Appeals court hands free speech victory to poster of DVD cracking code

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In a rare victory for Internet free speech, a California appeals court reversed an order barring Andrew Bunner from posting DVD cracking code on his web site. This is an important victory for free speech on the web, because it helps affirm the right of individuals to freely post information that threatens the commercial interests of other parties. In reality, the DVD cracking code wasn't copyrighted at all, and the "copyright" argument by the DVD Copy Control Association was groundless. The real issue was the protection of profits. And the real question was, "Do individuals have the right to post information on their websites that may harm the financial interests of corporations?"

In a free society, the obvious answer to that question should be a resounding YES! Free Speech should protect our right to post information that challenges the motives and financial positions of any organization. The Internet is the place where people can freely exchange ideas and opinions, and today there's a dangerous trend towards outlawing certain links or certain content.

Web sites that post information questioning the severity and degree of the Holocaust, for example, are routinely labeled "hate sites" regardless of their approach. Sites questioning the legitimacy of the Bush Presidency have been called "information terrorism" sites. And, of course, there's the inevitable "politically incorrect" label used to disparage any site that uses language that's too direct, too blunt, or too close to the truth to be comfortable to some readers.

The only way to keep our society free is to encourage the free flow of ideas and opinions: even ones we don't agree with. If we, as a nation, censor online content, we only darken the minds of ourselves and future generations. The Internet, in fact, is the last free medium left on the planet. Keep the Internet free.

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About the author: Mike Adams is a natural health author and technology pioneer with a passion for sharing empowering information to help improve personal and planetary health He has authored and published thousands of articles, interviews, consumers guides, and books on topics like health and the environment, impacting the lives of millions of readers around the world who are experiencing phenomenal health benefits from reading his articles. Adams is a trusted, independent journalist who receives no money or promotional fees whatsoever to write about other companies' products. In 2007, Adams launched EcoLEDs, a manufacturer of mercury-free, energy-efficient LED lighting products that save electricity and help prevent global warming. He also founded an environmentally-friendly online retailer called BetterLifeGoods.com that uses retail profits to help support consumer advocacy programs. He's also the CEO of a highly successful email newsletter software company that develops software used to send permission email campaigns to subscribers. Adams also serves as the executive director of the Consumer Wellness Center, a non-profit consumer protection group, and pursues hobbies such as Pilates, Capoeira, nature macrophotography and organic gardening. He's also author of numerous health books published by Truth Publishing and is the creator of several consumer-oriented grassroots campaigns, including the Spam. Don't Buy It! campaign, and the free downloadable Honest Food Guide. He also created the free reference sites HerbReference.com and HealingFoodReference.com. Adams believes in free speech, free access to nutritional supplements and the ending of corporate control over medicines, genes and seeds. Known as the 'Health Ranger,' Adams' personal health statistics and mission statements are located at www.HealthRanger.org

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