Source : ARS TechnicaDue to those in government in Great Britain not modifying the law, it is legally prohibited there to rip a CD and to put the music on a walkman; it is simply regarded as hacking.
In actual fact, the British do not take notice, and 88% of them are not even aware that it is against the law. The BPI, which is a gathering of music editors, are said to be ready to take part in legalization of this generalized process. As one has to expect, this goodwill must be compensated.
They thus propose several solution, a tax on the mp3 players, as in France, with an extension of an extra licence on bought CD.
Of course, the debates are loud; but the English start from a point a good deal further than in France. In Britain, currently, to listen to CDs on one's iPod legally, it is necessary to repurchase online all its pieces.
[translation by crispin]
