Real Networks Real Jukebox privacy bug and fix!!!

Question

Real Networks Real Jukebox privacy bug and fix!!!

Answer

This question was answered on November 3, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

A recent privacy issue has surfaced for those that use the free Real Jukebox music playback software program. Richard M. Smith, a web developer, recently reported that the Real Jukebox was collecting information from any system that it was installed in that included the songs that were played, downloaded or copied and your e-mail address as well as other machine specific information.

The technical information regarding these findings can be found at:

<a href="http://www.tiac.net/users/smiths/privacy/realjb.htm"><font color="#003399"> http://www.tiac.net/users/smiths/privacy/realjb.htm</font></a>

According to Real Networks "We made a mistake in not being clear enough to our users about what kinds of data was being generated and transmitted by the use of RealJukebox. We respect and value the privacy of our users, and we deeply apologize for doing anything that suggests otherwise," said Rob Glaser, Chairman and CEO of RealNetworks.

A patch for this privacy issue has been posted at:

<a href="http://www.real.com/rjcentral/privacyupdate.html"><font color="#003399"> http://www.real.com/rjcentral/privacyupdate.html</font></a>

Author

Posted by Ken of Data Doctors on November 3, 1999