FTC urges smart device makers to disclose software update lifecycles
You need to know in advance when your kit will be bricked or downgraded – it's the law
Security updates need to be available for at least seven years. Not just a phone problem either. Forced obsolescence just creates e-waste.
Failing that, the necessary specs and other info need to be released to the community so that open source updates can continue after the manufacturer quits supporting a device.
This will realistically drive up the prices of such devices.
Don't get me wrong, I would support such an initiative. If you can't afford the device (with the cost of 7 year security fix support), you should probably not get the device. However, I am thinking more about the political component of implementing such a rule (if it would even be possible in the US).
"Urges" won't change a thing. This has never worked before.
Lolol
New FTC (circa Jan 20) will require that you buy a new device each time you want a software update.
Don't want to? Welp donnie and his cronies are gonna spread zero-day exploits on the internet. Only the rich gets to have a malware-free device.
New FTC (circa Jan 20) will require that you buy a new device each time you want a software update.
You're joking, but it's not unreasonable to assume an oligarch-run regime (nothing to do with US or Trump specifically) is going to leverge its power to get kickbacks and benefits for their own gang and partner gangs.