Norway’s consumer ombudsman has ruled iTunes’ copy protection scheme illegal. Unless Norwegian consumers can play their iTunes on normal MP3 players by October 2007, the ombudsman intends to put the matter before Norway’s market council. Says Torgeir Waterhouse, senior advisor to the Norwegian consumer council: “We won - Norwegian consumers will now regain control over the music they have paid for.”
Copy protection is not the only issue the Norwegian consumer authorities are having with Apple. Other problems include unreasonable waivers and disclaimers, such as those absolving Apple of any liability regarding damages their products may cause customers’ equipment. “Professional actors must assume responsibility for their products”, continues Waterhouse.
Three weeks ago, Apple announced that they had sold more than two billion iTunes songs. According to Apple, their groundbreaking personal use rights make the iTunes Store the best way for Mac and PC users to download music. Meanwhile, country after country in Europe is uniting against Apple’s policies.
What do you think? Should consumers have the right to copy the music they buy? Please post your comments!
External links:
- “iTunes’ DRM ulovlig – en seier for forbrukerne” (forbrukerportalen.no)
- “iTunes Store Tops Two Billion Songs” (www.apple.com)
- “Dutch consumer chief puts Apple through the mill” (www.theregister.co.uk)
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