DeCSS Frequently Asked Questions -------------------------------- 2000/2/19 This is a brief set of questions people have asked about DeCSS, and some simple answers. -Mr. Bad, Pigdog Journal (http://www.pigdog.org/) Q: Isn't what you're doing illegal? A: Pigdog Journal consulted a lawyer before releasing this software. As far as we could tell, there's nothing illegal about stripping CSS code from your own HTML files. HOWEVER, one of the most dangerous things you can do in modern times is make a big organization with lots of lawyers angry. No matter what it is you've done, they can probably find some reason to drag you into court. As of this writing, though, I haven't heard from any lawyers yet. Q: What about trademark? A: As far as I know, the original developer of the "other" DeCSS (allegedly an anonymous computer encryption hobbyist in Germany) hasn't pressed for trademark rights. Q: Won't wide distribution of DeCSS make it harder for regular users to find the "other" DeCSS? A: First of all, it's ALREADY quite hard to find the "other" DeCSS. Certain industry organizations have used quite ruthless legal tactics to try and prevent distribution of the "other" DeCSS. Compared to that, the confusion caused by having another program called "DeCSS" out there is a drop in the bucket. Second, remember that someone searching for the "other" DeCSS just to use it only has to find ONE copy. A few false leads will not be a severe handicap. Anyone searching for ANYTHING on today's World Wide Web is used to going down a few cul-de-sacs before finding what they're looking for. On the other hand, someone with a legal agenda needs to find ALL copies of the "other" DeCSS program. Wide distribution of DeCSS may make their job harder. Q: What about if the court cases are won? Then, won't it be harder? A: The "other" DeCSS isn't really that useful in and of itself. People will probably be searching instead for software that includes the "other" DeCSS's source code. So, no, I don't see a big problem ahead. Q: Shouldn't you concentrate your energy on distributing the "other" DeCSS, or on fighting the legal battles for the defendants? A: Distributing this software is just one little thing to do to work for software freedom. Folks who are interested in the "other" DeCSS should probably do some other stuff, too. * To find out more about the "other" DeCSS, try OpenDVD.org (http://www.opendvd.org/). * To find out more about defending your rights on the Internet, try the Electronic Freedom Foundation (http://www.eff.org/), and consider becoming a member. * To find out more about Free Software, try the Free Software Foundation (http://www.fsf.org).