French law may open iTMS

France is trying to pass a law that would force Apple into allowing customers to download songs onto devices other than its own iPod digital media player, which may result in Apple closing the French store. Apple currently forbids iTunes users to transfer tracks purchased from its online store to other devices, and utilizes FairPlay Digital Rights Management (DRM) to enforce that policy. The draft law, which is expected to be voted in parliament on Thursday, would enable consumers to legally use software that converts digital content into any format, according to a report from Reuters. "It will force some proprietary systems to be opened up," said Christian Vanneste, a senior parliamentarian who helps guide law in France. "You have to be able to download content and play it on any device." Industry watchers say Apple may shut down its iTunes store in France if the law is enacted, to prevent distribution of its converted iTunes tracks outside of France.

"The person who will have converted iTunes songs will be able to make it available elsewhere," said Marc Guez, head of the French Collecting Society for Music Producers rights (SCPP).

Vanneste said the law aims to fight piracy, encourage the development of the online digital music market in France, and benefit legal online music retailers, according to the report. The law would also enable other online French music retailers such as Fnac, would be required to make iTunes songs available on their websites.

Guez said the law would likely not come into force until June, and it would still need approval by the Senate.

by MacNN Staff