French lawmakers have given final approval to a new law that could force Apple Computer Inc. to make files from its iTunes online store that are compatible with rival media players. France's Senate
and National Assembly both voted in favor of the copyright bill, leading many analysts to the conclusion that Apple will close iTunes France and pull its iPod from the country's shelves. The vote by
the Senate and the National Assembly is the last step in France's legislative process before the bill becomes law---barring any last-ditch challenges from the opposition Socialists and Greens. The
iPod currently does not play files downloaded from other music stores, nor can iTunes files be played on other media players. Apple responded to an earlier draft of the bill, calling it
"state-sponsored piracy." Other European governments may follow: Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Poland are all considering proposals or other regulatory moves to open up iTunes. Consumer
advocacy groups like the U.S.-based Consumers Union believe that breaking the exclusivity of these services would be a good thing for consumers. "It's a shame that people can't separately choose the
best player and the best site," said Consumers Union spokesman Michael Gikas.
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