I don’t think of the Tesla API as “hacking” per se … I think the API is widely known as an unofficial, but documented set of tools open to developers writing apps that support the vehicle. Trying to get into a Tesla’s diagnostic mode or something like that would be “hacking”.Are there even "a few" non-employee deliveries yet? I doubt employees would be allowed to share details about how to hack into the app's datastream, even if they reverse engineered it on their own time.
Need to watch the legalese here.I don’t think of the Tesla API as “hacking” per se … I think the API is widely known as an unofficial, but documented set of tools open to developers writing apps that support the vehicle. Trying to get into a Tesla’s diagnostic mode or something like that would be “hacking”.
I'm not saying it is or isn't legal. I'm just going to point out that companies say a lot of things and that doesn't make them correct.I'm sure if you read the legal in the app it grants you access to the api through the app, and any other access is unauthorized.
In this case, it's more the other way around. The courts have interpreted the laws on hacking more broadly than any reasonable person would expect.I'm not saying it is or isn't legal. I'm just going to point out that companies say a lot of things and that doesn't make them correct.
Ever see a truck with "Not responsible for broken windshields" painted on the back? Courts have routinely rejected that disclaimer and held them liable for damage caused from not properly securing their load.
Ever see a product with a "warranty void if removed" sticker? Not legal.
You said it better than I did … it would be nice if they officially supported it.In this case, it's more the other way around. The courts have interpreted the laws on hacking more broadly than any reasonable person would expect.
From a practical point of view, you are very unlikely to get in trouble reverse engineering the app's API calls as long as you stop ASAP if Rivian complains. We have no idea yet if Rivian is going to complain. I hope they don't complain, or even better I hope they publish an official API for 3rd party developers to us.