OMEN
03-21-2006, 12:26 PM
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41466000/jpg/_41466114_itunesstore203apbody.jpg
Apple's iTunes store has sold more than a billion songs
French MPs are set to vote on a law that could lead to big changes in the way digital music is sold online.
The proposed measures would force companies like Apple and Microsoft to share their copy-protection software.
The aim is to ensure that digital music can be played on any player, regardless of its format or source.
Currently most online stores lock consumers into their own downloading systems and players, such as with Apple's iTunes and its iPod.
The French bill says that proprietary copy-protection technologies must not block interoperability between different systems.
After the vote by the parliament, the bill would still need to be approved by France's upper house, the Senate, a process that could take weeks.
Monopoly concerns
Apple dominates the online music market worldwide. Its iTunes store accounts for more than 70% of paid digital downloads in some parts of the globe, having sold more than a billion songs since it was set up three years ago.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41466000/jpg/_41466256_creative203bodygetty.jpg
Some MP3 players are locked to Microsoft Windows
The French proposal would let music fans download music to their iPods from services other than iTunes or to rival players from the French iTunes store.
It could force Apple into choosing between making its service compatible with rival players or shutting down its online store in France.
Apple has so far declined to comment on the bill, which would also affect how its rivals run their music services.
For its part, Microsoft is promoting its Windows Media software for music. Some digital music players, such as those from Creative, are designed to only work with Windows and are incompatible with iTunes.
The draft copyright law has already proved a source of contention. Earlier this year, the government had to overturn an amendment which legalised peer-to-peer file-sharing.
It also reduced the fines illegally downloading music to between 38 and 150 euros (£26-£104).
BBC
Apple's iTunes store has sold more than a billion songs
French MPs are set to vote on a law that could lead to big changes in the way digital music is sold online.
The proposed measures would force companies like Apple and Microsoft to share their copy-protection software.
The aim is to ensure that digital music can be played on any player, regardless of its format or source.
Currently most online stores lock consumers into their own downloading systems and players, such as with Apple's iTunes and its iPod.
The French bill says that proprietary copy-protection technologies must not block interoperability between different systems.
After the vote by the parliament, the bill would still need to be approved by France's upper house, the Senate, a process that could take weeks.
Monopoly concerns
Apple dominates the online music market worldwide. Its iTunes store accounts for more than 70% of paid digital downloads in some parts of the globe, having sold more than a billion songs since it was set up three years ago.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41466000/jpg/_41466256_creative203bodygetty.jpg
Some MP3 players are locked to Microsoft Windows
The French proposal would let music fans download music to their iPods from services other than iTunes or to rival players from the French iTunes store.
It could force Apple into choosing between making its service compatible with rival players or shutting down its online store in France.
Apple has so far declined to comment on the bill, which would also affect how its rivals run their music services.
For its part, Microsoft is promoting its Windows Media software for music. Some digital music players, such as those from Creative, are designed to only work with Windows and are incompatible with iTunes.
The draft copyright law has already proved a source of contention. Earlier this year, the government had to overturn an amendment which legalised peer-to-peer file-sharing.
It also reduced the fines illegally downloading music to between 38 and 150 euros (£26-£104).
BBC