Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by donmcronald 2055 days ago
Isn't it totally useless if it doesn't prevent serialization of parts? For example, I'm pretty sure my dad can't replace the infotainment system on his truck because it's married to the VIN somehow and requires special programming upon replacement.

So even though I think it's awesome to give people more diagnostic data, I don't think it goes far enough if that info is along the lines of "Unauthorized tires detected. Your vehicle must be serviced by an authorized repair shop."
4 comments
zentiggr 2055 days ago
Every incremental step of changing the status quo moves the whole process closer to the long term goal of unlocking all repair issues and gaining the user ability to control data flow.

Every step counts.

link
ska 2055 days ago
> Isn't it totally useless

No, it clearly isn't totally useless. The case you point out means that there is an argument for stronger protections also.

link
dahfizz 2055 days ago
That's like saying gdb is "totally useless" because it doesn't fix your code for you.

This is a very useful step in the right direction.

link
tlavoie 2054 days ago
Oh, you _really_ want to read Cory Doctorow's, "Unauthorized Bread". First story in the four-part book, "Radicalized".

And if you buy it directly from him, the ebook version is DRM-free.

link