Apple’s iTunes blocked in China over Tibet protest songs

Apple's iTunes music store has been blocked in China, after Olympics athletes reportedly started to download protest songs over Tibet.

Songs for Tibet, a compilation produced by the US-based Art of Peace Foundation, was offered as a free download to Olympic athletes, reports The Guardian.

More than 40 athletes are said to have downloaded the album, which includes songs by Sting, Rush, Underworld and Alanis Morissette.

China is said to have turned off the iTunes music store shortly after, using its so-called "Great Firewall of China".

Now, no China-based iTunes customers can download songs. Apple has put the blame down to China's ISPs blocking its website.