The case has been brought by eight Hollywood film studios
against an individual, Eric Corley, also known under the pseudonym
Goldstein, who provides DeCSS software over his web site which
enables users to circumvent DVD security systems. His site also
links to other sites offering the software.
The DeCSS software, the focal point of the case, enables users
to circumvent DVD security systems that would otherwise prevent
them from viewing, copying and transmitting movies on-line.
The film studios, which include Universal, Paramount, Disney and
Time Warner, argue that by distributing the software, Goldstein is
in breach of federal law prohibiting the supply of privacy tools
which are intended to overcome technological barriers. The law they
refer to is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998.
The most controversial aspect of the case is the way in which
the legislation will be interpreted. The judge has expressed the
view that the purpose of the software does not matter.
Some observers believe that the law requires a complete
restriction on postings of DeCSS software, while others feel that
the law permits the posting for legitimate purposes.
