RealNetworks offers patch to combat personal data 'error'

RealNetworks has admitted a judgmental error in its application of the RealJukebox program, and will provide a software patch to prevent the product sending personal data back to the company.

RealJukebox allows its 13.5 million users to compile computerised recordings from CDs and Internet sites. The software then sends detailed information of the users' music preferences and listening habits back to the Seattle company without the permission of the users.

Other music specialists, such as MusicMatch, do collect similar data to help the company suggest new titles to the user - however users are informed and can opt out of the process. The significance of the RealJukebox practice was the secrecy under which the monitoring was performed.

According to reports in the European Wall Street Journal, Truste, which backs a privacy policy to which RealJukebox subscribed, is now looking into claims that the RealNetworks program contradicts the privacy agreement.