France and iTunes at NRO

Ah, the French—butt of droll conservative jokes everywhere; for those with a rightward slant, they’re the political commentator’s gift that keeps on giving (whereas their citizens are the entitled masses that keep on taking). Today, I’m the recipient, as I discuss the both the problems with France’s recent proposal to force Apple to open their iTunes security procedures as well has how it contrasts with American law. Here’s a teaser:

The French climate of economic sluggishness and widespread unemployment has led to a pervasive restlessness. Many — especially the youth — have taken to rioting, striking, and protesting with a festival-like vigor. Naturally, anything with this sort of rock-concert aura deserves a soundtrack, and these days the background music to looting and car-burning emanates from a shiny array of digital music players. But the French, never content without dirigiste government intervention, have decided that even their digital music needs to be saddled with the burden of regulation. Now Apple’s iTunes music store is under fire from a law that would strip Apple of the right to protect its property without providing consumers any serious benefits.

Read the complete article at National Review Online.