Sony BMG started with a class-action lawsuit, continued with a settlement with state attorneys general and ended with the federal government. I use the term "ended" very loosely. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a settlement with Sony: a set of conditions that will change the way Sony BMG markets CDs in the future. The company is now required to clearly label DRM-protected discs and is prohibited from installing any software without notifying and gaining consent from the user (there's a shocker!
. Sony BMG is also required to provide exchanges for existing DRM-enabled CDs until June 31, 2007, and pay up to $150 to anyone who spent money trying to remove the rootkit or repair any damage from it.
"Consumers' computers belong to them and companies must adequately disclose unexpected limitations on the customary use of their products so consumers can make informed decisions regarding whether to purchase and install that content," said FTC Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras.
News source: Ars Technica
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