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

June 2 2022: The End of the Beginning in the Fight for the Right To Repair?

59 implied HN points • 02 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Technology Regulation Healthcare Consumer Rights
  1. June 2, 2022 marks a significant moment in the fight for the Right To Repair with Colorado's governor signing laws to grant repair rights for power wheelchairs, addressing market consolidation and healthcare system challenges.
  2. Colorado's legislation is tackling repair market and billing issues by mandating manufacturers to provide repair documentation and tools at reasonable costs and addressing Medicaid billing obstacles.
  3. New York is also making strides in the Right To Repair fight, with the State Senate passing the Digital Fair Repair Act, following a previous victory in the Senate last year, showing progress in the realm of consumer electronics and medical devices.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday, September 30, 2022

39 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Agriculture Renewables Recycling Economy Waste Management
  1. Statehouses are addressing agricultural repair issues as Congress stalls; focus on complex farm equipment repair and fair requirements
  2. New federal funds support increased antitrust enforcement in agriculture, improving competition in the livestock industry through collaboration with state attorneys general
  3. Solar panel e-waste management gains attention as more panels enter the waste stream; emergence of producer responsibility standards to address recycling challenges

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday, September 26, 2022

39 implied HN points • 26 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repair Antitrust
  1. Big tech companies like Apple are being criticized for their superficial support towards the right-to-repair movement, with issues like inflated costs and limitations in repair programs being highlighted.
  2. Modern cars and tractors are becoming increasingly complex and expensive to repair due to advanced technology and proprietary repair software, leading to challenges for users in fixing minor issues and high repair costs.
  3. Efforts to promote right-to-repair legislation globally are gaining traction, with scholars and legal experts advocating for better access to repair information and parts to empower consumers and reduce electronic waste.

“It Just Struck Me As Wrong.” Kyle Wiens on Apple’s War on Customer Repair and the Birth of iFixit

59 implied HN points • 15 May 22
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Apple Podcast
  1. Kyle Wiens founded iFixit after being inspired by Apple's restrictive behavior towards repair information, leading to a global right to repair movement.
  2. Wiens saw the need for individuals to have access to repair information not provided by manufacturers, sparking the creation of iFixit's platform for user-generated service manuals.
  3. The journey towards establishing the right to repair involved challenges, learnings about the influence of corporations, and ongoing efforts in various states to pass right to repair laws.
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Fight to Repair Daily: Friday, September 23, 2022

39 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
💼 Business Right-to-repair
  1. A National 'Right to Repair' Bill is unlikely in the U.S. due to limited interest from lawmakers and challenges with a split congress.
  2. Progress on right to repair legislation is slow, but there is increased interest from federal lawmakers.
  3. Connecting with right to repair is more effective when framed in everyday material terms, like broken tractors, to resonate with people.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday, September 16 2022

39 implied HN points • 17 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repair Legislation Recycling Sustainability
  1. Several Right to Repair bills are stalled in Congress, impacting access to repair information and options for consumers and independent repair providers.
  2. The New York Right to Repair Act aims to change the repair landscape by giving independent repair providers access to diagnostic and repair information previously limited to OEM-authorized providers.
  3. Reusing old phones and gadgets is more beneficial than recycling, as current methods do not efficiently recover all materials. Finding ways to repurpose old devices is encouraged for environmental sustainability.

This Friday: Symposium on Right To Repair

59 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Legislation Policy Intellectual Property Consumer Protection Competition
  1. UC Berkeley Law School is hosting a symposium on The Emergent Right to Repair over two Fridays.
  2. The symposium will cover policy questions at the heart of the repair debate, such as the impact of restrictions on repair on competition and consumer benefits of open repair markets.
  3. Keynote speakers include Tim Wu and Senator Ron Wyden, discussing technology, competition, and legislation related to the right to repair.

Customers Revolt After Arlo Announces Premature End of Life for Cameras - Week in Repair

19 implied HN points • 24 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Security Internet of Things Legislation Repair
  1. Companies facing backlash for prematurely ending support for products is becoming a common trend in the tech industry, leaving consumers frustrated and stranded.
  2. There is a growing movement advocating for the 'right to repair' which includes legislation efforts in various states and countries to empower consumers to fix their own devices.
  3. The trend of internet-connected devices reaching 'end of life' stages, with limited support and updates, highlights the potential waste and security risks associated with smart products.

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.

Apple Signals Support for California Right to Repair Bill

19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Corporate News 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.

Colorado Farmers Win Their Right To Repair: Week in Repair

19 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Antitrust Data security Climate Impact
  1. Colorado became the first state to pass a right to repair law for agricultural equipment. This empowers farmers to access information, parts, and software for repairs, reducing delays and costs.
  2. National and federal momentum is growing for right to repair laws. Federal legislation has gained more bipartisan support, with 8 new sponsors joining the REPAIR Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  3. Discarded routers still contain sensitive data, highlighting the need for more efficient data wiping methods. Research shows that a significant portion of discarded electronics can still be functional or in need of minor repairs, urging for mandatory reuse efforts.

Chromebook Churn could sink school budgets (and the planet)

19 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Environment Repairability IOT E-Waste
  1. Many school districts rushed to purchase Chromebooks for students during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a potential tsunami of e-waste as these devices near the end of their support life.
  2. Extending the lifespan of Chromebooks could save school districts billions of dollars and help reduce the environmental impact of replacing these devices.
  3. Manufacturers need to make Chromebooks more repairable by offering replacement parts and designing devices that support repairability, which could make repair more economical and sustainable.

Is Colorado The Most Repair-Friendly State in the US? Recent Victories Say “Yes.”

19 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Technology Environment Economics
  1. Colorado is making significant strides in becoming the most repair-friendly state in the US, passing laws supporting agricultural and power-wheelchair repair, setting an example for others to follow.
  2. Massachusetts has historically been a leader in progressive policies, including same-sex marriage legalization and universal healthcare, and has been at the forefront of the right to repair movement, influencing national policies.
  3. The Federal Trade Commission is actively supporting the right to repair movement, testifying in states like California, highlighting the importance of consumer access to repair information and parts.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 19, 2022

39 implied HN points • 21 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Right-to-repair
  1. Cybersecurity in agtech, highlighted by the John Deere hack, is crucial with leading companies like John Deere being continuously targeted by hackers.
  2. The right-to-repair movement benefits users by allowing for easier and more affordable repairs, while companies may need to adapt to maintain profitability.
  3. Ownership of products is evolving, with subscription-based services becoming more common, raising questions about what consumers truly own when they purchase hardware.

Liberate the appliances! Washing machine hacker outsmarts anti-repair measures - Week in Repair

19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Repair Hacking Legislation Software Enforcement
  1. ChuxMan successfully hacked his washing machine to fix it after the manufacturer refused to share firmware information, showcasing the challenges consumers face in repairing home appliances.
  2. Enforcement is crucial in ensuring the right to repair, as highlighted by the ChuxMan incident where legislation alone was not enough to facilitate repairs.
  3. The link between software access and repair restrictions is evident in various cases, such as Apple intentionally slowing down iPhones and John Deere using software locks to impede repairs.

This Week in Vegas: DEF CON Does Repair

39 implied HN points • 09 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Right-to-repair Hacking Internet
  1. DEF CON is a significant hacking conference where cybersecurity community discusses important topics and works towards a more secure future.
  2. The right to repair movement is gaining traction and challenging monopolies on service and repair by big corporations, promoting a circular economy and enhancing security and privacy protections.
  3. Other discussions at DEF CON also focus on the importance of medical device repair and the need for patients to have the ability to modify and improve their own technology.

Tesla is a Vocal Opponent of the Right to Repair. Now we know why.

98 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
💼 Business Tech Automotive Repair Consumer Rights Economics
  1. Tesla's repair costs can be significantly higher due to limited service options, as seen in a $16,000 vs. $700 repair scenario.
  2. Tesla's reluctance to offer part replacements and focus on assembly replacements can lead to inflated repair costs for consumers.
  3. Tesla's opposition to right to repair laws highlights the importance of independent repair shops for affordable maintenance and repair options.

Fight to Repair Daily: July 18, 2022

39 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Legislation Consumer Rights Electronic Devices
  1. Microsoft's Surface Laptop SE marks a significant moment where big tech is starting to take the right to repair seriously, offering repairable and available parts.
  2. The US is moving towards self-repair with bipartisan bills introduced in Congress to protect consumer rights to repair their products and vehicles, amid issues of warranty voiding and data ownership concerns.
  3. College campuses, including the students, are criticized for being unaware and uninvolved in countering corporate power and abuses, focusing more on other issues like diversity and politically correct speech.

Federal Bill Could Fix Faltering Auto Right to Repair

59 implied HN points • 06 Feb 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Automobiles Right-to-repair
  1. The Massachusetts law on auto right to repair set a benchmark, but lacks federal support. The REPAIR Act aims to address this gap and maintain consumer choice in auto repair.
  2. Despite Massachusetts' success, other states have not followed suit in implementing auto right to repair laws. Automakers are pushing back, with potential impact on owner's ability to repair vehicles.
  3. Automakers have been resistant to granting access to telematics data for repair, sparking legal battles and industry challenges. Passage of the REPAIR Act may offer hope for federal safeguards on this issue.

With eye on sustainability, EU agrees to new battery regulations - Week in Repair

19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Sustainability Regulations Recycling Corporate Responsibility
  1. EU's new battery regulations aim to make devices more sustainable and durable by ensuring batteries are easier to remove and replace.
  2. Consumers will be educated on sustainability through carbon footprint declarations and information labels on batteries.
  3. Large companies will be held accountable for social and environmental risks associated with batteries, promoting reuse of materials and reducing negative impacts.

Auto Industry Wins More Delays In Massachusetts Auto Repair Case

19 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal Policy Elections Government
  1. A federal judge's decision in Massachusetts allows more delays in enforcing the automobile right to repair law, leaving voters in the state waiting for over 2 years and facing further postponement.
  2. Arguments and requests from the Auto Industry and Massachusetts's Attorney General center on details like the wording of ballot measures, compliance with federal laws, and potential impacts on vehicle safety and security.
  3. The ongoing case also involves a new Attorney General taking office, raising the possibility of a different stance on enforcing the right to repair law, potentially leading to changes in the enforcement process.

Repair-flation? Apple Continues Cost Increases of Battery Replacements - Week in Repair

19 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Environmental Impact
  1. Apple is increasing the costs of battery replacements for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, making it more expensive for users to get their devices fixed.
  2. Apple strategically makes repair difficult and expensive by limiting third-party repairs through software locks and pricey authorized service, pushing users towards upgrading instead of repairing.
  3. In a market where competition is scarce, like smartphones, rising repair costs will likely drive more people to repair by necessity rather than choice, showcasing the need for affordable repair options.

The Week In Repair: May 8 - 14

39 implied HN points • 16 May 22
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Apple Microsoft Automakers
  1. Efforts are being made to protect the medical right to repair by hospitals, repairers, and public health groups to ensure competition in the industry.
  2. Caterpillar is pioneering the practice of refurbishing old engines, thereby promoting sustainability, reducing costs, and boosting revenue from services.
  3. Microsoft's closure of physical stores has impacted its repairability efforts, showing the importance of accessible repair centers for customers to learn, seek help, and fix devices.

Apple Grants Repair Indulgence for iPhones

59 implied HN points • 17 Nov 21
🕹 Technology Hardware Repair Legislation Market Software
  1. Apple's new Self Service Repair program is a significant shift for the company, signaling a change in their stance on repair by allowing customers to access genuine parts and tools.
  2. The program, while a step in the right direction, falls short of a true 'right to repair' legislation, as it is limited in scope to specific iPhone models and doesn't offer support for independent repair shops.
  3. Apple's Self Service Repair program, akin to an 'indulgence,' is discretionary, controlled by Apple, and may still impose barriers like limited parts access and software restrictions on repairs.

The Week in Repair: April 24-30

39 implied HN points • 02 May 22
🕹 Technology Repairs Tech Companies Right-to-repair Environment Legislation
  1. Colorado is on track to pass a groundbreaking right to repair law for wheelchairs, marking progress outside the automotive realm.
  2. Big tech companies like Apple and Microsoft are beginning to embrace repairability as consumer pressure and legislation push for change.
  3. Repairing devices instead of replacing them, as shown by Microsoft's study, is not only environmentally beneficial but also paves the way for greater repairability.

EP9 | Resisting Garbage with Lily Baum Pollans

19 implied HN points • 23 Nov 22
🎙 Podcasts Environment
  1. Defying conventional wisdom on garbage is crucial to reduce the global waste problem.
  2. Researching and understanding the disposable nature of our society is important for creating change.
  3. Paid subscribers to Fight to Repair now gain access to podcast transcripts.

Coming Soon: What the Fix?! (A Podcast)

39 implied HN points • 13 Apr 22
🎙 Podcasts News Interviews Community
  1. The podcast 'What the Fix?!' will focus on news analysis and interviews regarding the right to repair movement, featuring key figures in the fight.
  2. The right to repair movement is expanding beyond just repairing screens; it's becoming part of a larger conversation on creating a sustainable economy.
  3. The podcast will offer premium features for paid subscribers, including access to additional content and the chance to participate in live recordings.

The Week in Repair: April 3 - 9

39 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Repair Legislation Antitrust Hardware Environment
  1. Google teams up with iFixit to offer Pixel phone repair parts, underlining a shift towards consumer repair options in major tech companies.
  2. Nebraska agricultural right to repair bill gets filibustered, preventing farmers from accessing repair materials for farm equipment, despite industry support.
  3. European Union votes in favor of Right to Repair laws, including extending warranty periods, marking a significant step towards repairability in consumer electronics.

Fight to Repair Weekly: Week of November 14, 2022

19 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Repair Circular Economy Right-to-repair Electronics Recycling
  1. France is offering cash bonuses to consumers to repair their electronics, leading the way towards a circular economy.
  2. Washington D.C. has launched an interactive map to promote repair, reuse, and second-hand shopping, showing a commitment to reducing waste.
  3. Repair initiatives like these show a shift towards prioritizing sustainability and waste reduction over convenience and consumerism.

Heavy load: is Tesla using software to force customers to buy its parts?

19 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
💼 Business Regulation Customer Service Antitrust Marketing
  1. Tesla appears to be linking safety software like "Trailer Mode" to the use of its own branded tow hitch, forcing customers to buy expensive OEM parts.
  2. Using third-party tow hitches on Tesla Model X and Model Y vehicles without the Tesla Tow Package may result in safety implications and warranty issues.
  3. The situation raises concerns about potential violations of federal antitrust laws, particularly related to 'tying arrangements' where the purchase of one product necessitates the purchase of another.

The Week in Repair: March 13-19

39 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Antitrust Legislation Tech regulation Monopolies
  1. The Fair Repair Act of 2022 aims to protect consumers' right to repair by removing barriers set by manufacturers and providing access to parts and tools.
  2. Jonathan Kanter at the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division plans significant changes in antitrust enforcement, including addressing monopolization cases and reformulating merger guidelines.
  3. The European Parliament passed a resolution emphasizing the importance of the right to repair, focusing on product design, access to repair services, and incentives for repair over replacement.

Video: Can Repair Short Circuit Our Tech-Enabled Dystopia?

19 implied HN points • 25 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Repair Dystopia Monopolies Rights Security
  1. In our current reality, device makers use various tactics to maintain monopolies on repair services, which can lead to a less secure ecosystem and poorer service for consumers.
  2. The 'right to repair' movement aims to combat these monopolies and create a circular economy that reduces waste and enhances security and privacy for technology users.
  3. Experts at the DEF CON Conference discussed how dismantling repair monopolies can help prevent a 'Brazil' style dystopia and promote a more sustainable and secure tech landscape.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday October 24, 2022

19 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Innovation Environmental Legislation Repairability Sustainability
  1. Fight to Repair newsletter is transitioning from daily to weekly emails starting next week, with a new podcast season for premium subscribers.
  2. Lobbyists, including big tech companies like Apple and Microsoft, have influenced the NY 'right to repair' bill to be limited to devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
  3. Issues like eco double standards in hardware manufacturing and anti-features on products highlight the importance of legislation and policies supporting right to repair and consumer rights.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday October 21, 2022

19 implied HN points • 22 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Repair Software Legislation Right-to-repair
  1. High tech cars are becoming complex with sensors and computer chips, making repairs more difficult and expensive for consumers.
  2. New Jersey is considering a law to ban subscriptions for car hardware features, preventing automakers from charging extra fees for using built-in hardware.
  3. The FTC is proposing an initiative to require companies to provide repair instructions with household appliances, aiming to strengthen consumers' right to repair products and potentially reduce repair costs.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday October 17, 2022

19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Right-to-repair Agriculture Food Systems E-Waste
  1. The FTC is proposing a new rule that would require major appliances to come with repair instructions, enhancing consumers' right to repair.
  2. A Democratic candidate in Kansas is advocating for a federal right to repair law in the agriculture sector to help farmers save money and time on equipment maintenance.
  3. Maine is moving towards including a 'right to repair' question on the 2023 ballot, aiming to enable vehicle repairs at independent shops or by vehicle owners.

That's a Wrap! Season One of What The Fix?!

19 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
🎙 Podcasts Environment Technology Activism Consumerism Social Impact
  1. The podcast 'What The Fix?!' explored various aspects of the repair industry, from legal challenges to real-world initiatives.
  2. The podcast featured experts discussing topics like right to repair legislation, product design for repairability, and the societal and environmental benefits of repair.
  3. Listeners are encouraged to share feedback on the podcast's topics and look forward to Season 2 as 'Fight to Repair Podcast.'

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday October 12, 2022

19 implied HN points • 12 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Data Privacy Autonomous Vehicles Circular Economy Cybersecurity Open Source
  1. Stellantis, parent company of Jeep and others, aims to generate over $2 billion in revenue by 2030 through its Circular Economy Business Unit focusing on reman, repair, reuse, and recycle.
  2. The battle over Massachusetts right-to-repair law shows significant disagreements between automakers and the Attorney General regarding key terms, cybersecurity, and data-sharing timelines.
  3. Big agriculture's emphasis on bushels per acre over profits may harm farmers as they overspend on inputs to achieve higher yields, benefiting companies more than the farmers themselves.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday October 10 2022

19 implied HN points • 10 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Repair E-Waste Legislation Fashion Batteries
  1. Repairing electronics like headphones can be more cost-effective than replacing them, showcasing the importance of the right to repair legislation.
  2. Companies often destroy reusable storage devices like hard drives due to data security concerns, highlighting the need for better waste management practices.
  3. Legislation for right to repair in various industries, such as farm equipment and electronics, is gaining traction in different regions like Quebec and North Carolina.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday, October 7 2022

19 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Copyright Consumer Rights Environmental Impact Regulations
  1. The iPhone 14 Plus is as repairable as the basic iPhone 14, following a more sustainable design approach.
  2. Canada is considering reforming digital lock rules to allow repair exceptions, benefitting consumers, farmers, and innovation.
  3. Academics are urging consumers to repair clothing to reduce environmental impact caused by the fast fashion cycle.