Legality of unpacking reduced javascript

I know that this is rather a legal issue, but I thought I would do it.

I am learning javascript and I found an interesting drop down menu on a web page. I wanted to know more about them, but in the comments above the abbreviated code, the code was reduced as follows:

// Unauthorized decryption/reproduction of any codes contained herein is strictly prohibited and will result in severe civil and criminal penalties.

Is it really illegal for me to unpack the code and view it? Can I get a lawsuit for viewing the code without actually using it?

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3 answers

<sub> IANAL sub>

Mining is not encryption. You already have permission to copy the file to your computer and open it (because your browser requires these permissions to use it). There is no legal protection for examining the contents of a file that is freely available. You can even modify it on your own system at your discretion, these types of copyrights are subject to fair use , because you do this for educational purposes.

What you cannot do is distribute the file or the modified file.

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I am not an expert, but if there was something criminal in relation to viewing the source code of a website, then browsers would not simplify it.

Although I can definitely say that using any other code without permission is wrong, I find it great to learn from it.

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In my honest opinion, it should not (and probably not) illegally look at the code, as it is open to everyone.

Using and learning from the source code are two completely different things. Working with someone without permission is simply wrong, regardless of context (code, images, art, etc.).

But learning from other source code is probably the best way to learn and become better.

As for their legal note, I think they just put it there to scare people away, but I don't think it will be in court.

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