by Playfuls Staff |
22nd December 2005
The past two months have probably been the worst in Sony BMG’s history, due to the huge scandal around the DRM system implemented by the company, a DRM system that is in fact so flawed, that it turns any computer in gets itself installed onto into a sitting duck for all sorts of malware.[more]
And it seems that the company’s problems are far from over. Thus, according to the Reuters agency, Greg Abbott, Texas attorney general, has added a new claim to a lawsuit against Sony BMG accusing it of violating the state's laws on deceptive trade practices by hiding "spyware" on its compact discs.
The original lawsuit was filed by Abbott in November against the company for violating state anti-spyware laws by embedding software in its CDs and media player to monitor users' habits.
The expanded complaint alleges that the MediaMax anti-piracy technology violates local deceptive business laws. When a consumer first inserts a MediaMax CD in his computer, he is presented with a license agreement. But even if he declines the agreement, files are secretly installed, Abbott's contends.
“We keep discovering additional methods Sony used to deceive Texas consumers who thought they were simply buying music,” said Abbott. “Thousands of Texans are now potential victims of this deceptive game Sony played with consumers for its own purposes.”
The lawsuit could turn into a costly affair for Sony. The Texas Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act of 2005 allows for civil penalties of $100,000 for each violation. The expanded complaint could mean an additional $20,000 penalty per violation under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practice Act.
Well, looks like Sony BMG is heading towards a relatively grim 2006. And seeing that went into this whole thing head first, they should really expect a little scalping. Because that’s exactly what they might get in Texas.
