In an effort to assuage privacy concerns, RealNetworks said Tuesday they are issuing a patch for current RealJukebox users that will prevent RealJukebox clients from sending personal data to RealNetworks.

The 67kb patch will ensure that no personal information is transmitted to RealNetworks or any other third party during the operation of RealJukebox. The move was made after it was announced Monday that personal user data was sent to RealNetworks, where it was kept on record. More information can be found here.

RealNetworks has released a software update to RealJukebox that prevents the transmission of certain user information to RealNetworks during the Get Music service update and also disables the RealJukebox ID.

The RealJukebox globally unique identifier (GUID) is now disabled, and is set to zeros for all users. As a result, GUIDs cannot be associated with any personal registration information (such as name and e-mail) that you may have given RealNetworks.

Since the RealJukebox GUID is disabled and set to zeros, it no longer contains any reference to the network card MAC address of the user's computer.

The following information will no longer be sent during the Get Music service update:

• Encoding options
• Portable devices
• Total song tracks in music database (recorded and downloaded)
• Total recorded song tracks in music database (recorded only)
• User option to receive automatic music downloads (set to blank)
• Genre preference

  A unique RealJukebox ID will no longer be sent during requests for CD information. To view the RealNetworks privacy policy, visit here

  "We made a mistake in not being clear enough to our users about what kinds of data was being generated and transmitted by the use of RealJukebox. We respect and value the privacy of our users, and we deeply apologize for doing anything that suggests otherwise," said Rob Glaser, chairman and chief executive officer of RealNetworks.

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  For new users, this patch will also be integrated into the downloadable version of RealJukebox 1.0 later this week available here.

  The same patch will be integrated into versions of RealJukebox distributed with other products and will be available in these packages beginning next week.

  The data RealNetworks was collecting was meant to provide statistics regarding aggregate use of RealJukebox, not individual use, according to spokesmen.

  Nonetheless, the company will cease the collection of the type of data that led to the privacy concerns raised until such time as the company enhances how it provides for clear informed consent and reviews those enhancements with outside privacy experts.

  RealNetworks has announced an immediate review of its privacy practices and its historical data collection practices, with appropriate action to be taken upon conclusion of the review.

  Subsequent to internal review, RealNetworks plans to bring in outside privacy experts to verify that its internal practices are consistent with its policies.