In 2005, Sony BMG installed DRM software on users’ computers without clearly notifying the user or requiring confirmation. Among other things, the software included a rootkit, which created a security vulnerability. When the nature of the software was made public much later, Sony BMG initially minimized the significance of the vulnerabilities, but eventually recalled millions of CDs, and made several attempts to patch the software to remove the rootkit. Class action lawsuits were filed, which were ultimately settled by agreements to provide affected consumers with a cash payout or album downloads free of DRM.[32]
Yeah it made pretty big headlines. It wasn’t so much the DRM but more the way they went about sneaking it onto people’s systems. And even after people were exploiting the kit, Sony did this:
“Russinovich noted that the removal program merely unmasked the hidden files installed by the rootkit but did not actually remove the rootkit.”
There are few companies I will never support. Sony is one of them. They have absolute seething hate and disrespect for their customers.
What does sony even sell now that people would buy? I am much less aware of them in the marketplace now.
PlayStation comes to mind…
Of course, PS.
Do they still make headphones and receivers? TVs?
They do sell headphones, yes. Not sure about the other stuff.
They also sell phones and cameras.
Playstation is the first that comes to mind. It’s a mega conglomerate and is involved in many industries:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony
Mark Russinovich is a cool guy. Hes CTO for MS Azure currently.