PS3 = DEAD
- BugMeNot2, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0"Saga"
A bit much don't you think? - wilf_brim, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0He makes some good points, but he misses a big one. All software that installs with the knowlege and consent of the user can't be removed as viruses or spyware. That is restraint of trade, and is illegal.
- dyslexicsUNTIED, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0this is the same story that is on wired. written by the same person.
- StanrickKubley, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0"next there will be a dramatic 'made for TV' movie..."
But who will play the rootkit? My vote is for Buscemi. - Opiate, on 10/12/2007, -2/+0How is this "The Real Story" complete outright lies.
"This software tool is run without your knowledge or consent -- if it's loaded on your computer with a CD, a hacker can gain and maintain access to your system and you wouldn't know it." The hacker part is a lie.
"It acts as spyware, surreptitiously sending information about you to Sony. And it can't be removed; trying to get rid of it damages Windows." LIES - It does not send any information it only displays a banner. There are tools to remove it. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -3/+0Bruce is gay lord
- yogurtslinger, on 10/12/2007, -3/+0dupe, no digg sorry...
http://digg.com/technology/The_Story_Of_Tech_Blogs_Defeating_A_Mega-Corporation. - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+0Bruce is gay.
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