right to root access
I believe consumers, as a right, should be able to install software of their choosing to any computing device that is owned outright.
This should apply regardless of the computer’s form factor. In addition to traditional computing devices like PCs and laptops, this right should apply to devices like mobile phones, “smart home” appliances, and even industrial equipment like tractors.
In 2025, we’re ultra-connected via a network of devices we do not have full control over. Much of this has to do with how companies lock their devices’ bootloaders, prevent root access, and prohibit installation of software that is not explicitly sanctioned through approval in their own distribution channels.
A bootloader is the computer program responsible for the process of booting up a computer. Root access refers to the highest level of privileges a user can be granted to a computer system.
Having access to the bootloader and root gives you full control of your device. You must have access to these if you want to do things like:
