France tones down digital music interop bill

Originally, French lawmakers looked to help end users to ask Apple for instructions on how to circumvent its iTunes store's DRM, making it possible for the music files to work on other devices. However, the latest version of the bill empowers other companies to ask Apple how to remove the restrictions. The distinction is subtle but makes the whole effort seem less sensational. In either case the aim is to protect the content from unrestricted copying, while allowing the consumer to play it on various devices--including the mobile phone. The current bill still proposes that penalties for music piracy be similar to those levied for traffic violations, that developers still provide the government with details of the inner workings of their programs and that a special regulatory body is formed to rule on important digital copyright issues. Apple called the original bill "state-sponsored piracy," but no matter what you call it, the ruling will be precedent setting.

For more on France's so-called "iPod bill":
- see this article from The New York Times

PLUS: Real Networks CEO: Record labels screwed up "by allowing Apple to create devices that are not interoperable." Blog