Fight to Repair

Fight to Repair focuses on advocating for the right to repair electronics, highlighting issues like planned obsolescence, anti-repair lobbying, and the environmental impact of electronic waste. It covers repairs for diverse products from printers to vehicles, criticizes monopoly practices, and reports on legislative developments globally.

Right to Repair Legislation Electronic Waste and Environmental Impact Consumer Advocacy and Corporate Accountability Planned Obsolescence and Product Longevity Digital Rights Management (DRM) and Software Locks Monopoly Practices and Market Control Repair-Friendly Product Design Legislative and Policy Developments Consumer Electronics and Appliances Vehicle Repair Laws and Telematics

The hottest Substack posts of Fight to Repair

And their main takeaways

European Union Reaches Agreement on New Repair Laws

138 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics European Union Legislation Advocacy Regulation
  1. EU has agreed on new repair laws requiring manufacturers to repair common household products and provide repair information to consumers.
  2. The new repair laws also allow consumers to borrow a device while theirs is being fixed and offer refurbished units as alternatives.
  3. Advocates are pushing for more expansive legislation beyond the new repair rules to increase repair accessibility and spare parts availability.

Sorry, Davos: e-waste is a tragedy, not an opportunity

138 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment E-Waste Right-to-repair Circular Economy Sustainability Recycling
  1. E-waste is a significant problem globally, causing harm to people and ecological systems through pollution, inhumane extraction of raw materials, and other disasters.
  2. The idea pushed by some, like the World Economic Forum, that e-waste can be seen as a financial opportunity and a way to boost the economy is criticized as overlooking the true impact and complexity of the issue.
  3. Repairing electronics rather than constant disposal is highlighted as a more sustainable solution that could lead to a more resilient community, a reduction in repair costs, and the circulation of money locally.

Why Monopolies Hate Repair

118 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
💼 Business Monopolies Repair Market Power Right-to-repair Competition
  1. The fight for the right to repair is closely tied to the fight against monopolies. Companies like Apple use control over repairs to limit competition and maximize profit.
  2. Monopolies can hinder a circular economy by prioritizing profit over repairability. The push for a real circular economy requires challenging traditional capitalist notions.
  3. Legislation like the Digital Markets Act can help combat the restrictive practices of monopolies and create a more repair-friendly future. Advocating for right to repair policies and regulations is crucial in this fight.

10 States Introduce Right to Repair Legislation

118 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Consumer Rights
  1. 10 states have introduced right to repair legislation in 2024, showing strong momentum for repair laws.
  2. The bills cover various categories, from electronics to farm equipment, and some propose new types of right to repair laws.
  3. Recent successes in passing right to repair laws hint at a changing landscape, with more support for consumer repair rights.

"Buy, Don't Repair" Is Subtle Message of Google Ad Campaign

138 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Repair Consumer Culture Right-to-repair Data Privacy
  1. The Google ad campaign conveys the message of 'Buy, Don't Repair' by promoting replacing products over repairing them, highlighting the impact of consumer culture and convenience.
  2. There is a significant focus on increasing the longevity of products through right to repair initiatives, emphasizing the importance of repairing, reusing, and reducing waste before resorting to recycling.
  3. Various issues related to repair and longevity, such as companies limiting repair resources, the spread of 'Deere disease' affecting maintenance, and the impact of support policies on vintage products, are highlighted in the text.
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National Association of Manufactured Consent: D.C. Group Floats Anti Right to Repair Tome

118 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Environment Politics Digital Rights Legislation
  1. The National Association of Manufacturers released a report against the right to repair but it recycled industry talking points and presented weak arguments.
  2. The report falsely claims that right to repair harms the environment, but in reality, creating and shipping replacement parts are more environmentally friendly than replacing entire devices.
  3. Different state right to repair laws can be burdensome, but they are a step towards a federal law that grants repair rights to all Americans, while still allowing for state-level legislation.

New Yorkers Get Their Right To Repair Today. Here’s What You Need to Know.

98 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Manufacturers Challenges Enforcement
  1. New Yorkers have the right to repair electronics starting today due to the Digital Fair Repair Act, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul last year.
  2. The law necessitates manufacturers to provide repair information, tools, and parts for digital electronic equipment sold after July 1, 2023, but there are some exemptions like medical equipment and motor vehicles.
  3. Enforcement and implications of the law, along with challenges from industry groups, are expected, but it's already encouraging manufacturers like Apple and Google to enhance repair options.

Activation locks send working Macbooks to the trash- Week in Repair

138 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Devices Laws Repairability Recycling Manufacturers
  1. Activation locks on Macbooks are causing perfectly functional devices to be discarded due to the security feature preventing refurbishing or re-selling.
  2. Harvard Business Review article suggests that right to repair laws might lead manufacturers to counterproductive actions, like adjusting prices or promoting device replacement over repair.
  3. Advocates highlight the importance of right to repair laws in promoting refurbishing and reusing devices to reduce e-waste and keep toxic chemicals out of landfills.

Must Read Right To Repair Stories from 2023

78 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Antitrust Government
  1. 2023 was a significant year in the fight for Right to Repair, with more states enacting laws to support repair rights.
  2. Key victories in 2023 included the enactment of right to repair laws in New York, Minnesota, California, Colorado, and Maine, covering a wide range of electronic and mechanical devices.
  3. The push for Right to Repair gained momentum in 2023, with hearings on Capitol Hill, legal actions against manufacturers like John Deere, and support from various government bodies like the EPA and FTC.

DRM Gone Wild: The Polish Train Liberation Controversy

78 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Repair Manufacturers Software Hardware
  1. Polish hackers faced legal pushback after repairing a train that a manufacturer attempted to render inoperable remotely, highlighting the risks of DRM and anti-competitive behavior.
  2. DRM controls extend to various devices like farm equipment and cars, restricting repairs to authorized technicians and limiting consumer choice, highlighting the need for right to repair laws.
  3. Companies use DRM and legal threats to control products, emphasizing profit over consumer rights, leading to the rise of the 'landlord economy' where users pay for ownership and usage rights.

Google Goes To Bat For Right To Repair In Oregon

59 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Repairability Privacy Environmental Impact Right-to-repair
  1. Google endorses the right to repair, changing its corporate position and supporting a legal right for users to repair their devices.
  2. Google is backing comprehensive right to repair legislation in Oregon and actively lobbying for its passage.
  3. Although Google's endorsement is a significant shift, their focus on parts assemblies over individual components has been critiqued by right to repair advocates.

NHTSA tells automakers not to comply with Massachusetts vehicle right to repair law

98 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Legal Safety Automakers
  1. The NHTSA advised automakers to not comply with the Massachusetts vehicle right to repair law due to safety concerns and federal regulations.
  2. The Massachusetts law, approved by voters, requires automakers to provide vehicle owners with access to telematics data for car repairs.
  3. NHTSA expressed concerns about the safety risks associated with the Massachusetts law's open remote access to vehicle systems.

Tool libraries are about repairing communities

98 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Community Infrastructure Social Neoliberalism Sustainability
  1. Tool libraries offer a low-cost option for people to access tools, fostering repair and community building.
  2. Investing in social infrastructure like tool libraries can create more resilient, sustainable, and connected communities.
  3. Funding directly to support tool libraries can confirm their value to the community, rather than heavily relying on constant fundraising efforts.

With Governor’s Signature, Minnesota Gives Residents A Right to Repair

98 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Technology Cybersecurity Consumer Rights
  1. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the Digital Fair Repair Act into law, giving residents the legal right to repair electronics, joining New York as one of the first U.S. states with comprehensive repair laws.
  2. The new law requires manufacturers to provide documentation, parts, and tools for repair within 60 days of a product's sale, though some products like cars are exempt from these regulations.
  3. Minnesota's right to repair legislation includes measures to prevent manufacturers from evading repair requirements under the guise of 'cybersecurity,' marking progress in consumer rights and product longevity.

The Big Question: What Comes After Right-to-Repair?

78 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Legal Advocacy Repair Product Design
  1. Several states have been passing comprehensive right-to-repair laws, indicating that the movement is gaining traction and popularity.
  2. The concept of the Overton window helps understand how companies like Apple are adjusting their stance on repair due to legislative and consumer pressure.
  3. The focus is shifting towards challenges beyond just access to parts and information, with emerging concerns surrounding software restrictions and product design in the right-to-repair movement.

Apple Calls for National Repair Law

78 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Tech Policy Consumer Tech Sustainability E-Waste Legislation
  1. Apple is pushing for a national right-to-repair law in the US after California's legislation, aiming to balance repairability with product integrity, usability, and safety.
  2. Apple's announcement reveals a strategic shift to shape the national law and potentially exclude certain aspects by emphasizing safety and privacy concerns.
  3. The tech industry is exploring creating Memorandums of Understanding to navigate right-to-repair laws, aiming to standardize repair practices and influence legislation.

Apple's Hypocrisy on Part Pairing

39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Repairs Legislation Environmental Consumer Rights
  1. Apple supported a right-to-repair law in California but opposed a similar bill in Oregon due to concerns on part pairing, despite citing safety and privacy reasons for their stance.
  2. Part pairing allows companies like Apple to control repair processes, maximize profits, and hinder the use of cheaper third-party components, impacting consumer choice and costs.
  3. Oregon legislators passed the proposed right-to-repair legislation despite Apple's opposition, indicating a shift towards giving residents a robust right to repair and recognition of Apple's contradictory stance.

The Tricky Economics of Obsolescence

78 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Consumerism Legislation Sustainability
  1. Planned obsolescence is deeply rooted in our economic systems; addressing it requires a larger systemic approach rather than just focusing on eliminating it.
  2. Repair activities offer a practical way to understand broader economic issues of consumerism, waste, and sustainability by extending the lifespan of goods and reducing environmental impact.
  3. Some governments, like France, are taking action against planned obsolescence, but challenges remain in enforcing laws and shifting from a throw-away culture to a repair mindset.

Microsoft backed a repair bill in Washington State. It died anyway.

78 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Legislation Consumer Electronics Environmental Impact
  1. Microsoft supported a right-to-repair bill in Washington state, marking a shift in their stance, but the bill did not progress due to opposition from members, including a former Apple employee.
  2. Older phones are generally easier to repair than newer models, as research shows the most repairable phones have an average age of 7.8 years.
  3. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, with political and corporate endorsements, such as the Biden Administration's support and the Council of Europe's official backing.

Bosch: “We Don’t Support Self Service”

78 implied HN points • 30 May 23
💼 Business Consumer Rights Manufacturing Legislation Market Trends
  1. Manufacturers like Bosch refuse to provide service manuals, making it challenging and expensive for customers to repair appliances themselves.
  2. Consumers are advocating for right to repair laws to ensure they have access to repair information and tools for products they own.
  3. Demand for service manuals and DIY repair is growing, with one-third of appliance owners choosing to repair their own devices.

In Recorded Conversation, A John Deere Dealer Talks Up Predatory Design

78 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Software Antitrust Agriculture Monopoly Regulation
  1. A John Deere dealership employee was caught on tape discussing the possibility of using software updates to block third-party competitors from working with John Deere equipment.
  2. The mention of using software updates to push out competition raises questions about anti-competitive behavior, which could potentially violate U.S. antitrust laws.
  3. The conversation highlights the importance of 'Right to Repair' legislation and the need for transparency from major agricultural equipment manufacturers in creating an open and competitive precision agriculture ecosystem.

Powerful Forces Are Eroding Ownership

78 implied HN points • 26 May 23
🕹 Technology Ownership Digitization Lobbying Copyright Law Enforcement
  1. Powerful forces are challenging the traditional concept of ownership, making people 'buy' and 'rent' simultaneously, like throttled iPhones and gated features on cars.
  2. Digitization, with software and Internet connectivity, has enhanced products but also limits consumer control, leading to issues like prohibitive repair costs and locked features.
  3. The erosion of ownership rights extends beyond repair laws, touching on political influence, outdated copyright laws, and enforcement challenges, highlighting the need for broader reforms.

Bluetooth To The Rescue! NHTSA Does About Face On Massachusetts Telematics Access Law

78 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Automotive Cybersecurity Regulation Wireless Technology Data Access
  1. NHTSA reversed its opposition to Massachusetts' expanded vehicle right to repair law, allowing for access to telematics data for repairs.
  2. NHTSA proposed a compromise for vehicle telematics access using Bluetooth connections to reduce cybersecurity risks.
  3. Auto Care Association does not support the Bluetooth solution, stating it doesn't create a fair playing field as expected by voters.

This week: U.S. House asks “Is there a right to repair?”

78 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Congress Technology Intellectual Property Legal issues
  1. The U.S. House will hold a hearing to explore the concept of 'right to repair'
  2. The hearing will cover various topics including intellectual property issues and potential policy changes
  3. The hearing will feature experts and panelists discussing laws like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and proposed bills like The REPAIR Act

Opinion: Killing Right to Repair Bills is Money Well Spent For Corporations

118 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Lobbying Corporate Influence Public Opinion
  1. Follow the money: Corporations spend heavily on lobbying and campaign donations to prevent right to repair bills from impacting their profits.
  2. Anti-repair lobbying impact: Companies like Apple invest in lobbying efforts to circumvent potential losses from repair laws, highlighting the power of money in shaping legislation.
  3. Persistence pays off: Despite corporate lobbying, the right to repair movement has achieved victories in some states, showcasing the importance of popular support and legislative perseverance.

Colorado Calls For Repair Scores

39 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Repairability Right-to-repair E-Waste Legislation Consumer behavior
  1. Colorado's legislature passed a resolution calling for a national scoring system for electronic device repairs, aiming to make repairability of products easy to understand when buying electronics.
  2. Repair scores, like the one adopted in France, have been shown to influence consumer behavior and create awareness about repairability options.
  3. Repair scores are part of a broader effort to reduce e-waste and empower consumers by making hidden costs of device purchases more apparent.

The Real Cost of Black Friday Deals

59 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
  1. Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping in the U.S. far exceeds voter turnout and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade viewership, showcasing the scale of consumerism.
  2. Cheap clothes bought during holiday sales often involve cheap labor, highlighting the importance of sustainable clothing practices and supporting fair wages for garment workers.
  3. Repairing and reusing items we already own can bring happiness and connection, offering a sustainable alternative to constant consumerism.

Citing Danger of “Ink Spills” Epson Programs End of Life for Some Printers

157 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Hardware Legal Environment Consumer Rights Repair
  1. Epson printers have a pre-determined 'end of life' programmed into their software without clear disclosure at purchase, pushing customers to replace or service their printers.
  2. Users encountering the 'end of life' message can temporarily reset it using an Epson utility for Windows, but Mac users must seek service or replace the printer.
  3. Epson designed their printers to stop working to prevent potential property damage from ink spills or safety issues, leading to concerns about electronic waste and right-to-repair practices.

Maine Micdrop: Auto Right to Repair Wins 84% Support At Polls

59 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Ecosystem Sustainability Policy Data Privacy
  1. Maine voters strongly support the right to repair automotive vehicles, mirroring efforts in other states. Voting yes on Question 4 allows car owners to choose where they get their vehicles repaired.
  2. Denver's Waste No More initiative promotes deconstruction over demolition to recycle and reuse construction materials, reducing landfill waste and lowering carbon footprint. Transitioning to deconstruction on a large scale faces challenges.
  3. Recognizing the environmental impact of construction waste, Denver residents passed the Waste No More ballot initiative. The ordinance requires the separation and recycling of several materials in construction and demolition activities.

🚀 1,000 Subscribers and Beyond!

59 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Repair Community Ecology Global Economics
  1. Right to repair is a common sense issue that is supported by the general public as it is a fairly simple concept that people can relate to.
  2. The right to repair movement goes beyond just fixing phones and computers; it touches on labor, ecological systems, and technology, providing a critical lens to view larger societal problems.
  3. Repair is a global concern that transcends national and cultural boundaries, highlighting its universal importance as a human activity.

CarDom: the automobile subscriptions lurking in our dystopian driving future

98 implied HN points • 22 Nov 22
💼 Business Automobiles Subscriptions Legislation Automakers Services
  1. Automakers are increasingly offering subscription-based services for various features in cars, possibly resulting in consumers paying again for features already included in the purchase price.
  2. Legislators are starting to take action against automakers requiring subscriptions for features that are already installed in vehicles, but more efforts are needed to curb the trend of 'paywalling' car functionalities.
  3. As the future of car ownership might shift towards subscription-based models, there is a concern that almost every feature in a car could be put behind a paywall, prompting discussions on how to regulate and limit this practice.

It's a Trap? Deere Signs Repair MOU With Farm Bureau

78 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
💼 Business Repair Legislation Industry Advocacy Agreements
  1. Deere signed an MOU with the American Farm Bureau Federation to provide some repair tools, but it may not give farmers complete access to necessary repair resources.
  2. Although the MOU is seen as a positive step, there are concerns about its enforcement and whether farmers will truly have all the tools needed for repairs.
  3. Despite the MOU, there are lingering questions about whether farmers will still require help from authorized providers for certain critical repairs.

The Green Economy Is A Lie

59 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Consumerism Renewable Energy
  1. Companies often use buzzwords like "green" and "circular" in misleading ways, but repair can provide a more mindful approach to consumption.
  2. Promises of innovation and technology solving climate change often overlook the real costs of production, labor, and environmental impacts.
  3. Narratives of a 'clean energy economy' gloss over the human and ecological violence inherent in the pursuit of convenience and consumption, highlighting the importance of repair and addressing the true costs of our consumption habits.

Twitter. Just. Sucks. Join our new subscriber chat!

98 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Social media
  1. The post discusses creating a new subscriber chat on Substack for those passionate about repair and tired of Twitter trolls.
  2. Paul Roberts announces the addition of a Fight to Repair subscriber chat space for exclusive subscriber discussions and updates.
  3. Subscribers can access this chat and interact by joining the conversation started by short prompts and thoughts shared by Paul.

On International Repair Day: Much To Celebrate

59 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🌐 International Repair Environment Legislation Recycling Sustainability
  1. International Repair Day is an occasion to celebrate repair skills, promote sustainability, and advocate for a more circular economy worldwide.
  2. Significant progress has been observed globally with the adoption of repair laws in various regions, including the US, Canada, India, and the EU.
  3. The movement for the right to repair is growing, aiming for repair accessibility for all, with events, advocacy, and initiatives globally to support a shift towards a more repairable world.

Are Bicycles Becoming Less Sustainable?

59 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Repair Recycling Emissions Circular Economy
  1. Some argue the sustainability of bicycles is decreasing with the introduction of e-bikes and resource-intensive materials, prompting a need to return to simpler designs and materials.
  2. Not all bicycles have the same environmental impact, especially when considering their lifecycle, repairability, and the materials they are made of.
  3. Repairing bicycles is a crucial way to extend their lifespan and combat the disposable culture in the cycling industry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing repair over constant innovation.

Repairable Devices Shift Focus To Software Support

59 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Repairability Right-to-repair Software updates Electronic Devices
  1. Repairable devices need software support to last longer, not just physical repairs.
  2. Software plays a crucial role in the obsolescence of devices, like limiting the lifespan of smartphones with discontinued software updates.
  3. Right to repair laws address physical repairs, but not the need for updated software as devices age, highlighting the importance of focusing on software longevity.

Should Car Safety Features Have A Paywall?

59 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Automotive Consumer Rights Tech Policy Regulations
  1. Consumer Reports campaign seeks to make safety features like Automatic Crash Notifications (ACN) standard rather than paid subscriptions by car companies.
  2. The trend of companies turning safety features like Apple's Emergency SOS into subscription services raises concerns about access to potentially life-saving features.
  3. Regulators like the FTC are taking steps against companies like Tesla and John Deere for using software controls to enforce subscriptions and deny access to users, highlighting the need for government intervention to protect consumer rights.

More than six billion smartphones on Earth, but who will fix them? Week in Repair

59 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Legislation E-Waste
  1. Over 6.92 billion people own smartphones worldwide, making up 86.34% of the population. These devices typically last 2-3 years before adding to the growing e-waste crisis.
  2. Apprenticeships for device repair are crucial to address the demand for repair professionals. Establishing industry standards and training programs can create sustainable careers in tech.
  3. State legislatures are advancing Right to Repair bills for agricultural equipment and electronics, aiming to provide consumers and independent repair shops with parts, tools, and information to fix their devices.