Sony Japan to stop releasing copy-protected audio CDs

October 1, 2004

Quakester2000 lets
us know that Sony Japan will stop releasing copy-protected audio CDs on the Japanese
market starting November 17th. According to Sony they will drop the protected
discs because the Japanese law is tougher than it was before on those who
pirate media. But, the real reason is probably that the
protection didn't fare well with the Japanese consumers:

More to the point, however, buyers have not
responded well to the technology and the limitations it places on
legitimate music buyers in order to hinder folk from duplicating discs for
chums or profit.

Indeed, Sony appeared concerned that a copy-protected CD isn't
a Compact Disc in the true, standards-based definition of the term, which
its own parent company was jointly responsible for setting. In short,
there is consumer resistance - and possible a legal challenge - for
something that looks like a CD but either plays nothing or lower quality
audio when used in a CD drive.

Sony's move follows a similar decision by fellow Japanese label Avex,
but is runs contrary to the trend in the West to increasingly release
copy-protected discs in the hope of stemming online piracy and
file-sharing.

This is good news as it shows us that people (read:
consumers) can make a difference. Even with a large company such as Sony. Read
the full article over at The Register.

Source: The Register