First full-software iPhone unlock finally available

User Comments: 8

1. August 24, 2007 1:35 PM
   kitty500cat said:
   Are there any terms or conditions you have to accept before using the iPhone?If so, does this go against those terms? Is it legal?
   Reply
2. August 24, 2007 3:41 PM
   Fornacis said:
   uhhhh.....I'm pretty sure this is illegal. The article used the works "hacking" and "unlocking"..
   Reply
3. August 24, 2007 7:41 PM
   kitty500cat said:
   Good point, although in this context hacking might not be considered illegal. Product hacking, for instance, refers to unauthorized yet often legal modifications of products.I just searched for "hacking iphone illegal" and came across this Engadget article. > [url]http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/24/know-your-rights-is-
   t-illegal-to-unlock-my-iphone/[/url]An interesting read.
   Reply
4. August 25, 2007 11:10 AM
   jackjack said:
   How can you say this unlock is available. I can't get the unlock yet so it isn't available.
   Reply
5. August 25, 2007 3:06 PM
   Erris said:
   Does "software-only" unlock mean you can unlock all the programs, but cannot use the phone for talking?
   Reply
6. August 26, 2007 6:51 AM
   PanicX said:
   It means that you dont need to physically modify the phone to perform this hack. It's done strictly in the confines of the phones programming.Also, hacking/modifying your purchased equipment isn't illegal. However what you use the hacked equipment for may be, IE circumventing copyright protection, eaves dropping, etc.
   Reply
7. August 27, 2007 8:57 AM
   Fornacis said:
   You don't think Apple and AT&T aren't going to try and go after the kid all over the news with unlocking his phone? lol We'll see. Its all about the $$$$$
   Reply
8. August 28, 2007 2:26 AM
   PanicX said:
   You're confusing criminal acts with civil complaints. A criminal act is a direct violation of law that can result in jail time or other forms of punishment. In the US, modifying your cell phone is not illegal. Unless your modification directly violates existing law, such as to intercept other peoples calls.However, if ATT and/or Apple can prove in civil court that he has caused them monetary damages, they can sue to recoup said damages. Which in all likelihood would be a waste as he could then file bankruptcy and avoid payment. Because of this, corporations have lobbied to get laws passed such as the DMCA to try and criminalize a lot of previously legal activities, so that they could "set a precedent" or "make an example of" people that can circumvent their profit machines. But I can't see a DMCA violation being a viable option in this case.
   Reply

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