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

California Legislature Passes Electronics Right To Repair

59 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Electronics Design Sustainability Renewable Energy
  1. California Legislature passed a Right to Repair Act, a big win for consumers, small repair shops, and the environment, following years of lobbying resistance from tech firms.
  2. Designer Ollee Means breathes new life into old chairs by restoring and revitalizing them, highlighting the importance of repair and sustainability in modern design.
  3. Google agrees to 10 years of Chromebook support and sustainability measures like adaptive charging, saving costs, reducing waste, and promoting longer-lasting devices.

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

59 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
💼 Business Monopoly Right-to-repair Consumer Advocacy
  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.

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.

The $800 Billion Secret Inside Your Car: Data

59 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Data Collection Privacy Rights Repair IOT Digital Rights
  1. California is investigating how car companies collect data, emphasizing the importance of data transparency and ownership for vehicle owners
  2. Vehicle data is projected to be worth $800 billion by 2030, highlighting the lucrative nature of data collection from cars for companies
  3. Consumers often lack awareness of the data being collected from them, leading to potential privacy concerns and issues with car companies' practices

Tesla Hackers Are Fighting Digital Extortion

59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Hacking IOT Repairability
  1. Security researchers hacked Tesla's seat-warmers to challenge paywalls for features, showcasing vehicle owners' tech skills
  2. Attempts to jailbreak devices demonstrate the growing demand to free devices from vendor constraints, empowering users to reclaim control
  3. Companies face backlash for using software to restrict features, leading to calls for legislation to prevent device disabling and the creation of repair barriers
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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.

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.

Tesla Beats Back Anti-Trust Repair Lawsuit, But Deere's Is Headed To Court

39 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
💼 Business Antitrust EVs Right-to-repair Legislation Manufacturers
  1. Tesla won an antitrust case on repair restrictions, but Deere's lawsuit is moving forward. Tesla uses practices inflating repair costs.
  2. California is pushing for standardized EV diagnostic laws to make repairs more accessible and affordable.
  3. John Deere faces an antitrust lawsuit alleging constraints on repair services. The plaintiffs have succeeded in pursuing their claims against the company.

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.

REPAIR Act Advances In U.S. House

39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Regulations Courts Right-to-repair Political Impact
  1. The REPAIR Act advanced in the U.S. House, a critical step towards a federal law for car repair, though it still has a long way to go.
  2. The bill aims to ensure access to vehicle diagnostic data for consumers and independent repair shops, based on a Massachusetts law updated in 2020.
  3. The bi-partisan support for the REPAIR Act highlights the importance of preserving consumer choice and access to fair vehicle repair options.

Golden: California Becomes Third State To Enact Broad Right To Repair

39 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Repair Legislation Tech Giants Digital technology Competition
  1. California became the 3rd state to enact a broad electronics right to repair law, following New York and Minnesota.
  2. The California Right to Repair Act expands repair protections for consumers, guaranteeing access to repair materials for a wide range of products and setting minimum support periods.
  3. State right to repair campaigns are gaining momentum, with more states considering similar legislation to improve repair access and combat planned obsolescence.

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.

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.

You Can't Be "Green" and Restrict Repair

39 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability Repairability Corporate Responsibility E-Waste Tech industry
  1. Apple aims for sustainability but restricts repairability, showing a nuanced approach to environmental impact.
  2. Mounting public pressure is pushing companies towards repair-friendly policies despite initial resistance.
  3. Google faces criticism for lack of repair options for Pixel Watches, while offering repair parts for Pixel Fold, highlighting differing approaches to repairability.

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'.

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.

March Madness: State Lawmakers Press Right to Repair

39 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Committees Bipartisan State Laws Political Advocacy
  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Congress Introduces "Agricultural Right to Repair Act"

39 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Industry Repairability Environmental Impact
  1. The Agricultural Right to Repair Act aims to give farmers more flexibility in repairing their own equipment by requiring manufacturers to provide necessary tools and information.
  2. Corporations, including those in the agricultural industry, may publicly support repair efforts but use tactics behind closed doors to extract profit, highlighting the need for legislation like the Agricultural Right to Repair Act.
  3. While there is a history of right to repair bills failing at the federal level due to political divisions, there is potential for progress at the state level, where repair laws have started passing through legislatures and being signed into law.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Obsolescence Pays: The Epson Printer Saga Continues

39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
💼 Business Technology Environment Consumer behavior Sustainability Corporate ethics
  1. Printer companies like Epson use software tactics to hinder repairability and push customers to buy new products, impacting consumer choice and environmental sustainability.
  2. Companies like Epson create narratives around complexity and danger to deter customers from repairing their devices, steering them towards buying new models or using authorized repair services.
  3. Advocating for longer-lasting, repairable products and changing the incentives for companies built on waste and obsolescence can help reduce e-waste and promote sustainable consumption in the electronics industry.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday October 14, 2022

39 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment E-Waste Recycling Circular Economy Right-to-repair Technology
  1. International E-waste Day brings attention to the impact of trashing electronics, especially in countries with high e-waste generation.
  2. The need to focus on the pre-consumer stage and the importance of using recycled materials and completing the circular economy in tech.
  3. Efforts are being made to promote repair-friendly practices, such as Framework introducing a refurbished program to reuse consumer waste.

The Week In Repair: May 29 - June 4

59 implied HN points • 06 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Repair Laws Environment Automotive Design
  1. New York Assembly passes first electronics right to repair bill, becoming the first state in the nation to do so. This is a milestone achievement for right to repair advocates after years of unsuccessful attempts.
  2. A report highlights the importance of a legal right to repair for wheelchair owners to ensure prompt, high-quality service at an affordable price. This emphasizes the need for a fair market for repair and service.
  3. An overload of lawsuits against John Deere regarding right to repair issues is being consolidated in a federal court in Illinois. This illustrates the ongoing legal battles in the fight for right to repair.