French Investigators Probe Copy-Protected CDs
French authorities have launched an investigation of EMI France and music retailer Fnac over anticopying technology included on CDs that allegedly renders them unplayable on some systems.
Source: ZDNetA magistrate judge on July 31 ordered the investigation following a review of consumer complaints by a local division of the Bureau of Competition's antifraud unit (DDCCRF). The move is among the most threatening actions yet taken in Europe against record labels and retailers over anticopy technology. The labels want to prevent consumers from making direct copies of CDs into unprotected computer files, such as MP3s, which can then be distributed over the Internet and peer-to-peer networks such as Kazaa. The move has led to a sharp backlash from consumers who fear they may lose the ability to make personal backup copies of CDs, something that's currently allowed under copyright laws in some countries, including France. In addition, such digital rights management technology has been linked to problems playing back discs on some devices.
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