Samsung has decided to proceed with the Bootloader blocking also in Europe, a move that has caused a lot of discussion. Behind this choice is a European regulation that will come into force in August 2025 and which risks changing smartphone usage in Europe forever. This is why other manufacturers may soon follow suit.
From 1 August 2025, new provisions will come into force RED Directive (Radio Equipment Directive), which redefines the compliance requirements for all radio devices sold in Europe. This is a significant change, not so much for the amount of regulations introduced, but for the effect they will have on the entire Android ecosystem. The issue revolves around three articles that impose specific protections: against network interference, personal data compromise, and digital fraud. These are, in themselves, sacrosanct rules.
But the crux comes with the interpretation prevailingEach device must ensure full compliance not only with the hardware, but also with the software that controls the radio modules. This is where the bootloader comes in. Unlocking it essentially allows you to replace the original operating system with an alternative one, such as LineageOS or GrapheneOS.
But these systems, if they modify the radio drivers even minimally, invalidate the CE certification. An uncertified device can no longer be legally marketed or used, at least according to the most stringent reading of the law.
This scenario has therefore led Samsung to protect its devices. Not on a whim, but to avoid any software modifications falling under your legal liability. If a user installs a ROM that interferes with radio frequencies or compromises communications security, the manufacturer (and in some cases the importer) may be held directly liable.
RED does not explicitly talk about unlocking the Bootloader or custom ROM, but it opens one regulatory space in which the margins for maneuver are they narrow. And in doing so, it provides a solid argument for those who have been trying for years to close the loop between hardware, software, and services. After all, customizing the operating system also means breaking away from proprietary services and, therefore, from the model that ties the user to the brand.
Samsung is just the first to move, but it's hard to imagine it will be the only one. Starting in August 2025, it's very likely that other manufacturers will follow suit, at least for the European market.
WTF just happened in Europe in the last few months. We used to be some sort of (dimmly lit) beacon of user freedom and privacy considerations. Now, I know there's been a push for new legislations that basically fuck individual privacy over, but last I checked it was just a proposal. And now we're doing a fucking 1260° turn toward full stanglehold on everything.
There's also this article from yesterday: Austria legalises state spyware amidst strong opposition
i wonder what changed. these regulations are certainly a threat. they justified it with the "threat of (islamistic) terrorism", though i don't know what's really going on there.
Big war in 2027
https://feddit.org/post/16373509
What's really worrying me is this:
i.e. wars are waged because somebody is bored
Lame, not boring. Some people believe in war.
Supposedly this time it was pride that has prevented peace, I would say on both sides.
With Russia on Nato's side, there would be another Eight-Nation Alliance and China would be split, however ethical that would be.
https://feddit.org/post/16410454/8030302
I think at the deepest level the elite still believes in the Iliad and they want this war.
As funny as the comic is, I am convinced that it will never get to that point, because an asshole with a thirst for power will always exist and be stronger than a bored asshole. Therefore war will keep, as it has always been, being motivated by power.
It seems like "democracies" worldwide are taking advantage of Trump's ascension and pushing these policies under the cover of night.
this is more or less the impression I get. Like all the shitheads are seeing just how much disgusting illegal shit trump is getting away with and thinking "I could do that too!"
I think it's the rise of all the nazis - Lepens in France, Hitlerjugend Jimmy in Sweden, Orban,....
Horrible ignorant propaganda infection to say this. Especially including Orban in your list. This is center, EU controlling, parties doing this. The "bad parties" are ultra conservative and anti immigrants, but their truly establishment-fear inducing characteristic is that they are anti-NATO warmongering. CDU, in Germany, has no problem imposing "populist" AfD inspired anti-immigration/muslim laws.
These laws/policies are not "populist fascism" support for oppressing liberals. No one is demanding their phones be locked, and supporting political candidates who will do this. This is just expansion of "Republicrat" establishment fascism that no one ever asked for.
You saying "this is all Putin's fault" is just part of establishment fascist narrative of "you must be oppressed by war only budget, or Russia wins".
I'm not so sure about this. According to this article, in austria at least, it was the SPÖ (center) and ÖVP (center-conservative) parties that voted for surveillance, but the Grüne (greens/center-left) and FPÖ (far-right/nazis) that voted against it.
It would be far better to say the party that is bought and sold by corporations