"Legitimate" Spyware

Texas files new spyware claim against Sony BMG


The original lawsuit was filed by Attorney General Greg 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 new charges brought by Abbott contend MediaMax software used by Sony BMG to thwart illegal copying of music on CDs violated state laws because it was downloaded even if users rejected a license agreement.


Ok. I buy a music CD from a reputable company. Sony. I throw it in my computer.
It tries to install software on my computer. I say no , don't do that.
It installs it anyways.


ritics have said the MediaMax software allows the company to track customers' listening habits even if the customers reject maker SunnComm's terms in a licensing agreement that appears upon installation.

Sony wants to collect info on what songs you listen to, and it doesn't care if you say no to it , and it doesn't care that you are the Paying customer, you paid for that cd !
And this is a legitimate company , not a fly by nite spyware shop.

It would seem that Spyware is now going legit.
That is not to say that it is changing it's tactices, but rather , that llegitimate companies are now using it. And you gotta know, they're going to lean on governments and get laws changed to make what was once illegal suddenly legal. Thats how they usually operate.

Welcome to the new world. A simple music cd is now your enemey.