Comparing Software With Hammers

Last time I wrote about comparing software with guns. I’ve decided on a simpler comparison. Software and hammers.

If you make software the unlocks DVDs, it is controversial and deemed illegal in some cases. What if you use a hammer to smash a lock to somebody’s tool shed, allowing you to steal all the tools and equipment within? Does the victim or police then contact the manufacturer of the hammer and scream at them for making a hammer that can smash a lock? How about bolt cutters? They can cut through any lock. Those should be illegal too!

We are threatening software innovation if we start going after software companies that just make tools that people may need for legal reasons. Sure some software packages can be used for illegal purposes too, but that’s up to the authorities to weed out those people and prosecute them.

I’m sure we have tons of developers out there that can create useful tools for music and video. Many are probably too scared to make a move for fear of being brought into the courtroom.

And I thought this country was free.