[NewsPoster]

A Belgian judge is considering whether to order local ISPs to block access to Apple websites in the country, local reports say. The measure is a possible response to charges of fraud brought by consumer protection group FPS Economy. FPS points out that while Apple has been claiming a standard warranty of just one year, European law mandates a minimum of two, at no extra cost. Apple has been asking Belgians to buy an extended AppleCare warranty to get two years of support.

The judge is said to be hesitating to block Apple's online content, though, since it could wreak havoc with services like iCloud and iTunes, which many customers depend on. Apple has so far changed the warranty webpages on its EU websites, explaining what European law provides, but some parties -- including FPS -- have argued that shoppers still need better information before they buy AppleCare.

Belgium isn't the only European country in which Apple has been taken to task. In Italy Apple was fined almost $1.5 million for breaking EU laws, and the company has withdrawn AppleCare from retail.

[Spheric Harlot]

Good grief, not again: AppleCare covers a bunch of stuff NOT mandated by the EU warranty, and works in completely different ways — most notably, AppleCare is a manufacturers' warranty, while the EU warranty only applies to point of sale.

IOW, when you buy at a reseller, EU warranty gives you ZERO rights towards the manufacturer: you have to take it up with the store, and the warranty is entirely their responsibility.

[Jeronimo2000]

Yes, I'm still baffled about the level of ignorance those consumer rights manage to rise to. Same thing in Italy, if I remember correctly. That EU 2-year thing is not a warranty as such, exactly as Spheric Harlot said.

[Bicycle]

Yes you're right Spheric Harlot. Apple offers 1 year manufacturer's warranty, a very good one, with option of 2 additional years Apple Care, but the problem is when the manufacturer is ALSO point of sale, as is the case with the Apple Store. The Belgian ruling is nevertheless strange, I would think there are better targets than Apple if you want to protect consumer's interests. A problem however is that Apple is not reacting correctly to ongoing requests from European courts.

[FireWire]

"The measure is a possible response to charges of fraud brought by consumer protection group FPS Economy."

So if I understand correctly, there was no trial yet? and even if found guilty, why not a good ole fine? what the heck this judge is smoking?

Originally Posted by Jeronimo2000 

Same thing in Italy, if I remember correctly.

Yes and the thieves who stole Apple's money years back in the AppleCare lawsuit not only should have never gotten a cent but should've paid Apple for their political ignorance (...sadly that would bankrupt the country...)