Scandinavian consumer rights groups are set to meet Apple face-to-face over their written complaints regarding limiting consumers through use of DRM, thereby not allowing them free use of legally purchased songs, and among other things limiting said songs for playing only on the iPod. Of course, the French had their chance to deal DRM a serious blow and also establish a precedent, however…
opponents that the French legislation would open the door to piracy and threatened the future of online music sales, the French parliament passed a watered-down version of the law that left online distributors with significant control over this code." |
While Apple's written response that 'it might change some of its practices," nothing is certain beyond the scheduled meeting in September. It appears these groups will use this meeting to 'feel out" Apple's position, let Apple explain, then they plan to respond based on what Apple states. If they feel they cannot negotiate with the company to come to a reasonable settlement, it appears certain they will pursue this issue legally. Not only would Scandinavian consumers favor the ability to transfer iTunes to other MP3 players, but certainly DRM opponents will follow this case with great interest, hoping the Scandinavians at least seriously weaken DRM, where the French 'surrendered." Were this to land a blow against DRM, the precedent would seriously hamstring efforts by other companies like Sony's rootkits or similar tools designed to inhibit use of legally obtained products.
Source: news.com
