• The process of removing software restrictions that manufacturers or vendors have built into their devices or systems to gain unauthorized access or control. The term originated with iPhone modifications to bypass Apple’s restrictions and install unauthorized apps, but has expanded to include breaking out of restricted computing environments (like Unix chroot jails), circumventing digital rights management (DRM) on media and software, modifying gaming consoles to run homebrew code, and bypassing safety restrictions in AI systems. While jailbreaking enables customization and broader functionality, it typically voids warranties, violates terms of service, and may have legal implications depending on the context and jurisdiction.

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