The Death of Arduino?
3 days ago
- #opensource
- #privacy
- #techpolicy
- Qualcomm-owned Arduino updated its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, moving away from its open-hardware roots.
- New policies include an irrevocable, perpetual license over user uploads and broad surveillance of AI features.
- Users are forbidden from reverse-engineering the platform without permission, a significant shift for the open-source community.
- Data retention policies now include keeping usernames for years after account deletion and integrating user data into Qualcomm’s ecosystem.
- The changes have sparked backlash from educators, makers, and open-source advocates.
- Qualcomm's recent $180M fraud scandal and corporate decisions, like acquiring multiple Gulfstream jets, have raised further concerns.
- The community is exploring alternatives like RP2040 and ESP32, with calls for Adafruit to step in.
- Critics argue Qualcomm misunderstands the Maker space and risks alienating the Arduino community.