Original copies of the CD had contained Cactus Data Shield which
aims to prevent the CD being copied onto another CD or converted to
MP3 format using a PC. However, it also prevents users playing the
CD on their PCs. Consumer complaints have forced BMG to open up a
hotline and issue replacement CDs free of Cactus Data Shield.
The attempt to restrict use of the CD in an attempt to stifle
piracy caused recent protests by the Campaign for Digital Rights
(CDR). The CDR, at the beginning of October, campaigned outside
record stores throughout the UK to alert consumers to the fact that
such copy-protected CD’s were being sold. The CDR says the
technology is an unreasonable restriction of a consumer’s right to
legally use the CD.
Record companies in the crusade against piracy also face the
concerns of retailers who worry that in a time of poor sales,
protection software could further discourage consumers from
purchasing CDs.
