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Apple iTunes blocked in China

08/26/2008

Users of Apple’s music store in China have been reporting problems downloading music since the beginning of the week. Chinese authorities have not directly confirmed blocking iTunes. Requests for comment have gone unanswered, or reporters have been told officials had no information on the block. However, the timing of this latest blockage seems to coincide with the release of a pro-Tibet album by the Art of Peace Foundation, which was released on Sunday. Users across several threads in Apple’s support forums are reporting issues. The first reports came in Monday, and seem to be widespread.

Forty Olympic athletes reportedly downloaded the album in solidarity with the group, with some even downloading it once they arrived in Beijing, the Foundation said. Although Chinese iPod and iPhone owners have had access to iTunes, it doesn’t actually provide them with music, though it does provide iPhone users with apps. So users often find themselves logging onto overseas stores or even other services in order to download music. Apple did confirm that some were having problems with access within China, but declined to comment further. Users reportedly complained on Apple sites in China that the ban hurt users more than it did iTunes.

Source: Betanews