this post was submitted on 16 May 2026
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U.S. DOJ demands Apple and Google unmask over 100,000 users of popular car-tinkering app in emissions crackdown (macdailynews.com)
submitted 5 days ago by excel24@feddit.org to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] anamethatisnt@sopuli.xyz 19 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Background on the Case

The DOJ first sued EZ Lynk in 2021, accusing the Cayman Islands-based company of violating the Clean Air Act by marketing and selling “defeat devices.”
These tools allegedly allow users to bypass factory emissions controls on diesel vehicles, primarily through the EZ Lynk Auto Agent app paired with an onboard diagnostic (OBD) hardware dongle.

[–] belochka@lemmy.world 11 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) (1 children)

And that's one example of how one progressive goal (of reducing emissions, ecology, regulating industry etc) and another (of right to repair and tinker) can require a compromise.

OK, from where I am your problems in US are cool to read about, here that kind of customization is in the "fuck around and find out" territory with huge fines, but I see no concern about ecology either.

[–] atrielienz@lemmy.world 6 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Myth #1 – Deleting or Tuning a Truck is Legal

There is no way around this; it is 100% illegal to tamper with or modify the emission system on your truck in any way. It isn’t a state or local law (although those exist, as well), but Federal law. When we mention this, the first thing customers say is that “it’s for off-highway use only” or “it’s for tractor pulls.” They have the idea in their head that this will allow them to skirt around any laws, and that's hardly the case.

Yes, you can legally have your emission system removed from your vehicle, but it requires recertification by the manufacturer and a new emission label and certification issued. You can’t just sign a piece of paper and proclaim you’ve re-certified your engine. You would need to go through the costly process of having your engine re-certified by the original equipment manufacturer.

Another common misconception among clients is that the EPA doesn't go after small businesses. For reference, the EPA provides a list, by year, of every single resolution that is brought up against the Clean Air Act for vehicles. You will find cases ranging from providers of tuning equipment being charged over $4 million to a single owner performing a DPF delete on one vehicle.

[–] Griffus@lemmy.zip 2 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Are you trying to say that they are wrong with this text still only mentioning US law?

[–] atrielienz@lemmy.world 4 points 4 days ago (2 children)

No. This is literally me comparing their law to our law.

They claim where they are from (not the US) doing this kind of deletion is FAFO territory.

I'm pointing out that it's illegal (Federally) in the US as well. I think there are ways to use the app legally that don't involve deletions, but the government is gonna do government things so the expectation should be that the government does in fact target random individuals to hold accountable.

[–] 123@programming.dev 1 points 11 hours ago* (last edited 11 hours ago)

IDK if accountable is the right word. More like made an example of.

I know in California its common to:

  • Revert your car to stock emission standards during the biyearly smog inspection to avoid detection for people dedicated enough
  • Pay someone to pass the test without testing the car (not sure if possible on new cars with electronic serial number stuff?)
  • Register out of state
  • Etc.

You only have to barely look at some of the modifications done in California based YouTube channels to see the cars meet one of the above criteria.

This seems silly in terms of value unless it is bringing in some larger investigation home for large offenders that were already targeted by some other investigation and are being cross referenced.

Edit: for the record, I think this is a waste of money and resources as others have said. Plenty of more meaningful things to do if you actually give a shit about the environment or road laws.

[–] Griffus@lemmy.zip 1 points 4 days ago

Oh, I see. Thanks!