- Target:
- ASUS, USA and ASUS, Japan
- Region:
- GLOBAL
ASUS Worldwide has been encrypting their Bootloader software in their devices for at least a Decade. This is a normally accepted practice, it ensures they can provide a warranty and not support tampering with the device during it's supported period, but when they declare a product EOL (End Of Life) and then refuse to provide a permanent way for the original or aftermarket Owner of said devices that is an unfair practice. ASUS in 2012 and other periods have reacted to petitions and possible class-action lawsuits then providing alternative unlocking software.
2 things of note;
Bootloader Unlocking is NOT the same as a PUK code or a Carrier Unlock Code. Those are provided by the original Carrier and you may need to touch base with them for that FIRST before using this type of unlocker from ASUS. Certain conditions such as bill payments in arrears, early termination fees and the like that prevent a Carrier Unlock Code are your problem to resolve first.
The other HUGE and easy explanation of what needs to be done by ASUS is this: Liken this to you buying a car and after so many years your warranty expires BUT you are unable to perform any type of repair to it! Even if you had purchased it used, you're still stuck! Maybe you need a new motor or transmission, but you are unable to because the Manufacturer of that vehicle has it locked even if a Dealer was capable of performing repairs/upgrades. And in the same scenario, they have it locked to only going 55mph or just stops dead til you pay them or buy a new vehicle.
That's the same as Ransomware hitting your PCs! You don't pay up or buy a new one - too bad.
Here's an Article from 2012 where ASUS had to relent and provide such a tool: https://www.itwriting.com/blog/5282-users-petition-asus-over-locked-bootloader-in-asus-transformer-prime.html
Below is our Petition for you to sign onto asking ASUS to do the right thing and provide a tool for this or face a potential Class-Action Lawsuit.
We the undersigned ask ASUS Global to provide bootloader unlock tools for all EOL products they create for Tablets and Cellphones. We acknowledge ASUS provides this for active devices and a certain period after but then cuts off or modifies their unlock servers so the devices in question can't function properly or allow an Original Owner or an Aftermarket Owner to modify the base operating system as they see fit. This could include a different or upgraded OS, removal of "bloatware" that may or may not function at this point or belong to the original Carrier that sold the device to a current/former customer.
As an undersigned signatory, we individually certify that We are at least 13 (Thirteen) years of age and are the current Owners of said device be it Original or an Aftermarket purchase. Further we agree and declare this is for Personal Use Only and that we hold ASUS harmless and no longer responsible for any support or technical assistance for said device as part of this request. Said unlocking tool can be made available for download on all ASUS sites or have some method of request and provide if ASUS wants some control over the distribution method of such a tool.
We further agree not to reverse engineer, modify or tamper with proprietary code or contents of said tool that may expose the proprietary and licensed methods of ASUS Global. The tool requested is specifically to unlock the "bootloader" to allow modifications of said device(s) for our own personal use and preferences.
In summation, this practice of continuing digital locks such as this is considered the same as Ransomware or a manufacturer of a vehicle shutting down until something is paid OR the Owner is forced to buy a newer device. This additionally prevents the recycling and continued use of electronics instead of disposal and becoming waste products that harm our environment.
We hope ASUS Global will see our point of view and grant us this request in a timely manner based on the facts presented. If not, the undersigned here will be given the opportunity to participate in a class-action lawsuit to enable us to obtain said tool and enjoy continued use of our device(s) and help us to improve our environment and carbon footprint.
We thank you for your attention!
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Unlock EOL ASUS Tablet & Cellphone Bootloaders factory encrypted! petition to ASUS, USA and ASUS, Japan was written by DAVID DUFFNER and is in the category Science & Technology at GoPetition.