Microsoft: "No plans" for Zune copyright "cop"

Thu May 8, 2008 9:43AM EDT

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Stung by reports that it might install piracy filters on the Zune, the software giant goes on the defensive, promising that it has "no plans or commitments" to do any such thing. OK...but is that a flat denial?

The controversy erupted after an NBC exec, in a New York Times blog post, claimed that Microsoft would "work with [NBC] to try to develop a copyright 'cop' to be installed on its devices." Said "cop" would block any attempted playback of pirated video files (it sounds like music files wouldn't be filtered, but you never know).

Some background: NBC and Microsoft just inked a deal allowing NBC shows such as "The Office," "30 Rock," and "Heroes" to go on sale at the Zune Marketplace. NBC, of course, yanked its shows off iTunes after Apple refused to (among other things) bolster its anti-piracy measures—one of which, NBC execs recently hinted, might include piracy filters in iTunes or on iPods themselves.

In the NYT post, a Microsoft spokesman would only say that the company was "exploring anti-piracy measures with NBC," but NBC exec J. B. Perrette said the technology could include a filter that "allows for playback of legitimately purchased content versus non-legitimately purchased content."

Naturally, the news hit blogosphere like a bomb, and the Zune team quickly went into damage-control mode, releasing a statement that read: "We have no plans or commitments to implement any new type of content filtering in the Zune devices as part of our distribution deal with NBC."

OK, but does that count as a flat denial? "No plans or commitments"...does that equal "we won't do it"? The wording sounds similar to Microsoft's weak denials of a Blu-ray-equipped Xbox 360; "no plans," again, but no flat-out "no."

To my mind, even the hint of a possibility of a "copyright cop" would be a disaster for the Zune, which is precariously positioned as it is. I'm not saying we all have the right to download and watch pirated copies of "30 Rock" on our Zunes—I just don't want my portable media player watching my every move, and I don't think you do, either.

And remember, just because you already own a Zune doesn't mean you're safe—Microsoft could always install piracy filters on your device via a firmware update.

So, note to Microsoft: Nip this controversy in the bud and issue a flat denial right now, or watch your Zune sales crater.

What do you think—do you want your Zune keeping an eye on your files?

Related:
Microsoft denies putting 'copyright cop' in Zune [Crave]

Comments on Microsoft: "No plans" for Zune copyright "cop"

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  • 2 Posted by rapmetal47 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    I might have bought a Zune, but if Microsoft even thinks of this, let alone other manufacturers think of this, nobody will buy their products.

  • 3 Posted by loudtunes86 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    Sorry for the repeats...never posted here before..

  • 4 Posted by jaesfp on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:27PM EDT Report Abuse

    multipost much loudtunes? At least you're right. NBC yanking it's shows from itunes instantly lost my viewership on at least 3 shows. I won't even tivo them...I've got enough shows I watch to do that. I travel a lot and watched all the NBC shows on Itunes and tivo'd all the CBS shows for home viewing. I pay for everything! Guess what NBC? I now watch comedy central programming on Itunes and still tivo the same shows without having made any addition of 30 rock, the office or Heroes. You lost a juicy paying customer with this protectionist crap. BTW...I'm also an investment advisor and think this kind of policy is bad business. I sold all of my GE stock and encourage clients to do the same. Way to drive shareholder value!!!

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