Sony halts DRM music discs

to install copy-protection on computers. Sony has also released a patch to all major anti-virus vendors to fix the exploit and has also released Service Pack to enable users to remove the XCP DRM software, which is included on a limited number of Sony BMG content-protected titles, according to the company.

"We stand by content protection technology as an important tool to protect our intellectual property rights and those of our artists. Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, SONY BMG is temporarily suspending the manufacture of CDs containing XCP technology. We also intend to re-examine all aspects of our content protection initiative to be sure that it continues to meet our goals of security and ease of consumer use."

The software, which also installs "kernel extensions" on a Mac, can be removed by either installing the update for Windows computers or contacting Sony BMGcustomer service to remove the Mac extensions.

by MacNN Staff