The Gadget Blog » Law

DVD-Ripping Man Wants Prosecution Under Law

Rico Mossesgeld — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:30:02 +0000

Last October, Henrik Anderson had ripped his entire DVD collection to his computer, in an effort to challenge the Danish legal act that allows copies of media to be made for personal use, yet at the same time prohibits attempts to disable copy protection technology.

Mr. Anderson, after circumventing the DRM of his DVDs and effectively breaking the law, reported himself to the Danish anti-piracy group Antipiratgruppen. He had requested that the group respond by December 1, “indicating whether or not [it intends] to prosecute him” and has yet to receive one as of today.

12.–(1) Anyone is entitled to make or have made, for private purposes, single copies of works which have been made public if this is not done for commercial purposes. Such copies must not be used for any other purpose.

§ 75 c. It is not permitted without the consent of the rightholder to make circumvention of effective technological measures

Pending the apparent failure of Antipiratgruppen to provide a definite response, Anderson will present himself to the Danish people. His goal? To force a trial to resolve the issue.

Source

Post from: The Gadget Blog

It’s Official: Apple Declares Jailbreaking Illegal

Rico Mossesgeld — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:00:28 +0000

No doubt, Apple considered jailbreaking an iPhone verbotten, given how the process compromises the manufacturer’s vision of mobile app and connectivity ~~and financial~~ utopia. But recently, in response to an EFF request to grant a DMCA exemption to jailbreaking, Apple has finally stated for the record that jailbreaking is illegal, since it violates the copyright of its iPhone OS software. The company even went so far as to argue that none of the restrictions it places on the iPhone need removal to foster innovation, implying that its gadget is fine the way it is (yeah, right).

The EFF originally argued, and restated, the basis for their exemption request:

But the courts have long recognized that copying software while reverse engineering is a fair use when done for purposes of fostering interoperability with independently created software, a body of law that Apple conveniently fails to mention.

Of course, don’t expect Apple to budge on this one. I’m sure there are some people in Apple who truly believe that declaring jailbreaking fair game would expose the iPhone and its users to a wider set of dangers. But, since no system is perfect, who’s to say Apple themselves can provide absolute protection? The fact that jailbreaking—what’s basically a compromise of Apple’s layers of protection—is an issue now is proof of such protections ultimate effectiveness.

Thanks textually.org!

Post from: The Gadget Blog

How to: Avoid Costly Fines From Gadget Use

Rico Mossesgeld — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 02:50:15 +0000

With new wireless telephone laws taking effect in California this Tuesday, it literally pays to know what they are. The fine for using a “handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle” is $20 for the first offense, and “$50 for subsequent convictions”. But this electronic pamphlet distributed by the California Highway Patrol promises “triple” the base fine.

Image details: EPA Tightens Air Pollution Limits For First Time In A Decade served by picapp.com

At least there are exceptions based on emergency. “a driver… [can] make emergency calls to law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.”

Know what the laws are and how they affect your gadget use. Do you have particular laws in your area that proscribe how to use your gadgets? How well are they enforced? What penalties do they carry?

Post from: The Gadget Blog