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The BBC reports:

«Sony BMG is facing three lawsuits over its controversial anti-piracy software.

Revealed in late October by Windows expert Mark Russinovich, the software copy protection system hides using virus-like techniques.»

This is great news for consumers. Sony, who adopted a secret zero-copyright infringment policy, created music CDs that "defended" themselves from being copied. This defense was to install a root kit on the offending machine. A root kit is a suite of programs to allow unauthorized users remote access to your machine.

While I appreciate, but don't share, Sony's concern with piracy, this anti-theft measure is so blantantly anti-consumer that the media giant's unspoken contempt for its customers is jaw-dropping.

Theft of all kinds is a part of doing business. In the case of CD copying, Sony hasn't lost a thing. The original CD that Sony paid to produce was paid for by the consumer. Copies are made at the consumers expense.

What about the artist? I have found that consumers will support those artists whom they like. The legion of over-marketed hacks can burn for all I care.

There is one case in which I side with Sony on this. There are those "pirates" that make copies to sell. This slimy practice should be rooted out with the full force of law. Measures to stop that kind of wholesale theft shouldn't affect the small guy.

Shame on you, Sony.