Long time ago we posted an article about iPhone / iPod jailbreaking, unlocking is legal or illegal? We answered you that it’s legal but unofficially. Finally the dilemma is over and JB / UL is now officially legal…..
The Library of Congress announced Monday that they have added an exemption to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act stating that it is now legal to ‘jailbreak’ your cell phone in order to install any legal applications you would like according to the law.
The news was well received by Civil Rights activists like Jennifer Stisa Granick, civil liberties director with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and others who had been pushing for this exemption and others for years now. Stisa Granick told the Huffington Post on Monday “You bought it, you own it” and it seems the Library of Congress agreed
Owners of the iPhone will be able to break electronic locks on their devices in order to download applications that have not been approved by Apple. The government is making that legal under new rules announced Monday.
The decision to allow the practice commonly known as “jailbreaking” is one of a handful of new exemptions from a federal law that prohibits the circumvention of technical measures that control access to copyrighted works. Every three years, the Library of Congress authorizes such exemptions to ensure that existing law does not prevent non-infringing use of copyrighted material.
Another exemption will allow owners of used cell phones to break access controls on their phones in order to switch wireless carriers.
Apple was unhappy with the decision because it somewhat undercuts their strict control over what applications can be installed on the iPhone and iPad. Apple has spoken little of the decision since it was announced, but you can be sure they will not stop enforcing their own rules about the issue.
Apple’s fervor when it comes to controlling the applications allowed on their products will insure that this ruling will mean very little for consumers however, because the court simply rules that it is not illegal to install restricted applications. This ruling simply means that the government is not going to get involved in this issue. If a company wants to make rules that limit the applications you are allowed to install, it is their job to enforce them by whatever legal means they deem appropriate. For example, they still have every right to void your warranty or prevent you from receiving future updates.
Many others will benefit from the ruling, especially people that own businesses related to the industry. Because of the growing popularity of jailbreaking, many entrepreneurs created forums where users could discuss and learn more about the practice. Some even created applications that actually allow the user to unlock their phones. If this exemption had been rejected, many of those business owners could have faced prosecution.
Many others will benefit from the ruling, especially people that own businesses related to the industry. Because of the growing popularity of jailbreaking, many entrepreneurs created forums where users could discuss and learn more about the practice. Some even created applications that actually allow the user to unlock their phones. If this exemption had been rejected, many of those business owners could have faced prosecution.
Hacking the iPhone/iPod Touch is not illegal. While Apple would like to make you think it is illegal, it is not. It is impossible to get in any legal trouble for hacking iPhone/iPod Touch . You and Apple made an exchange. You gave Apple money they asked and they gave you an iPhone/iPod. It is officially yours and you can do whatever you want with it.Because it is yours now, you bought it, you have the right to do whatever.
Resources :ihackintosh.com,examiner.com
