Sony BMG calls halt to production of XCP copy-protected CDs

[Bob Crabtree]

Sony BMG slipped out a statement on November 10 in which, half way down, it finally got around to admitting that it's decided to "temporarily" stop making music CDs that are protected by the XCP system - and explaining why.

Looks to us, though, that this has to be a permanent thing given that the rootkit viruses that the statement alludes to are enpowered by the XCP technology and aren't going to go away any time soon.

SONY BMG STATEMENT

(Nov 10, 2005) - We are aware that a computer virus is circulating that may affect computers with XCP content protection software. The XCP software is included on a limited number of SONY BMG content protected titles. This potential problem has no effect on the use of these discs in conventional, non-computer-based, CD and DVD players.

In response to these events, SONY BMG has swiftly provided a patch to all major anti-virus companies and to the general public that guards against precisely the type of virus now said to exist.

Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, SONY BMG is temporarily suspending the manufacture of CDs containing XCP technology.

Check out the statement.

There's already some related feedback in this thread but let us know your thoughts.