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

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday, October 5, 2022

19 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Repair Circular Economy Sustainability Environmental Activism Innovation
  1. The WIRED GREEN conference highlighted the importance of the right-to-repair movement and the significance of fixing products to reduce waste.
  2. New York's Digital Fair Repair Act aims to make it easier for consumers to repair electronics and may pave the way for similar legislation in other states.
  3. Organizations like Repair Cafes are promoting a more sustainable, circular economy by emphasizing repair and reuse over recycling.

Fight to Repair is at FixFest 2022!

19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repair Conference Online Event Cybersecurity Policy
  1. FixFest 2022 is a key annual event in Brussels focused on repair, technology, and sustainability.
  2. The event includes talks on promoting a culture of repair, lobbying for right to repair laws, and addressing cybersecurity in the repair industry.
  3. Attendees can participate in a mix of in-person and online events covering various repair-related topics and initiatives.

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday, September 28, 2022

19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Software Cloud Services
  1. Apple Watch Ultra may be more repairable now with an exposed screw, hinting towards a positive direction in design for repairability.
  2. FixFest 2022 in Brussels is a conference gathering supporters for the right to repair and discussing important topics like cybersecurity and repair.
  3. Independent auto shops advocate for the right to repair cars, pushing for legislation that would allow more options and control for car owners.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday September 19, 2022

19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
💼 Business Technology Environment Legislation Economy Industry
  1. Apple's iPhone 14 features a design that prioritizes repairability, marking a significant shift for the company and a win for right-to-repair advocates.
  2. iOS 16.0.1 has been shown to remove certain repair locks in the iPhone 14, indicating progress in enabling independent repairs, especially in the base model.
  3. India is experiencing a rising demand for refurbished gadgets, highlighting the need for a robust ecosystem to support repair and refurbishment services locally.

The Subscription Economy Comes For Your Shoes

19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Circular Economy Sustainable Fashion Emissions Reduction Waste Management Climate justice
  1. The Cloudneo sneakers by 'On' offer a subscription service where customers return old shoes to get new ones, promoting sustainability.
  2. On's model focuses on minimizing waste by using less energy, renting shoes, and recycling old ones, revealing a shift towards environment-friendly practices in fashion.
  3. Supply chain efficiency and compulsory recycling in the Cyclon program play key roles in reducing waste and emissions, showing a step towards sustainable solutions in the consumer culture.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday, September 12, 2022

19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repairs Copyright E-commerce Electronics Fashion
  1. The DMCA Section 1201 is facing a trial for potentially violating the 1st Amendment, as it imposes restrictions on free speech regarding digital locks and copyrighted work.
  2. iFixit outlined six key factors that influence the repairability of products, such as ease of access to batteries and overall repairability, which can impact whether a product is repairable or not.
  3. Steam Deck repair centers are now open for users to send in their devices for covered warranty repairs at no additional cost, following provided instructions and diagnostics.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday September 9, 2022

19 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Hardware Cybersecurity Ecommerce Sustainability Social media
  1. iPhone 14 offers Emergency SOS service via satellite for 2 years, connecting users in emergencies when outside cell service.
  2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises automakers on cybersecurity, focusing on protecting vehicle sensors and OTA updates.
  3. eBay partners with Reskinned to sell repaired and resale clothing items, promoting sustainability and affordability for conscious shoppers.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday, September 2, 2022

19 implied HN points • 02 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repair Smartphones Automobiles Toxins
  1. The EU is moving towards mandating smartphones to be supported for at least five years, benefitting customers worldwide with access to key components for repair.
  2. Research suggests that automakers opposing right-to-repair laws may be futile, as a consumer sentiment survey indicates strong support for such legislation among voters.
  3. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, driven by concerns over manufacturer control of software in devices like tractors, leading to potential environmental and consumer rights impacts.

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday August 31, 2022

19 implied HN points • 31 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repair Corporate Influence Automotive Industry Right-to-repair
  1. Corporations like Amazon and Apple often limit repair options for consumers to maintain control over products, using tactics like market consolidation and locked ecosystems.
  2. Open-source technology in farm equipment offers a repairable, environmentally friendly alternative, beneficial for small farms adapting to climate change.
  3. The Auto Care Association supports initiatives like the Maine Right to Repair Referendum, emphasizing the importance of consumer choice in vehicle maintenance and repair.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday August 29, 2022

19 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repairs Right-to-repair Consumer Advocacy Mobile Phones
  1. An independent mechanic fixed a Tesla Model 3 for $15,000 less than Tesla's quoted price by using a simple repair procedure.
  2. A new paper outlines strategies for strengthening the right to repair, emphasizing the need to challenge manufacturer practices hindering repair accessibility.
  3. Consumer advocates are pushing for quicker implementation of the 'right to repair' policy, to combat high repair costs and promote longer-lasting products.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 26, 2022

19 implied HN points • 26 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repair Tech industry Right-to-repair Internet of Things
  1. Apple's self-repair expansion for Macbooks has faced criticism for making repairs seem less accessible and more complicated.
  2. The 'Right to Repair' movement is gaining traction, but manufacturers still have control over device repairs, particularly in the realm of IoT products.
  3. Appliance giant Beko is offering a 10-year parts warranty to promote repair over repurchasing, aligning with the EU's Right to Repair laws.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 17 2022

19 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Laptops Right-to-repair Environmental Impact
  1. Maine is facing opposition from automakers in its efforts to pass a right-to-repair law, with arguments over state authority and consumer choice.
  2. Expensive laptops may lead to regrets later on; opting for a cheaper laptop and investing in a PC for upgradability is worth considering.
  3. The EU's proposed expansion of the Ecodesign Directive aims to ensure sustainable products through criteria like durability, reparability, energy use, and digital product passports.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 17 2022

19 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Privacy Concerns Right-to-repair Copyright Law
  1. Cory Doctorow discusses the impact of DRM on consumer rights like the right to repair in a podcast. DRM can leave consumers at the mercy of companies by controlling products even after purchase.
  2. Amazon's acquisition of iRobot raises privacy concerns due to the potential sharing of home layouts. The deal must still go through regulatory approval.
  3. Maine auto repair shops are advocating for a right-to-repair referendum to protect the ability to repair new cars and trucks. They highlight the importance of consumer choice in repair options.

Fight to Repair Daily: July 27, 2022

19 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Monopoly power Hacking Subscription Model
  1. Audible's dominant market position and DRM policies can significantly impact authors and readers, limiting choices and control over audiobooks.
  2. Planned obsolescence in products not only affects consumers financially but also has environmental consequences, highlighting the need for sustainable choices.
  3. The monopolistic role of middlemen in commerce, like Amazon or Google, can lead to unfair practices and the need for more equitable transactions.

The Week in Repair: July 3 -9

19 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Repair Environment Legislation Data Software
  1. The FTC penalizes companies like Weber for limiting consumer rights, showing a strong stance on right to repair and consumer protection.
  2. Upgrading smartphones has a significant environmental impact due to the high carbon emissions produced during manufacturing and disposal.
  3. Investments in circular economy projects, such as the Ministry of Economy's announcement of 200,000 Euro for such projects, aim to improve sustainability in industry by reusing resources effectively.

Repair-Off: 10 Month Old Fitness Tracker vs. 55 Year-Old Radio

39 implied HN points • 14 Sep 21
🕹 Technology Repair E-Waste Right-to-repair Manufacturers Product Design
  1. Repair culture for old devices like radios involves accessible resources and manuals for DIY repairs, fostering sustainability and useful life extension.
  2. Modern electronics like FitBits often lack repair options, leading to replacement rather than fixing and contributing to e-waste accumulation.
  3. A right to repair law could empower consumers with access to schematics and parts to preserve electronics, but also necessitates a shift in manufacturer practices towards designing repairable products.

The Week in Repair: June 19-25

19 implied HN points • 28 Jun 22
💼 Business Repair Economy Data Privacy Supply Chain
  1. FTC is taking action against companies like Harley-Davidson and Westinghouse for limiting customers' right to repair, which restricts choices and can cost consumers more money
  2. Exploring concepts like the circular economy vs. degrowth can lead to business innovations that prioritize sustainability and affordability by reusing and recycling materials
  3. Congress is pushing for investigations into the automotive industry's right to repair, aiming to protect consumers' ability to repair their own products and improve competitive repair markets

The Week in Repair: June 12-17

19 implied HN points • 21 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Repair Antitrust Circular Economy Environmental Impact Legislation
  1. Tracking devices reveal that many small appliances returned for repair end up in landfills due to lack of repair advice and available spare parts.
  2. Facebook is revealed to be the sole funder of American Edge Project, an anti-regulatory group fighting against antitrust efforts, with documents showing a $4 million donation.
  3. The Right to Repair movement is gaining traction with proposed bills at state and national levels, aiming to empower consumers, save costs, and reduce e-waste by allowing for repairs and extending the lifespan of electronics.

The Week In Repair: May 22-28

19 implied HN points • 31 May 22
🕹 Technology Repair Circular Economy Right-to-repair EVs Open Source
  1. There is pushback on Apple's self service repair program due to the massive repair kit shipped to customers, with critics calling it excessive and expensive.
  2. Deere tractor owners are resorting to hacking due to restrictions on repairs and modifications set by the company, sparking the need for open source projects like Open Source Ecology & Farm Hack.
  3. Nike's new sneaker design embraces the circular economy by creating a disassemblable product to improve recycling rates, offering a more sustainable approach to footwear.

How We Lose The Right To Repair Our Cars

19 implied HN points • 19 May 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Right-to-repair State Laws
  1. There is significant public support for the right to repair laws, with polls showing supermajority backing between 60-75% and even higher percentages in specific states like Massachusetts.
  2. Despite strong support from voters, opponents representing industry interests have successfully thwarted the passage of many right to repair bills in different states since 2014.
  3. The right to repair law in Massachusetts for automobiles, established in 2012, has been a significant success, serving as a model and benefitting consumers with affordable repair options and choices.

The Week in Repair: April 10-16

19 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Hardware Repair Tech Companies
  1. Apple's shift to subscription hardware could impact right to repair laws, changing technology accessibility and future hardware ownership.
  2. India aims to become the repair capital of the world, utilizing its engineering talent to extend product life and promote sustainability.
  3. Big tech companies like Samsung, Google, and Apple are making strides in allowing consumers and repair shops to access official parts for easier device repairs, supporting the right to repair movement.

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.

The Week in Repair: March 20-26

19 implied HN points • 27 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Repair Legislation Software
  1. 7 in 10 voters support the proposed right to repair law in the US, showing a strong public interest in protecting the ability to repair electronic devices.
  2. The average cost of auto repair in February hit a record high of $501, indicating increasing expenses for vehicle maintenance and repair.
  3. John Deere announced improved access to repair manuals under pressure, highlighting the impact of advocacy efforts on companies' repair policies.

The Week in Repair: March 6-12

19 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Legislation Consumer Rights Environmental Impact Electronic Devices
  1. Ownership of Tesla vehicle data is a complex issue that goes beyond just who owns it, including access, repurposing, and usage.
  2. Wheelchair users in Massachusetts face challenges with slow repairs and limited legal protections, highlighting the need for stronger state laws.
  3. Manufacturers employing tactics like limiting repair options restrict consumer choice and have economic consequences, spurring the need to protect the right to repair.

The Week in Repair: Feb 27 - March 5

19 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Circular Economy Right-to-repair Sustainability Consumer Rights
  1. Farmers unions petition FTC for action against John Deere's unfair competition practices.
  2. EU lawmakers seek quicker adoption of circular economy practices to reduce environmental impact of resource extraction.
  3. Extended warranties are seen as beneficial for cost-effective repairs, but right to repair initiatives are gaining momentum in ensuring repair options for consumers.

The Week in Repair: Feb 20-27

19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Repair Environmental Legislation Corporate E-Waste
  1. Some John Deere dealerships consolidating, leaving farmers with limited repair options. Right to Repair reforms could offer more choices for farmers.
  2. Apple now offers Face ID repair without replacing whole iPhone, reducing both hassle for technicians and carbon footprint.
  3. Farmers in multiple states advocating for Right to Repair laws to lower repair costs, increase repair options, and maintain self-reliance.

The Week in Repair: Feb 8-15

19 implied HN points • 16 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Repair Legislation Sustainability Consumer Rights Environment
  1. The right-to-repair movement is gaining momentum globally, empowering individuals to fix their own devices and reduce waste.
  2. Manufacturers are facing challenges in providing access to spare parts, repair information, and tools, hindering independent repair shops and DIY fixers.
  3. An increasing number of individuals and organizations are advocating for the right to repair, pushing for legislative changes to support repairability and sustainability.

Farm State Firestorm Over Repair

39 implied HN points • 12 Feb 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Agriculture Manufacturers
  1. Over the years, access to repair information for farmers has shifted from comprehensive printed manuals to online manuals controlled by manufacturers, posing challenges like expensive subscriptions and limited access to tools for maintenance and diagnostics.
  2. The lack of efficient repair options can have significant financial impact on farmers, with downtime due to equipment failure potentially causing substantial financial losses, especially during time-sensitive tasks like harvesting.
  3. Despite strong support for right to repair bills within the farming community, the passage of such bills faces significant opposition from major manufacturers and lobbyists, highlighting the challenges in advocating for repair rights in the face of industry giants.

The Week in Repair: Jan 25-Feb 1

19 implied HN points • 03 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Circular Economy Right-to-repair Sustainability Electronics
  1. Germany is introducing a repairability index to encourage companies to build products that are easier to repair, rather than replace.
  2. Legislation like House Bill 1810 and right to repair laws aim to make tech products more durable and repairable, reducing e-waste.
  3. A circular economy approach is needed for electric vehicles, emphasizing reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling to tackle environmental issues.

Right to Repair Heats Up In The States

39 implied HN points • 27 Jan 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Covid impact State Legislation
  1. The right to repair movement is gaining momentum in more than a dozen states, possibly leading to new legislation being passed in 2021.
  2. Proposed right to repair laws take various forms, such as focusing on agricultural equipment in some states and addressing medical device repair in others.
  3. Grassroots opposition to restrictive manufacturer practices, particularly those hindering repair, is a major driving force behind the right to repair movement in the United States.

The Week in Repair: Jan 18-25

19 implied HN points • 28 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Consumer Rights Circular Economy Legislation Tech industry
  1. President Biden supports right to repair to give customers more choice in fixing items, from smartphones to tractors, to lower costs and support independent repair shops.
  2. The movement for 'Fixing Factories' is growing in the UK, helping reduce e-waste, save money, and create new job opportunities, such as paid positions through organizations like the Restart Project and Possible.
  3. Various states, countries, and companies are making strides in advocating for right to repair laws and initiatives, such as LG's promise to make home appliance software upgradeable and the proposed EU legislation for consumer right to repair.

Repair Class Action Against Deere The First Shot In a Long Battle

19 implied HN points • 21 Jan 22
💼 Business Antitrust Monopoly Legal battle
  1. A class action lawsuit against John Deere is the beginning of a potential long legal battle to address anti-competitive practices in the agricultural equipment sector.
  2. John Deere is accused of creating a monopoly on repair services for its equipment by forcing small dealers out of business and limiting repair options for farmers.
  3. While Deere may face pressure to change its practices due to the lawsuit, the outcome of the antitrust case is uncertain and success is not guaranteed.

Week in Repair: Jan 11-18

19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
💼 Business Right-to-repair Consumer Advocacy Legislation Sustainability E-Waste
  1. Farmers are taking legal action against John Deere for breaking federal anti-trust laws.
  2. Consumer advocates push for a 'repair instead of throw away' principle in the EU to reduce electronic waste.
  3. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is challenging the DMCA to protect the 'Right to Repair,' focusing on the free speech aspect of repair restrictions.

Court Decision Looms On Auto Right to Repair. A Lawyer Explains What It’s All About.

19 implied HN points • 18 Aug 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Legislation Courts Voting Rights Regulation
  1. A Federal Judge in Massachusetts will soon decide on the legality of Question 1, which could impact the right to repair modern vehicles with telematics systems.
  2. The case highlights a clash between consumers' desire for repair access and automakers' concerns about cybersecurity risks and protecting intellectual property.
  3. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for other industries facing similar right-to-repair and cybersecurity debates, potentially reaching higher courts for decision.

Smashing Security Podcast Takes on Right to Repair (And Stinky Cheese)

19 implied HN points • 28 May 21
🕹 Technology Podcasts
  1. The Smashing Security podcast recently covered various topics, including the right to repair, cybersecurity, and privacy concerns.
  2. The hosts, Graham Cluley and Carole Theriault, are well-versed in the information security space and handle tough subjects with humor.
  3. The episode also delved into a unique case where a drug dealer was identified by his fingerprints in photos of expensive, stinky cheeses he posted online.

About Fight to Repair Weekly

19 implied HN points • 30 Dec 20
🕹 Technology Repair Cybersecurity Internet of Things Digital Rights Sustainability
  1. Repair journalism is not adequately covering the right to repair, though the topic deserves more attention and focus.
  2. The battle for a digital right to repair encompasses issues beyond just fixing broken devices, touching on areas like environmental sustainability, market consolidation, and digital rights.
  3. The Fight to Repair Weekly newsletter aims to delve deeper into the significant, overarching themes related to the right to repair, bridging the gap in media coverage and exploring the broader implications of repair rights.

The Week in Repair: Dec 20-27

0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Repairs Legislation Environment Sustainability Campaigns
  1. Hospitals are fighting against a surgical robot monopoly, claiming it forces hospitals to buy maintenance services and parts at inflated prices.
  2. Apple's iOS update fixed the Face ID repair trap on the iPhone 13, improving its repair score and response to repairability concerns.
  3. There is a growing movement for the Right to Repair, aiming to make electronics easier to repair and reduce e-waste by increasing access to repair tools and information.

The Week in Repair Dec 13-20

0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Repair Environment Politics Sustainability Manufacturing
  1. Canada's push for a right to repair highlights a government effort to promote repairability of electronics and inform consumers about environmental impacts.
  2. Dell's Luna concept laptop focuses on easy disassembly for repair and recycling, aiming to extend the life of components through reuse.
  3. The FTC's letter on regulatory priorities emphasizes the importance of right to repair, signaling potential new rules to address anti-competitive behavior in various industries.

The Week in Repair: Dec 6-12

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Electronics Environmental Impact Circular Economy
  1. Activists worldwide are pushing for the 'right to repair' movement to combat expensive and environmentally damaging obsolescence of electronics and appliances.
  2. Big companies like John Deere and Facebook are being called out for restricting repair options, while others like Microsoft and iFixit are working to make repair tools more accessible.
  3. Efforts are being made to make products more repairable, reduce e-waste, and shift towards a circular economy model for environmental, financial, and supply chain benefits.

With senate vote, Right to Repair moves forward in Massachusetts

0 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Right-to-repair Economic Development Advocacy
  1. A slimmed-down version of an electronics right to repair bill passed the state senate in Massachusetts, part of a larger economic development bill.
  2. The fate of the amendment now rests in negotiations between the Massachusetts House and Senate over the scope of a final compromise bill that would be voted on by both chambers.
  3. The amendment would create a legal right to repair 'portable wireless devices' in Massachusetts, defined as products designed to send and receive cellular transmissions.