The government has proposed a new law that would mean copying compact discs on to computers or iPods would become legal.

Although the majority of consumers already copy CDs on to their computer, they are actually still breaking the law.

However all that might change if changes suggested by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

The existing laws which was brought in to protect cassettes and VHS forbids customers shifting their music from one media to another.

Expectedly music trade bodies have warned that the if the law was changed it could open the floodgates to "uncontrolled and unstoppable" private copying and sharing from person to person.

The move comes as Music labels work to address Digital Right Management protection software on digital music tracks.

Earlier this week Sony BMG announced it would be selling part of its catalogue DRM free, while Napster also this week announced it is to start selling music with less restrictions.

Following in the path of other online retailers, Napster has told the press that it is soon to start selling music downloads as unprotected MP3 files.

The consultation for the CD copying law will end on 7 March.

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