In an address to American students Cary Sherman, president of the Recording Industry Association of America, has praised Sony BMG for its decision to install controversial rootkit technology in audio CDs as an anti-piracy measure.

Sherman declared that he was satisfied that Sony BMG had behaved responsibly over the DRM software.

"The problem with the Sony BMG situation is that the technology it used contained a security vulnerability of which it was unaware," he said.

"Sony BMG has apologised for its mistake, ceased manufacture of CDs with that technology, and pulled CDs with that technology from store shelves. It seems very responsible to me."

Sherman claimed that the music industry is "more permissive" than most when it comes to enabling people to copy its products, arguing that film makers and software manufacturers never allow copies to be made of their code.

After a huge consumer backlash Sony BMG was forced to recall the 52 artist CDs it had issued containing DRM software which included an exploitable flaw. 

Sherman also defended the high price of CDs, maintaining that the cost allowed record companies to invest in up-and-coming bands and better staff.

He suggested that very little of the purchase price goes to the record companies, as the retailer and support staff get the bulk of the funds.