China blocks iTunes music store

An album of protest songs compiled by a US-based Tibetan activist group and downloaded by Olympic athletes has led Chinese authorities to raise its 'Great Firewall' Apple's iTunes music store has been blocked in China, allegedly due to some athletes listening to protest songs. It started with Songs for Tibet, a compilation produced by the Art of Peace Foundation, a US-based Tibetan activist group. The Foundation invited Olympic athletes to download the album free of charge. By listening in Beijing, the activist group said, athletes would communicate that "compassion and non-violence can overcome intolerance and oppression - beautiful ideals to be associated with the Olympic spirit". More than 40 athletes downloaded the album, according to a press release, which includes songs by Sting, Rush, Damien Rice, Underworld and Alanis... [read full story]