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Apple DRM declared illegal in Norway
The tables have turned on iTunes propreitary DRM after an appointed ombudsman ruled the not-very-protective protection scheme illegal under Norway's consumer protection laws. Some of the most encouraging anti-DRM words I've heard may be contained in the following quote from Senior Norweigein Consumer Council Advisor Torgeir Waterhouse who said flatly, "iTunes Music Store must remove its illegal lock-in technology or appear in court," adding, "As of right now we're heading for a big breakthrough that will hopefully pave the way for consumers everywhere to regain control of music they legally purchase."Progressive Northern European countries have led the way in choosing consumer rights over corporate protection. This ruling comes at a time when DRM is under fire from all directions and at least one major record label is rumored ready to give up the fight and submit to unencrypted mp3 based distribution of digital music.
Whether Apple fights this ruling or decides to close its iTunes Store in the country remains to be seen. Regardless, this should be seen as a significant victory in the war on DRM.
Comments
4
Subscribe to commentsDinJan 25th 2007 5:20PM
The scenario that many years from now Apple may cease to exist, go bankrupt, or may decide not to support iPods any longer is not impossible. We all thought Enron was healthy.
I can not imagine how I would feel if after 20 years, when I have amassed terabytes of songs from Apple's iTunes store, I will be left with no options to play them because Apple had locked the songs to the iPods, which could face the hypothetical demise.
McAsterJan 25th 2007 5:19PM
I do dream of a future where iTunes uses music that isn't locked.
I know iTunes is mainly there just to sell iPods, but at this point it would still be worth it if all MP3 players could play music bought from them.
AnkherJan 25th 2007 8:01PM
GO NORWAY!! YES!
Why doesn't the US do this?
Oh, right, 'cause A) Apple might have influence over Congress who B) are more worried about other stuff
JamesJan 26th 2007 11:41AM
Dear Norway,
Please, please, please apply this precedent to Vista's content protection "features" ASAP. Like, tomorrow.
KTHXBYE!