---
title: "Radio gaga: Techies fear EU directive to stop RF device tinkering will do more harm than good (The Register)"
date: 2019-03-11
categories:
  - english
  - article
tags:
  - RadioLockdown
  - Policy
  - FSFE
  - FSFE
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summary: The Register reported on the controversy surrounding the EU Radio Equipment Directive (RED) that could ban installing alternative firmware on routers and other radio devices. I was quoted alongside my FSFE colleague Hauke Mehrtens, highlighting how the FSFE was excluded from the implementation working group despite our attempts to participate.
article:
  name: The Register
  href: https://www.theregister.com/2019/03/11/eu_directive_ban_rf_radio_firmware_tinkering/
---

The Register quoted me and my FSFE colleague Hauke Mehrtens on the growing controversy around Article 3(3)(i) of the EU Radio Equipment Directive. Hauke explained the far-reaching consequences: The ban would severely harm the OpenWrt project, wireless community networks, innovative startups, and network researchers. It would increase electronic waste, make it impossible for users to fix security vulnerabilities themselves or with the help of the community, and block research that could improve the Internet in the EU.

I was quoted on FSFE's exclusion from the implementation process: FSFE had applied to participate in the working group on implementing the law but was rejected. The article also shows that not only civil society, but also industry associations and manufacturers like Shure opposed a complete ban, arguing instead for industry self-regulation.

The [full article](https://www.theregister.com/2019/03/11/eu_directive_ban_rf_radio_firmware_tinkering/) with industry statements and further technical details is available on The Register.
