Remember that legal dealio with Apple that erupted after the Norwegian Consumer Council, Forbrukerrådet,
read the iTunes EULA? Right, that toothless complaint that waffled on for years until it was finally rendered moot by Apple going DRM-free -- long after Apple benefited from the iTunes-to-iPod lock-in. Well, it's brewing again only this time the council has focused its meticulously crafted aluminum spectacles, often highlighted with vibrant reds or blues, upon Amazon's practice of tying its content exclusively to the
Kindle's new international reader. According to a critique published by the Council's boss, Hans Marius Graasvold, the fine print in the Kindle's terms of service, "violated several provisions of Norwegian consumer protection law." He takes exception with Amazon's ability terminate the terms of service
entirely should customers violate said terms. In other words, Amazon could deny you access to all your purchased books if you make an illegal copy of just one -- unimaginable by brick-and-mortar standards where a Wal-mart could take your entire CD collection should you decide to rip a single disc. Graasvold's also miffed at Amazon's ability to change the agreement at any time without advanced notification. The Council does not currently have official support from the country's Consumer Ombudsman as it did when it went after Apple. For the moment, the council says that it's awaiting feedback from Amazon and Norwegian publishers before proceeding with what Graasvold calls, "an iTunes 2 case if we are not satisfied." Good luck with that.
posted October 30th 2009 9:23AM
Yeah really though, whom side is Engadget really on here? He's fighting for OUR rights. Engadget is shit lately.
You mean we're not supposed to bend over with our pants down and take it? Thanks Engadget for not letting me know sooner!
yeah, what IS up with the tone in this article? and the last case against apple was "toothless"? it was totally right to address that issue. different countries have different laws, just like all of your states.
:-D @ "has focused its meticulously crafted aluminum spectacles, often highlighted with vibrant reds or blues" good stuff. Poor Amazon, they are gonna get so mopped by B&N.
Cutie...
I hope he is single and like guys =)
Oh sssstop it. Missster Sssslave won't be happy with you. (snap snap)
While not a member of the EU, Norway's consumer protection laws would probably closely resemble those of the EU. The issues brought forward here would be issues with EU legislation as well. These terms would be null and void if brought in front of a court within the EU, period.
"The issues brought forward here would be issues with EU legislation as well. These terms would be null and void if brought in front of a court within the EU, period."
Incorrect. The Kindle is being sold and shipped only from the US, meaning that all users only need abide by the US laws. If they were being sold in Norway, that is another story.
Didn't you hear? The Kindle went international a few weeks ago.
Paper books have no EULAs. Nor do they require electricity to operate. Nor must I buy a $400 device to view them. Nor do they need repair should they accidentally crash to the ground.
Paper books: They're glorious!
Copyright?
Wow.. a government that looks out for the interests of its constituents. How refreshing.
This is why I do not buy products like iPod or Kindle from companies like Sony and Amazon that require you source your data from them, or convert it into their proprietary format so they control the data once you own it. Using .mp3 and.pdf formats allow you to move your data from today's fad machine to tomorrow's next hot thing without getting permission from the manufacturer. Just like I moved my record collection from vinyl to cassette, to CD, to mp3. I bought the album. Pid the manufacturer and hopefully the artist. And it is now mine to enjoy.... regardless of the format.
I am in favor of harsh penalties. I think that Amazon should reserve the right to a person's first born as a consequence as well. Anyone not concerned about violating the EULA will have no problem signing up. Those that already imagine, "wouldn't be cool if I could 'steal' a book or two at the expense of those thieving authors, publishers and that empire Amazon itself. They can afford it - I cannot," will have a problem signing this.
If consequences are set low, it will actual encourage violation. This is simple strategy. You cannot tell me that the fine for speeding should be set at $250 + additional amounts over 15 miles over the limit. It is set high enough so that people will pause before breaking the law.
Same here.
damn he's cute
And that is why I love the life in Norway !
Jeg ELSKER Norge
@maveric101
voted the most uncorrupt conuntry on the planet, has a murder rate of 1% a year,
Happiest employee surveys by Forbes,
They are to be envied better than Ireland our banana republic