The Licensing Revolution: How Cars and Computers Are Ending Ownership

The article argues that the shift from ownership to licensing is eroding personal freedom, using cars and computers as prime examples. It highlights that modern cars are spy machines, collecting and selling personal data, with 84% of brands sharing data and 92% giving drivers little control. A 2023 Mozilla Foundation review found all 25 car brands earned a privacy warning. Tesla warns that opting out of data collection can lead to reduced functionality or inoperability. Under the Biden administration, Section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates a 'kill switch' in all new passenger vehicles by late 2026 or early 2027, allowing remote impairment detection and vehicle limitation. The article also notes the licensing revolution in software: Apple licenses music, TurboTax offers revocable licenses, and Amazon can delete ebooks. Adobe Acrobat moved to a subscription model in 2020, generating billions annually. Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module and relies on cloud computing, effectively turning PCs into terminals. The author advises against buying new cars and warns that resistance may be futile as corporate and government control expands.