A method and apparatus for permanently rendering data recorded on an
optical disc unreadable, comprising a slotted alignment plate and a
scarifying component. A disc rests against the plate so that the slot
traverses the disc. The scarifying component slides through the slot and
contacts the disc surface, thus creating an optically disruptive groove
across a surface layer of the optical disc. This disruptive groove can
pass through the index and data region and prevents access to previous
data and information stored on the disc.