December 4, 2005

To Our Valued Customers:

You may be aware of the recent attention given to the XCP content protection software included on some SONY BMG CDs (click here for list of titles). This software was provided to us by a third-party vendor, First4Internet. Discussion has centered on security concerns raised about the use of CDs containing this software.

We share the concerns of consumers regarding these discs, and we have commenced a mail-in program that will allow consumers to exchange any CD with XCP software for the same CD without copy protection and receive MP3 files of the same title.  We also have asked our retail partners to remove all unsold CDs with XCP software from their store shelves and inventory.  Please click here for exchange program details.

We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers and we are committed to making this situation right.  It is important to note that the issues regarding these discs exist only when they are played on computers, not on conventional, non-computer-based CD and/or DVD players. 

Our new initiatives follow the measures we have already taken, including the voluntary suspension of the manufacture of CDs with the XCP software.  In addition, to address security concerns, we provided to major software and anti-virus companies a software update which consumers may download at http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/updates.html.  This same software provides the option of securely uninstalling the XCP content protection components from computers. 

Ultimately, the experience of consumers is our primary concern, and our goal is to help bring our artists’ music to as broad an audience as possible.  Going forward, we will continue to identify new ways to meet demands for flexibility in how you and other consumers listen to music.