I remember in the early days of VCRs, I could actually (but never would, because that is illegal) connect two VCRs together in order to copy a commercial onto my own tape so that I could keep it without purchasing it.
While I understand that copying movies is not cool, robs someone of their hard-earned money and illegal. I'm making the point that you used to be able to do that if you really wanted to.
Today, things are very different:
Try inserting a DVD in your computer and try to copy it, watch as the software itself will let you know that you can't do that. Or it won't even show you the option, that's the polite way of letting you know that you can't do that.
You can't even connect two modern VCRs together and copy a movie - won't happen.
Now, let's step into the realm of the legal and reasonable: According to the law, you are entitled (here in Canada) to copy commercial content for personal purposes. In other words, if I wanted to, I'm legally entitled to copy a DVD onto my computer so that I can watch it from my hard drive. I can also copy a DVD onto another DVD and use the copy (the backup) and give that one to my kids so that they don't wreck the original.
But the computer doesn't make that distinction. It controls my rights to the point where it's not letting me do something that I should be able to.
Here's another example: Did you know that automobiles today have a black box inside of them that records information such as acceleration, speed and brakes? You can get into a car accident and an expert can go into your car and then use this black box to determine how fast you were going, when you hit the brakes, etc. Your car can become a witness against you in court should the situation warrant it. The law enforcement agencies, can now use your own property against you.
Let's go a little bit deeper: did you know that if you leave your front door unlocked then a police officer can walk into your home? The door is unlocked, they are not committing a crime by simply walking in and checking out the place because this could be probable cause. Also, it shows that you aren't specifically denying access to your home. That last sentence is key...
Laws are ancient, they don't evolve as quickly as technology. Which means that your wireless network falls under the same legal umbrella as your home. If you WiFi network is not encrypted and/or accessible without a password/key then anyone can legally tap into it for any purpose (your front door is unlocked) and if your computer(s) on the network are also unprotected, they can also legally search your computer files, from outside the house, without your knowledge.
Technology is a great thing, but it's out of control
