French legislators have recently voted in favour of new copyright legislation that could force Apple to licence its i-Tunes song format to third parties so that downloaded music can be used on rival mp3 players.
The original bill in question was subject to numerous revisions, not least because of the controversy surrounding the impact of one of its key provisions relating to technical restrictions on use of electronic data (known as digital rights management). The aim of the legislation was to prevent companies like Apple being able to restrict their customers’ freedom to use the song files on other systems and devices.
However, the force of the legislation has been softened by an amendment which allows companies to continue using DRM to restrict movement of their products between devices, but only where they have obtained permission of the owner of the copyright in the music.
This is a big blow for Apple and other big players. Apple has, up until now, been used to having the upper hand and ensuring a tight reign over its products and sales of its music. Good news for the consumer, however, as other countries in Europe may well follow France's lead.
Comments