Arduino’s new terms of service worries hobbyists ahead of Qualcomm acquisition

Arduino's new terms of service have left many members of the maker community worried about the future of open-source hardware and software. The company, which has been acquired by Qualcomm, has updated its ToS to include a restriction on reverse-engineering, sparking concerns that this could limit the ability of users to modify or improve Arduino boards.

The change was made just months after the acquisition, which raised questions among makers about whether the new terms would be enforced. In response to concerns from users like Adafruit's Limor Fried and Phillip Torrone, who expressed worry that the new language on reverse-engineering is too broad, Arduino released a statement saying that any hardware or software released under open-source licenses would remain available as before.

However, Fried and Torrone claim that the statement does not address their concerns. They have asked Arduino to provide more clarity on what data from AI systems is retained and how it will be used, as well as why the company has added opt-out language to its ToS regarding user-generated content.

The addition of a new "AI Policy" section to Arduino's ToS has also raised eyebrows among makers. The policy allows Arduino to monitor user accounts and use of AI products, including features and functions, compute time, and storage. Fried and Torrone have expressed concern that this could lead to the sharing of data with Qualcomm, which is not explicitly stated in the company's blog about the new ToS.

The maker community has long valued Arduino's commitment to open-source principles, and many are worried that the new terms will limit their ability to modify or improve boards. While Arduino's statement says that the content published on its platform remains the user's property, Fried and Torrone argue that this language is still too broad and does not provide sufficient clarity.

As Qualcomm completes its acquisition of Arduino, makers will be watching closely to see whether the company upholds its commitment to open-source principles.

I mean, who doesn't love having their freedom to tinker and innovate taken away? Arduino's new ToS is just what I needed to liven up my day - a healthy dose of paranoia about reverse-engineering. And let's be real, the whole "any data from AI systems is retained" thing sounds super reassuring... said no one ever .

I'm not sure what's more concerning, the fact that they're adding an "AI Policy" section to their ToS or that it's being met with a collective shrug from makers. Like, are we all just going to blindly agree to this new language without pushing back? Not exactly the most inspiring news for the maker community, especially considering Arduino's history of prioritizing open-source principles.

Still, I guess it's always exciting to see companies like Qualcomm swoop in and "acquire" more projects... because nothing says "exciting development" like corporate takeovers . Can't wait to see how this all plays out!

Ugh, I'm gettin' old ... remember when we could just tinker with our electronics without worryin' about some big corp suckin' the life outta us? Now it's all about them terms of service and AI policies . It's like Arduino's just tryin' to keep up with Qualcomm's money, but in doin' so, they're losin' sight of what made 'em awesome in the first place - the community, man! They gotta bring back that transparency and openness, or else we'll be stuck with boards that are more restrictive than a library book . I mean, come on, Limor Fried and Phillip Torrone are speakin' out against this stuff, and you'd think Arduino would listen... but maybe they just don't care about the people who made 'em famous in the first place .

The world is indeed changing rapidly, and it seems like companies are adapting to new norms at an alarming rate . "The only constant is change," after all - Mark Twain. It's interesting to see how the maker community is reacting to Arduino's new terms of service. The question remains, will they really uphold their commitment to open-source principles?

It's concerning to see Arduino's new ToS taking a more restrictive stance on reverse-engineering . The added "AI Policy" section is also raising some red flags, especially with regards to data sharing and user account monitoring . I think it's reasonable for the maker community to want more clarity on these issues, especially given Arduino's history of supporting open-source principles .

It's interesting that Adafruit's Limor Fried and Phillip Torrone are pushing back on these changes, and I agree with their concerns . The makers' community has always valued the ability to modify and improve hardware and software, so it's essential that Arduino upholds its commitment to open-source principles in this regard .

The acquisition by Qualcomm also adds an extra layer of complexity to the situation . As the company continues to navigate these changes, it's crucial that they prioritize transparency and communication with their community . After all, open-source hardware and software rely on trust and collaboration among users .

idk how i feel about arduino's new tos ... they're all about being open-source but this is literally a giant loophole waiting to happen. if they're gonna monitor user accounts and use of ai products, what's stopping them from sharing that data with qualcomm? it's all well and good that the content published on their platform remains yours but what happens when they start making changes behind the scenes without our consent?

Arduino's new terms are a big deal . Makers are worried about losing control over their boards . I think it's smart to allow users to modify and improve hardware , that's what makes maker culture awesome ! I'm not sure why Arduino needs to monitor user accounts and AI usage ... maybe they're just trying to keep us in line ? The language about data sharing is still super vague . Can't we just keep making and having fun with our own stuff?

I've seen this happen before with tech companies going through changes in ownership. First, they'll make some adjustments just to get everything in line and then, if not careful, it can creep into the way they do business. I'm worried about what this means for all us DIY folks who love tinkering with their boards.

I've been using Arduino for years and I know how great it is to be able to modify and improve them. It's part of what makes them so special – we get to take something awesome and make it even better ourselves. But if these new terms kick in, that might all change...

Ugh, can't believe they changed the terms of service again . I mean, I get it, they're a business and need to make money, but come on! The maker community has always been about sharing knowledge and collaborating, not about locking down stuff. Now we're stuck wondering if our own projects are going to be owned by them after a few months .

And what's up with the "AI Policy" section? It feels like they're trying to sweep everything under the rug. We need more transparency here, not less! The fact that they're monitoring user accounts and using AI data is just plain creepy . I hope Fried and Torrone keep pushing back on this stuff, we can't let them get away with it without a fight .

I'm not even sure why we bother arguing about this anymore . We should be talking about how to make the platform better, not fighting over whether or not we have permission to modify our own projects . Sorry, just venting here...

OMG what's going on with Arduino!!! I mean I get it they wanna make some cash but come on guys who made this community all about DIY and hackin' can't they just keep it that way? The thought of them monitoring our code and whatnot is straight up freaky . And don't even get me started on the AI policy thing...like how are we supposed to know what data they're retainin' and for what reason? Can't we just have some transparency here?!? It's like, I understand business but at the end of the day this is about the community not just about some CEO makin' bank. Arduino has always been all about empowerin' people to make stuff and now it feels like they're tryin' to take that away from us . I'm gettin' a bad vibe from this whole thing...fingers crossed they don't screw over the makers .

I'm low-key worried about what's goin' down with Arduino's new ToS . As a maker, I love that they were all about open-sourcin' and lettin' us tinker with their boards. But now it sounds like they're tryin' to limit our freedom to modify 'em, which is kinda a bummer .

I get that Qualcomm's got some cash and influence now, but can't we still expect Arduino to keep it real about their commitment to open-source? I mean, I know Fried and Torrone are worried, and I don't blame 'em. The new AI Policy section just feels like more red tape, you know?

I'm hopin' that Arduino's gonna uphold their end of the deal and keep us makers in the loop about what's goin' on. Otherwise, it might be a real shame if they start changin' their tune .

I'm getting a bad vibe from this update, you know? Like, they're trying to sneak in these changes under the rug and not enough people are questioning it. I mean, what's wrong with having some transparency about how their AI systems work? It's like, we're already used to sharing our data with companies, but at least we know what we're getting into. The fact that they're adding opt-out language for user-generated content just raises more questions... Are they trying to control the narrative or something? I'm not saying Arduino isn't doing anything right, but this feels like a slippery slope to me. What if they start using our data for things we wouldn't expect them to do with it?

OMG, what's going on with Arduino's new ToS? I mean, I get it, they gotta make a buck, but come on, reverse-engineering is a big deal for us makers! We rely on being able to tweak and improve those boards. This new AI Policy section is super sketchy too... like, what exactly are they gonna do with our data? I hope Limor Fried and Phillip Torrone get some answers from Arduino, 'cause this community is gonna be keeping a close eye

OMG I'm like super worried about this!!! Arduino has always been our go-to for DIY projects and mods, but now they're changing their ToS to restrict reverse-engineering? That's like totally not in line with their original mission of promoting makers and creativity! What if they start controlling what we can do with their boards? It's like they're taking away our freedom to tinker and improve! Can't wait for the community to speak out and make some noise about this - gotta support Adafruit and Phillip Torrone on this one

idk whats going on with arduino... i mean, i love making things with my board and all, but this new stuff is like, what's the point? they're saying we can still modify it or whatever, but is it really true? i don't get why they need to add all these restrictions. i'm just a hobbyist, not trying to make some big profit or anything... and now they're talking about sharing data with quallcomm? that's like, so not cool

so arduino changed their terms of service like what's the big deal? i thought they were open source or something i dont get why people are worried about reverse engineering... cant we just use it to make our own boards better? but if its a problem, can someone explain to me how ai policy works? is it like if i use arduino to build a robot and its gets smarter on its own, does qualcomm get access to that info

I mean, come on... Arduino's gone corporate! It's like they're trying to suck all the fun outta making stuff themselves. This new ToS is just a bunch of corporate speak that sounds good on paper but doesn't exactly fill me with confidence. I get it, they wanna make some cash off their tech, but can't they find a way to do that without screwing over their loyal user base? Those makers who've been using Arduino boards for years are gonna be like "hold up, what's going on here?" And now, with this new AI Policy section... it's like they're trying to monitor our every move. I hope Qualcomm doesn't mess them up too much, or we'll lose the very thing that made Arduino so awesome in the first place - the sense of community and freedom that comes with making your own stuff!

I'm gettin' a bad vibe from this new ToS update . I mean, what's next? They're gonna make us pay royalties for using our own hardware and software? It's like they think we're just gonna sit back and let 'em change the rules whenever they want.

And that AI Policy section? That's just plain creepy . I don't trust a company that's gonna monitor every move you make on their platform. What if they start sellin' our data to third parties or somethin'?

I'm still glad Adafruit and Phillip Torrone spoke up about this though . They're tryin' to get some clarity, and I think we should be worried about what's goin' on here. We need to know more about what Arduino's gonna do with our data and how they're gonna enforce these new rules.

I hope Qualcomm doesn't mess with the maker community too much . We've always been about innovation and sharing ideas, not some corporate oligopoly . Let's see if Arduino can keep its promise of open-source principles .

This new ToS is like a big ol' fat red flag waving at us maker folk. Open source is all about freedom, but what's this "AI Policy" doing there? It sounds like they're trying to own our code and data... No thanks! Can't Arduino just stick to the original open-source vibe?

I'm totally low-key freaked out by these new ToS changes! Like, I get it, companies need to protect themselves, but come on! Reverse-engineering is a huge part of what makes Arduino awesome - we can hack, tinker, and create stuff with their boards. If they start policing us like that, it's gonna stifle innovation . And what about all the user-generated content? They're basically giving Qualcomm permission to swoop in and take our projects without so much as a by-your-leave . I hope Limor and Phillip are pushing for more clarity on this, 'cause if they don't, it's gonna be a disaster .