They have not been trained for this (ccc.de)

Article summary

The Chaos Computer Club (CCC) is supporting three hackers who discovered that a Polish train manufacturer, Newag, had implemented a system to disable trains if they were serviced by competitors. The hackers are being sued by Newag under both criminal and civil law, and the CCC is calling for donations to cover the legal costs. The CCC argues that the lawsuits are an attempt to silence the hackers and prevent further publications about the issue. The hackers' discovery was presented at the 37C3 conference, and they are now facing a legal battle that has already cost around 30,000 euros.

Main themes

• Train manufacturer's DRM
• Hackers' discovery
• Lawsuits and legal costs
• CCC support
• Right to repair
• Corporate sabotage

What commenters say

• The train manufacturer's actions constitute sabotage and potentially treason, and they should be charged accordingly.
• The hackers' discovery is a clear example of corporate overreach and an attempt to stifle competition.
• The lawsuits against the hackers are a form of intimidation and an attempt to silence them and prevent further publications.
• The use of DRM to disable trains serviced by competitors is a form of coercion that harms businesses and consumers.
• Donations to support the hackers' legal costs are necessary to protect their right to free speech and to hold corporations accountable.
• Alternative payment methods, such as PayPal or buy-me-a-coffee accounts, would make it easier for people to donate to support the hackers.
• The complexity of international bank transfers is a significant obstacle to donating to support the hackers, and alternative methods should be considered.
• The CCC's support for the hackers is a crucial step in protecting the right to repair and modifying products, and in promoting transparency and accountability in corporate practices.