The main use for this code is not to pirate DVDs, but to allow for them to be played under Linux. Otherwise, an open source player would not be possible, since A) someone writing software for free isn't going to want to pay for a license and B) they wouldn't be able to distribute the source due to the MPAA's restrictions. To justify using an open source, reverse-engineered DVD player is in no way saying it's perfectly justifiable to saying it's ok to pick the lock to my front door and steal my stuff. The proper analogy would be: What if I were to be locked out of my house? Should I not be able to call a locksmith and have him circumvent the lock?
Slashdot Mirror
The main use for this code is not to pirate DVDs, but to allow for them to be played under Linux. Otherwise, an open source player would not be possible, since A) someone writing software for free isn't going to want to pay for a license and B) they wouldn't be able to distribute the source due to the MPAA's restrictions. To justify using an open source, reverse-engineered DVD player is in no way saying it's perfectly justifiable to saying it's ok to pick the lock to my front door and steal my stuff. The proper analogy would be: What if I were to be locked out of my house? Should I not be able to call a locksmith and have him circumvent the lock?
Although you made some good points, Jon didn't write the software, he only distributed it.