02-01-2007, 12:17 PM
Yeah especially as these boards are no longer 100% unofficial. We're kinda sponsored by SEGA now, so we're probably bound to communicate whatever we find here.
Also, reverse engineering is hacking. Hacking is gaining access to areas of software which should be restricted from your reach. Yes, Snowfox, even though you may not believe this; something as simple as guessing the password to a friends user log-on as a practical joke through trial and error is actually hacking. Fact. There is no disputing it.
And also allow me to point you towards section 3 of the computer misuse act of 1990 (Headed - "Unauthorised modification of computer material").
You're lucky you don't live in Europe or the UK Snowfox. I'm pretty sure you don't, and it's all a lot more relaxed in terms of the rules over there in the USA.
However, you could still have been caught out already. For a start you have posted about this on a UK board, and have offered to show UK or European players the hacking. If you have hacked and used that hacking on any of the servers or "Universes" that are actually physically stored in Europe or the UK you may already have a case against you. You do not need to be out of the US to be prosecuted under our widespread ICT legislation.
As section 4 of the computer misuse act states it is "immaterial" or "irrelivant" that you were outside this country as long as the effects of what you have done or taught to others in conspiracy are felt here.
If you ever appeared on an EU server on PSO Gamecube with hacks then you can probably already be prosecuted. If you have ever leaked hacking information (accidentally, intentionally or not - it doesn't really matter) to anyone who has caused trouble over here, again, you can already be prosecuted.
I'm not saying I hope you get screwed by the long arm of the ICT legislation law, I'm just saying... Watch your back. Especially as these boards are now affiliated with SEGA itself.
Also, SEGA of Europe will have had their own part to play in creating the actual game! If you hack even the US version of the game on an American system in the USA you can STILL be offending SEGA of Europe which would bring you under our legislation, probably. So be careful what you let slip, especially around here.
Also, reverse engineering is hacking. Hacking is gaining access to areas of software which should be restricted from your reach. Yes, Snowfox, even though you may not believe this; something as simple as guessing the password to a friends user log-on as a practical joke through trial and error is actually hacking. Fact. There is no disputing it.
And also allow me to point you towards section 3 of the computer misuse act of 1990 (Headed - "Unauthorised modification of computer material").
Computer Misuse Act Wrote:3.—(1) A person is guilty of an offence if—
(a) he does any act which causes an unauthorised modification of the contents of any computer; and
(b) at the time when he does the act he has the requisite intent and the requisite knowledge.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above the requisite intent is an intent to cause a modification of the contents of any computer and by so doing—
(a) to impair the operation of any computer;
(b) to prevent or hinder access to any program or data held in any computer; or
© to impair the operation of any such program or the reliability of any such data.
(3) The intent need not be directed at—
(a) any particular computer;
(b) any particular program or data or a program or data of any particular kind; or
© any particular modification or a modification of any particular kind.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above the requisite knowledge is knowledge that any modification he intends to cause is unauthorised.
(5) It is immaterial for the purposes of this section whether an unauthorised modification or any intended effect of it of a kind mentioned in subsection (2) above is, or is intended to be, permanent or merely temporary.
(6) For the purposes of the [1971 c. 48.] Criminal Damage Act 1971 a modification of the contents of a computer shall not be regarded as damaging any computer or computer storage medium unless its effect on that computer or computer storage medium impairs its physical condition.
(7) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—
(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both; and
(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine or to both.
You're lucky you don't live in Europe or the UK Snowfox. I'm pretty sure you don't, and it's all a lot more relaxed in terms of the rules over there in the USA.
However, you could still have been caught out already. For a start you have posted about this on a UK board, and have offered to show UK or European players the hacking. If you have hacked and used that hacking on any of the servers or "Universes" that are actually physically stored in Europe or the UK you may already have a case against you. You do not need to be out of the US to be prosecuted under our widespread ICT legislation.
As section 4 of the computer misuse act states it is "immaterial" or "irrelivant" that you were outside this country as long as the effects of what you have done or taught to others in conspiracy are felt here.
If you ever appeared on an EU server on PSO Gamecube with hacks then you can probably already be prosecuted. If you have ever leaked hacking information (accidentally, intentionally or not - it doesn't really matter) to anyone who has caused trouble over here, again, you can already be prosecuted.
I'm not saying I hope you get screwed by the long arm of the ICT legislation law, I'm just saying... Watch your back. Especially as these boards are now affiliated with SEGA itself.
Also, SEGA of Europe will have had their own part to play in creating the actual game! If you hack even the US version of the game on an American system in the USA you can STILL be offending SEGA of Europe which would bring you under our legislation, probably. So be careful what you let slip, especially around here.