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.