> other blob-y, closed hardware like SSDs, network cards, radios.
Actually the ryf certification allows this kind of firmware if they are written in ROM; in such cases, they are considered part of the hardware. I understand the complaints about this stance but I know no other similar certification and I think that having non-replaceable firmware forces the vendors to include the minimum of logic inside it and be more careful, so I'm not entirely against it.
Ideally the source code of the firmware should be available. I try to vote with my wallet for that and encourage people to do the same.
In this read-only case the manufacturer no longer has write access, just like you don't have write access, so there is more equality between you and the manufacturer. Thats the logic, but I agree it is a bad idea because it incentivises placing firmware into ROM, which cannot be replaced after reverse engineering it.
Actually the ryf certification allows this kind of firmware if they are written in ROM; in such cases, they are considered part of the hardware. I understand the complaints about this stance but I know no other similar certification and I think that having non-replaceable firmware forces the vendors to include the minimum of logic inside it and be more careful, so I'm not entirely against it.
Ideally the source code of the firmware should be available. I try to vote with my wallet for that and encourage people to do the same.