Reverse engineering vs illegal hacking: Difference between revisions

This addresses the widespread, harmful misconception that breaking a digital lock or modifying software behavior is '''always''' ''"illegal hacking."'' In truth, U.S. law - while flawed - draws a clear line between lawful reverse engineering & criminal activity.  

Companies often exploit this confusion to suppress ownership rights, discourage repair, and shut down interoperability under the guise of protecting security or intellectual property. This will  clarify legal distinctions, correct the record, & explain why reverse engineering your own device to restore or preserve its functionality is not a crime.