Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ DVD-copying Code Loses Free Speech Shield

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community
I personally find this ruling odd. "Disclosure of this highly technical information adds nothing to the public debate over the use of encryption software or the DVD industry’s efforts to limit unauthorized copying of movies on DVDs," wrote the judges. Perhaps the judges weren't aware that this "highly technical information" was printed on t-shirts, turned into haiku, and otherwise widely integrated into cyber-lore. Perhaps the judges missed the point of DeCSS, which was to make already legal uses (viewing on Linux viewing in another country) of DVDs possible. Perhaps the judges didn't realize that, when someone can figure out your copy protection format, it's not a trade secret any more, and that wishful thinking won't change that.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Dec 23, 2024 01:09 a.m.

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