Monday, March 20, 2006

France takes on iTunes - let the battle begin!

The latest salvo in the Franco-US political battle commences tomorrow as the French Parliament looks set to pass a law which would make Apple's iTunes monopoly illegal! The resolution is designed to make online music stores compatible with any digital music player. The French version of iTunes would have to be compatible with ALL music players.

Currently, software in digital downloads from iTunes prevents music being played by any rival to the popular iPod, but the French bill seeks to impose “interoperability” on online music stores and break Apple’s closed system.

Interesting that the bill only negatively affects Apple, a US company. This bill is not only a kick in the pants to any technology inventor in the world, but is also a kick in the pants to free trade. Does this mean that the French will pass similar laws for games consoles, mobile phones etc etc. Of course not, so why single out the digital music market??!!

Most interesting of all will be Apple's response. They may close off their service in the French market if they feel that it could create a dangerous precedent in other countries.

This in turn could create a huge backlash from French iPod users and perhaps even create yet another French revolution. Instead of burning cars - they'll be torching their music players instead. Maybe they should just torch their politicians.

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