[BBSwany]

So.. I have been seeing this phrase more towards iPhones than other devices, but isn't this phrase redundant and stupid? Most countries have they're devices unlocked out of the gate because IT IS THE LAW THEY COME UNLOCKED (Read: Europe)!!
Here in the U.S., the DMCA allows us to unlock our devices to use while abroad or to switch carriers. So where on this planet is it "illegal" to unlock devices?? None that I have heard of.
I can understand the phrase being used towards iPhone's because in Europe they are required to be unlocked. Having said that, doesn't a phone lose warranty if it is being used elsewhere (i.e. TIM Italy iPhone being used on AT&T in the U.S.??). The phrase with iPhone shouldn't be "legally unlocked" it should be "factory unlocked" or something along those lines.
Am I wrong, is there somewhere where it's illegal to unlock devices??

[Hilonesome]

I wonder if they mean there legal and not stolen who knows.

[TroyDBrown]

Unlocking in the US is only illegal in the case of resale. Technically if you buy a phone in the US and unlock it to sell it it would be considered illegal. Unlocking your own phone using it and selling it is legal.

This came about when cheap pre paid phones became available at retail stores. People started buying the phones in mass quantites, unlocking and reselling without activation. This caused a major loss to the carriers, who in turned tracked down the unlockers, resellers and took them to court and won.

That is the only version on unlocking that I know is illegal in the US.

[Dawg]

its only illegal if you get caught.....lol j/k of course