France is pushing through a law that would force Apple Computer Inc. to open its iTunes on-line music store and enable consumers to download songs onto devices other than the computer maker's popular iPod player.
Under a draft law expected to be voted in parliament Thursday, consumers would be able to legally use software that converts digital content into any format.
It would no longer be illegal to crack digital rights management -- the codes that protect music, films and other content -- if it is to enable the conversion from one format to another, a senior parliamentarian said.
The law, if enacted, could prompt Apple to shut its iTunes store in France, some industry observers say.
