News Intel Quietly Resumes Russia Support, Unblocks Software Downloads

[Admin]

After pausing earlier in 2022, Intel is now allowing Russian users to download driver software.

Intel Quietly Resumes Russia Support, Unblocks Software Downloads : Read more

 

[-Fran-]

One for the US Congress to ponder, I guess?

I'd imagine the spirit of the sanctions would include "warranty obligations" in a very loose (or strict?) interpretation.

I can't blame Intel and Microsoft for allowing it, but interesting dilemma none the less.

As they've been doing this for a while now, I'd also imagine it's because authorities said it was ok? Maybe?

Regards.

 

[Dave Haynie]

If they're doing this to honor warranty, you'd think that US Government sanctions would indemnify them against any legal action.

A more interesting response would have been not to end code download, but fill it with malicious code. So at some trigger point, all updated Russian computer brick themselves. You'd have to allow enough time before sending the trigger to allow lots of computer updates, and of course only supply these versions to users from Russia or Belarus. I guess we'll know if they did this, eventually.

 

[digitalgriffin]

"Contractual obligations" my tail.

 

[digitalgriffin]

If they're doing this to honor warranty, you'd think that US Government sanctions would indemnify them against any legal action.

A more interesting response would have been not to end code download, but fill it with malicious code. So at some trigger point, all updated Russian computer brick themselves. You'd have to allow enough time before sending the trigger to allow lots of computer updates, and of course only supply these versions to users from Russia or Belarus. I guess we'll know if they did this, eventually.

I was wondering if they installed honeypot software myself.

But that would work against Intel if relationships ever resumed. Would you allow your country to ever trust a hardware partner again if it was laced with spyware/boobytraps. I mean look how paranoid the USA is against Kaspersky, Huawei, and TikTok? (And for good reason)

 

[Ar558]

This nullifies the power of sanctions, they should be cut off absolutely and if users have a problem maybe they can rethink their electoral choices.

 

[lmcnabney]

Providing drivers and patches is probably worth continuing. They could get the drivers in roundabout fashion anyway. Pushing security patches really does make us all safer.

 

[TechieTwo]

It's all about the money with Intel. They have been convicted of crimes many times in many countries. To Intel it's just the cost of doing business. They are unscrupulous IMNHO.

 

[rluker5]

IMNHO?

 

[Makaveli]

I was wondering if they installed honeypot software myself.

But that would work against Intel if relationships ever resumed. Would you allow your country to ever trust a hardware partner again if it was laced with spyware/boobytraps. I mean look how paranoid the USA is against Kerspasky, Huawei, and TikTok? (And for good reason)

hmm there are some legal gray area's when its comes to honeypots but ya that would break all trust going forward so probably bad for business.

 

[artk2219]

IMNHO?

"In my never humble opinion" i believe. As for the support, as someone else already mentioned, when it comes to security its kind of a one for all situation, everyone is more secure by making sure that everyone stays secure.

 

[COLGeek]

Bringing this to a close now. Thank you to all who contributed.