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by userbinator 2983 days ago
Even cars. If there's a risk that someone could conduct a crime through through a firmware hack then that presents an ethical dilemma.

If it was a remote exploit, I'd certainly agree about the ethical dilemma, but everything I've read suggests that this requires physical access.

As for being used in cars... don't get me started on what manufacturers are doing these days to stop repairs and modifications... just search "John Deere tractor hacking" to get a taste of what I mean (some articles and good discussion here on HN too.)

Calling someone a traitor because they decided to responsibly disclose a vulnerability is just childish.

It shows they cannot be trusted, and that they support the actions of companies who want to lock out users from the devices they own.

1 comments

Sure. But at the end of the day Nintendo aren't some bad actor company that's forcing people to spend thousands in repair fees.

They make video games.

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Trusted by whom? Essentially it's a group of internet hackers that are doing it for internet fame. Or in the case of others to make money off selling any hardware tools required.

"actions of companies who want to lock out users from the devices they own."

This doesn't really matter. When someone buys a Nintendo Switch they are aware that you can only use software from an official channel from the manufacturer.

It's not a sneaky action by them nobody is forced to use a Switch and its primary functionality is consuming entertainment products.

It's not like a router or tv set top box that you are forced to use.

Open hardware (in the sense of OS/software) is cheap and available today. If you don't want to be locked out of doing what you want to a device, then don't buy a locked down device.