France adopts toned down iTunes interoperability law

French lawmakers on Friday adopted a toned down version of the controversial law that could force Apple to open up its iPod and iTunes copy-protection technology. The law, which aims to make content from digital media stores compatible with all portable devices, could tempt Apple to shut down the iTunes Music Store in France. “In its initial form, the bill would have forced online stores like iTunes to drop barriers that prevent songs it sells being played on portable MP3 devices and computers designed to work with another music store,” reports Reuters. “But after amendments introduced in the Senate, the law allows companies to argue that measures to restrict the technical compatibility of songs or films sold online were undertaken at the request of the authors.”