With the release of the new version of iTunes, the unofficial Apple weblog has just noticed something in the US terms of service that could have a significant impact on users in Bermuda:
10. Territory. The Service is available only in the United States. You agree not to use or attempt to use the Service from outside of the available territory, and that Apple may use technologies to verify your compliance.
Since Bermuda doesn't have its own iTunes store (although the local iStore was exploring this with Apple earlier this year), residents must use one in another jurisdiction. Unlike Amazon's music store, and many other US-only services, iTunes does not use your computer's IP address to determine where you're connecting from. Instead you just need to have an iTunes gift card or a credit card issued by a US bank (restrictions that are generally easier to circumvent). If Apple were to start checking IP addresses, however, it would no longer be possible to do this, and would kill local use of the iTunes store.
Apparently this clause has been in there for some time, but it's suddenly made me a lot more wary of buying stuff from the iTunes store. Coming when Apple have just added HD TV shows and reinstated NBC, something I have long been hoping for, this is a bitter pill. If Apple start checking IP addresses, will I no longer be able to use the substantial amount of content I have already purchased?
