Freedom for Hacking!!1

[Software Freedom Conservancy]

			 Freedom for Hacking!!1
	     Renewing DMCA exemptions for software freedom

URL: https://sfconservancy.org/news/2026/aug/27/dmca-renewal-submission-2026/

Social media:
  https://social.sfconservancy.org/notice/B9nvdTVUC8QyrdGJcm

It's that time again... for the triennial DMCA exemptions process!
Because of the overreaching restraints the DMCA places on our digital
autonomy, the DMCA permits the public to petition to claw back some our
right to circumvent software 'access controls' placed upon our devices,
which helps restore some rights we have over our technology. In the past
[0] we have had success [1] securing digital rights for exploring
license violations, jailbreaking TVs and routers, and expanding rights
to repair medical devices. This week we applied to renew all of the
exemptions we've worked to put in place in the past (and personally,
Karen signed on behalf of the group of medical device researchers).

These renewals are often seen as tedious and unglamorous. The triennial
process is a reminder that we need to continue the fight for regaining
and securing our digital rights. And while not depicted in hacking
movies, securing digital rights through government processes is one of
the best ways to guarantee the right to hack for all. We aren't in the
Gibson, [2] but we are submitting to the Library of Congress for your
rights.

Organizations like Software Freedom Conservancy serve as a vehicle to
help drive energy from community advocacy into policy. If you want to
support work like this, becoming a sustainer is the best way. [3]

[0] https://sfconservancy.org/news/2021/oct/28/2021-DMCA-final-exemptions-win/
[1] https://sfconservancy.org/news/2024/oct/31/success-in-2024-dmca-exemptions/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackers_(film)
[3] https://sfconservancy.org/sustainer/