CDDB

The Compact Disc DataBase service was used to look up artist, title and track information for audio CDs over the internet when playing. It was composed from a huge collection of CD identifiers and content information regarding CDs provided by idealistic CD listeners.

The (formerly GPL'ed) CDDB service was acquired by a company (Escient) which subsequently restricted access to its database to licensed applications only and became a tool of the RIAA and RIAA-like interests. CDDB is now known as Gracenote.

As a result the FreeDB database was set up to replace it and provides free access to its contents.

CDDB was primarily used by music players and CD rippers such as grip but nearly all applications now default to FreeDB or offer a configuration setting to use that database.