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

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.

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.

From Farms to Pharmaceuticals: It’s the Monopoly, Stupid!

59 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
💼 Business Monopoly Right-to-repair
  1. Market concentration, driven by monopolies, is increasing costs in various sectors from farms to pharmacies.
  2. Design patents on standard vehicle parts contribute to higher repair costs and insurance premiums for car owners.
  3. Addressing market concentration through smarter laws and better enforcement of anti-trust policies can help create fairer market conditions for consumers.

Is Biden Li-Ion About Batteries? Also: How Apple Could Play the EU's USB C Requirement For Big Profits

39 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Environmental Battery technology Legislation Sustainability Consumer Electronics
  1. The push for electric vehicles to combat climate change relies heavily on lithium-ion batteries, but the production and disposal processes of these batteries have significant environmental and human consequences that cannot be overlooked.
  2. Transitioning to standardized cables like USB-C, as mandated by the EU, can have positive impacts on consumer savings, e-waste reduction, and the push towards more sustainable practices in the technology industry.
  3. Apple's potential profits from the EU's USB-C requirement highlight how companies can leverage regulatory changes, like adopting new standards, to generate revenue through avenues such as fast-charging solutions and certification fees.

Air-Conditioner Repair in a Warming World

59 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability E-Waste
  1. Access to air conditioning is crucial for health and safety, especially in marginalized communities during extreme-heat events.
  2. Tenants face challenges when waiting for AC repairs, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to protect renters' rights.
  3. The debate around air conditioning includes ethical considerations, such as its impact on the environment and calls for more sustainable solutions.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Empty Promises of Circularity

39 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Repair Environmental Impact Corporate Power E-Waste
  1. Overconsumption is pushing Earth Overshoot Day earlier each year, highlighting the urgency to change consumption habits.
  2. Repairing tools like bicycles promotes self-reliance and community, resisting corporate control over repair and parts.
  3. The push towards a circular economy needs careful consideration; ending ownership doesn't automatically address corporate power, and repairability is key to combating 'enshittification'.

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.

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.

28+ State AGs Urge Federal Right-To-Repair Legislation

59 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Legislation Electric Vehicles E-Waste
  1. A bipartisan group of over 28 State Attorneys General are urging Congress to pass expansive right-to-repair legislation covering automobiles, electronics, and agricultural equipment.
  2. Proposed bills like the REPAIR Act and SMART Act aim to increase repair options, lower prices, and reduce restrictions on crucial repair parts and information by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
  3. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, with other countries and regions also considering legislation to reduce waste, promote repair over buying new, and address issues like e-waste and fast fashion.

Ford gets Tough with patent for "Repo-Bot" Technology - Week in Repair

59 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💼 Business Technology Legislation Sustainability Consumer Rights
  1. Ford has applied for a patent for a self-repossessing vehicle that can drive itself to an impound lot if payments are missed, showing a new direction in car technology.
  2. There is a concerning trend of companies adding strings and restrictions to products, like Volkswagen's refusal to help locate a child due to unpaid subscription and Apple charging for SOS satellite service after two years.
  3. Consumer Reports supports repair bills, Sonos is making changes to facilitate repairs by using screws instead of glues, and movements like Repair Cafe and exploration of waste reduction show a push towards more sustainable practices.

DOJ plows ahead: supporting farmers in Deere anti-trust lawsuit - Week in Repair

59 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antitrust Legislation Enforcement Environmental Issues
  1. The US Department of Justice is supporting farmers in an anti-trust lawsuit against Deere, highlighting the importance of right to repair and fighting against repair restrictions imposed by companies.
  2. There is a growing movement among farmers to use older machines and explore open-source tractor software to ensure they can repair their equipment themselves, especially in rural areas where repair options are limited.
  3. Legislation is being introduced in multiple states, including Colorado, to force manufacturers to provide tools and resources necessary for farmers to make their own repairs, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address repair issues in farming equipment.

In Colorado: Wheelchair Repair Law Is Already Transforming Lives

59 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Accessibility Advocacy Legislation Mobility Rehabilitation
  1. In Colorado, a new wheelchair repair law is enabling individuals like Bruce and Robin to have greater control over their power wheelchair settings and functions, previously controlled exclusively by manufacturers.
  2. Access to programmer applications under the law is streamlining repairs for power wheelchair users in Colorado, providing quicker diagnosis and solutions for malfunctions.
  3. The success of the wheelchair repair law in Colorado has inspired interest in similar legislation in other states, with potential challenges and opportunities for the disability community in promoting repair rights.

Bicycles: An Antidote To Throw-Away Culture

39 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Repair Sustainability Right-to-repair Electronics Environment
  1. Bicycles can serve as a model for repairing and reusing items, fostering community connections, and resisting over-consumption.
  2. Understanding how to repair objects we rely on makes us more self-reliant, teaches us to help others, and deepens our respect for the materials and work that go into creating these objects.
  3. Promoting intentional ownership and repair of items, like bicycles, can help shift our global consumption habits, build community through repair organizations, and reduce waste in our society.

Summer Social: Follow Fight To Repair Online

39 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Social media Community Engagement
  1. Following Fight to Repair on social media provides real-time updates on breaking news and insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding of the fight for right to repair globally.
  2. Connecting with Fight to Repair on social media allows you to engage with a vibrant community, share your thoughts, and enrich the overall experience for everyone involved.
  3. By following Fight to Repair on various social media platforms, you gain access to exclusive content, diverse perspectives, and a deeper personal connection with the community, fostering a stronger bond and sense of belonging.

Lack of Repair Options Drives Great Video Game to Die Off

39 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Repairability Legislation Sustainability Consumer Rights
  1. There is an urgent need for video game repair and modification, as shown by the lack of available classic video games.
  2. The challenges of repairing and modifying video game consoles contribute to electronic waste and hinder the preservation of gaming history.
  3. Jailbreaking video game consoles can be complex and the lack of accessible repair and modding options limits the longevity of equipment.

M.O.Used: Automakers Try End Run Around Repair Industry on Telematics Access

39 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Automotive Industry Legislation Consumer Rights
  1. Automakers attempt to control access to telematics data needed for repairs could lead to increased repair costs for consumers.
  2. The memorandum of understanding between auto manufacturers and repair industry groups lacks an enforcement mechanism, leaving independent repairers with no recourse.
  3. Right to repair advocates criticize the MOU for not including key parties and not ensuring that vehicle owners have direct access to telematics data without going through OEMs.

Our Picks For The Top Repair Stories of 2022

59 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Regulation Repair Sustainability Hardware E-Waste
  1. State-wide laws are crucial for the right to repair movement to succeed, as seen in 2022 with wins in New York and Colorado.
  2. Companies like Apple's self-repair program may offer solutions, but without clear legislation, it can fall short in truly empowering consumers.
  3. Governments are taking steps towards standardization, like the EU mandating USB-C, to reduce electronic waste and increase sustainability.

BatteryGate: EV Edition? Tesla’s Battery Shenanigans Spark Lawsuit...and Bigger Questions

39 implied HN points • 27 Jun 23
🕹 Technology EVs Software updates Repairability Environmental Impact Infrastructure
  1. Tesla faces a class action lawsuit over using software updates to alter vehicle performance and battery life.
  2. Repairability of electric vehicles is critical for wider adoption; battery pack lifespan and replacement costs influence total ownership costs.
  3. The shift to EVs won't automatically lead to a carbon-free world; the right to repair EVs is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.

Apple Grants Self Repair for M2 Macs and iPhone 14

39 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Tech Companies Repairability Cybersecurity Data Access
  1. Apple is expanding self-repair options for M2 Macs and iPhone 14, but there are concerns about design and software support lacking, potentially leading to more waste and consumer frustration.
  2. Biden's Department of Transportation is facing criticism for challenging a Massachusetts repair law, with accusations of anti-competitive practices and concerns over consumer rights and data access.
  3. Pinball machines are highlighted as resilient examples defying planned obsolescence, emphasizing the importance of repair and longevity in modern technology design.

Is the EU falling behind the U.S. on right to repair? Also: Proposed patent rules could fuel repair restrictions

39 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Right-to-repair Legislation Intellectual Property Environmental sustainability
  1. Recent victories in U.S. push ahead in promoting right to repair laws, surpassing the EU.
  2. Proposed patent rules by the US Patent Office could strengthen corporate power, limiting protections for small businesses and individuals.
  3. The decentralized nature of US legislation allows for quicker implementation of laws, while the EU faces centralized bureaucracy and delays in adopting new rules.

March Madness: State Lawmakers Press Right to Repair

39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Committees Bipartisan
  1. State lawmakers across the US are pushing for right to repair laws in various sectors, with over 51 right to repair bills proposed in 26 states, signaling a significant legislative trend.
  2. An increasing number of states are making progress towards implementing right to repair laws, as seen in the approval of HB23-1011 in Colorado for agricultural equipment, overcoming opposition from industry groups.
  3. Recent developments suggest a positive shift in statehouses, with the 'dam breaking' on successful industry opposition to right to repair laws, paving the way for more bills to pass in various states.

Cochlear Implant Users Face Grim Future Without Repair or Upgrades

39 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Devices Right-to-repair E-Waste Cybersecurity Legislation
  1. Cochlear implant users, especially low-income earners, face challenges when their devices become obsolete or in need of repair, potentially leading to loss of hearing if they can't afford upgrades.
  2. Repairing electronics could save Americans $50 billion annually; household could save approximately $382 per year by repairing electronics instead of replacing them.
  3. Tensions between corporate profits and the care of individuals emerge in the realm of medical devices, showing the importance of supporting repair initiatives and community aid over consumption.

Report: 86% of Appliance Makers Withhold Repair Manuals - Week in Repair

39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Consumer Rights
  1. 86% of appliance makers do not provide full repair instructions, making it difficult for consumers and repair professionals to fix appliances.
  2. Manufacturers often restrict access to repair information and require expensive subscriptions to software tools, limiting owner and independent repair options.
  3. Investigations have revealed that manufacturers may discourage repair to promote new product purchases, but there are efforts like the FTC considering regulations to strengthen consumer rights to repair.

Want to teach repair to K-12 kids? There's a grant for that!

19 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🚌 Education Grants Teaching Sustainability Resources Programs
  1. The Culture of Repair Project is offering grants of up to $10,000 to create educational programs teaching sustainable repair to K-12 students.
  2. The projects funded by the grant focus on repair education as a way to address environmental and societal challenges through changing cultural relationships with material objects and social systems.
  3. Culture of Repair emphasizes the importance of repair in fostering a circular economy and encouraging active student engagement in choosing repair practices.

At FixFest: Growing a Movement Post-Pandemic

59 implied HN points • 03 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Repair Sustainability Education Community Advocacy
  1. Teaching repair skills in schools and establishing networks of Repair Cafes are key ideas discussed at FixFest to promote repairability and reuse.
  2. Advocates highlighted the need for a legal right to repair, pointing out the barriers individuals face when trying to repair items.
  3. Efforts to promote repair independently of regulations post-COVID were emphasized at FixFest, showcasing the resilience and growing interest in repair events.

Apple Signals Support for California Right to Repair Bill

19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Environmental sustainability Circular Economy
  1. Apple, a long opponent of right to repair laws, now supports a California bill. This change supports customer safety and intellectual property.
  2. The support from Apple boosts the chances of California's Right to Repair Act passage. This law would ensure access to repair parts and tools for consumers and third-party providers.
  3. Public support for Right to Repair is growing, with various states passing laws covering electronics and more. Apple's support marks a significant moment in the campaign.

NY Governor Signs Slimmed Down Right To Repair Act

39 implied HN points • 29 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Governor Lobbying Advocacy
  1. New York Governor signed a comprehensive Digital Fair Repair Act, covering a wide range of personal electronics, marking a significant victory for right to repair advocates.
  2. The passage of the Digital Fair Repair Act in New York highlighted the enduring power of manufacturers and big tech in influencing legislation, showcasing the need for continued advocacy and push for expansion.
  3. Despite facing lobbying pressure from big tech companies, the passage of the modified repair law in New York sets a precedent for other states to introduce similar legislation to promote repairability and consumer rights.

The Week in Repair: June 5 - 11

78 implied HN points • 14 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Repair Regulations Standardization Consumer Electronics
  1. New York's Fair Repair Act is a significant step in the right to repair movement, potentially paving the way for other states to follow and reducing electronic waste.
  2. Kyle Wiens of iFixit emphasizes the importance of right to repair laws in extending the lifespan of gadgets and promoting local repair economies.
  3. The FTC is prioritizing rooting out illegal repair restrictions, especially in the face of rising car repair costs for consumers.

Precision Agriculture Has Its Cassandra. His Name Is Kevin.

3 HN points • 07 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Data Ownership Cybersecurity Right-to-repair
  1. Precision agriculture technologies are transforming farming, including autonomous tractors and smart spraying systems.
  2. The adoption of precision agriculture may lead to reduced demand for human labor on farms and favor large corporate producers over smaller farms.
  3. There are concerns regarding the control and monetization of valuable farm data by equipment manufacturers, risk of cyber attacks, and potential negative impact on small and independent farmers.

Fight to Repair Weekly: Week of December 5, 2022

39 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Consumerism Environmental Impact
  1. Climate change is not the main threat to the planet, but rather runaway consumption and production leading to biodiversity loss.
  2. Reducing consumption and focusing on repair can help combat ecological collapse, especially in wealthier nations.
  3. Recent news highlights issues such as cybersecurity flaws in cars, Samsung's new repair app, and legal battles over biometric data collection.

Fight to Repair Weekly: November, 28 2022

39 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Environment Legislation Electronics Advocacy
  1. EU is implementing new repair rules for electronics to reduce environmental impact, but advocates feel it falls short of a true "right to repair" needed to extend device lifespans.
  2. Upcoming EU policy changes will require access to parts, maintenance for devices after retiring, durability standards, and repair labeling, but critics push for stronger policies.
  3. Samsung is working on a new mobile app called 'Self Repair Assistant' to boost DIY repairs, while Apple seeks to restrict repair through patents. Advocacy efforts continue to push for right to repair laws.

Fight to Repair Weekly: Week of November 21, 2022

39 implied HN points • 24 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Repair Podcast News Events Social media
  1. When discussing Right to Repair with family, focus on personal connections and positive experiences rather than getting into politics right away.
  2. Different approaches to talk about repair with different people: car lovers, tech enthusiasts, politically-minded individuals, environmentalists, or those seeking cost-efficient solutions.
  3. Interesting news like Apple potentially removing iPhone ports due to EU regulations, India creating an online repair portal, and barriers to repairable products in Canada are noteworthy updates in the fight for repair rights.

In Massachusetts: expected ruling on auto right to repair is just the start

59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Automakers Right-to-repair Court ruling
  1. A ruling in a Massachusetts case on auto right to repair is pending, revealing ongoing challenges for car owners to access maintenance and repair data.
  2. Automakers are likely to appeal any decision against them, potentially prolonging the legal battle and affecting car owners' access to essential data.
  3. Federal action, such as the proposed REPAIR and SMART Acts, is needed to address the imbalance between automakers and consumers in the automobile repair industry.

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday October 19, 2022

39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
💼 Business Repair Automotive
  1. Actor was stuck in Tesla for 24 hours due to key fob issues, highlighting a potential flaw in the system.
  2. The FTC is considering new rules requiring appliance repair info, but access to firmware and software is crucial for effective repair.
  3. Rising aftermarket auto part prices are impacting consumers, leading to less focus on auto care and softer industry revenue forecasted for 2023.