France to Challenge iTunes’ Supremacy

PARIS – French lawmakers could take a bite out of Apple’s online music market by passing legislation that would allow iPod users to download music from stores other than Apple iTunes.

The bill, which would require companies to share copy-protection secrets with competitors to create a level playing field, passed the National Assembly, the French lower house, and is set to go to the Senate for debate.

If the legislation passes, proprietary copy-protection technology such as Apple’s FairPlay will be open to other online music distributors, possibly opening up the Apple-dominated market. According to Apple, iTunes sells more than 3 million songs per day. In some markets, iTunes nets 70 percent of all online music sales.

While the proposed legislation puts Apple in a bind, other companies like Sony and Microsoft, which rely on “closed systems,” could also be forced to divulge copy-protection secrets.

This latest move by the French government follows decisions by French courts taking issue with anti-copy devices on DVDs that restrict what the courts see as the user’s right to make copies for fair use.

Still, the bill is not all bad news for technology companies. The proposed legislation brings stiff penalties for piracy. Those who illegally download movies and music at home would face fines ranging from $50 to $180. Hackers who disable copy-protection systems will face a fine of $4,600. Anyone caught distributing software that enables online piracy will face fines up to $365,000.

There is no word yet from Apple on how the company plans to respond to the proposed French law. The French Culture Ministry is urging the rest of the European Union to adopt similar legislation.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More