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The Chinese Government recently blocked all access to the iTunes Music Store after a pro-tibet album became quite popular. 

Apple has begun to “investigate” this matter, but Chinese Government officials are not willing to comment on this issue.

I guess it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that China is censoring yet another form of expression. I mean, they’ve already got most of the mainstream media locked down, what’s the harm in shutting down another form of free-speech? (Sarcasm)

Due to this ban, Chinese iTunes users have not been able to download media via iTunes since Monday of this week.

BBC sources from within Beijing confirmed earlier today that iTunes has in fact been banned across the country. It is unclear at this point whether the ban will stand permanently, or if it is merely a temporary solution while the Chinese Government negotiates a deal with Apple.

The offending album, titled “Songs for Tibet,” encourages protest against the Chinese Government for their crimes against the country of Tibet. The album features artists such as Moby, Regina Spektor, Imogen Heap, Rush, and Dave Matthews.

[BBC News]