Go Ahead, Jailbreak Your iPhone: Feds

Copyright Office ruling applies to all mobile devices
By Marie Morris,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 26, 2010 5:20 PM CDT
Go Ahead, Jailbreak Your iPhone: Feds
A model holds the iPhone 4 during a promotional event in Hong Kong, July 15, 2010.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Modifying a smartphone to run applications not approved by the manufacturer is not illegal, the US Copyright Office said today—which enthusiasts immediately understood to mean "jailbreaking your iPhone is A-OK." Apple had warned of "copyright infringement, potential damage to the device and other potential harmful physical effects," among other things, but in real-world terms, the ruling merely legitimizes a widespread practice, notes CNET. Apple has never sued a customer over jailbreaking. For more on the reception problems plaguing the new iPhone 4, click here.
(More iPhone stories.)

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