Re: [LM_NET] Sony spyware and copyright

[Susan Jones <SUJones@PARKLAND.EDU>]

The software leaves computers pretty wide open to hackers "gaping security holes."  
Sorry, Sony doesn't have a right to let the hackers mess up *my* computer. From 
this reading, the stuff gets downloaded regardless, even if it doesn't *do* 
anything until after three copies are made.  Thus, the security problems are 
installed.  

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=sci_tech&id=3654296 



Susan Jones
Academic Development Specialist
Academic Development Center
Parkland College
Champaign, IL  61821
sujones@parkland.edu
Webmastress,
http://www.resourceroom.net

>>> Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@FWCDS.ORG> 11/22/05 6:53 AM >>>
I just had to laugh when I heard about the Sony Spyware / copyright situation (DRM 
software being installed on the Sony music CDs).  While I understand how 
problematic it would be to have the spyware downloaded onto a computer system to 
slow it down and eventually stop the entire system of those who copy CDs over and 
over (for whatever purpose)....I laughed because I thought it was a great idea of 
Sony's to "stick it" to those who continue to violate copyright and download music 
for re-distribution to others.

I guess that's the "evil librarian" in me, but I almost think that Sony should have 
the right to create some type of program that would allow users to make three 
copies of their product (which it does before the spyware is downloaded on their 
systems)...but rather than downloading a spyware that reports back to Sony who is 
violating copyright, it should just stop playing.  There should also be a label on 
the music that states "you have the right to copy this CD three times and after 
that, the CD will stop playing.  There will be no refunds."

I don't know that I believe violating copyright is a "right" once you purchase 
something for yourself (and then decide to make multiple copies for you closest 500 
friends) ---and while I understand why people might want to download their CDs to 
their iPods or systems for personal use, I have a hard time believing that the 
majority of these downloads are legal.  Unfortunately, the ones who violate 
copyright have made it harder to teach others that this is wrong / illegal.  I'm 
afraid that this lawsuit will open a new Pandora's box that will cause some serious 
problems, especially for libraries and librarians. 

Here are links about the story, if you haven't seen it:

http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,123362,00.asp 
http://www.pcworld.com/resource/article/0,aid,123543,pg,1,RSS,RSS,00.asp 

http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=14414&hed=Sony+Spyware+Draws+Lawsuits 


~Shonda


Shonda Brisco, MLIS
US / Technology Librarian
Fort Worth Country Day School
Fort Worth, TX
sbrisco@fwcds.org
http://www.fwcds.org/campus/libraries/default.asp 

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