Mozilla, Skype Align Against Apple in iPhone Jailbreaking Dispute

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Skype and Mozilla have aligned themselves against Apple's bid to make it a crime to crack iPhones.

Earlier this week, Steve Jobs' empire filed a complaint with the Library of Congress in an effort to hit consumers with fines and possible jail time for circumventing the operating system on their iPhones. The process, also known as "cracking" or "jailbreaking" an iPhone, opens the device up to black-market applications.

Apple's complain came in response to a petition from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to protect consumers' right to tinker with hardware as they see fit.

Now two prominent tech companies have lent their voices to the EFF's cause. The two companies have sent filings to the U.S. Copyright Office in support of the EFF. Apple has argued that each instance of iPhone jailbreaking constitutes a violation of their copyright, punishable under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act. Mozilla and Skype have asked for a DMCA exemption for jailbreaking.

Both Mozilla and Skype are outsiders in the iPhone world. Skype lent its support to the EFF to help users add Skype service to their phones, which is apparently unavailable now.

“Copyright law should not interfere with a user using his or her phone to run Skype and enjoy the benefits of low- or no-cost long-distance and international calling,” said a Skype representative.

Mozilla, meanwhile, is working on a mobile web browser called Fennec, which will compete with Apple's Safari on other mobile devices. Mozilla has no plans to bring Firefox to the iPhone because, according to Mozilla CEO John Lilly, it's "not welcome."

Apple has fought against jailbreaking since the release of the iPhone by making it difficult and hazardous to crack the iPhone OS.

According to Apple, cracked iPhones and unauthorized apps befoul the iPhone's "ecosystem," and to be sure, Apple has built a tightly run ship for its users to ride on. One important side-effect of Apple's pristine ecosystem has been the relegation of all adult apps to the iPhone's flourishing black market.

For more information on the EFF, visit EFF.org. In addition, the EFF has set up a website for consumers to follow the case at FreeYourPhone.org.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More