Cracked patch forces Sky to pause film downloads

Broadcaster Sky has suspended its broadband movie download service after a Microsoft security patch on Windows Media's digital rights management (DRM) was cracked.

The service's homepage currently reads: "In order to make an essential update to the Sky by broadband security system, we are sorry that access to all movies and some sports content has been temporarily suspended."

The patch had been rushed out by Microsoft after the appearance of a utility called FairUse4WM to circumvent the media player's DRM - a move that could have jeopardised the business models of several subscription services that rely on the technology.

Days later, the creator of FairUse4WM released a new version that cracked Microsoft's patch. However, while this version allowed individual files to be stripped of DRM, it did not enable users to download and strip subscription services' entire catalogues.

Microsoft's response has been to assure its Windows Media licencees via memo that it has teams "working around the clock" to beat FairUse4WM, according to Engadget, who originally broke the story.

A spokesperson for BSkyB said on Monday: "The issue is a Microsoft issue obviously - at the end of the day we're using Windows Media as the application and therefore we need Microsoft to ensure that the service is secure."

He added: "The responsible way is to take it down or suspend it until we've secured the new patch." A statement made by the company last week apologised to the service's users for the interruption but claimed the suspension would "support the continuing development of legal services that will meet customers' needs in the long term".

The issue of DRM technology is becoming increasingly heated, with the Free Software Foundation backing an Anti-DRM day, due to take place on 3 October. Many in the content creation industry argue the technology is necessary to protect intellectual property and stimulate creativity, while some in the opposite camp view it as a cynical attempt by media companies to gain greater control over customers' usage of their products.

At the time of publication, Microsoft had not responded to requests for further comment.

David Meyer writes for ZDNet UK