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Malleable software: Restoring user agency in a world of locked-down apps (2025)

162 points · 75 comments · evakhoury

  1. apatheticonion · · focus · HN ↗
    I believe it is critical for regulators to force mega-corporations (and software vendors in general) to permit third party clients.

    I use services like YouTube every day, why can I get sued if I write my own YouTube client that's better than the one provided by Google? Why can I get sued if I create a chat client that aggregates the myriad of chat services I use?

    I'd argue that this even extends down the stack. Why is there only Android and iOS? It's because hardware drivers are practically impossible to write for undocumented hardware (which is virtually all hardware). Vendors should be compelled to document their hardware such that drives could be produced for them.

    Asahi Linux is a testament to a team attempting the impossible and making unbelievable progress - but it's still not competitive with first party drivers.

    I want a world where I can run Linux on my MacBook Pro and my phone. I want a world where I can flash a custom firmware to my TV that removes the bloat and spyware. I want a world where I can use the services I depend on in ways that are better than what the vendor can produce. I want a world where I can rebuild applications and games lost to time.

    I have the skills and desire to do these things.

    But nah. Not allowed.

    1. utopiah · · focus · HN ↗
      > I want a world where ...

      > I have the skills and desire to do these things.

      Please check out my page on the topic <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;fabien.benetou.fr&#x2F;Content&#x2F;SwappingPartsOfTheRestrictionStack" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;fabien.benetou.fr&#x2F;Content&#x2F;SwappingPartsOfTheRestrict... and let me know if I could improve it somehow to help you.

      Overall though my recommendation is :

      - do what you can TODAY no matter how small

      That means if the OS is too big a of a step, start with an application. If the hardware is too locked down, start with data so that next time you buy hardware, you will bring over that data then switch. Don&#x27;t postpone.

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