End the Waste: A Call for the Right to Update Abandoned Devices

Photo by Hans Ripa on Unsplash

This article originated from a post on Mastodon, followed by an interesting conversation

In the digital age where technology advances at a breakneck speed, consumers find themselves caught in a cycle of continuous upgrades. However, amidst this relentless push for the new and improved, there lies a trove of still-functional, albeit outdated, electronic devices. These relics of past technology cycles, from old cell phones to tablets, often end up relegated to the dark corners of drawers, gathering dust but still holding potential. Through my own experiences and reflections, I've come to see these devices not as obsolete but as underutilized resources that could still serve valuable purposes.

Consider, for example, the old Motorola phone that once belonged to my mother. Discarded due to its lack of security updates, it sits idle, despite its capabilities that are on par with an old Raspberry Pi. Equipped with a screen, robust built-in WiFi, an array of sensors, and a camera, this Android terminal, abandoned since 2018, encapsulates the paradox of modern technology: highly functional yet prematurely obsolete. The insecurity of running software on such an outdated device is palpable, yet it's hard not to think about the wasted potential.

The European Union, often criticized for its bureaucratic leanings, has shown that progress is possible, as seen in its mandate for USB-C standardization. This begs the question: why not take it a step further? Imagine if manufacturers were required to unlock their devices for consumer use after official support ends. This would open the door for the installation of updated OpenSource operating systems, detached from the original Android ecosystem, or at the very least, an AOSP version of Android. This approach would empower users to breathe new life into their devices, adhering to a principle of "You've bought my device; I won’t update it anymore, but you can keep it running since the hardware still works."

My own drawers are filled with such high-quality, yet abandoned devices. For instance, I'd prefer to repurpose my old Huawei as a surveillance camera rather than rely on a new device that might compromise my privacy by sending images to obscure clouds hosted in jurisdictions with questionable laws. This sentiment underscores a broader desire for autonomy and security in how we manage our technology.

However, the road to this ideal state is fraught with challenges. I'm contemplating starting a petition to address this issue, although I'm aware of the potential hurdles. The concept of planned obsolescence is deeply ingrained in the fabric of today's technology landscape, supported by a complex web of interests that resist change. Despite this, the conversation around the lifespan of our devices and the potential for a more sustainable approach to technology use is one that needs to be had. It's time to reconsider our relationship with technology, to envision a future where devices are not just disposable commodities but lasting tools that evolve with us.

Written and posted by: Stefano Marinelli