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Blizzard Seeks to Block User Rights, Privacy

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the still-haven't-downed-netherspite dept.

An anonymous reader writes "In the overlooked case between Blizzard and MDY Industries, the creator of the WoWGlider bot, Blizzard is arguing that using any programs in conjunction with the World of Warcraft constitutes copyright violation. Apparently accessing the copy of the game client in RAM using another program infringes upon their rights. Under that logic, users do not even have the right to use anti-virus software in the event that the game becomes infected. Furthermore, Blizzard's legal filings downplay the role of their Warden software, which actively scans users' RAM, CPU, and storage devices (and potentially sensitive data) and sends information back to Blizzard to be processed."

2 of 639 comments (clear)

  1. MOD PARENT UP by dreamchaser · · Score: 0, Troll

    I wish I had mod points left. Cheating has an adverse effect on the economies of MMOG's as well as potentially impacting others more directly than that (they pay a fee too, the ones who don't cheat, and their enjoyment can be hurt by asshats who do cheat). It *should* be a civil offense to cheat in an online game. Maybe a 'fine' of 48 hours with no net connection ;)

    Then again that may be too harsh. I know people who play WoW, UO, SWG, etc., who would probably commit suicide if they were kept offline for two whole days...

  2. Re:Misleading. by schon · · Score: 0, Troll

    using another program or set of programs to circumvent the code that Blizz uses to try and stop people from using bots and other hacks violates the DMCA...And it's hard to see how they're wrong Actually, it's pretty easy to see how they're wrong.

    Unless you can point out where the DMCA says anything about bots.

    Agree with the DMCA or not, this is a "valid" use of it. Only if by "valid" you mean "completely unreasonable and wrong".