If this keeps up I may need a dedicated DRM category to keep up with the flow of malware released under the guise of protecting big-media profits at the expense of consumer rights. The Register reported today:

According to the EFF, the vulnerability centres on a file folder installed by the MediaMax software shipped on some Sony CDs, “that could allow malicious third parties who have localized, lower-privilege access to gain control over a consumer’s computer running the Windows operating system.â€? …other severe problems with MediaMax discs, including: undisclosed communications with servers Sony controls… undisclosed installation of over 18 MB of software regardless of whether the user agrees to the End User License Agreement; and failure to include an uninstaller with the CD.â€?

There is definitely a balance and a right way to do things in “digital copyright management” (DCM), which is what DRM should be called, but the fact that the EFF claims 30 other labels use this software means the big labels either do not realize the harm they are causing by distributing malware or they do not believe they are liable. A healthy market would find neither acceptable.