I guess a technical clarification is in order. (and also some history :-) )
The purpose of the DeCSS algorithm is NOT to copy DVDs.
In order to copy a DVD one DOES NOT NEED to decrypt it, one just need to
copy the DVD disk bit-by-bit, just like making a copy of a normal file
(or a CD) on a computer.
The hardware, and the software, for this are rather trivial and it is what
enables mass production of legitimate, and also pirate, DVDs.
The purpose of the DeCSS algorithm is to enable access to the contents of
a DVD, without requiring the use of an “approved” device to do so.
These approved devices are typically the DVD players one buys to connect to
the TV, but some software players also exist (mainly for windows operating
systems).
For a manufacturer to be able to build and sell a working DVD player, it is
necessary to apply for a license and obtain the decoding keys.
Without the decoding keys, the devices won't be able to read the information
on the disk and play the film or whatever is on the DVD.
Mr. Johansen wished that it would be possible to watch the DVDs one
bought/rented/whatever on Linux, an operating system that is viewed with a
great deal of distrust by a large slice of the media business, on a freely-
available piece of software (something that is also not viewed in a trusting
manner). So, he set out to get the information he needed, by reverse
engineering which until recently was quite normal, and also the traditional
way to understand how something works.
Once he had the information, he built the algorithm and released it, in the
hope that it would be used to build some free DVD playing software for Linux.
I guess that much of this “issue” with Jon Johansen is the result of a “Shoot
first, ask questions later” attitude of an industry that isn't able to keep
up with times, technical challenges and social evolution.
The issues of Intellectual Property aren't new but are increasingly relevant
in today's society, for an example (maybe silly) see the
recent thread on Boeing's patent on seating arrangements .
For a more serious angle, do some research on the issues of the production
of advanced drugs (e.g.:AIDS drugs) by poor countries (the ones that have
the most need and also the ones that can't afford the licensing fees demanded
by the bio/chem companies).
Feel free to disagree or correct me :-)
Regards,
CS-DNA