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).
   
