iPod May Have To Change Its iTunes

APPLE could be forced to share its iTunes technology so that rivals can sell music to iPod owners, it has emerged.

The French parliament has passed a law which aims to tackle claims that its iPod and iTunes systems are operating as an unfair monopoly.

Apple's bestselling MP3 player includes a coding system which means it willl play only songs downloaded through the company's iTunes service for 79p for a track or 7.90 uk pound for an album.

However, the French law would require Apple and other digital music services to volunteer these codes to all MP3 manufacturers. opening the download market to rivals.

Apple and the iPod are believed to have up to 75 per cent of the market in the UK.