Apple investigating iTunes block in China

[AppleInsider]

Several users in China have been unable to access iTunes ever since a pro-Tibet album was released on the digital download service earlier this week, prompting an investigation by Apple.

According to the Associated Press, the Art of Peace Foundation announced on Sunday the release of "Songs for Tibet," a digital album comprised of music by popular artists such as Dave Matthews and Alanis Morissette, as well as a 15-minute speech by exiled Tibetan leader Dalai Lama.

One day later, iTunes users began complaining on the official iTunes support forum that they were unable to login and purchase music from the Apple download service. Instead, they were greeted with an error message that said: "iTunes could not connect to the iTunes store. An unknown error occurred.(-4) Make sure your network connection is active and try again."

Others have received a slight variation of that error message. "I am in Shanghai and have been able to use iTunes for 3 years now with no problems, but for the past two days I get an immediate message that the 'network connection was reset,'" wrote a forum poster by the name of jenjen2008.

Although Apple does not operate or support an iTunes Store in China, the company's iPod is widely popular in the region and local customers routinely log into the U.S. or other versions of the store to download media to the devices. While there have been periodic outages from time to time, users on the support forums report that those outages are often resolved quickly. This has lead some to speculate that China may be intentionally blocking iTunes.

Michael Wohl, executive director of the New York-based APF, agrees, telling the AP that he believes the album was the reason for the iTunes interruption, but could not prove it. "We issued a release saying that over 40 (Olympic) athletes downloaded the album in an act of solidarity, and that's what triggered it," he said. "Then everything got blocked."

Apple spokesperson Huang Yuna said the company was aware of the problem but had no comment on the matter for the time being. "We are still investigating," she said.

The AP notes that while Beijing encourages Internet use for education and business, it "tries to block access to foreign sites run by dissidents and human rights and Tibet activists."

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

That's right up China's alley.

Surprised they'd risk such open publicity during their precious Olympics, though...

[caliminius]

Originally Posted by Xian Zhu Xuande

That's right up China's alley.

Surprised they'd risk such open publicity during their precious Olympics, though...

You mean as opposed to sending a squad of obviously under 16 female gymnasts to compete?

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by caliminius

You mean as opposed to sending a squad of obviously under 16 female gymnasts to compete?

As if China is the first country to cheat at the Olympics?

[moresmarterthanyou]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Although Apple does not operate or support an iTunes Store in China, the company's iPod is widely popular in the region and local customers routinely log into the U.S. or other versions of the store to download media to the devices. While there have been periodic outages from time to time, users on the support forums report that those outages are often resolved quickly. This has lead some to speculate that China may be intentionally blocking iTunes.

Wrong. There is a China iTunes store however it only has iPhone/ipod Touch applications. Apple doesn't have licenses for other content to be distributed in China.

[DonSqueak]

Originally Posted by teckstud

As if China is the first country to cheat at the Olympics?

Well, that makes it alright then. Time for me to go assault somebody, other people do that, too.

Ah, justifying everything by pointing to the misdeeds of others, such great fun. Time for me to go to Jamaica, they have such talented running coaches there...

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by DonSqueak

Well, that makes it alright then. Time for me to go assault somebody, other people do that, too.

Ah, justifying everything by pointing to the misdeeds of others, such great fun. Time for me to go to Jamaica, they have such talented running coaches there...

I normally would not support anything that Teckstud says. However, as a Supreme Court Justice would say, if you open the door, you better be prepared to deal with whatever comes through it.

[success]

With a name like Insane Bolt you'd be fast too

[DonSqueak]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

I normally would not support anything that Teckstud says. However, as a Supreme Court Justice would say, if you open the door, you better be prepared to deal with whatever comes through it.

And how lucky we are that what comes through is just 13 year old gymnasts in their long struggle against Human Rights.

[Animal Farm]

Originally Posted by teckstud

As if China is the first country to cheat at the Olympics?

It is true that China is not alone as far as cheating goes. But to use this retort also insinuates that China is on level footing with these countries in other respects.

This is not the case. We cannot seriously pretend that our CGI fireworks show (after all, smog is unsightly), lip-synching nine year-old (after all, the other child wasn't cute enough), and underage gymnasts are the most egregious of China's many offenses.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by DonSqueak

Well, that makes it alright then. Time for me to go assault somebody, other people do that, too.

Ah, justifying everything by pointing to the misdeeds of others, such great fun. Time for me to go to Jamaica, they have such talented running coaches there...

I never said it makes it right.
And being hypocritical of others while you're just as guilty is better? HA!
YOu probably believe the Chinese invented lip syncing as well and condemn them for it.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Animal Farm

It is true that China is not alone as far as cheating goes. But to use this retort also insinuates that China is on level footing with these countries in other respects.

This is not the case. We cannot seriously pretend that our CGI fireworks show (after all, smog is unsightly), lip-synching nine year-old (after all, the other child wasn't cute enough), and underage gymnasts are the most egregious of China's many offenses.

The opening ceremonies was entertainment - period.
Hollywood invented lipsyncing.
Go watch any Hollywood musical if it make yourself feel good.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by DonSqueak

And how lucky we are that what comes through is just 13 year old gymnasts in their long struggle against Human Rights.

It's reverse age discrimination to begin with- Nadia Comenici won Gold at 14 and nobody batted an eyelash.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Animal Farm

It is true that China is not alone as far as cheating goes. But to use this retort also insinuates that China is on level footing with these countries in other respects.

This is not the case. We cannot seriously pretend that our CGI fireworks show (after all, smog is unsightly), lip-synching nine year-old (after all, the other child wasn't cute enough), and underage gymnasts are the most egregious of China's many offenses.

Why does any news reporting in the US about China have to include 3 words- always:
1.) Smog
2.) Human rights
3.) Tibet

It's so tired.

[coffeetime]

Geez, techstud, give it a rest. Are you on the ChiComs' payroll?

[iVlad]

Originally Posted by Animal Farm

It is true that China is not alone as far as cheating goes. But to use this retort also insinuates that China is on level footing with these countries in other respects.

This is not the case. We cannot seriously pretend that our CGI fireworks show (after all, smog is unsightly), lip-synching nine year-old (after all, the other child wasn't cute enough), and underage gymnasts are the most egregious of China's many offenses.

Like no one ever lip-sync at the US events like Super Ball. And like US never fake anything at all, perhaps documents stating that Iraq had missiles.

I am not pro-China or anything, but this is how US Media attacks any country just to be noticed on the "right" level.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by coffeetime

Geez, techstud, give it a rest. Are you on the ChiComs' payroll?

NO- just Colombia's coffee. I'll stop.

[Animal Farm]

Originally Posted by teckstud

The opening ceremonies was entertainment - period.
Hollywood invented lipsyncing.
Go watch any Hollywood musical if it make yourself feel good.

Did you even read what I wrote? I specifically said these WERE NOT the most egregious of China's offenses. You seem content to hit my point at an oblique angle. Thanks for the quip about Hollywood musicals, but I'm less interested in showmanship and more concerned about the way in which China consistently undermines human rights. These abuses -- arms dealership to the world's worst dictators and widespread environmental destruction among them -- are hardly trivial.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Animal Farm

Did you even read what I wrote? I specifically said these WERE NOT the most egregious of China's offenses. You seem content to hit my point at an oblique angle. Thanks for the quip about Hollywood musicals, but I'm less interested in showmanship and more concerned about the way in which China consistently undermines human rights. These abuses -- arms dealership to the world's worst dictators and widespread environmental destruction among them -- are hardly trivial.

blah, blah, blah - you forgot smog and Tibet. Whatever makes you feel good.
You should have mentioned those serious abuses then- rather than hit on the trivial which you now state you're not interested in.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by iVlad

Like no one ever lip-sync at the US events like Super Ball. And like US never fake anything at all, perhaps documents stating that Iraq had missiles.

I am not pro-China or anything, but this is how US Media attacks any country just to be noticed on the "right" level.

Right? Perhaps they should have had this instead of the little girl singing at the Olympics:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/11ed201165

[Animal Farm]

Originally Posted by teckstud

blah, blah, blah - you forgot smog and Tibet. Whatever makes you feel good.
You should have mentioned those serious abuses then- rather than hit on the trivial which you now state you're not interested in.

Forgive me if I overestimated and assumed it wasn't necessary to begin from square one. You seem to have heard quite a bit of "smog" and "Tibet." My original argument was that, despite certain Olympic missteps, there were more pressing issues -- why restate a readily apparent case? To be met with "blah, blah, blah"? Makes me "feel good"? I now see my real mistake was attempting to begin a discussion with an intellectual charlatan. If you are unwilling to engage me on anything besides nitpicking and semantics, this will be my last post on the matter.

My best.

[Muncie]

Selective censorship of free speech, allowing banal western popular culture in while keeping substantive concern out, is much more insidious than blanket censorship. Unlike old Soviet-style blanket censorship, this "Americawashing" dupes most of the world into a smiling tolerance while the victims suffer.

Maybe give the iPhone satellite-phone capability, so free speech can prosper. (Is Pandora censored in China?)

By the way, times demand that I point out the USA's own selective censorship through mechanisms like the Patriot Act and Fox News. Relax - I'm wearing my flag pin as I type this (just nothing else).

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Animal Farm

Forgive me if I overestimated and assumed it wasn't necessary to begin from square one. You seem to have heard quite a bit of "smog" and "Tibet." My original argument was that, despite certain Olympic missteps, there were more pressing issues -- why restate a readily apparent case? To be met with "blah, blah, blah"? Makes me "feel good"? I now see my real mistake was attempting to begin a discussion with an intellectual charlatan. If you are unwilling to engage me on anything besides nitpicking and semantics, this will be my last post on the matter.

My best.

HOw dare you insult me with such French words! Go back to your barn - I mean farm !
Seriously - ease up- I apologize if I misunderstood your intentions.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Muncie

Selective censorship of free speech, allowing banal western popular culture in while keeping substantive concern out, is much more insidious than blanket censorship. Unlike old Soviet-style blanket censorship, this "Americawashing" dupes most of the world into a smiling tolerance while the victims suffer.

Maybe give the iPhone satellite-phone capability, so free speech can prosper. (Is Pandora censored in China?)

By the way, times demand that I point out the USA's own selective censorship through mechanisms like the Patriot Act and Fox News. Relax - I'm wearing my flag pin as I type this (just nothing else).

Ouch that must hurt! Unless it's in one of your piercings- which would be where?

[auxio]

Ahhh, nothing like the Olympic games to join the world together in racism.

Before letting your opinion be manipulated by more media coverage and ignorant people, consider these two points:

- North American mass media (not talking about Joe Bloggs who has a dozen friends reading his website, or even small independent papers/zines/news sites) is largely dictated by the interests of the shareholders and advertisers. If a story about human rights abuse from 3rd world manufacturing for a North American corporation who happens to have a large advertising contract and/or large share in, say, Time/Warner comes to press, it'll more than likely be cut before it even hits the wire. Sure, the story will still get out on smaller media (just as I'm sure there are small, non government-controlled media sources in China which you don't hear about) but censorship is censorship is censorship.
- It's ok for someone underage to not go to school and spend all their time manufacturing clothing destined for North American markets under harsh conditions, but it's cruelty if they spend all their time training for the Olympics under harsh conditions.

[DonSqueak]

Originally Posted by teckstud

I never said it makes it right.
And being hypocritical of others while you're just as guilty is better? HA!
YOu probably believe the Chinese invented lip syncing as well and condemn them for it.

Oh yeah, I did say that didn't I? Or was I more along the lines of BOTH BEING BAD? I'm very confused now, as I see the need to ask other people what I believe, as some seem to know better what a hypocrite I am.

Oh, and yeah, why wouldn't they have invented it, like already 3000 years before what you call civilisation came along, eh?

To be honest, I find them doing what they do with their teenage mutants less annoying than people who seem to judge everything by their breakfast crunchy-nut slurping wisdom.

[DonSqueak]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Why does any news reporting in the US about China have to include 3 words- always:
1.) Smog
2.) Human rights
3.) Tibet

It's so tired.

Hehe, I wonder... why could that be...

On a serious note: Have you noticed how the smog in Beijing makes protesting for Human Rights in Tibet so much more tiresome? It's nearly impossible without taking steroids to run from the para-military volunteer Chinese tourist advisors.

[DonSqueak]

Originally Posted by auxio

Ahhh, nothing like the Olympic games to join the world together in racism.

Before letting your opinion be manipulated by more media coverage and ignorant people, consider these two points:

- North American mass media (not talking about Joe Bloggs who has a dozen friends reading his website, or even small independent papers/zines/news sites) is largely dictated by the interests of the shareholders and advertisers. If a story about human rights abuse from 3rd world manufacturing for a North American corporation who happens to have a large advertising contract and/or large share in, say, Time/Warner comes to press, it'll more than likely be cut before it even hits the wire. Sure, the story will still get out on smaller media (just as I'm sure there are small, non government-controlled media sources in China which you don't hear about) but censorship is censorship is censorship.
- It's ok for someone underage to not go to school and spend all their time manufacturing clothing destined for North American markets under harsh conditions, but it's cruelty if they spend all their time training for the Olympics under harsh conditions.

All true. But: That does not make Beijing cloud-cuckoo land, now, does it?

So, have it your way, the US are a cr4ppy place as well, Guantanamo and all, but did it make Hitler any better that Stalin was just as bad?

Why does everybody rectify evil things by pointing to other evil things? Is everybody insane? Just saying...

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by DonSqueak

And how lucky we are that what comes through is just 13 year old gymnasts in their long struggle against Human Rights.

I would hope that you understand that my support for Teckstud was not what he said, but if one is going to throw stones then one should be prepared to get some thrown back. Rightfully or wrongfully.

As we exampled here, one tosses out a pebble. Another responds with a stone. Before it lands, we have a nuclear war. All because nobody took the time to understand the other.

Best we all remember the adage; people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by iVlad

Like no one ever lip-sync at the US events like Super Ball. And like US never fake anything at all, perhaps documents stating that Iraq had missiles.

I don't think the issue is with lip syncing, but with lip syncing to someone's else's voice. Artists may lip sync, but it's still them singing the songs. I feel bad for the little girl was told that she can't be on camera because she isn't cute enough. I imagine that would be devastating to a little girl.

As for human rights violations, I don't think that is an issue here because of the age as these Olympic gymnasts start is very young and they work so very hard at it that it all seems like a violation of, at least, childhood in some way. The only issue here would be cheating, but as stated if you open that up then you have to open it all up.

[DonSqueak]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

I would hope that you understand that my support for Teckstud was not what he said, but if you are going to throw stones be prepared to get some thrown back. Rightfully or wrongfully.

Sorry, see that now. But someone has to give him a chance to reach the milestone of a thousand highly thoughtful posts as soon as possible. What a happy moment it will be. ;-)

Just joking, Mr Stud, I know I'm new and still have to find my place in "society"...

[Rot'nApple]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Several users in China have been unable to access iTunes ever since a pro-Tibet album was released on the digital download service earlier this week, prompting an investigation by Apple.

Apple spokesperson Huang Yuna said the company was aware of the problem but had no comment on the matter for the time being. "We are still investigating," she said.

And if after the investigation Apple finds egregious acts committed by China's government regarding the ability to access iTunes, what will Apple do? Send a letter to the Chinese governement stronly protesting? Request a UN Resolution? Pull out of the Chinese market? Increase the cost of their products so the "common man" can no longer afford? 'Investigating China' sounds like empty rhetoric, unfortunately.

[echosonic]

Originally Posted by DonSqueak

And how lucky we are that what comes through is just 13 year old gymnasts in their long struggle against Human Rights.

Peeps, get off the 13 year old gymnasts' backs already. They have to cheat or their parent's organs will be harvested for The State.

It isn't the people that make China bad, its the Communist F-tardificated asshat jerkoff government that makes them bad.

Otherwise, they're totally awesome, with all their Chineseness and stuff.

[echosonic]

Originally Posted by Rot'nApple

And if after the investigation Apple finds egregious acts committed by China's government regarding the ability to access iTunes, what will Apple do? Send a letter to the Chinese governement stronly protesting? Request a UN Resolution? Pull out of the Chinese market? Increase the cost of their products so the "common man" can no longer afford? 'Investigating China' sounds like empty rhetoric, unfortunately.

If that doesn't work, Steve Jobs will personally go over there and begin kicking the shit out of each and every last one of those 1.6 billion red-chinese commies with his bare hands, using at various different times, as needed, Jobs-Fu, The Way of the Woz, and the Iron BAM! techniques.

You think the black tutrleneck is a stylistic choice? No. It is the piece of his magical awesome fkkking ninja uniform he allows you to see, to remind you that if he is ever displeased, he can fire you from reality in an instant.

Steve Jobs can kill you with a single look.

China has no chance.

Weep for them.

They know not the pain they are about to inflict upon themselves.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by solipsism

I don't think the issue is with lip syncing, but with lip syncing to someone's else's voice. Artists may lip sync, but it's still them singing the songs. I feel bad for the little girl was told that she can't be on camera because she isn't cute enough. I imagine that would be devastating to a little girl.

.

Oh boo hoo! What if she knew and got paid? Do you feel sorry for Marni Nixon because she wasn't cute enough yet voiced Audrey Hepburn, Deborah Kerr and Natalie Wood in some of Hollywood's biggest musicals? Give me a break! Seriously- do you think every commercial you see has the actor's voice little or old on it? Seriously are you that naive?
ANd did you know that in your British film Oliver - the young lad was voiced by a girl? How do you feel about him and her? Who's defence would you come to in that situation?

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by DonSqueak

Hehe, I wonder... why could that be...

On a serious note: Have you noticed how the smog in Beijing makes protesting for Human Rights in Tibet so much more tiresome? It's nearly impossible without taking steroids to run from the para-military volunteer Chinese tourist advisors.

LOL- yeah they should learn from Marion Jones and get on with it.

[auxio]

Originally Posted by DonSqueak

All true. But: That does not make Beijing cloud-cuckoo land, now, does it?

So, have it your way, the US are a cr4ppy place as well, Guantanamo and all, but did it make Hitler any better that Stalin was just as bad?

Why does everybody rectify evil things by pointing to other evil things? Is everybody insane? Just saying...

My point in that post is that just because the Chinese government has done a lot of evil things, doesn't mean that it's reason to be racist against the entire culture. If we turn the same microscope on our own culture, you can find the same evil things just in a different form. Which, I'm sure if you turned to the media in anti-American societies, you'd see it being used to manipulate people's opinions the same way.

I'm basically just trying to combat the racism which I feel has reached a frenzy around the Olympic games. This article just happened to tap into that same sentiment.

[DonSqueak]

Originally Posted by auxio

My point in that post is that just because the Chinese government has done a lot of evil things, doesn't mean that it's reason to be racist against the entire culture. If we turn the same microscope on our own culture, you can find the same evil things just in a different form. Which, I'm sure if you turned to the media in anti-American societies, you'd see it being used to manipulate people's opinions the same way.

I'm basically just trying to combat the racism which I feel has reached a frenzy around the Olympic games. This article just happened to tap into that same sentiment.

There's racism, and there's criticism of government politics. I feel most of what is addressed here relates to the latter.

Apart from that, I guess the idiot-decent person ratio is about the same anywhere in the world.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Oh boo hoo! What if she knew and got paid? Do you feel sorry for Marni Nixon because she wasn't cute enough yet voiced Audrey Hepburn, Deborah Kerr and Natalie Wood in some of Hollywood's biggest musicals? Give me a break! Seriously- do you think every commercial you see has the actor's voice little or old on it? Seriously are you that naive?
ANd did you know that in your British film Oliver - the young lad was voiced by a girl? How do you feel about him and her? Who's defence would you come to in that situation?

You have it completely backwards. Marni Nixon wasn't replaced by Hepburn for the role of Eliza because she wasn't attractive enough. It was Hepburn that was replaced my Nixon despite her lengthy preparation. If I were to feel bad for anyone it would be Hepburn, but these are adults we are talking about working on a film. I'm always amazed at your unrelenting cynicism and that you can compare that to a little girl getting the axe because of a superficial decision.

[trevorlsciact]

Originally Posted by echosonic

It isn't the people that make China bad, its the Communist F-tardificated asshat jerkoff government that makes them bad.

I hate how china is considered communist when there economy is no longer so :-/ why not just call them totalitarian???