French legislation could end iPod lock-in

Copyright reform bill is designed to stop DRM technology restricting content to a single brand or model of media player

A French copyright reform bill designed to prevent closed digital rights management (DRM) technologies such as Apple's FairPlay has been passed in France. 

The bill was passed by the French Senate and the French National Assembly. Unless a last-minute constitutional challenge by the opposition Socialists is successful, the bill will become law, Associated Press reports. 

The copyright reform bill is designed to stop DRM technology blocking any " legitimate use" by consumers, such as restricting content to a single brand or model of media player.

Apple chief Steve Jobs objected to the proposed law, labelling it "state-sponsored piracy".

The proposal was later amended to promote interoperability between media formats and devices, but such interoperability was not legally required.

Interoperability between digital music platforms is inevitable and crucial to the survival of the music industry, according to Salman Momen, head of media technology at Capgemini Telecom, Media & Entertainment. 

"An interoperable digital rights management standard for music downloads would ultimately be a boost for record labels, recording artists and consumers, " he said.