European Countries Up Pressure On iTunes, FairPlay
Norway's Consumer Ombudsman has declared that Apple's Fairplay digital rights management system used in Apple's iTunes and iPod is illegal, according to a report at out-law.com.
While the declaration is not legally binding, pressure is increasing on iTunes in Europe with consumer groups in Germany and France recently joining Norway's action against Apple. France has previously pushed legislation aimed at opening up closed DRM systems such as Apple's Fairplay. Apple originally called that law "state-sponsored piracy." Other countries reported to be involved in pressuring Apple are Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the U.K.
The common goal of the complaints seems to be around the desire for consumers to be able to purchase music or videos from the iTunes store and use it on any device, not just Apple's. Apple has yet to license FairPlay, although some companies have taken cracks at reverse-engineering FairPlay.
Background Information: Original Norwegian Complaint
While the declaration is not legally binding, pressure is increasing on iTunes in Europe with consumer groups in Germany and France recently joining Norway's action against Apple. France has previously pushed legislation aimed at opening up closed DRM systems such as Apple's Fairplay. Apple originally called that law "state-sponsored piracy." Other countries reported to be involved in pressuring Apple are Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the U.K.
The common goal of the complaints seems to be around the desire for consumers to be able to purchase music or videos from the iTunes store and use it on any device, not just Apple's. Apple has yet to license FairPlay, although some companies have taken cracks at reverse-engineering FairPlay.
Background Information: Original Norwegian Complaint
Top Rated Comments
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66 months ago
More reason to open things up. I know this isn't a popular sentiment on this website/forum, but imho it's the "right thing to do."
"If you legally acquire music, you need to have the right to manage it on all other devices that you own."
- Steve Jobs
w00master
"If you legally acquire music, you need to have the right to manage it on all other devices that you own."
- Steve Jobs
w00master
66 months ago
I think this is ridiculous.
Apple's not forcing anyone to use iTunes. If you want to use it then buy an iPod as well, I see nothing wrong with this.
Apple's not forcing anyone to use iTunes. If you want to use it then buy an iPod as well, I see nothing wrong with this.
66 months ago
The Omsbuden appears to have reversed its original stance. Originally, it wasn't looking like it was going to force Apple to open up FairPlay
66 months ago
I suppose they will sue BMW now because you can't use Ford parts on them. Why isn't Microsoft getting sued for something similar (e.g. WMP, Office, etc.)?
66 months ago
I suppose they will sue BMW now because you can't use Ford parts on them. Why isn't Microsoft getting sued for something similar (e.g. WMP, Office, etc.)?
I recall the EU wanted to make MS make a Windows version without WMP.
66 months ago
I suppose they will sue BMW now because you can't use Ford parts on them. Why isn't Microsoft getting sued for something similar (e.g. WMP, Office, etc.)?
IMHO, they should be.
Data is data in my book, and no device should hold back what YOU want to do with YOUR data.
w00master
66 months ago
an ipod is only £55! come on people! a songis only 79p so what if it only works on itunes?
66 months ago
I suppose they will sue BMW now because you can't use Ford parts on them. Why isn't Microsoft getting sued for something similar (e.g. WMP, Office, etc.)?
Sorry, I just don't buy the "car parts" analogy. How bout I turn it around with this? What if you could only buy one type of TOOTHPASTE for the TOOTHBRUSH that you bought? Think that would be RIGHT?
Nope.
w00master
66 months ago
I recall the EU wanted to make MS make a Windows version without WMP.
They actually did. It's called Windows XP Home N, which is the same price as normal XP home, just without the Media Player bundled.
In all fairness, I own an iPod, an iMac and download my music legally off iTunes. Because I have purhcased this music, why shouldn't I be able to put it onto a PSP, or play it on my mobile phone?
66 months ago
I'm not liking this "I want to be able to play my music anywhere" junk. If you want to play songs from iTunes, buy an iPod. If you want to play it on other devices that use other software, use those devices. Seems that they want Apple to make the cake and then give it away. Buzz! Wrong Answer!
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