New copyright ruling protects right to repair gadgets and archive video games

[vtqhtr413]

Content source

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/copyight-ruling-right-to-repair/

Apple is infamous for its aggressive use of DRM and its strong discouragement of users or third parties repairing its devices. The software in Apple devices can check whether a part was installed by approved personnel, and was reported to be bricking devices that were repaired by an unapproved third party.

Now, thanks to the new ruling, both third-party repair companies and individual users have legal backing to circumvent DRM in order to fix a broken device. However, getting around DRM can still be a complex and intimidating process for the average user, as it requires some technical knowledge to get around software blocks. While the ruling does not mean that repair tools will be made available, it does mean that it is at least legal to create your own repair tools.

A second area of interest for tech fans is the protection for archiving historical video games, which has been a concern among many classic gamers. Older games were previously only legally available on obsolete devices, making studying or preserving these games extremely difficult. The new rulings allow archivists to preserve old games by keeping copies of not only the software that runs on a user’s computer but also the software that runs on company’s servers. This potentially allows the preservation of online games such as Everquest, as well as games from obsolete consoles such as the Dreamcast.

Full story Copyright Ruling Protects Right to Repair Gadgets and Archive Games | Digital Trends

 

[ForgottenSeer 58943]

Sad this is needed. But Apple brought it upon itself, and in the end, benefited all of us.

Also, and more importantly, this impacts MAME. But even more critical, it impacts the legality of games like Return of Reckoning, which are now protected entities. Good news all around.

 

[LDogg]

This is deffo a positive step. Apple has always been fairly rogue on it's consumer base in regards to what they can do with their own devices.

~LDogg

 

[Windows Defender Shill]

A positive step forward, because it's insane what some companies have been allowed to get away with. Selling products with exclusive repair rights and abilities.