On Thu, 21 Sep 2000 17:17:15 +0200 (/libs/glibc) Richard Watts <rr...@semiramis.org.uk> said...

I would have thought where the copying was legal for whatever reason (fair use, changing format for personal use in your walkman, time shifting, etc), then any decryption incidental to that copying would be equally lawful.

I doubt anything which is likely only 128 bits long is copyrightable. Moreover, isn't there some requirement for "artistic merit" before copyright is possible, which would exclude random numbers more-or-less by definition.

I think the main problem with Demon's approach is the wording of its standard letter. I am sure it could be worded in a much more conciliatory tone and still be legally watertight. Essentially, it needs to draw attention to a "possible problem" and to invite (even require) some comment from the person concerned.