You've probably seen this news@nature.com piece on Web Crow, which can apparently solve crossword puzzles in any language by using Google searches. It's a cute idea. There's more context at aaai.org.
Marco Gori, one of the program's developers, explains that "the idea is not to spoil the enjoyment of players". Francis Heaney's reaction:
Posted by Mark Liberman at October 6, 2004 01:00 PMWell, that's a relief. I was worried that computers were going to break into my house and start solving my crosswords.