Can manufacturers maintain publicly accessible software archives?
“Manufacturers may maintain public software archives enhancing user access to historical versions. In those cases, users shall be clearly informed in an easily accessible manner about risks associated with using unsupported software” (Article 13(11)).
Manufacturers are allowed to maintain public software archives for historical versions of their products with digital elements that are no longer made available on the market. Users should be clearly informed of the risks that may stem from using software that is no longer supported.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This document is prepared by the Commission services and should not be considered as representative of the European Commission’s official position. The replies to the FAQs do not extend in any way the rights and obligations deriving from applicable legislation nor introduce any additional requirement. The expressed views are not authoritative and cannot prejudge any future actions the European Commission may take, including potential positions before the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is competent to authoritatively interpret Union law.