There is also noise made in Europe about investigating the software.
Microsoft has also weighed in and done what other security firms have been slightly slower to do (although accounts vary), that is, provide a way to get rid of the Sony-spyware. Wow, when it rains, it pours.
I first thought that this may be a bit of overkill… But apart from the privacy argument, there are other things that have been mentioned that harm the consumer:
- The Sony rootkit is a security vulnerability that hackers can now target.
- It has been alleged to slow down computer performance and even crash the system.
- Stops transfer of files to Apple’s iPod.
The last point is particularly irksome, and have led some to think that it’s a retaliation against Apple for taking market share in the audio visual device market, as well as Apple’s success with iTunes downloads in Japan (Sony’s backyard).
Perhaps Sony should stop trying to dictate their terms and flow where the market wants to go: cheap music and good affordable music devices (a variety of them). Ditch ATRAC3, use SD cards and learn to merge with the world!
After all this, I recommend reading about the rules of Sony’s EULA on EFF’s website: link
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