Print this article | E-mail this article | Comment on this article

Scandinavian Countries to Meet Apple

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

August 16, 2006, 5:31 PM

Apple will meet with representatives of consumer rights groups from Sweden, Norway and Denmark to discuss concerns over the closed nature of iTunes, an executive with Sweden's consumer rights agency told Reuters on Wednesday. The meeting is expected to take place sometime in September, although no solid date has been set.

The Cupertino, Calif. company has responded to concerns voiced by the groups, but has also requested that the sides meet in person. Apple reportedly wants to explain its position, and likely why it intends to keep the iTunes Music Store an iPod-only service.

Lawmakers in France have already taken on Apple, passing a law earlier this summer that required closed digital rights management systems like the company's FairPlay technology to be licensed to other companies. While a Constitutional Council found parts of the law unconstitutional in July, it still required interoperability as long as the company was compensated.

In Norway, two aspects of Apple's position are technically illegal in the country: its unwillingness for interoperability, as well as a refusal to be liable if iTunes damages a computer when the user does not own an iPod. However, Norway's chief concern was the lack of freedom with purchased tracks.

Apple has shown some willingness to change some of its policies, but it was not specified if this meant a loosening of its tight grip on FairPlay. In any case, Apple's moves to discuss the situation would prevent any legal action. Norway had threatened to take the company to court if it did not comply with requests.

Add a Comment (11 Comments)

BetaNews reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Foul language and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

By foxfyre

edited Aug 17, 2006 - 8:38 AM

Is anyone obliged to buy one of these players? Hmmm. Oh, you mean people currently have the freedom of choice as to whether to buy one of these proprietary players? And these countries, in the name of freedom, are considering limiting that freedom of choice in the name of freedom?

Push come to shove, Apple could just cease having a retail presence in those countries. It would have only a minimal effect as the units could still be bought online and the songs downloaded as well.
It seems to me the retailers in those countries would be the big losers.

I love it when socialist countries talk about others limiting freedoms in their 'one payer' market! As if their citizens have the freedom of choice as to whether they want to participate in the state imposed programs! Perhaps they should focus these same concerns in a more self-referential manner! But it is always refreshing(sic) to watch someone propose limiting freedom in the name of expanding it! :-S

Score: 0

By simonchretien

posted Aug 17, 2006 - 9:08 PM

You reason like a 12 years old.
Thanks for sharing your important thoughts on "socialist" countries.

Score: 0

By elyl

posted Aug 17, 2006 - 3:24 PM

How exactly are the Scandinavian countries limiting freedom of choice by challenging Apple's locked-out music system? I don't get your logic.

Basically, if Apple wants to ply its trade in those countries, then it has to abide by the rules and rulings of those countries. No-one is obliged to buy these players, but then again, Apple is not obliged to sell them in those countries.