iTunes' DRM Illegal Somewhere!

"Following the Norwegian consumer ombudsman's ruling last week that Apple iTune's lack of inter operability with devices other than its own iPod is illegal, Germany's federal consumer protection association, the VZBV, and the Dutch consumer protection agency, along with Finland and France, have joined a continent-wide move to get Apple to change its coding restrictions."
-MSNBC

You know, I hate to say it. I really do, because I love Apple. I have a PowerMac. I have an iPod. How is it that one company can be so technologically progressive, and still concern themselves with dying DRM. Enough is enough. Even EMI has begun to release MP3s as opposed to the DRM encrypted file. Listen, Apple does kind of have a point. Let the consumers decide. You know, that whole competitive business breeds innovation thing. But oppressive innovation is not what people are after. So long as people aren't harming others, they should be able to do what they please with what they purchase. There's also an inherent problem in Apple's outlook, because by not allowing consumers to use iTunes files on other devices, they're therefore limiting competition. It's not like there is a flashing message that pops from the iTunes store page, warning the purchaser that the files cannot operate on anything but an iPod. So, most may not even realize what they're getting into. So sure, iTunes store might be the optimum choice now, but what happens when another, better mp3 player comes out and these people find that those files are useless and their money was burned before them (discounting the crafty, more computer-savvy downloaders). Maybe they could gain a few more downloaders if they got rid of these encryptions. I'm sure it has something to do with the sale of iPods, obviously a huge revenue generator. But you know what, Apple? Let the consumers decide. Competition's good for business, right? So, let go and keep the consumers coming back because of the quality of your product. I know I will. That iPhone is lookin' damn sexy.

Also, why do you think the Europeans are more up on this stuff than us? Are we that blind as consumers? Post it!
Check out defectivebydesign.org who provided the pretty picture.