Re:GitHub Warns Users Reposting YouTube-DL They Could Be Banned
by bitwize on Tuesday November 03, 2020 @10:29AM
(#24980492)
If browsers evaluate all of the JavaScript and implement the access controls, they are not in violation.
However, a tool which selectively evaluates the JavaScript to decrypt the content URL without implementing the rightsholder's policies would count as disabling or evading effective protection under the DMCA, and thus be illegal. Browsers are not such tools; however, distributing software (say, a GreaseMonkey script) or instructions on how to make a browser evaluate the decryption JavaScript and download the video without implementing the policies would also be illegal.
Why is this so hard to understand? The law is very clear: when a protective measure is set up, be it in JavaScript, Visual Basic, or anything else, anything that gets around that measure is a crime to distribute.
However, a tool which selectively evaluates the JavaScript to decrypt the content URL without implementing the rightsholder's policies would count as disabling or evading effective protection under the DMCA, and thus be illegal. Browsers are not such tools; however, distributing software (say, a GreaseMonkey script) or instructions on how to make a browser evaluate the decryption JavaScript and download the video without implementing the policies would also be illegal.
Why is this so hard to understand? The law is very clear: when a protective measure is set up, be it in JavaScript, Visual Basic, or anything else, anything that gets around that measure is a crime to distribute.