Re: [Fsfe-uk] Explanation of Tivosiation and problems - comments sought

[rob]

Quoting Chris Croughton <address@hidden>:

> The same as with cars.  If you allow unauthorised people to load
> modified firmware then anything can happen, including the deaths of
> innocent people (usually not the one at fault).

I agree that for a car you want to be very sure that the firmware is OK.

Now imagine the firmware has a y2k-style bug and the original 
manufacturer will
not or cannot update it in time or at all. The only people who could update it
are competent to do so but are not authorized.

If authorization prevents peoples lives being saved in this scenario, then
authorization is a problem.

Likewise with medical equipment, or weapons systems, or infrastructure 
controls.

A less emotive example of authorization vs. competence would be overpriced
franchises vs. independent garages.

- Rob.