EU chief backpedals

EU representatives have backpedaled on statements regarding Apple's closed iPod/iTunes ecosystem, saying that previous statements were only meant to raise questions. Reuters reports that the European Union's consumer chief "soft-pedalled" her views on Apple, backing off the line that its iTunes online music store must become more compatible with other formats. EU chief Meglena Kuneva told a news conference there was no reason to talk about legal action against the iPod-maker and that her previous statements were merely made to "raise questions," according to the report. "I would like, really, to start this debate. What is best to develop this market and to have more consumers enjoying this really very important, very modern way of downloading and enjoying the music?"

Earlier this week, a published interview hinted that the EU may begin to investigate Apple's proprietary FairPlay digital rights management technology, which prevents iTunes songs from being copied and played on non-Apple branded media players.

EU chief Kuneva also clarified that comparisons to EU's anti-trust action against Microsoft were premature.

"Somebody drew the comparison with Microsoft. No, this is not the case because the share of the market of Apple is really not a big one so there is not any reason to talk about infringement," Kuneva said.

by MacNN Staff