In a followup of crustyteacup's recent news item about the rise of European dissatisfaction in Apple's attitude to consumers, Reuters reports today that Norway's ombudsman has taken the reins and issued a clear warning to Apple Computer: that its restriction of purchased music to its own iPod hardware is grossly unfair. Demanding that Apple makes the downloads compatible with other digital music players, the Norwegian ombudsman has given them until October 2007 to widen the range, otherwise fines could be imposed.
The Norwegian government appears to be leading the group of European nations who have recently joined forces against Apple over its heavily restrictive policy. A joint statement this week from consumer rights organisations representing France, Germany, Norway, and Finland, stated: "We believe consumers have a right to play material purchased online on a portable device of their own choice. Contract clauses that make this impossible or too inconvenient are unfair and should be revoked".
Of course Apple's legal voices in Oslo and London were curiously unavailable for comment.
