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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
Comments have been filed and we are now working on reply comments, which are due November 9, 2015
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.
The FCC is going beyond what is fair or reasonable with these requirements. While their intent is to prevent users from being able to make use of the radio device in ways that violate FCC rules, they have imposed a set of requirements that are far broader reaching than preventing use of the radio device alone.
We should find out: Does the FCC have authority to impose such a broad rule? Are there legal objections we can cite?
These regulations are especially oppressive to small companies and to free software developers. Individuals and small companies that want to make changes to their own products, to build custom devices, or to provide custom services will be forced out of the market if they don't use proprietary software or if they are required to pay licensing fees to those who control the DRM signing keys that allow the upgrading of software and firmware on encrypted devices.
These talking points have been expanded into language which could be used for jointly crafting letters. See: Save WiFi letter language
These are a set of talking points against the proposed rules. Once improved (and verified!), they can be used for crafting communications.
This ruling will force you to spend additional money and resources on:
Organization plus point of contact
Organizations we want to support this
Hams
We propose to modify the SDR-related requirements in Part 2 of our rules based in part on the current Commission practices regarding software configuration control. To minimize the potential for unauthorized modification to the software that controls the RF parameters of the device, we propose that grantees must implement well-defined measures to ensure that certified equipment is not capable of operating with RF-controlling software for which it has not been approved.
These are different NPRMs or discussions which are unrelated but might help us better understand the NPRM we have on hand.
There are also reports of similar rules of concern in other regulatory jurisdictions:
Media contacts / groups we should contact to get publicity / organizations
This page was a featured resource in August 2015.
The Free Software Foundation (FSF) is a nonprofit with a worldwide mission to promote computer user freedom.
We defend the rights of all software users. (Read more)