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US Copyright Office Says People Have the Right to Hack their Own Cars' Software

posted by janrinok on Wednesday October 28 2015, @07:36PM   
from the so-there dept.

An Anonymous Coward offers the following:

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/oct/28/its-ok-to-hack-your-own-car-us-copyright-authorities-rule

Car owners and security experts can tinker with automobile software without incurring US copyright liability, according to newly issued guidelines that were opposed by the auto industry.

The Library of Congress, which oversees the US Copyright Office, agreed with fair use advocates who argued that vehicle owners are entitled to modify their cars, which often involves altering software.

Automakers including General Motors and other vehicle manufacturers such as Deere & Co opposed the rules. They said vehicle owners could visit authorized repair shops for changes they may need to undertake.

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Original Submission

• Re:What has Copyright to do with it?Re:What has Copyright to do with it? (Score: 5, Interesting) by snick on Wednesday October 28 2015, @08:49PM

  by snick (1408) on Wednesday October 28 2015, @08:49PM (#255763)

  In any case, what are the car makers afraid of?

  That the spyware that they are building into today's cars will be disabled? That extra cost features that weren't paid for, and were turned off at the time of sale will get turned on?

  Parent

  Starting Score:	1		point
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• Re:What has Copyright to do with it?(Score: 2) by frojack on Thursday October 29 2015, @02:25AM

  by frojack (1554) on Thursday October 29 2015, @02:25AM (#255859) Journal

  That extra cost features that weren't paid for, and were turned off at the time of sale will get turned on?

  Almost every option they charge you for is backed up by hardware items that aren't installed if you don't buy that package.

  Parking assist requires sensors in the bumpers. Don't buy that, and not only are the sensors not installed but the wiring harness will not include the leads you need to add it later.

  Don't want to pay for GPS NAV? Not only will it be missing from the dash, but the antenna will be missing and wiring harness will have no provision for it.

  There is actually very few options that exist ONLY in the computers.

  --
  No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.

  Parent