Like many cell phone customers, you might be irritated that your service
provider locks you in.  Shortly after Apple released its iPhone, hackers
developed unlocking software so the popular phone could be used on
networks other than AT&T.  Since it has not been made official that the
iPhone is coming to Canada, many buyers are happy that they can unlock the
iPhone for use on networks like Rogers and Fido.  However, should we
really be unlocking the iPhone?

Most people agree that unlocking the iPhone is a good thing.  It is not
surprising in this era of users’ rights, but this development demonstrates
that perhaps society has progressed too far in the direction of user
rights.  It is always important to remember the fine balance between the
users, the creators, the exploiters and industries, the public, and
governments.  In this case, the scales are tipping too far in the
direction of user rights.

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Posted in Digital Locks, IP, Technology
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