When you shoot yourself in the foot, you can expect some bleeding. That, presumably, is why Sony and its partner in crime are rushing out a patch for the crapware that comes with their copy-protected CDs. CNET News.com has the details:
Sony BMG’s technology partner First 4 Internet, a British company, said Wednesday that it has released a patch to antivirus companies that will eliminate the copy-protection software’s ability to hide. In consequence, it will also prevent virus writers from cloaking their work using the copy-protection tools.
The record label and First 4 Internet will post a similar patch on Sony BMG’s Web site for consumers to download directly, the companies said.
“We want to make sure we allay any unnecessary concerns,” said Mathew Gilliat-Smith, CEO of First 4 Internet. “We think this is a pro-active step and common sense.”
This is a tiny, tiny first step, but unless they go a lot further, a lot faster, their reputation is shredded.
Free advice for Sony:
- Fire First 4 Internet immediately and publicly.
- Remaster the CDs with DRM-free versions.
- Offer free replacement CDs to anyone who purchased one of the rootkit-infected CDs.
- Provide toll-free tech support for anyone who experiences a problem with their Windows computer that they think is related to this software.
That would be a positive response.
Update: I’ve got one more idea…
Ed Bott 
Interesting that Sony/BMG are, I believe, the only major record label to hold out on signing an agreement with Apple iTMS in Australia.
These episodes prove they think they are a law unto themselves.
How can they be so out of touch with their customers?
Sony could start by recalling and replacing all of the CD’s with the rootkit DRM. These things will be a threat to PC owners until they are out circulation.
Other industries do it all the time. If the product is defective and causes injury or damage it gets recalled.
So, I would make the list five items and place RECALL at the top of the list.