A Sony BMG CD has secretly installed DRM software and used “rootkit” cloaking methods to hide it. With the story sweeping across the Net, Sony is attempting to clean up its mess. Using technology developed by British software company First 4 Internet, the CDs limit the number of copy-protected backups that can be made. To enforce the restriction, software and drivers are installed without a user’s knowledge when the CD is accessed. The company has decided to issue a patch to eliminate the cloaking and “allay any unnecessary concerns.” The DRM software will not be removed, however, only uncovered; that means users will still be unable to delete it without risk of rendering their CD drive inoperable. Customers must contact Sony BMG support for removal instructions.