U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald gave her approval after a hearing in which lawyers explained the deal that requires the world’s second-largest music label to stop manufacturing compact discs software that can leave computers vulnerable to hackers.

According to terms of the settlement, Sony BMG will let consumers who bought the CDs receive replacement discs without the anti-piracy technology and will let them choose one of two incentive packages.

The first package lets consumers who bought XCP CDs to obtain a cash payment of $7.50 and a promotion code allowing them to download one additional album from a list of more than 200 titles.The second package permits them to download three additional albums from the list. The court papers said Sony BMG would try to offer Apple Computer Inc.’s iTunes as one of the download services available to the consumers.

Judge tentatively OKs Sony BMG settlement

In my opinion Sony is getting off the hook without even a slap on the wrist. Firstly they install the software on users’ computers without their knowledge or permission and therefore breaking the law. Then they are exposing those users to all possible security vulnerabilities but law says they ought to pay few bucks for it.

I’m sorry but in my opinion this judge is out of touch with reality.

What about the damage the users have? Who pays for that ? The only secure way to remove root kit from Windows machine is to format the drive and reinstall operating system. And of course before that users should back up their data, then upon Windows reinstallation they need to install all applications and reinstall their files and settings. How many Windows users can do this on their own ? 5% ? Maybe 10% but that’s it. And even those who can do it have to spend most of the day working on it.

I guess Sony should pay for this, every single affected user should be compensated with several hundred dollars for lost time, productivity and risk exposure. And of course they should all have professionally reinstalled Windows and their applications and data.

My daughter (8) is asking me to buy her the latest Kelly Clarkson CD but I guess she’ll be listening some other music. This is because there is something I don’t like about Kelly, her record company choice. Yes, good guess – It’s a Sony.

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