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SFLC Wants To Avoid Death by Code
foregather writes "The Software Freedom Law Center has released some independent research on the safety of software close to our hearts: that inside of implantable medical devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps. It turns out that nobody is minding the store at the regulatory level and patients and doctors are blocked from examining the source code keeping them alive. From the article: 'The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for evaluating the risks of new devices and monitoring the safety and efficacy of those currently on market. However, the agency is unlikely to scrutinize the software operating on devices during any phase of the regulatory process unless a model that has already been surgically implanted repeatedly malfunctions or is recalled. ... Despite the crucial importance of these devices and the absence of comprehensive federal oversight, medical device software is considered the exclusive property of its manufacturers, meaning neither patients nor their doctors are permitted to access their IMD's source code or test its security.'"
I did not say it was a good idea to make alcohol illegal. I said if the FDA was concerned with keeping Americans safe from health risks they'd ban alcohol. And another funny from you two is that while I support the legalization of pot, I don't use it. And I know, without a doubt, alcohol is the most deadly drug we have. (BTW in college working towards a MA, aiming towards being a LPC or LSW specializing in substance abuse treatment). But like cigarettes, another nasty, deadly item, I indulge in both alcohol and tobacco way too much for my health. 2-3 packs a day and about a pint to a quart of everclear a night. The 190 proof at that. But thanks for the amateur psychoanalyzing, it was very humorous.
If you think that 100 or so odd lines of code can cover every single scenario and manage your heart in every possible conceivable case, you deserve the effects of a situation those 100 or so odd lines of code aren't prepared for.
If that situation leaves you dead, all the better, stupidity should be a capital offense anyways.