Norway Outlaws Apple iTunes for Fairplay DRM

Fairplay DRM (an ironical name) actually restricts fair play by other music players. You are forced to buy an iPod if you want to listen to iTunes music. Sounds unfair? You bet. Finally Norway has taken a positive step forward and declared that Apple’s iTunes store is illegal under Norwegian law.

Norway’s powerful consumer ombudsman ruled that its iTunes online music store was illegal because it did not allow downloaded songs to be played on rival technology companies’ devices.

The decision is the first time any jurisdiction has concluded iTunes breaks its consumer protection laws and could prompt other European countries to review the situation.

The ombudsman has set a deadline of October 1 for the Apple to make its codes available to other technology companies so that it abides by Norwegian law. If it fails to do so, it will be taken to court, fined and eventually closed down.

Sweden and Finland have already backed Norway’s stance, but have yet to take action, and the campaign was joined on Wednesday by Germany and France. via

Europe is teaching the world a lesson or two about fair play.