Save WiFi
The FCC wants to require device makers to lock down wifi-capable devices with DRM and we need to stop them.
The FCC has proposed rules that will require device makers with wifi -- Software Defined Radios (SDRs) -- that will require them to cryptographically lock down the software that controls those devices and to prevent users from reflashing the devices with software of their choice. This means not only wifi 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 reflashing 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 law goes beyond protecting those who use DRM, this would be a law **requiring** device makers to implement low level DRM technology that restrict users from upgrading the operating system and firmware of many devices. The FCC's own example in the guidelines states that device makers will need to: "Describe in detail how the device is protected from “flashing” and the installation of third party firmware such as DD-WRT". Software Security for UNII Devices.
Fortunately, the FCC is accepting public comments on this issue. The deadline for comments is August 16th, so we need to act quickly. Fortunately, thanks to the work of individuals from OpenWRT, ThinkPenguin, LibreCMC, 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.
Contents
How this is bad for individuals and disrupts the market
These regulations are especially oppressive to small companies and to free software developers. Individuals and small companies wanting to make changes to their own products, or want to build custom devices, or provid custom services will not be forced out of the market if they don't wish to use propreitary software or if they will be required to pay licensing fees to those who control the DRM signing keys that allow the upgrading of software and firwmare on the devices.
Whose with us?
Organization plus point of contact
- Free Software Foundation, Joshua Gay
- LibreCMC, Bob Call
- OpenWRT, contact?
Organizations we want to support this
- EFF
- Demand Progress
- New America Foundation/OTI
- Center for Democracy and Technology
- Berkman Center
- OTI
- Free Press
- Prometheus Radio (and similar?)
- Public Knowledge
Resources
- Amongst other requirements, the proposed rule will require applicants to "Describe in detail how the device is protected from “flashing” and the installation of third party firmware such as DD-WRT". Software Security for UNII Devices.
- Call for comments states:
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. [ . . . ] We seek comment on these proposals.
