The FCC wants to require device makers to lock down the software and firmware on computers with radio devices (wifi, bluetooth, etc) and we need to stop them. #savewifi
The FCC has proposed rules (ET Docket No. 15-170) that will require device makers with WiFi and other Radio Frequency (RF) devices to cryptographically lock down the RF-controlling software on those devices so as to prevent users from installing the software of their choice. This means not only routers, but also many phones, tablets, laptops, and any number of new devices that are wifi capable would now be required to implement a low level DRM system that prevents users from re-flashing or modifying the operating system and/or firmware on those devices.
We have been fighting for years the unjust laws that serve to protect companies that use DRM to restrict users. This new regulation goes beyond protecting those who use DRM, this would be a law requiring device makers to implement low level DRM technology to restrict users from upgrading the operating system and/or firmware of many devices.
Fortunately, the FCC is accepting public comments on this issue. The deadline for comments is September 8th, so we need to act quickly.[1] Thanks to people from OpenWRT, ThinkPenguin, LibreCMC, and elsewhere, we already have some momentum building around this issue. But we need to come at this problem both singularly and together by growing a coalition that helps spread a more unified message to the FCC as well as encouraging supporters of those organizations and groups to submit comments to the FCC.