Is it legal ?

[maimonid]

Hello all,

I am new to this forum, and I appologize in advance for my naive questions.
Suppose I have "improved" VLC in such a way that it can save and convert
any protected dvd that can be read by VLC into my PC. Such an improvement is
legal since VLC is distributed under the GNU public licence.
As far as I know, it is not forbidden to own a software that allow copying
encrypted dvd, but only to distribute it freely and publicly.
So, my "improved" VLC is absolutely legal. My question is:
Is it legal to distribute it privately to my family and friends ?

Thanks.

[Jean-Baptiste Kempf]

"Legal" depends on the country.

"it is forbidden to distribute it freely and publicly" This depends on the country.

[maimonid]

Thx for your answer.
Well, I don't live in USA, but I believe the laws of my country follows more or less the same lines.
So, let us suppose that I am living in USA. I would like to understand more precisely the meaning
of "to distribute it freely and publicly". In particular, is the distribution of the software via private
emails to relatives and friends forbidden?

[Jean-Baptiste Kempf]

VLC redistribution is allowed by us.
Playback of DVD depends on your country, but usually, distribution to relatives are special cases.