The DMCA strikes again

[Inazuma]

What I said was "Well, if it only becomes a crime when money is involved, you can just take money out of the equation." I wasn't sure if it's true or not, which is why I didn't say it was.

[Niode]

I wasn't sure if it's true or not, which is why I didn't say it was.

No laws broken if it's done this way (^_^)

You clearly did. Unless I am greatly mistaken, that right there is a statement/proclamation of fact.

[Inazuma]

If you ignore the first sentence, yeah. But at least it would greatly decrease the chance of getting in trouble for it. Typically people get busted when there is money involved.

If this guy from the article had taken my advice, he might have avoided going to jail.

[Niode]

I don't think you understand my point. If you break the DMCA regardless of whether it's for profit or not you can get sent to jail for it. The act of breaking the copy protection is grounds enough for prosecution. The fact the he was charging for it instantly doubles his sentence. The article states he's found guilty on two charges of breaking the DMCA. I'm just assuming here, but it's likely he's been charged for breaking the copy protection in the first place, and charged again for modifying for personal financial gain. However the article isn't clear.

I'm not trying to belittle you here or anything I'm just warning you that you should understand your rights and the laws that you must abide by (no matter how ridiculous they are). Ignorance is not a justifiable defence in any court of law.

[Inazuma]

I understand but at least we can agree that he would have been punished less, had the mods been done free of charge. When it comes to doing something that's illegal, involving money usually just makes things worse. In the case of prostitution, taking money out of the picture turns it into a perfectly legal activity. This one I am certain of. Free sex = legal. Directly exchanging money for sex = illegal. Indirectly exchanging money for sex = legal.

[gtmtnbiker]

Is anyone up-to-speed in the political arena to know if anything is being done to make the DMCA less restrictive? I heard Obama's administration was looking into this.