***Scroll down for updates***
When I read that iTunes had been hacked yet again, I smiled. I liked it. Was that wrong? Because I don’t know. I’m thinking maybe it’s “un-Christian” to be enjoying it so much.
Hacking is not a good thing, is it? I mean, a hacker is one “who attempts to gain unauthorized access to proprietary computer systems.” Doesn’t sound very nice.
Some Norwegian dude developed a program that allows iPod users to copy music and videos bought in iTunes to other devices, including cell phones. (Actually, this isn’t new. I’m “acquainted” with other programs that help users to do this.) Now, if you use only an iPod (or iPhone) and only iTunes and you don’t want to copy or transfer, you’ve got no problems. But if you have a second or non-Apple digital media player and want to play your online store-bought music and videos on those devices, you’ve got issues with iTunes. That’s not Steve Jobs’s problem. Is it?
Companies go to the trouble and expense of making a product and protecting it, and some Joe comes along and gains “unauthorized access” to your creation for various reasons. I’m not against proprietary programs and systems, but when they prevent users from transferring, copying, and otherwise having the freedom to use what they bought how ever they want, I call foul. I like hackers who do good things, like developing programs to help free digital media. I don’t like hackers who seek to vandalize and destroy. Does it matter if the hacker is using his power for “good”? If he were trying to gum up the works so that no one could use it, that’s a different story. Right?
As you can tell, I’m having trouble wrapping my mind around the ethics of all this.
Back to the Norwegian. He’s in the business of hacking, although he uses the euphemism “liberating.” His company, doubleTwist, helps users unlock digital media. And it’s free for the user. Well, the basic package is free, but he says he plans to add premium features later.
Am I contributing to his “criminal” activities by linking? Come and get me, Steve.
Update: Is this guy a true hacker? He isn’t hacking into iTunes itself. He’s re-recording iTunes store-bought files into the MP3 format. And his software does the same with files from other online stores. As I mentioned before, there are other programs available that do the same thing.
Again, it’s quite possible I have no idea what I’m talking about.
