China blocks access to Apple's iTunes, pro-Tibet album cited as probable cause

22 August 2008

The Chinese have been quick to embrace technology, with the result that the country has the largest Internet-surfing and cellphone-wielding populations in the world.

However, whenever there has been a whiff of anti-establishment sentiments being propagated by these technologies, the government authorities haven't hesitated in cracking down. (See: China surpasses the US with highest internet users in the world)

Now, the latest target of their attentions seems to be Apple's iTunes – the largest music store in the world, with a pro-Tibet album cited as a possible cause.

Coming at the same time when the eyes of the world are on the country due to the Olympics, this has the potential of snowballing into a major issue. (See: Apple's iTunes surpasses Wal-Mart as biggest US music seller)

The iTunes download site has been unavailable for many users within China in the past week, but Apple's Beijing-based spokeswoman Huang Yuna said she didn't know why music fans were unable to log on.

"We've noticed the problem. It's true that users may fail to log in to iTunes store right now," she said, "We are still investigating.'' However, she wouldn't confirm if the company was in contact with Chinese authorities.

In online forums, iTunes users complained they had been unable to download music since Monday. That was a day after the Art of Peace Foundation announced the release of "Songs for Tibet," with music by Sting, Alanis Morissette, Garbage and others, and a 15-minute talk by the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan leader.

Michael Wohl, executive director of the New York City-based group, said he believed the album was the reason for the iTunes interruption, though he had no proof. "We issued a release saying that over 40 (Olympic) athletes downloaded the album in an act of solidarity, and that's what triggered it. Then everything got blocked," he said.