EMI Repeats Sony BMG's Mistakes
Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 4:47 pm
March 25, 2006
Drew Wilson
The cartels never learn , another DRM that = spyware.
Drew Wilson
Now another case has been brought into national light - the EMI's proprietary software being installed onto Brazilian consumer's computers whether or not they accept the EULA.
slyckReports have been floating around with stories of EULA's associated with EMI's music containing misleading information. On top of that, even if the user rejects the EULA, the content is installed onto their computers anyway. This is exactly how Sony BMG's SunnComm technology was forcefully being installed onto people's computers.
The EMI EULA in the latest CD's (including "Infinito Particular" and "Universo ao Meu Redor") claimed that a full copy of the EULA was available at emimusic.info. Reportedly, this is simply untrue. The EULA was also encoded into a flash file making it impossible for users to simply copy and paste the terms and conditions onto alternative document software like OpenOffice or Microsoft Word.
The good news is that the EULA states that it will install software onto user’s computers if they accept the terms and conditions. The bad news is, if a user rejects the EULA, the software is installed anyway and music will begin to play.
Additionally, the EULA states, "The user waives any and all rights that he or she might have under the laws of his or her own country or province, in regard of this contract drafted in any other language"
If the user wants to uninstall the software, unfortunately it may require a reformat as the software is allegedly permanently installed onto the consumers computer. The DRM prevents users from playing the CD's on Linux and MacOS computers as well as uploading it into portable players such as the iPod.
The cartels never learn , another DRM that = spyware.
boingboingEMI releases Brazilian DRM CDs that totally hose their customers
Brazilian mega-star Marisa Monte's new CDs from EMI ("Infinito Particular" and "Universo ao Meu Redor") come with DRM that can't be uninstalled, and requires you to "agree" to a contract that isn't published in Portuguese. Even if you disagree, the malware is installed.