"This is a case of theft. The posting of the de-encryption formula is no different from making and then distributing unauthorized keys to a department store. The keys have no real purpose except to circumvent the locks that stand between the thief and the goods he or she targets."
It's not a valid analogy. It would be more appropriate to compare DeCSS to a set of lockpicks. Lockpicks are legal to buy and to use in your own home. The only thing that's illegal is when you use them to break into someone else's house.
Similarly, DeCSS should be legal for distribution and personal use. The only thing that should be illegal about DeCSS is using it to crack DVDs you don't own for personal gain.
Slashdot Mirror
"This is a case of theft. The posting of the de-encryption formula is no different from making and then distributing unauthorized keys to a department store. The keys have no real purpose except to circumvent the locks that stand between the thief and the goods he or she targets."
It's not a valid analogy. It would be more appropriate to compare DeCSS to a set of lockpicks. Lockpicks are legal to buy and to use in your own home. The only thing that's illegal is when you use them to break into someone else's house.
Similarly, DeCSS should be legal for distribution and personal use. The only thing that should be illegal about DeCSS is using it to crack DVDs you don't own for personal gain.
Simon