US government rules iPhone jailbreaking legal

[Number45]

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/us-government-rules-iphone-jailbreaking-legal

This has potentially some pretty hefty implications. The ruling doesn't just cover the iPhone and other mobile devices, there's also this:

The amendment also permits the software modification of "video games accessible on personal computers and protected by technological protection measures that control access to lawfully obtained works."

So, you are legally entitled to bypass DRM in games?

[abigsmurf]

Doesn't affect UK law.

They can still get you on other issues: Copyrighted code in cracked executables, patented cart designs etc.

It does however legalise region free players (illegal in the US) and stuff like deCSS and whatever the Blu Ray encryption is.

[Flabio]

So, you are legally entitled to bypass DRM in games?

No, you missed the part where it says under what circumstances you're allowed to do so.

Basically, it's allowable where you can prove that the DRM is damaging to your machine (as was the case with the Sony CD rootkits a few years back) or where it requires connection to a server or plugging in a dongle that are no longer available (for example, if Ubi's servers get destroyed, then you're legally allowed to break the DRM that requires you to connect to their server).

And all this is US only anyway.

[Sketcz]

It does however legalise region free players (illegal in the US) and stuff like deCSS and whatever the Blu Ray encryption is.

Region free players are illegal in the US? Do you mean DVD players?

Speaking of which, my old DVD player (Onyx) died. It cost me ?6 new and was region free. Any recommendations for a cheap new one that's region free?