Re: Software groups warn of FTA dangers

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#355

From: Sylvia Else
Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 03:24

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Kieron Briggs wrote:

> For example, it was previously legal for me to watch DVDs on my Linux
> workstation, using software which circumvents the CSS scrambling,
> because use of such devices was not covered, and I was only accessing 
> the media, not copying it. This will now be illegal.

I am not convinced that a DVD player that just lets you _watch_ a 
non-infringing DVD on your Linux workstation falls into the definition 
of a circumvention device. You clearly have the authority of the 
copyright holder to descramble the DVD to that extent, because it's 
completely useless otherwise. A Linux based DVD viewer that only lets 
you watch the DVD would not be giving you access to the work beyond that 
given by the implied authority.

This is actually clearer under the DMCA than under our own convoluted 
Copyright Act.

I'm sure people will come back with cases that they claim refute my 
position, but has there been a successful case against a supplier of 
software which has essentially only the same capabilities as the 
corresponding MS Windows programs?

Sylvia.

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Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2004 13:24:47 +1000
From: Sylvia Else <sylvia@not.at.this.address>
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Subject: Re: Software groups warn of FTA dangers
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