Mazda’s DMCA takedown kills a hobbyist’s smart car API tool

DocMcStuffin@lemmy.world to Technology@lemmy.world – 728 points –
Mazda’s DMCA takedown kills a hobbyist’s smart car API tool
arstechnica.com

Mazda is angry a customer used an API in a manner they couldn't control. You can read the DMCA takedown notice here.

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I don't get it. People are working for free to add a feature to your product which might move more people to buy said product. Make users who use external features acknowledge some waiver that your company is not responsible for damage. If it turns out to be really good, you can fork it, hire the original inventor and turn it into a paid product. Isn't that a risk-free win? Am I missing something?

Most likely they do not appreciate people adding features to their products for free because these are features that could be sold on future models. This is why right to repair is so important.

Or, it's something they want you to subscribe to. I bought a Subaru, and only later found out the only way to use remote-start was by subscribing to roadside assistance and using an app on my phone.

On the bright side, I can start my car from anywhere in the world...

They probably want you to pay a subscription for extra features and homeboy went and made it free for life.