Apple’s download store iTunes was hit hard in the groin today, as Norway declares it illegal. Free competition is the background to this, and since Apple won’t open up iTunes to other MP3 players, Norway’s consumer officer ruled it illegal. Remove it, or go to court. Ouch.
This means that Norway is the first country in the Nordic region to actually take steps against iTunes. Sweden and Finland have declared the same stance in the matter, but has yet to act. Germany and France are also backing this, and them being a lot more lucrative markets than the small population of the Nordic region, this might actually mean that there will be some sort of impact on iTunes, other than it possibly being made unavailable in some countries.
Financial Times has more.
Now could someone please kill all DRM and give us open formats that we can play any way we please?
Tipster: Jonny Hansson
Originally posted on January 25, 2007 @ 4:08 am
This is not as positive as people think as it is not a measure for consumer rights but for the nordic companies that want a part of the revenue stream, they really care less about consumer rights.
Some times these things go hand in hand you know.
Way to go Norway! :)
I really can’t see any change on this issue. We (Norway) want to sue Apple if they don’t comply within October 1.
Basically everything is as before. iTunes is still available – a deem is nothing more than a wish.
I have never been a fan of iTunes and Apple. I like to choose for myself on how to use my music. Allofmp3.com was a pretty good site and is an example on how music can be bought!
Is this a joke? I mean, are you kidding me? If you don’t like a product, /don’t buy it/. iPods play plenty of DRM-free music: we call them /CDs/, and you can rip and mix them to your heart’s content. That Apple the company also offers an opportunity to purchase tracks is simply a bonus; they are under no obligation to allow iTunes tracks to play anywhere else any more than I would expect Apple’s software to work on my Dell PC. If I want Apple’s software, I need their hardware. This is the basis of their business model… go buy from somebody else. To legislate it into illegality is beyond foolish — I honestly thought the Norwegians were smarter than this.
The discussion is about iTunes – not the iPods. (The iPod warranty is another issue that is adressed by many.)
If iTunes is to operate in Norway they should obey to norwegian laws. And we are not alone. More countries in Europe are adressing the same issues – and yes, iTunes can opt out of the markeds in question.
I think it is good that some stand up for the consumer rights – me and you. I belive that in the end we get a better digital world to live in.