Apple is trying to use the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to stop the iPodHash project, and thereby to restrict the freedom of iPod owners who'd prefer to use alternatives to iTunes, such as Songbird and WinAmp. Since Apple does not make iTunes available for Linux, this is also an attack on open source users who own iPods. It could even result in BluWiki -- which has received a "cease and desist" order from Apple -- being forced offline.



The background is that Apple has added a new hashing algorithm to its iTunesDB database file -- which stores user data, such as the details and location of each song on the iPod, as obfuscated by Apple -- to prevent anyone else's software from writing to it. The iPodHash project is an attempt to crack the latest hash.

The use of the hash suggests Apple is trying to exploit its monopoly market shares of the portable MP3 player market and iTunes online store to force iPod owners to use iTunes for Windows. Apple uses iTunes to foist its QuickTime media player on Windows users. It has also deceived some users into installing its Safari browser for Windows by offering it as an "update".

Cracking the "iPod hash" would enable rival software to work with iPods. Interoperbility is the aim of the iPodHash project, and interoperability is specifically allowed for by the DCMA.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has offered to get involved, and has published Apple Confuses Speech with a DMCA Violation, a Legal Analysis by Fred von Lohmann. He says: "Short answer: Apple doesn't have a DMCA leg to stand on." There's also a long answer.

One problem is that nobody knows who created the iPodHash pages on BluWiki. The operator, Sam Odio, asked him or her to come forward:

Please contact Fred at the EFF. Fred is looking to protect your right to free speech online. But he can't do so if we don't work with him. Because Fred has expressed interest in representing both you and BluWiki, all communication is confidential and protected under the attorney-client privilege. Communication with Fred can not be released in court.

If you do not contact Fred, and the EFF does not represent us, we will be forced to comply with all of Apple's demands. If Apple chooses to litigate against us, we will probably exhaust all funds in our defense. Out of money, BluWiki could ultimately be forced offline. This would be one more small step backwards in the fight for the right to free speech.

Later, Odio published an email from the author In defense of Ipodhash.