WARNING! Anyone who roots/jailbreaks, soon to be illegal

[6tr6tr]

If you like rooting your phone (legally considered the same as jailbreaking) it's currently legal because of a temporary ruling that makes it exempt from the DMCA - this is about to expire. We all need to let the "US Copyright Office" know that this is very useful to us in getting the most out of our phones, tablets, etc.

https://www.eff.org/pages/jailbreaking-not-crime-tell-copyright-office-free-your-devices
EFF: Keep jailbreaking and rooting from becoming illegal - TechSpot News

The EFF reports that the exemption is due to expire this year and is calling on people to make their voice heard not only to renew the exemption, but to also expand it to cover tablets and video games consoles -- which apparently wasn't covered before. Otherwise, it would become illegal to install custom software on Android or iPhone devices -- among others -- and leave users open to lawsuits over these fair use activities.

To support the exemption renewal you can contact the US Copyright Office and explain why jailbreaking is important to you. Here are some suggestions from the EFF on what to include:

Which jailbreaking exemption are you supporting?smartphones/tablets, video game consoles, or both?
What's your background (i.e., developer, hobbyist, academic, independent researcher, user, etc.)?
What device do you want to ensure you have the legal authority to jailbreak?
Explain why you want to jailbreak this device. What limitations do you face otherwise? Is there software you couldn't run, computing capabilities you wouldn't have, cool things you couldn't do, etc.?
If you're a developer, did an online application store or console manufacturer reject your app or game? If so, what reasons did they give?

Comments are due in by no later than 5:00 pm EST. on February 10, 2012.

 

[enik]

Well technically it would just be a legal grey area. It would depend on the OEM but I doubt they could actually do anything to find out if you were rooted.

 

[WizLateefUh]

Well downloading music from mediafire and downloading movies from torrents is illegal....Than almost half of the American population can be in jail.......

 

[TropicalSammich]

Just a headline. Won't change anything.

You want real things to worry about, go live in N. Korea. 100 day cell phone ban, or its a WAR CRIME, dayum....