Judge Orders Independent Monitor over Apple's E-Books

To make sure it complies with ruling

A US judge has ordered Apple to modify its agreements with book publishers and hire an external monitor for two years to make sure it complies with the injunction in an e-books antitrust suit.

Apple strenuously argued against having a monitor, but the U.S. Department of Justice, which in July won an antitrust lawsuit against Apple, said that it was essential to make sure the electronics giant didn't violate antitrust laws again.

"By appointing an external monitor to ensure future compliance with the antitrust laws, the court has helped protect consumers from further misconduct by Apple," Bill Baer, assistant attorney general of the DOJ's antitrust division, said in a statement. "The court's ruling reinforces the victory the department has won for consumers."