>So good for security, but bad for e-waste and second hand sales
I concur, but it's true for even consumer devices like smartphones. Once the software updates stop, if security is the key then the devices are e-waste. Many times, I wish there was an International law which forces manufacturers to unlock their device when they stop pushing software updates to their device, so that alternate firmware can be installed. Of course this is just a wishful thinking, even those who abandoned their smartphone segment entirely(MS) didn't do this, So why would those who run profitable business out of planned obsolescence do it?
The law doesn’t need to be international, only one large enough market needs to do it. The market has to matter enough that the manufacturers won’t just say “screw them” and pull out of it. Then the mechanics are there and everyone benefits even those who live where there is no such law.
Manufacturers already sell unlockable/non-unlockable devices per-market. Not having this be international means they’ll just lock the device where they can.
Instead of grunge everything is covered in RGB LEDs. Literally almost everyone my age has RGB LEDs everywhere. All over their rooms and not to mention keyboards.
The UK is currently taking steps towards this - the plans aren't perfect, but will require "security updates until" dates, no default or symmetrically derived passwords, and a vulnerability disclosure programme to be available.
It doesn't go as far as to force unlocking, but requiring transparent disclosure of a committment to security update longevity (like Chromebooks and pixel phones have) is probably the first step along the road to that.
You can get a pretty good idea of how long security updates will be provided already, so does that help almost ever? Like, great, now Motorola has an official promise to do security updates for for 15 months post-launch. If they decide to release a permanently locked phone, the consumer's still getting screwed just as much.
Basically, "doesn't go as far as" sounds like a massive understatement.
I concur, but it's true for even consumer devices like smartphones. Once the software updates stop, if security is the key then the devices are e-waste. Many times, I wish there was an International law which forces manufacturers to unlock their device when they stop pushing software updates to their device, so that alternate firmware can be installed. Of course this is just a wishful thinking, even those who abandoned their smartphone segment entirely(MS) didn't do this, So why would those who run profitable business out of planned obsolescence do it?