Some of you may recall that back in 2005, as a copy-protection measure, Sony/BMG included the Extended Copy Protection (XCP) and MediaMax CD-3 software on music CDs. XCP was put on 52 albums[1] and MediaMax was put on 50 albums.[2]
This software was automatically installed on desktop computers when customers tried to play the CDs. The software interfered with the normal way in which the Microsoft Windows operating system played CDs, opening security holes that allowed viruses to break in, and causing other problems. It was, in essence, a type of spyware, sending back information to Sony/BMB about users listening habits etc.
As a result, a number of parties filed lawsuits against Sony BMG; the company ended up recalling all the affected CDs; and greater public attention was drawn to the issue of commercially-backed spyware.
This "rootkit" has caused damage in a number of computers, especially since over 20 million cd's came with the rootkit built in. In some cases the damage was so severe people had to re-format their drives. While Sony/BMG continued to downplay the problems caused by the rootkit and refused to refund the cost of the cd's, they are now offering a 'settlement" for those who have been affected. You can go directly to
http://www.eff.org/sony/
to submit a US claim
to submit a Canadian claim
to view the list of affected CDs
To read a description of benefits
Update: US and Canadian customers can now claim a settlement from Sony BMG
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