A trio of independent programmers has released new software that allows people to tap into Apple Computer’s iTunes music store and purchase songs free of any anticopying protections.
Joined by Jon Johansen, the Norwegian programmer responsible for distributing DVD-cracking code in late 1999, the programmers say their “PyMusique” software is a “fair” interface for iTunes, primarily aimed at allowing people who use the Linux operating system to purchase music from Apple’s store.
But with a Windows version of the software also available, it’s likely to trigger a legal response from Apple, which has closely guarded access to its online music store and has depended on its copy-protection software to gain rights to sell music online.
An Apple representative could not immediately be reached for comment.
The PyMusique release is the latest and most ambitious skirmish in a long-running battle between Apple and hackers intent on removing digital rights management from the company’s songs. As the most popular online music store, Apple has helped prove that consumers will purchase copy-protected songs but also has been a test case for whether that copy-protection can sustain attacks.
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