The EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection has recently condemned the relationship between iTunes and the iPod.
Meglena Kuneva told the magazine Focus that iTunes forces consumers to use the iPod rather than have a choice of mp3 players. The commissioner also called for more competitive pricing and sales contracts that were all uniform. Ms. Kuneva said: "Do you think it's fine that a CD plays in all CD players but that a song purchased from iTunes only plays in an iPod? I don't. Something has to change. " In the past France, Germany and Norway have all demanded that iTunes open up its online music store to other devices.
Last month, the chief executive of Apple, Steve Jobs, said: "Those unhappy with the current situation should redirect their energies towards persuading the music companies to sell their music DRM-free. "For Europeans, two and a half of the big four music companies are located right in their backyard."
"Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a controversial topic. Advocates argue DRM is necessary for copyright holders to prevent unauthorized duplication of their work to ensure continued revenue streams." states Mark Weibel EVP of Marketing for Broadband National, who operates the industries leading comparative shopping website. "Some critics of the technology, including the Free Software Foundation, suggest that the use of the word "Rights" is misleading and suggest that people instead use the term Digital Restrictions Management."
For more information on broadband Internet access as well as other digital products and services visit www.broadbandnational.com
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