A New French Revolution?

Andy Updegrove writes “If you follow technology news or music news (or both), you doubtless know of an amendment to a French on-line copyright bill that would make it legal to thwart the digital rights protection (DRM) software of the fabulously successful Apple iTunes/iPod system. The vote to adopt that legislation takes place in Paris today, and Apple has stated that if it passes, it may no longer offer French customers the ability to purchase music from its iTunes site. This is pretty juicy news, and therefore most of the press reports have focused on the commercial consequences for Apple and other vendors if the law goes into effect. But if the vote passes, the new law could have a profound impact on the whole landscape of commerce and standards, extending well beyond DRM, or, and indeed even beyond content.”