Friday, February 17, 2006
The Register: Homeland Security Urges DRM Rootkit Ban
Posted by Jason Dunn in "NEWS" @ 05:00 PM
"US government officials took Sony BMG to task over its controversial use of rootkit-style copy protection at a security conference this week. If the technology proves harmful to consumers, tougher laws and regulations might be proposed, a senior Department of Homeland Security exec warned. "Legislation or regulation may not be appropriate in all cases, but it may be warranted in some circumstances," said Jonathan Frenkel, director of law enforcement policy with the DHS's Border and Transportation Security Directorate, PC World reports. Sony BMG's flawed approach to Digital Rights Management technology was exposed after security researchers discovered XCP anti-piracy software, that shipped with some of Sony BMG's music CDs, masked its presence and introduced a vulnerability that hackers and virus writers began to target. Under pressure, Sony was forced to recall discs loaded with the technology and create an exchange program for consumers."
I'm not sure if I should be impressed that the US government is giving Sony a whack over the head for their dangerous DRM tactics, or frustrated that the only reason they care is homeland security and not consumer rights. :?
I'm not sure if I should be impressed that the US government is giving Sony a whack over the head for their dangerous DRM tactics, or frustrated that the only reason they care is homeland security and not consumer rights. :?
