Legalize It!

Communications regulator Ofcom is engaging UK music fans in a "public consultation" over the issue of legislating the use of iPod/MP3 FM broadcasting devices. "Ofcom" say they are working with their other European counterparts to come up with an international standard.

The gadget in question allows the user of an MP3 Player to transmit the output of their device over a short distance on a slected radio frequency, allowing it to be listened to on a regular radio. The most popular selling model being the Griffin "iTrip".

Users in the US have been enjoying this luxury for some time now. However, due to ludicrous current legistlation, UK listeners caught with such a device can face up to two years in prison! The Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1949 treats users of these accessories in precisely the same vein as pirate radio broadcasters. But this dated law has yet to enforced with any significance, seeing as overseas and internet sales to UK & European customers have skyrocketed.

Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Don Foster told the BBC: "I am delighted Ofcom have ended this ludicrous ban, based on 1940s legislation ... which threatened two years imprisonment to music lovers using iTrips. This decision ... will not only regulate a booming black market and provide the country with valuable tax revenue, but also enable the iPod generation to enjoy their music using the latest gadgets."