Microsoft Media Player "Security Patch" Changes EULA Big Time

MobyTurbo writes "In an article on BSD Vault a careful reader posts that in the latest Windows Media Player security patch, the EULA (the "license agreement" you click on) says that you give MS the right to install digital rights management software, and the right to disable any other programs which may circumvent DRM on your computer." So if you want your machine secure, you also want microsoft to have free reign on your PC.

MS/Borg

[Sandman196]

Sometimes, the Bill/Borg pic says it all.

Re:Corporate users can't install that

[BurritoWarrior]

If you're in a large company and individual users have the rights/permissions to install software/patches on their machines -- short your own stock, you're in more trouble than just a EULA. :)

Re:Rock and a hard place

[Anonymous Coward]

> If they fight against the man, they lose face again in
> the media because the corporate world works for the man.

In case you haven't noticed, MS is "The Man." Bill Gates is practically Whitey himself. And.. homey don't play dat.

:-)

Re:MS/Borg

[Anonymous Coward]

I pirated all my Microsoft software... does the EULA still apply to me?

New M$ EULA

[Anonymous Coward]

Soon, MS will just have this line in the EULA

"All your programs are belong to us" period

Re:Liability issue

[sphealey]

If you disagree with the EULA you are supposed to uninstall the software. If you choose to continue using the old software with documented security holes then that's your choice--and responsibility.

From: Tucker Motor Car Company

To: Owners of Tucker Torpedo automobiles

Subject: Recall

It has come to our attention that the Tucker Torpedo automobile has a manufacturing defect which could cause it to explode from time to time. We have developed a fix for this "problem". Bring your Torpedo to any licensed Tucker dealership for repairs.

Oh, the fix will prevent your Tucker from being used to transport campaign material for political candidates not approved by the Tucker Motor Car Company. If you disagree with this policy, you are free to stop driving your Torpedo and leave it parked in the garage.

Sincerly, Mr. Bill.

==========

Now, do you think that would go over with the NTSB?

sPh

Re:extortion

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm uninstalling right away.

Too late. You have already agreed to the EULA. You are required to submit to future upgrades and agreements. Its to protect their Intellectual Property (you.)

Re:MS/Borg

[kaustik]

Oops, what I meant to type was "the MSFBI."
Haven't you heard about the merger?

Logical Fallacy

[elmegil]

So if you want your machine secure, you also want microsoft to have free reign on your PC.

So obviously it's not possible to have your machine secure, because it won't be if you give MS free reign on your machine.

Re:Corporate users can't install that

[Anonymous DWord]

hint:-shift the letters in HAL one down

GZK?

Re:Legality of EULA

[aronc]

Just because I was the one logged in doesn't mean that I clicked, even if you want to say that click is binding.

"I started the install, then my 7 year old yelled that something was going on in the living room, I left to go help him. While I was gone my 2 year old got in the computer room for a while, bashed on everything. Ran back and grabbed him up, while I was doing that my two kittens got into the room. After I got the kid out of the room I rounded up the kittens, both of whom were sitting on my keyboard and the program was installed."

Now, prove I clicked. Or somehow hold my cat to an EULA.

Al's Fine Motors!

[Lord Bitman]

"Hello there, I'd like to purchase a new Vehical."
"Here ya' go. It comes free with this Two-Hundred Dollar Motor."
"Wow! That's a great deal"
"Sure is!"

[drives off]

[-one day later-]
"This car, actually, it has no brakes. I didnt realize it before because I'm a shitty driver."
"That's okay, I'll fix it for free."
"Oh, well yeah, I think you're legally obligated to."
"Yep."
"Thanks."
"But that car? I own it now, K?"
"..."

I give this troll a 7 out of 10

[DaveWood]

As troll's go, you have good style, my friend. Feels like shades of Huxley and Orwell... What have you been reading lately? But I digress.

I give you only a seven because, while creative, your position is too blatant; anyone with even a made-for-TV level of familiarity on the last few decades, ehh, months of this country's history, will know whose kool-aid you're drinking.

Anyway, I hearby bestow the coveted Richard M. Nixon Good Citizen's Award for trying.

Happy hysteria,
-Dave