Anyone in China hoping to download some music through iTunes was sorely disappointed earlier this week when the Apple's iTunes Music Store locked up, banning people from logging into the service. The lockout began on Monday, the day after the organization Art of Peace Foundation released a 20-track album "Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace" on iTunes in support of Tibet. Art of Peace also claimed over 40 Olympian athletes had already downloaded the album in solidarity with Tibet.
Apple has told reporters that it is aware of China's actions, but is unable to comment at this time.
The album in question, titled "Songs for Tibet," features music by many high-profile artists including Moby, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Alanis Morrisette, as well as a 15 minute talk from the exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama. For those interested, the album sells for $11.99 on iTunes.
China Ends Olympics on Sour Note
China's iTune's crackdown really shouldn't come as a huge surprise, considering other measures taken by China during the Olympics. China has also seen fit to arrest bloggers who are trying to report on pro-Tibet protests.
After all, technically bloggers aren't protected by the Chinese foreign press agreement since they are non-accredited journalists. China's domineering government may be taking these actions in an attempt to prevent China from looking bad to the rest of the world, but all it's doing is fanning the flames. China would do much better for its reputation if it just left foreign journalists alone than detaining them and making the issue even larger.
