Video Games Europe, a trade association that represents a bunch of major game publishers, have issued a statement pushing back against Stop Killing Games.
The navigation system might use Google Maps and requires an internet connection to function. The manufacturer may decide to no longer want to pay for Google’s license and therefore disables all software - including software running the ignition, engine management, the speedometer, the center console - on the car with a momentary notice. The car becomes undrivable as a result.
Should this be legal? You didn’t own the software after all.
No, you don’t own the software in your car. The companies who disabled your car do, and by acquiring that car, you are subject to their whims. Because by signing that contract when buying that car, I bet you didn’t amend it to make you owner of that software.
Instead of continuing to maintain a car-centric culture with software that we don’t own or control, we could incorporate more walking and biking infrastructure, and better more reliable public transit options.
Don’t settle for one thing just because that’s what you know and has been in existence most of your life. Find and build better options.
You didn’t answer my question. Should it be legal?
Swap out “car” with “any electronic device of your choice”. Should Intel/AMD be legally allowed to remove the CPU firmware on a whim making your processor a worthless pile of sand? Should your phone be allowed to be bricked by software updates because the manufacturer wants you to purchase a new model? Should fucking Casio be allowed to remotely disable your F-91 W digital watch because it contains firmware you do not own?
It is legal, therefore that’s the hurdle we need to get over. If you don’t want it to be legal, fight to make it illegal, or don’t use/buy the product.
But people pre-order video games at record numbers despite everyone with a brain saying that they shouldn’t, so they’re SOL either way.
Trying to side-step copyright isn’t going to get you what you want. You’re fighting an uphill battle with fewer resources.
Do you own the software and firmware in your car?
The navigation system might use Google Maps and requires an internet connection to function. The manufacturer may decide to no longer want to pay for Google’s license and therefore disables all software - including software running the ignition, engine management, the speedometer, the center console - on the car with a momentary notice. The car becomes undrivable as a result.
Should this be legal? You didn’t own the software after all.
And thus is the issue.
No, you don’t own the software in your car. The companies who disabled your car do, and by acquiring that car, you are subject to their whims. Because by signing that contract when buying that car, I bet you didn’t amend it to make you owner of that software.
Instead of continuing to maintain a car-centric culture with software that we don’t own or control, we could incorporate more walking and biking infrastructure, and better more reliable public transit options.
Don’t settle for one thing just because that’s what you know and has been in existence most of your life. Find and build better options.
You didn’t answer my question. Should it be legal?
Swap out “car” with “any electronic device of your choice”. Should Intel/AMD be legally allowed to remove the CPU firmware on a whim making your processor a worthless pile of sand? Should your phone be allowed to be bricked by software updates because the manufacturer wants you to purchase a new model? Should fucking Casio be allowed to remotely disable your F-91 W digital watch because it contains firmware you do not own?
It is legal, therefore that’s the hurdle we need to get over. If you don’t want it to be legal, fight to make it illegal, or don’t use/buy the product.
But people pre-order video games at record numbers despite everyone with a brain saying that they shouldn’t, so they’re SOL either way.
Trying to side-step copyright isn’t going to get you what you want. You’re fighting an uphill battle with fewer resources.