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Thursday, December 21, 2006
Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly said today that Sony BMG Music Entertainment has agreed to pay Massachusetts and 39 other states $4.25 million to resolve investigations by the states into problems that arose after Sony BMG placed anti-copying software on music CDs.
During 2005, Sony BMG distributed more than 12 million CDs with anti-copying software without telling consumers; one version of the software made consumers' Windows-based computers vulnerable to security threats, including viruses, Reilly's office said.
And when consumers became aware of the anti-copying software and attempted to remove it themselves, they could experience problems and in some cases, their CD-ROM drives crashed, Reilly's office said.
Under the settlement, Sony BMG will provide refunds up to $175 to consumers whose comoputers were damaged, Reilly's office said.
"Consumers do not expect music CDs to contain hidden software which could expose their computers to viruses and other security risks," Reilly said in a statement. "If companies want to use technology to protect their interests, they need to be up-front with consumers and give consumers the opportunity to make informed choices about buying and using these products."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)
Posted by Boston Globe Business Team at 03:12 PM
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