A trio of independent programmers has released new software that allows people to tap into Apple Computer’s iTunes music store and purchase songs free of any anticopying protections. Joined by Jon Johansen, the Norwegian programmer responsible for distributing DVD-cracking code in late 1999, the programmers say their “PyMusique” software is a “fair” interface for iTunes, primarily aimed at allowing people …

Several of Microsoft’s partners, including CinemaNow and MediaPass Network, will begin offering downloadable music videos online, the software giant said on Wednesday. CinemaNow is adding music videos from several big music labels to its video-on-demand service, allowing customers to buy permanent copies for between $1.99 and $2.99. MediaPass will offer the videos as part of a subscription service. In both …

The U.K. music industry has compared the fight against illegal online file sharing with curbing drunk driving. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is likely to bring further legal action against U.K. citizens accused of sharing copyright-protected files over the Internet. Late last week the BPI won a court ruling that will force six ISPs to name 31 subscribers suspected of …