While Scandinavia has traditionally favored neutrality and peacekeeping in times of conflict, they don’t fül around when it comes to digital rights. Norway’s powerful consumer Ombudsman (yes, that Ombudsman) has declared Apple’s Fairplay DRM scheme illegal. According to the Ombudsman, music that has been purchased legally ought to be playable on any music player; not just Apple’s ubiquitous white dance-coffer (that’s iPod for the kenning impaired).

The legality of Fairplay has been challenged by European legislation before. France’s parliament came within a baguette’s width of banning Fairplay altogether. Germany and Sweden have also declared their solidarity. As the coalition of anti-DRM countries grows, Apple becomes much less likely to simply take their ball and go home. Legal battles will have to be fought, or an open standard for DRM technology will have to be developed that is available to any device manufacturer. If Norway is successful in rallying anti-Fairplay support, could we see the end of the iPod era?

Also: Why can’t Europeans just be content with fine beers, stellar healthcare, beautiful women, and great jeans?

[via the Financial Times]

1. banks-other-financial-institutions.capitalfirmventure says:
   September 8th, 2007 at 9:08 am

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