Microsoft in music copyright blunder

We noticed that you have kindly pick up a story from Games Toaster about streaming music over Xbox Live, unfortunately the news article in question is from May 2005, not last week, we list our publishing date at the end of items.

While trying to make our archive more accessible we inadvertently made old news appear on Google News as new, I'm extremely sorry about this, and I'd hope you'd accept an apology for any inconvenience caused.

Regards,

Cian Ginty

[Sheesh kebab. Ed.]

LAST WEEK when Vole's marketing people were proudly showing off Xbox Live's ability to share live content with their online mates to the hacks at Games Toaster, little did they know that they might be breaking the law.

Using the Volish technology it is possible for streamed music to come directly from the senders digital music player or PC, but heard by other 360 Live players.

Vole assured the hacks that it would not breach any copyright or broadcast law because the music could not be saved.

However Games Toaster was not so sure about that and rang up the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO).

A spokesman said that while he was not really in a position to give a legal opinion, not being a lawyer, it sounded a little dodgy to him.

He said it would probably be illegal as "playing music over the net between individuals is a public performance of the work and usage would have to be licensed. It would not be like playing music in your home".

We are sure the VoleBriefs will have it sorted out, if it needs to be sorted out, before the RIAA kicks down Bill Gate's door and takes his computer away for testing.

More here.