With DVD's basic encryption already cracked and one-quarter of American homes now capable of broadband-speed downloads, it's inevitable that one day the latest Harry Potter film will be swapped as easily as U2's new hit.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The free hardware will only be for existing customers who apply within four months of when your provider rolls out the basic cable encryption.

ENGADGET: FCC to allow encryption of basic cable, with a few strings that Boxee approves of

Starting October 2006 the US will issue all new passports using the same ISO 14443 RFID tag and Basic Access Control encryption scheme employed by the Dutch e-passports (and others) and adopted by the ICAO as global standards.

ENGADGET: Dutch RFID e-passport cracked -- US next?

As you might expect, the cable industry has been taking measures to protect its business by asking the FCC to allow encryption of basic cable -- something that has never been done and that many have rightly opposed.

ENGADGET: FCC to allow encryption of basic cable, with a few strings that Boxee approves of