However, there have been reports that Chinese officials have blocked access to the iTMS, according to Silicon Hutong.

Apple only recently opened its first store in China, less than a month prior to the Games, and may be selling iPhones through at least one Chinese carrier in the future.

Silicon Hutong writes that “thousands of dedicated Apple customers in China” may be disappointed, since the iTMS was the only source for non-pirated music. Furthermore Apple may be “infuriating” Chinese citizens who think that the current state of events in Tibet is “far more nuanced than the media, activists, and general public outside of China understand,” the article states. “By selling 'Songs for Tibet,' Apple has placed (its Chinese business) efforts in jeopardy.”

Silicon Hutong called Apple's sale of the Tibet album “passive-aggressive” but should Apple take an album off iTunes because it angers the Chinese government?

“Songs for Tibet,” a compilation album from artists such as Sting and John Mayer, is the top-selling rock download on iTunes around the world, and was released by the Art of Peace Foundation in time for the Games, MarketWatch reported. iTunes, like other music retailers around the world, is merely selling it.

“... we hope (the album) will raise awareness of the lack of fundamental freedoms for all under Chinese rule, including the Tibetans,” said Michael Wohl, executive director of the foundation. The album “specifically targets the lack of freedom of press, speech and expression imposed by 'The Great Firewall of China,'” MarketWatch reported Aug. 6.