Arduino's New Terms of Service Worries Hobbyists Ahead of Qualcomm Acquisition (arstechnica.com)
- Reference: 0180196233
- News link: https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/11/24/2144256/arduinos-new-terms-of-service-worries-hobbyists-ahead-of-qualcomm-acquisition
- Source link: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/arduinos-new-terms-of-service-worries-hobbyists-ahead-of-qualcomm-acquisition/
> Some members of the maker community are [1]distraught about Arduino's new terms of service (ToS), saying that the [2]added rules put the company's open source DNA at risk. Arduino updated its ToS and privacy policy this month, which is about a month after Qualcomm [3]announced that it's acquiring the open source hardware and software company. Among the most controversial changes is this addition: "User shall not: translate, decompile or reverse-engineer the Platform, or engage in any other activity designed to identify the algorithms and logic of the Platform's operation, unless expressly allowed by Arduino or by applicable license agreements ..."
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> In response to concerns from some [4]members of the maker community , including from open source hardware distributor and manufacturer [5]Adafruit , Arduino posted [6]a blog on Friday. Regarding the new reverse-engineering rule, Arduino's blog said: "Any hardware, software or services (e.g. Arduino IDE, hardware schematics, tooling and libraries) released with Open Source licenses remain available as before. Restrictions on reverse-engineering apply specifically to our Software-as-a-Service cloud applications. Anything that was open, stays open."
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> But Adafruit founder and engineer Limor Fried and Adafruit managing editor Phillip Torrone are not convinced. They told Ars Technica that Arduino's blog leaves many questions unanswered and said that they've sent these questions to Arduino without response. "Why is reverse-engineering prohibited at all for a company built on openly hackable systems?" Fried and Torrone asked in a shared statement.
There are also concerns about the ToS' broad new AI-monitoring powers, which offer little clarity on what data is collected, who can access it, or how long it's retained. On top of that, the update introduces an unusual patent clause that bars users from using the platform to identify potential infringement by Arduino or its partners, along with sweeping, perpetual rights over user-generated content. This could allow Arduino, and potentially Qualcomm, to republish, modify, monetize, or redistribute user uploads indefinitely.
[1] https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/arduinos-new-terms-of-service-worries-hobbyists-ahead-of-qualcomm-acquisition/
[2] https://www.arduino.cc/en/terms-conditions/
[3] https://slashdot.org/story/25/10/07/2032219/qualcomm-is-buying-arduino-releases-new-raspberry-pi-esque-arduino-board
[4] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adafruit_opensource-privacy-techpolicy-activity-7396903362237054976-r14H/
[5] https://www.adafruit.com/about
[6] https://blog.arduino.cc/2025/11/21/the-arduino-terms-of-service-and-privacy-policy-update-setting-the-record-straight/
Ouch. (Score:3)
Good thing I spent the last few years learning KiCad... Guess it's back to actual DIY.
A Shame, But... (Score:3)
It's a real shame to see this happen. But, it's not the end of the world. There are numerous other Arduino-like microcontrollers out there.
Fork Arduino, move on with whatever. Espressif ESP32, Raspberry Pi Pico, Teensy, Particle Photon...
The Best Business Strategy (Score:2)
I call this approach the good ol' "this house will keep us warm as it burns down around us."
The keen vision and planning of corporate officers cannot be overstated.
Blessed be the shareholders.
Arduino "commitment to open-source is unwavering" (Score:2)
Arduino responded to this recent drama just a few days ago, saying "Our 20-year commitment to open-source is unwavering" with a good explanation of the new T&C.
[1]https://blog.arduino.cc/2025/1... [arduino.cc]
I believe Arduino is sincere with their statement.
One man speaking with Adafruit's social media accounts seems to feel otherwise. He probably believes he's doing good by raising the alarm. Maybe some of the points have some merit? But the tone really looks like an attempt to stir up drama and harm Arduino's rep
[1] https://blog.arduino.cc/2025/11/21/the-arduino-terms-of-service-and-privacy-policy-update-setting-the-record-straight/
Makerbot (Score:2)
The Makerbot of Dev Boards
Ah, well. (Score:4)
Arduino was fun while it lasted.
If you need a corner to weep in, just follow the VMWare customers. They know where it is.
Re: (Score:2)
Capitalism at its finest!