Yes, Eaglercraft is illegal in the United States, or anywhere else in the world for that matter. Like, you must be playing this version online and think you’re all good, but the thing is, there will be no action taken against you, the user, but it certainly is illegal that this online version of Minecraft exists. Why? Simply because it is someone else’s work, and as per the copyright laws, you can’t just exploit someone else’s work and profit out of it just like that. Still, let’s go over the legality part of it all here, shall we?
What Is Eaglercraft?
Eaglercraft is essentially a browser-based version of Minecraft Java Edition that works the same way the original one does. As it is free and requires no installation, it is the reason why the majority of people out there like it. It is very similar to Minecraft both in terms of the gameplay and the graphics, but it is not a product of or certified by Mojang, the company that owns Minecraft. So, the problem with the law begins here.
What Does Mojang’s EULA Say?
Mojang has laid down certain rules in a document called the End User License Agreement (EULA). The agreement specifies the allowed and prohibited actions in relation to Minecraft. Basically, if you don’t have the consent of Mojang, you are not authorized to duplicate, alter, or distribute the source code of Minecraft. Plain and simple!
Eaglercraft is such a nice example. Basically, it only copies the original Minecraft code and makes it accessible to the online players. Even though it is free, it is still the use of Mojang’s work that has not been approved in any way. Hence, as per Mojang’s EULA, the manufacturing, server set-up, or any kind of sharing of Eaglercraft is certainly not allowed.
What About the DMCA?
Here is where it becomes a bit more serious. The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) is a law in the United States that safeguards digital content such as games, software, and movies from being copied or shared without the permission of the owner.
Eaglercraft is similarly violating this rule. The mod copies the copyrighted files of Minecraft and makes them available to the public for free, which is a type of unauthorized distribution. Hence, a person who is hosting or sharing Eaglercraft is actually violating copyright law in the United States. The law does not offer any exceptions if the activity is carried out only for fun purposes. Yes, that is pretty much the case!
The Security Risks You Should Know
Besides the legal problems, there is a significant security risk as well. There are numerous counterfeit or altered versions of Eaglercraft that are available online. Some of these copies include malware such as NjRat, a Trojan that can spy on you, log keystrokes, or even take your files without you even knowing.
As an example, a “Eaglercraft Offline” version can appear as a regular one, but can still be running a virus in the background. Yup, that is a real possibility. Thus, getting an Eaglercraft off a shady website is not only breaking the law but may also be harmful to your device and the privacy of your data.
Why Do People Still Use It?
The majority of students prefer to use Eaglercraft as it is simple and can be operated on any school device. However, a free service does not necessarily mean that it is safe or legal. If schools or teachers intend to utilize Minecraft as a medium of learning, they should invest in the Minecraft: Education Edition only, a product that is official, safe, and specifically designed for classrooms.
