Now ASA tackles Microsoft over CD ripping ads

The advertising watchdog has stepped in to protect consumers from the dangers of Windows Media Player, with Microsoft banned from promoting a potentially illegal feature: CD ripping.

In March, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) took to task 3GA Ltd for its Brennan JB7, “a CD player with a hard disk that stores up to 5,000 CDs”.

The ASA said the advertisement "incited consumers to break the law", as format shifting breaks copyright laws in the UK - despite it being common practice, with both lawmakers and lobbyists agreeing the legislation needs to be reformed.

Microsoft must make clear that unauthorised use or duplication of copyrighted material is a violation of copyright law in the UK

A PC Pro reader noticed Microsoft was advertising the very same feature in its Windows Media Player software, and dutifully reported the ad to the watchdog to prevent anyone else from being incited into a life of crime.

In a letter seen by PC Pro, the ASA assured the complainant that Microsoft had agreed to change its ad and "make clear that unauthorised use or duplication of copyrighted material is a violation of copyright law in the UK".

There was no formal investigation, as Microsoft agreed to change the advert immediately - and as that's the only punishment available to the watchdog, there was no point in pursuing the case further.

While Microsoft has agreed not to run the offending advertisement again, the company continues to host a page on its UK website listing step-by-step instructions on how to rip music from CDs using its Windows Media Player software, in order to illegally "play the songs anytime from your computer without the hassle of having to find the original CD".