Disability Rights Are Technology Rights
The EFF highlights the need for technological self-determination for individuals with disabilities, advocating for the right to modify assistive technologies and supporting legislative efforts like the Right to Repair law.
Read original article
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) emphasizes the importance of technological self-determination, particularly for individuals with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies. These technologies are essential for enabling a fulfilling life, and users with disabilities often play a significant role in their design. However, the current landscape is problematic, as many tech companies impose restrictions that prevent users from modifying or repairing their devices. For instance, the Encrypted Media Extensions (EME) standard, which includes accessibility features, is protected by laws that penalize reverse engineering, limiting the ability of users to adapt technology to their specific needs. This issue extends to powered wheelchairs and medical devices, where digital rights management (DRM) can hinder necessary repairs and adaptations, often forcing users to rely solely on manufacturers. Legislative efforts, such as Colorado's Right to Repair law for powered wheelchairs, are emerging, but progress is slow. The EFF argues that the right to modify assistive technology is not just a disability issue but a broader fight for everyone’s rights, as accessibility benefits all users. The organization advocates for a future where assistive technologies are designed with user modification in mind, promoting free software and open-source hardware.
- Technological self-determination is crucial for users with disabilities.
- Current DRM laws restrict users from modifying assistive technologies.
- Legislative efforts like the Right to Repair law are emerging but face challenges.
- Accessibility adaptations benefit all users, not just those with disabilities.
- The EFF calls for a future of open and modifiable assistive technologies.
Related
Federal Appeals Court Rules Fair Use May Be Narrowed to Serve Hollywood Profits
The D.C. Circuit Court upheld Section 1201 of the DMCA, limiting fair use and raising concerns about corporate favoritism and government overreach, while the EFF plans to advocate for individual rights.
Companies Are Simply Ignoring Many New State 'Right to Repair' Laws
Several U.S. states have enacted "right to repair" laws, but weak enforcement and non-compliance from tech companies raise concerns about their effectiveness and consumer access to repair resources.
Digital ID Isn't for Everybody, and That's Okay
The EFF warns that digital ID systems, like mobile driver’s licenses, may increase surveillance and data sharing, raising privacy and equity concerns, especially for marginalized groups lacking access to technology.
The FSF fights for your right to repair
The Free Software Foundation advocates for the right to repair, emphasizing user control over technology and the need for legislation to support repair rights against restrictive practices by manufacturers like Tesla.
Salt Typhoon Shows There's No Security Backdoor That's Only for the "Good Guys"
The Salt Typhoon hack exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. telecom systems, emphasizing that security backdoors for law enforcement can be exploited, prompting calls for stronger encryption and privacy protections.
1 commentsRelated
Federal Appeals Court Rules Fair Use May Be Narrowed to Serve Hollywood Profits
The D.C. Circuit Court upheld Section 1201 of the DMCA, limiting fair use and raising concerns about corporate favoritism and government overreach, while the EFF plans to advocate for individual rights.
Companies Are Simply Ignoring Many New State 'Right to Repair' Laws
Several U.S. states have enacted "right to repair" laws, but weak enforcement and non-compliance from tech companies raise concerns about their effectiveness and consumer access to repair resources.
Digital ID Isn't for Everybody, and That's Okay
The EFF warns that digital ID systems, like mobile driver’s licenses, may increase surveillance and data sharing, raising privacy and equity concerns, especially for marginalized groups lacking access to technology.
The FSF fights for your right to repair
The Free Software Foundation advocates for the right to repair, emphasizing user control over technology and the need for legislation to support repair rights against restrictive practices by manufacturers like Tesla.
Salt Typhoon Shows There's No Security Backdoor That's Only for the "Good Guys"
The Salt Typhoon hack exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. telecom systems, emphasizing that security backdoors for law enforcement can be exploited, prompting calls for stronger encryption and privacy protections.