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Re:Cars are about to be a software platform, subscriptions a... by livinginfear on Sunday May 02, 2021 @04:24AM (#27013326)
I'm finding it increasingly difficult to avoid purchasing, and therefore tying myself to, 'connected' platforms. I recently decided to purchase a new washing machine. It was difficult to find one that did not feature some form of wireless connectivity. I know from other discussions on this forum around so-called 'smart' televisions[1][2] that simply not connecting the device to your home wi-fi network, or implementing DNS filtering measures such as a PiHole, may not be effective ways to restrict the access of these devices. Not to mention the various security implications of giving these devices access to your network.

The idea of a car having the same connectivity is just a minefield of privacy, security and generally anti-consumer issues. I am not optimistic either that pushback against such concerns will force manufacturers to amend these practices.

[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25934286 [2] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=25313480

Re:Cars are about to be a software platform, subscriptions a... by benhurmarcel on Sunday May 02, 2021 @08:10AM (#27014571)
> It was difficult to find one that did not feature some form of wireless connectivity.

As long as you don’t have to connect it… I couldn’t find a decent toothbrush that didn’t have Bluetooth, but it doesn’t matter, I just ignore it.

Re:Cars are about to be a software platform, subscriptions a... by m463 on Monday May 03, 2021 @01:10AM (#27021812)
I was looking for a coffee mug that could keep my coffee warm.

I saw one in the store - it would keep the coffee heated and... bluetooth + app required. gah.

Re:Cars are about to be a software platform, subscriptions a... by thraway123412 on Sunday May 02, 2021 @07:05AM (#27014096)
I think legislation is the only way to fix this :(

Require owner's/user's consent to connect. If no consent, no connect. Device's offline capabilities must still work and it must not nag you or otherwise use dark patterns to force a consent out of you.

That would be a relatively minor extension to gdpr.