If you bought an iPod in the last couple of years, listen up.
The French Government wants to force Apple to make iTunes work with any competing MP3 player, not just for the iPod. Attached to the same French Bill is a provision that make digital piracy a misdemeanor -about the same fine as a as a parking ticket.
If approved, and right now it looks like it will be, the amendments in the French Parliament could mean that Apple will have some tough business decisions to make. Pundits suggest that it’s highly unlikely that Apple will cave in on its current “propriety” business model. Is there a potential of Apple pulling out of the French market? You bet.
Olivia Regnier, who represents record companies was recently quoted as saying, “Possible outcomes of this French law range from a destruction of copyright protection and the iTunes model – to something of little impact,” “No matter what the French Parliament decides, changes will have an impact across borders,” she said.
Apple has not yet commented on the legislation.
From Aloha Workshops on the Big Island of Hawaii, this is Brent Norris for The World Organization of Webmasters and The WOW Technology Minute.