Anger over DRM-free iTunes tracks

The launch of music tracks free of digital locks on iTunes has been overshadowed by the discovery that they contain data about who bought them.

Some fear this data could be used to identify the owner of the tracks if they turn up on file-sharing sites.

The tracks from record company EMI cost more and are of a better quality than standard iTunes songs.

Apple has yet to comment on what it plans to do with the information embedded in the music files.

Apple is under fire. DRM-free tracks bought through iTunes would seem to retain information about the person who bought them - even after the files have been converted. Several blogs have picked up on the issue, which emerged after Apple announced the iTunes Plus service yesterday.

This is the same personal information that is already found embedded in any DRM-protected song bought from the store. Of course, the addition of personal information would appear to be designed so the tracks don't start appearing on file sharing networks. Tracks have the full name and email address of the purchaser embedded within.

However, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has further investigated the information found. It's discovered that, while there is no personal information residue left if you convert the files, there is a disparity in the file size. So there is potential for personal information to be carried over.