80 Attend Louis Rossmann's 'Own Your Shit' Tour in San Jose

Louis Rossmann's 'Own Your Shit' tour, a grassroots initiative advocating for consumer rights, recently held its penultimate event in San Jose, California. Approximately 80 people gathered at a brewery's narrow side porch to hear Rossmann and other speakers discuss the impact of restrictive digital legislation, specifically Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), according to Wired.

Section 1201, enacted in 1998, prohibits bypassing digital locks imposed by manufacturers, ostensibly to ensure device security. Critics argue it restricts consumer ownership and repair rights, allowing companies to charge for access to hardware. Rossmann, a YouTuber and ownership advocate, has been vocal about these issues, using his platform to rally support against what he describes as corporate overreach.

The San Jose event featured panels with representatives from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, San Jose State University’s Fixit workshop, and the Fisker Owners Association. These groups share a common goal: to challenge the limitations imposed by Section 1201 and advocate for consumer rights to repair and modify their own devices.

Rossmann's presentation was marked by his passionate delivery, even as a nearby train repeatedly interrupted the event. He continued to speak over the noise, emphasizing his commitment to the cause. "How many people here enjoy it when they get threats of lawsuits?" Rossmann asked the crowd, eliciting a few raised hands, including that of Rohit Chopra, former director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "I enjoy when people try to sue me," Rossmann added, highlighting his defiance against legal threats.

Throughout the tour, Rossmann has criticized companies like Amazon, Apple, Sony, and BMW for practices he views as exploitative. He accuses these companies of implementing software locks and subscription models that limit consumer control over purchased products. For instance, he pointed to Amazon's removal of books from Kindles and BMW's dashboard ads as examples of companies exerting undue control over consumer devices.

The 'Own Your Shit' tour aims to galvanize public support for legislative change, encouraging consumers to demand more autonomy over their devices. Rossmann's advocacy group, Fulu, even offers bounties for individuals who can disable digital locks, despite potential legal repercussions.

The tour's final event is scheduled for October 1 in Silver Springs, Maryland. As Rossmann continues his campaign, the movement gains momentum among those frustrated with the increasing prevalence of digital restrictions and subscription services.

Rossmann's efforts reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the current state of digital ownership, as consumers push back against companies that limit their ability to repair and modify their own devices. The tour serves as a rallying cry for those who believe in the right to fully own and control their purchases.

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