MP3.com has banned a song that witters on about the DVD hacking code DeCSS. In the song, Joseph Wecker sings a version of the code - which is subject to various lawsuits in the US over its being a hacking tool.

It doesn't sound like a top ten hit, but MP3.com has decided that the lyrics are "offensive or otherwise inappropriate". Web site 2600.com got in hot water when it posted the code and MP3.com doesn't want the same hassle.

Wecker told CNet: "It's gone one step too far. It's illegal to photocopy a copyrighted poem. But now it's like it has become illegal to tell someone how the Xerox works."

We think it's shocking that by getting so much press attention DeCSS has now entered the mainstream. We're considering suing ourselves. ®

Related Stories

Ban Napster, MPAA et al demand
Clothing company hit by anti-DeCSS suit
DeCSS temporarily banned from the Net
DVD biz steps up action against DeCSS

There's loads more stories on the site - just tap "decss" into the search engine.