“The might of Apple’s iTunes music store business is under threat – from Norweigan legislators,” Mike Harvey reports for The Times Online.
MacDailyNews Take: Oooh, scary. How would Apple ever survive without the massive Norwegian music download market?
Harvey continues, “Norway’s top consumer advocate today announced the start of legal action to try to force Apple to open iTunes to digital players other than its own market-leading iPod.”
MacDailyNews Take: Then the dope ought to be filing cases against the music cartels, not Apple. Apple has already called for DRM-free music sales long, long ago. The music cartels, in an attempt to dent iTunes Store dominance (it isn’t working) have decided to give every fly-by-night outfit and their brother DRM-free music rights, but Apple.
Harvey continues, “Bjoern Erik Thon, the Norwegian consumer ombudsman told the Associated Press that he will take a case to the Government’s Market Council, which can order companies to change trade practices and fine them if they fail to comply.”
Harvey reports, “Mr Thon said Apple has until November 3 to respond to the allegations and that the council was likely to decide on the case early next year.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: This disconnect has been going on for years. Bjoern Erik Thon is either highly confused, morbidly stupid, on the take, and/or a major posterior orifice.
He works for the Government.
That means he was not smart enough to get a real job in the real world.
That’s all you need to know.
Can you also sue Microsoft for not letting PS3 be able to play its games? Can you sue Dell for not being able to run Mac OS X?
Look, legislators are in the election cycle. They need something to harp on to say they have been working.
Personally, in the US, I’d like to see all the incumbent people thrown out……..but that is just me.
“Personally, in the US, I’d like to see all the incumbent people thrown out……..but that is just me.”
I’d agreed if the stipulation was included that prevented them from serving in any political position for the next 10 years, not even being the local dog catcher! Get some fresh blood and fresh ideas for a change.
MDN take is exactly right.
Apple has publicly stated that it wants DRM removed.
Think,
I am one of tens of thousands of former government employees doing just fine in the real world right now. There are plenty of incompetents and crooks in both government and the private sector. The current financial crisis is a case in point. Grow a brain and expand your thinking Think.
So, I guess Apple will just pull out of Norway and not sell there.
Forget Norway!
ericdano:
‘Personally, in the US, I’d like to see all the incumbent people thrown out……..but that is just me.’
i have never heard so much rubbish in all my life, every aspect of life needs checks and measures,
No iTunes for the Vikings, time to vote for another ombudsman, hint hint.
Both Norwegian pop stars are furious and they can’t fjord this. No how nor way.
So on or before November 3, this guy will be proven to be a complete jackass.
In another version of the report here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080929.wgtapple0929/BNStory/Technology/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080929.wgtapple0929
the consumer rep, Thon, is quoted as saying:”It’s a consumer’s right to transfer and play digital content bought and downloaded from the Internet to the music device he himself chooses to use. iTunes makes this impossible or at least difficult, and hence, they act in breach of Norwegian law”
Why are they only targeting just Apple?
My feeling is that Steve has asked for this chance to challenge the situation in Europe in general. He was at the meeting two weeks ago when this move was agreed to. He may have even suggested it as a way to remove the logjam. Steve is unhappy that the label for Apple to have different pricing structures in every country in Europe. the consumer people in Europe are unhappy about this too. Apple may be the only company strong enough to force this change on the record label.
My 2¢ worth!
OOPS!
I said: Steve is unhappy that the label for Apple to have different pricing structures
I meant:Steve is unhappy that the labels force Apple to have
Sorry!
Hey MDN where is the big lawsuit against the record companies who are excluding Apple from the DRM free give away?
Hey I’d sign on just to screw with the MFers
The Norwegians want to hold a herring but Sami will say it’s a slippery issue.
The U.S. should reciprocate by insisting that no goods shipped on Norwegian shipping lines will be allowed into the U.S. unless the ships carrying the goods are fueled by fossil-free fuels.
Give them a taste of their own medicine.
But — U.S. Government sticking up for American business overseas? Fat chance, unless it’s Halliburton.
Well, Nick Fury, you ARE entertaining…
@ Nick Fury
I knew I smelt something.
@ Think (not!)
“That means he was not smart enough to get a real job in the real world.”
Yeah typical… get a “real job” by doing a bank job… now these crooks want to be bailed out.
Time for Capital Punishment—those who ripped up the banking system should be made destitute and not like Mike Milken (Milk-em) living up in Tahoe’s Income Village! Make them penniless with a criminal record.
Then do the same with the ones who sent the US into a trillion dollar + war and evict them from public housing now.
You guys all suck
It’s time to investigate Bjoern Erik Thon and find out why he is anti-Apple. Anyone have any info on this jerk?
@ Björk
Wow. Just reporting on all my interaction with government employees. Never seen one yet that can work hard.
Maybe I haven’t run into the few that are hard working, but the vast majority are pitiful.
Kipper up, C1!
<cue “Salmon Chanted Evening”>
No Phish for you, Norway! ONE YEAR!