The so-called "mod chips" and "swap discs" targeted by the searches let gamers play pirated titles or counterfeit copies on Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 2, Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox and Xbox 360, and Nintendo Co.'s Wii video game machines.
"Illicit devices like the ones targeted today are created with one purpose in mind, subverting copyright protections," said Julie Myers, an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, under which ICE operates. "These crimes cost legitimate businesses billions of dollars annually and facilitate multiple other layers of criminality, such as smuggling, software piracy and money laundering."
Not in Canada I am afraid it is legal to make copies of DVD's or videos game disks for your own use. Originally intended for people with children who may damage the original copy (not that that has ever happened lol)
Mod chips can be bought over the counter here in Canada they are not illegal and pertain to the above situation in a legal sense.
What people actually use it for well I am sure its not all legal BUT .... I wonder how many kids ODed on drugs sold to them by dealers and how many violent criminals were apprehended during this raid. It is rather touching that they are protecting the movie and gaming markets two of the most overpriced and richest businesses out there
