5 ms·

> One more reason for publishing the source code to drive-line software in cars. How does this prevent VW from publishing inaccurate source code? Let's say we

by tetrep 11y ago

> One more reason for publishing the source code to drive-line software in cars. How does this prevent VW from publishing inaccurate source code? Let's say we manage to force them to not only disclose full source code but also how to make binary reproducible builds and we also (somehow) can verify the integrity of every single microcontroller in the car, how do we prevent underhanded programming tactics? We're always going to need to trust auto makers so why put massive burdens on them that don't remove our need to trust them?

jacquesm 11y ago
Well, I'd assume that someone will take that sourcecode, compile it and run it and spot the differences which will lead to speedy publication of evidence of foul play.
Skunkleton 11y ago
Open hardware designs would resolve this issue. If you were so inclined, you could re-implement your computers electronics based on the specification. Unfortunately I don’t see this ever happening.
dclowd9901 11y ago
Publishing source code is not a massive burden. Developers do it all day long every day.
yrro 11y ago
They should be required to come up with a build system that produces reproducible output, then people can dump the code in their car and compare it to what was published.
- Retra 11y ago
  If you can dump the code in your car, then you can boost your own car's performance by circumventing the laws yourself. That's one of the reasons this software is locked up, (as I understand it, anyway)
  - jacquesm 11y ago
    You can swap out your tires for known good ones just before the MOT too and swap them back afterwards. Laws can always be circumvented, but that does not make such circumvention any less illegal and when caught the penalties tend to be quite serious.
  - letstryagain 11y ago
    You can do that anyway, and some people do in fact replace their controller chips with modified clones to boost performance. http://www.chipexpress.com/ http://www.chipexpress.com/

by tetrep 11y ago

jacquesm 11y ago

Well, I'd assume that someone will take that sourcecode, compile it and run it and spot the differences which will lead to speedy publication of evidence of foul play.

Skunkleton 11y ago

Open hardware designs would resolve this issue. If you were so inclined, you could re-implement your computers electronics based on the specification. Unfortunately I don’t see this ever happening.

dclowd9901 11y ago

Publishing source code is not a massive burden. Developers do it all day long every day.

yrro 11y ago

They should be required to come up with a build system that produces reproducible output, then people can dump the code in their car and compare it to what was published.

Retra 11y ago
If you can dump the code in your car, then you can boost your own car's performance by circumventing the laws yourself. That's one of the reasons this software is locked up, (as I understand it, anyway)
- jacquesm 11y ago
  You can swap out your tires for known good ones just before the MOT too and swap them back afterwards. Laws can always be circumvented, but that does not make such circumvention any less illegal and when caught the penalties tend to be quite serious.
- letstryagain 11y ago
  You can do that anyway, and some people do in fact replace their controller chips with modified clones to boost performance. http://www.chipexpress.com/ http://www.chipexpress.com/