M4P

Basically, this is a protected AAC file. Apple’s iTunes store generates files with the .m4p extension, though you’d have to drag the file onto your desktop to see the extension. While it is possible to convert these files to other formats, there is the underlying issue of legality. A song that is protected by a Digital Rights Management scheme indicates the publisher or copyright holder wishes to control access to or usage of this digital data. This is a legal issue that’s probably going to be with us for a while. But consider the lowly “mix tape,” which suitors have been using for decades to demonstrate their sensitive side. The argument is easily made that those who create mix tapes are not trying to illegally distribute copyright-protected music. They’re simply hoping for a date. Odds are this practice will continue until a definitive ruling comes from a high court.