Oracle, IBM Using Firmware Updates in ‘Pretty Underhanded Way,’ Says iFixit CEO 

The Illinois tech manager who urged the FTC last week to “put a stop” to manufacturer limitations on third-party repairs (see 1903150055) was “right” to call out vendors whose software updates can render devices unfixable, emailed iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens Saturday. “Oracle and IBM are tying security updates to service subscriptions in a pretty underhanded way,” said Wiens, an advocate of state right-to-repair laws who calls the FTC’s inquiry into manufacturer practices “a big deal.” Oracle declined comment and IBM didn’t respond to emails Monday. The tech manager, Timothy Pearson, singled out Nvidia when he told the agency last week that “any right to repair guidelines in today's high tech, firmware-driven world must address the issue of vendor cryptographic signatures being required to replace existing malfunctioning firmware on hardware devices.” Nvidia didn't comment.