Eliot Spitzer Warns Over Sony DRM

Things continue to get worse for Sony BMG following the discovery of a rootkit in its CD copy-protection software that degrades PC performance and puts users at risk for security attacks. New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, famous for going after corporate corruption and recently spyware companies, has turned his attention toward Sony.

Spitzer sent investigators to a number of retail music outlets, who were able to purchase the affected CDs more than a week after they were allegedly recalled, according to BusinessWeek. Stores including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Sam Goody, Circuit City, FYE and Virgin continued to stock the rootkit-laden albums.

Over 5 million discs were shipped with the rootkit across 52 different albums, Sony acknowledged earlier this month.

"It is unacceptable that more than three weeks after this serious vulnerability was revealed, these same CDs are still on shelves, during the busiest shopping days of the year," Spitzer said statement.

"I strongly urge all retailers to heed the warnings issued about these products, pull them from distribution immediately, and ship them back to Sony."

Spitzer did not say whether he would file suit against the record label, but he wouldn't be the first. Last week, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott sued Sony BMG for its use of illegal spyware and disputed claims that it recalled all affected CDs.

Under Texas' Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act of 2005, Abbott is seeking civil penalties of $100,000 for each violation of the law, attorneys' fees and investigative costs.

Spitzer has previously sued Sony BMG over a "payola" scheme that involved sending payments and expensive gifts in exchange for radio airplay. Sony paid $10 million to settle the case in July.