Do you like to jailbreak your iPhone or root your Android device? If so, you better enjoy it while you can. According to the EFF, this practice of jailbreaking and rooting may become illegal again.
Back in 2010, the US Copyright office said that jailbreaking or rooting of a handset does not violate Section 1201 of the DMCA. This ran counter to device manufacturers which claimed the practice of jailbreaking was prohibited under the DMCA. This new exemption was widely celebrated by hackers and handsets owners in the US. What many people didn’t realize was this exemption will expire later this year unless the Copyright Office extends it. If this exemption is not extended, then jailbreaking or rooting could become illegal and those involved could be subject to the harsh penalties allowed by this law.
The EFF is asking for people to submit comments to the Copyright Office and explain the importance of jailbreaking. The Foundation is also asking the Copyright Office to include tablets and video game consoles under this DMCA exemption. If you support this cause, then head over to the EFF and follow their advice to send in your comments. Comments are due February 10 at 5 PM Eastern Time.
[EFF and Redmond Pie]
