When people first started jailbreaking their iPhones, it caused quite an uproar at the Apple headquarters. These software alterations had to be illegal, right?
Other iPhone users quickly caught wind of the goings-on. Some were intrigued and most were hesitant. Before they would take the plunge they wanted to know, “Is jailbreaking legal?â€
The Uproar and The Resolution
Apple has had a closed business model since the iPhone was first released in 2007. That’s allegedly the reason why the iPhone has been so successful. When jailbreaking came on to the scene, Apple’s business model was threatened. They claimed that jailbreaking is illegal and that it puts all jailbroken iPhones at a high risk of being hacked.
The federal government put an end to the uproar and accusations in July 2010 when they finally answered the question, “Is jailbreaking legal?â€
The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1996 forbids, “circumventing encryption technology to copy or modify copyright works.†However, in 2010 the US Copyright office ruled in favor of jailbreakers when they concluded that a copyright owner cannot use copyright laws to restrict jailbreaking software.
Why Jailbreak?
With the legal question out of the way, the real question is why would you want to jailbreak your iPhone?
Back in the day, prisons weren’t as accommodating and comfortable as they are now. So attempts to break free from captivity and the poor conditions were common. Many iPhone users also feel restricted and frustrated, and the incentives to do an iPhone jailbreak [1] abound.
Jailbreaking an iPhone gives users a lot more flexibility. They have access to better coverage everywhere they travel or live. In the past, you had to buy an iPhone from designated providers. With jailbreaking, you can choose whichever provider you want.
Another perk of jailbreaking that has intrigued thousands of users is free tethering. By downloading the MyWi app onto your jailbroken iPhone you can turn the device into a Wi-Fi hotspot for free.
To Jailbreak or Not to Jailbreak
Is jailbreaking legal? Absolutely! Is it something you should do? Well that depends. If you like the software restrictions, app bans, limited options and coverage that come with your iPhone; you really don’t have any reason to do a jailbreak. Most people do have a problem with those restrictions and that’s why jailbreaking companies have no shortage of customers.
Breaking out of jail is frowned on by most of society, but jailbreaking an iPhone is not. In fact, it is completely legal, affordable, and there are several good reasons to do it. So why are you still waiting in captivity?
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