EFF Wants to Let Users Modify Software-Enabled Products; CTA Seeks Circumvention for Auto Fixes

Limit legal barriers preventing users from modifying or repairing software-enabled products, the Electronic Frontier Foundation commented to the librarian of Congress, while CTA renewed it and the Auto Care Association's call (see 1709150048) to allow additional lawful user circumvention for automotive fixes and upgrades, partly citing EFF. EFF is continuing a “years-long fight” to allow owners and creators more control over devices and products they own without threat of infringing on companies’ copyrights, said Legal Director Corynne McSherry Monday. EFF is seeking exemption from Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act for all modifications and repairs of software-enabled devices that don’t infringe copyrights, and to allow alterations to smart speakers and digital home assistants. The register of copyrights "acknowledged the real world inadequacy of having confined exemptions for circumvention only to self-help by vehicle owners," but CTA disagrees that "granting such an exemption would verge too close to approving 'trafficking.'"