[kubik369]

Unfortunately, this is just wishful thinking. Take an example where a company is going under. If such a law existed, it would be unenforceable as the company does not have the resources and know-how how to do such a thing. After they file for bankrupcy, there is no point in punishing them.

[sokoloff]

Software escrow processes could (partially) solve this, at an upfront cost for every company developing and selling such a device (meaning, at a price that will ultimately be paid by consumers).

[malermeister]

Some government agency could be doing the escrow, at no charge to the company.

[thereddaikon]

Yeah open sourcing code sounds nice but that's the pipe dream of the tech literate. A real workable solution would be regulation defining and banning ewaste creation and consumer protection from vendors rug pulling product support. Penalizing deviant practices and incentivizing open industry standards.