The DigitalEurope group suggests that security upgrades be sent every three years.
The German government has suggested requiring smartphone and tablet makers to give software and security upgrades within seven years as part of discussions with the European Commission, according to C’t.
The current European Commission plan, which is set to go into force in 2023, mandates hardware makers to give security upgrades for five years and tablet components for six. The European Commission also recommends requiring manufacturers to reveal component prices and not raise them. The EC, on the other hand, has no plans to establish pricing for replacement components.
Both ideas were met with stiff opposition from manufacturers, as predicted. The European industry association DigitalEurope, in particular, suggests limiting the supply duration of security upgrades to three years, and components to just screens and batteries, because manufacturers believe cameras, speakers, and other components are more dependable.
While Apple gives five years of security and feature upgrades, many Android device makers only supply three years or less. In 2021, Samsung has promised to provide security upgrades for four years.
Overall, the EC plan aims to protect the environment by extending the use of technology, but it can also assist enhance mobile device safety. According to StatCounter, slightly over 40% of Android smartphones are running 9.0 Pie or earlier in August 2021. At the same time, the vast majority of users are using devices that have either ceased getting security updates or are soon to stop receiving them. Longer support will help safeguard devices with legacy software from hacker assaults since they will be less exposed to vulnerabilities resolved in more recent software.
DigitalEurope is a European association that represents the digital technology industry, which includes Apple, Google, and Samsung, among others.
