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View Full Version : France DRM! Go FRANCE GO! :)

niknik
14th March 2006, 13:01
PARIS (Reuters) - France is pushing through a law that would force Apple Computer Inc to open its iTunes online music store and enable consumers to download songs onto devices other than the computer maker's popular iPod player.
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Under a draft law expected to be voted in parliament on Thursday, consumers would be able to legally use software that converts digital content into any format.

It would no longer be illegal to crack digital rights management -- the codes that protect music, films and other content -- if it is to enable to the conversion from one format to another, said Christian Vanneste, Rapporteur, a senior parliamentarian who helps guide law in France.

"It will force some proprietary systems to be opened up ... You have to be able to download content and play it on any device," Vanneste told Reuters in a telephone interview on Monday.

Music downloaded from Apple's iTunes online music store currently can only be played on iPods.

The law, if enacted, could prompt Apple to shut its iTunes store in France, some industry observers say, to keep from making songs vulnerable to conversion outside France, too.

Full news here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060313/wr_nm/media_france_copyrights_dc

Could this be the first step to get rid of all that stupid drms?
:)
Sirber
14th March 2006, 13:08
sweeeeeet! :D
MrTroy
14th March 2006, 14:08
First the legal uploading, now a DRM-free policy...

France is heading the right way! :)
Hard Core Rikki
14th March 2006, 14:46
Could this be the first step to get rid of all that stupid drms?

Somehow, I just don't think so. Conversion will probably be authorized IF you add/keep DRM for the new file. Sure would be nice to convert your iTunes music to mp3/ogg, but if the resulting file is DRMed as well, I just don't consider it worth the trouble. Proprietary tools from Apple for conversions will probably be required with iTunes music.

There are devices other than iPods wich support drm'd music as well. If i remember correctly, the creative zen has that (Real), as well as Sony's players. There were some troubles with companies offering drm "cracking" tools to authorize conversion to other devices' formats. Real has been finger-pointed for doing that for a while.

Of course, if this news if confirmed, I guess i'll have no choice but to go for some music purchase. Hmm, Tekken 5 OST sure looks nice!
niknik
14th March 2006, 15:02
Conversion will probably be authorized IF you add/keep DRM for the new file.

From the news, it doesn't specify that. It says you'll need to be able to play the downloaded music in any playing device you own...
Well, let's hope they don't twist this into more DRM hell. :)
Doobie
14th March 2006, 15:15
It's not going to happen. Apple will threaten to end iTunes sales to France then the France will surrender.
Sirber
14th March 2006, 15:22
then the France will surrender.Tell me something new ;)
Sharktooth
14th March 2006, 15:24
well... unless other EU countries go the same way...
Chainmax
14th March 2006, 16:40
It's not going to happen. Apple will threaten to end iTunes sales to France then the France will surrender.Tell me something new ;)

ZOMG, you guys are so funny, I never heard this before :rolleyes:.
Shinigami-Sama
15th March 2006, 02:37
spk -> line in = drm free?

but yeah, atleast this is a step in the right direction
they're getting a point, albiet slowly