Court: DVD-cracking code is free speech

Finally a victory for free speech: a News.com report says that “The appeals court released a decision Thursday overturning an earlier order that barred hundreds of people from publishing the code for a software program called “DeCSS” online. Posting the code is just like publishing other types of controversial speech and is protected by the constitution, the appellate judges said.” The actual decision says “Although the social value of DeCSS may be questionable, it is nonetheless pure speech. Our respect for the legislature and its enactment of the (trade secrets law) cannot displace our duty to safeguard the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.” Go forth and rejoice, for this is the good news.