Bambu Lab Authorization Control System: Difference between revisions
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=== Potential for remote disabling of printers === | === Potential for remote disabling of printers === | ||
A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to remotely disable printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's Terms of Service<ref>https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/terms</ref> states that printers may block | A significant concern raised by the community revolves around the wording in Bambu Lab's [[Terms of Service]] and firmware update announcements. Critics and users argue that the phrasing leaves open the possibility for the manufacturer to remotely disable printers that are not updated to the latest firmware. Specifically, Bambu Lab's Terms of Service<ref>https://bambulab.com/en-us/policies/terms</ref> states that printers '''"may block new print jobs"''' if updates are not applied, which some users interpret as a potential pathway for forced obsolescence<ref name="firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2" />. While defenders of Bambu Lab point out that offline modes such as SD-card printing and LAN-only setups would remain functional, others point out that the Terms of Service do not explicitly limit this restriction to cloud-based printing. This ambiguity has led to speculation that Bambu Lab could enforce broader limitations, effectively rendering printers inoperable for users who choose not to update.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/</ref> | ||
==== Editing of initial announcement ==== | |||
Bambu users were concerned they would not be able to utilize their printer if they did not install this update, due to the wording of the blog and the terms of service<ref>[[:File:Bambu tos screenshot.png]]</ref>. This caused confusion since users report that Bambu's blog post dated January 16th<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/</ref> specifically says the following:<blockquote> | |||
==== <sup>What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?</sup> ==== | |||
<sup>You may continue using an older firmware version that does not include the new security updates; however, this means the printers may miss out on important security fixes or bug patches included in newer versions. We highly encourage updating to the latest firmware version for the best experience and enhanced security.</sup></blockquote>However, '''this was not present on the day of the announcement.''' A snapshot of their webpage from archive.is demonstrates this section did not exist on the day of the announcement, when community members voiced their concerns.<ref>https://archive.is/ejq3R</ref><ref>[[:File:2024-01-16-Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System.pdf]]File:2024-01-16-Firmware Update Introducing New Authorization Control System.pdf</ref> Bambu's response to community feedback<ref>https://blog.bambulab.com/updates-and-third-party-integration-with-bambu-connect/</ref> references ''"social media posts spreading baseless allegations and untrue claims about Bambu Lab",'' including ''"Firmware updates will block your printer’s ability to print.",'' without mentioning the context for those allegations. The context for those allegations was the lack of inclusion of the ''"What happens if I never upgrade to this firmware?"'' in Bambu's initial announcement alongside their stated terms of service. | |||
=== Debate over "bricking" terminology === | === Debate over "bricking" terminology === | ||
The debate has also extended to the definition of "bricking." Some community members assert that if a printer is unable to accept new print jobs without an update, it effectively becomes non-functional and qualifies as being "bricked." Others counter that as long as certain offline functionalities remain (such as SD-card printing) the term does not accurately apply.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/m7sezlg/</ref> | ''The debate has also "''extended to the definition of "bricking." Some community members assert that if a printer is unable to accept new print jobs without an update, it effectively becomes non-functional and qualifies as being "bricked." Others counter that as long as certain offline functionalities remain (such as SD-card printing) the term does not accurately apply.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/BambuLab/comments/1i45iy2/bambu_lab_reserves_the_right_to_brick_your/m7sezlg/</ref> | ||
=== Privacy Policy issues === | === Privacy Policy issues === | ||