Apple's DRM Criticized by EU Consumer Chief

Apple’s iPod- iTunes bundling has been criticized by European Union Consumer Chief, Meglena Kuneva, who believes that the company’s DRM policy is unfair and that ‘Something has to change’. German magazine Focus quoted Kuneva saying, “Do you think it’s fine that a CD plays in all CD players but that an iTunes song only plays in an iPod? I don’t.”

The report states Apple could not be immediately reached for comment on the report.

The comment by Kuneva adds to the mounting pressure by many governments that have been trying to dissolve Apple’s DRM policy, to liberalize its music download system. Norway, a European country that is not in the EU, is currently battling Apple for the same reason. In January, Norway said Apple must make changes to its DRM software, Fairplay, by Oct. 1 or face legal action. Also, Germany, France, Finland and Norway recently agreed to join forces in their battle against iTunes.

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The joint alliance argues that Apple uses digital rights technology to limit consumers’ free use of songs bought on iTunes, including the ability to copy and transfer songs to other users and other MP3 devices besides the Apple iPod.

An EU spokesperson confirmed that Kuneva is currently leading a review of the eight basic laws which govern cross-border consumer rights. That review, has so far resulted in a preliminary document raising questions, and will eventually lead to proposed revisions of current EU laws.

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