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

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]