Bugtraq mailing list archives
RE: Gamespy uses DMCA to destroy bug research and full disclosure
From: "Ed Carp" <erc () pobox com>
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2003 15:19:50 -0600
------------------------------------------------- Universal vs. Reimerdes Case Details ------------------------------------------------- DeCSS is a program designed to circumvent CSS (Content Scramble System), which is the technology that motion picture studios (I.e., Universal) place on DVDs to prevent the unauthorized viewing and copying of motion pictures. CSS allows DVDs to be played on computers and DVD players, but does not allow the copying or manipulation of a DVD's contents. DeCSS decrypts the CSS protection mechanisms, thus allowing the copying of a DVD's contents onto a computer system for full manipulation and copying of the newly created (and very large) computer file. The large file can be compressed using a freely available compression application entitled "DivX" that allows for the transfer of the compressed file back onto a DVD, or across the Internet. DeCSS was marketed for the playing of DVDs on multiple platforms, as well as for the copying of DVDs. The writers of DeCSS claim that their intention was to produce a program that allowed DVDs to be played on the Linux operating system (something that was not available at that time).
It is extremely important to point out that DeCSS, or any other decryption software, does not "permit" the copying of a protected DVD any more than the gas pedal on your car "permits" you to speed. DeCSS has nothing to do with the ability to copy a DVD, but affects the ability to view the DVD on an operating system other than what was originally intended. In fact, I can copy DVDs to my hard drive all day long, without any special hardware or software - all I have to do is open Windows Explorer, select the DVD-ROM drive, and drag-and-drop all those nice big .vob files to my hard drive. If I want to burn those files to another DVD, nothing prevents me from doing so, and certainly not CSS. I could burn 100 copies of my brand new Terminator 3 DVD, and CSS has nothing to do with it. I would think this point would be obvious, but you'd be surprised how often I've had to point this out to talk show hosts.
Current thread:
- Gamespy uses DMCA to destroy bug research and full disclosure Luigi Auriemma (Nov 12)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- Re: Gamespy uses DMCA to destroy bug research and full disclosure C Ryll (Nov 12)
- RE: Gamespy uses DMCA to destroy bug research and full disclosure Ed Carp (Nov 12)