How could I not have a right to sell a locked down device? Even Stallman doesn’t question the right of manufacturers to provide closed source / non-user-modifiable software on devices that operate as appliances. My alarm clock runs code to manage the menus / configure alarms / change brightness, but it’s implausible to suggest it’s illegal for the manufacturer to have built a locked down device.
People in this comment page keep drawing parallels between “a hardware device whose software I cannot modify” and things like fire code / health and safety laws. If you think there’s actually a line connecting those, draw it. I’m not seeing it.
You couldn't sell a lock down device if we the people tell you that you can't sell a locked down device the same as you can trivially be told that you can't knock down a tree or bulldoze a wetland or build whatever you please where you please even if you own the land or hire someone for less than minimum wage or employ a minor after certain hours in such and such a city or state or any one of a million other things.
You can argue until you are blue in the face that you don't think such a law is needed or a public good but I fail utterly to understand why you think it would be illegal.
Let’s say that the US congress decided that Nintendo games needed to be shipped on mini DVDs. No game carts or usb drives or other form factors would do. So they passed a law saying that Nintendo must switch all their consoles to use mini DVDs.
You can't target a singular entity for punishment in law see bill of attainder. Suppose the law was that game consoles provide software on mini dvd how would that silly example pass muster as far as providing for the general welfare? How are mini dvds better for the public than usbs?
It's ridiculously broad but not infinitely broad. It's fairly trivial to suggest that allowing users full control of their own devices serves their interests.
A deliberately silly idea is liable to fail to hit the mark as far as the point. What if it was made a law that one must wear clown masks in the grocery store or all paint your nails before appearing in public?
People in this comment page keep drawing parallels between “a hardware device whose software I cannot modify” and things like fire code / health and safety laws. If you think there’s actually a line connecting those, draw it. I’m not seeing it.