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: July 25, 2022

0 implied HN points • 25 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Subscriptions Data Privacy
  1. Subscriptions are everywhere in our lives, from dinners to video games, and now micro-subscriptions are emerging with new payment models like consumption-based pricing.
  2. Google's Pixel 6a phone has good repair scores but quality issues, showing a gap between repairability and product quality.
  3. Initiatives like the Charlottesville Tool Library and the guilder exchange platform in the Netherlands promote repair, sustainability, and community involvement in reducing waste.

FTC’s Vote Shows Right to Repair’s Bipartisan Face

0 implied HN points • 25 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bipartisan Right-to-repair Regulation Consumer Rights
  1. FTC's vote on right to repair had bipartisan support from 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans, indicating a shift in political unity on consumer issues.
  2. The FTC is moving to target repair restrictions that violate antitrust laws and unfair practices, showing a commitment to promoting open repair markets.
  3. The bipartisan consensus on right to repair is a significant step in reigning in concentrations of corporate power in various sectors like agriculture and healthcare.

The Executive Order On Repair Is Out And It’s Awesome

0 implied HN points • 11 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Competition Consumer Protection
  1. The Executive Order covers a wide range of issues beyond repair restrictions, aiming to promote competition and tackle anti-competitive practices in various industries.
  2. The Executive Order calls out restrictions on repair in the agriculture sector, affecting farmers and consumers who face challenges in repairing equipment independently.
  3. The FTC is encouraged in the Executive Order to address anti-competitive practices in the technology sector, specifically focusing on repair restrictions imposed by cell phone manufacturers.

Biden’s EO Set To Transform Right to Repair Debate

0 implied HN points • 06 Jul 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Legislation Advocacy
  1. President Biden's Executive Order is expected to focus on the right to repair, with potential implications for multiple industries including agriculture, home appliances, and cars.
  2. Biden's move indicates a shift towards supporting consumers against monopolies and aligns with his administration's economic populism agenda.
  3. The right to repair movement has gained momentum, with a surge in state-level actions and now federal attention signaling a potential significant change towards more repair-friendly policies.

Dispute Over Insurance Blew Apple’s Cover In Scandal Over Leaked Photos

0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 21
💼 Business Technology Insurance Lawsuits Data Privacy
  1. A dispute over insurance revealed Apple's multi-million dollar settlement with a woman after her explicit photos were leaked by authorized repair technicians.
  2. Apple's authorized repair providers may not always guarantee trustworthiness, as evidenced by incidents like the leaked photos case involving a subcontracted facility and its employees.
  3. The case underscores the challenges faced by Apple and other tech companies in proving that authorized repair services are superior to independent repair shops in terms of quality and security.
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Colorado Lawmakers Sing A Familiar Tune in Opposing Right to Repair: Google’s

0 implied HN points • 18 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Lobbying Lawmakers
  1. Right to repair legislation has faced opposition from industries like electronics, home appliances, medical devices, and telecommunications, leading to many bills being defeated or put on hold.
  2. Disabled Coloradans faced challenges due to restrictions on wheelchair repair, highlighting the importance of the right to repair for ensuring timely repairs of medical equipment.
  3. Lobbyists for large technology firms influenced Colorado lawmakers, shaping their viewpoints with arguments like ownership interpretation, interstate commerce concerns, and warranty implications.

FTC Report Slams OEM Restrictions on Repair

0 implied HN points • 07 May 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Legislation Consumer Rights Right-to-repair
  1. FTC strongly supports the legal right to repair, criticizing repair restrictions by various manufacturers.
  2. The FTC's report found no evidence to justify manufacturers' repair restrictions, debunking claims of safety risks and cybersecurity concerns.
  3. The report is a significant win for right-to-repair advocates, offering hope for potential future legislative action and enforcement of existing laws.

Right to Repair: Taking it to the Streets with Louis Rossmann

0 implied HN points • 30 Apr 21
🕹 Technology Tech news Electronics Repair Innovation Online Activism
  1. Louis Rossmann is a significant figure in the right to repair movement with over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers. He sheds light on how manufacturers create challenges in repairing devices independently.
  2. Louis Rossmann is actively advocating for the right to repair and has initiated efforts like a GoFundMe campaign to make right to repair laws.
  3. Louis Rossmann emphasizes the importance of pushing for the right to repair to combat manufacturers' monopolies on parts and services.

Should indie medical-device techs have the ‘right to repair’?

0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 21
🏥 Health Politics Medical Devices Right-to-repair Regulations Healthcare system
  1. Skilled technicians struggle with repairs due to lack of documentation, tools, and parts, causing delays for device users.
  2. Independent technicians lack legal leverage to access tools and resources necessary to repair medical devices like wheelchairs and insulin pumps.
  3. The FDA and FTC have supported right-to-repair policies for medical devices, emphasizing the importance of technicians in maintaining the healthcare system.

Deceptive Warranty Claims Persist Three Years After FTC Warnings

0 implied HN points • 09 Apr 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Consumer Protection Government Agencies Regulation Enforcement
  1. Manufacturers continue to violate federal law by pushing deceptive warranty claims, despite warnings from the FTC.
  2. A report found that many major manufacturers still void warranties for independent repairs, going against the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
  3. Advocates are concerned about lax enforcement by the FTC in protecting consumer rights, especially regarding right to repair laws.

D-Students: Microsoft, Apple Get Failing Grades on France’s Repair Index. (For Now.)

0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Repairability Tech Companies Environmental Impact Consumer behavior
  1. France introduced a Repairability Index to rate products based on repair-ability, giving failing grades to Apple and Microsoft products.
  2. The scoring system considers factors like documentation availability, ease of disassembly, spare parts availability, and pricing of spare parts.
  3. The French Repairability Index has prompted companies to rethink product design and serviceability, setting a precedent for promoting repair-friendly products.

The Right to Repair on the Hacker Mind Podcast

0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 21
🕹 Technology Repair Podcast Internet of Things Legislation Information Security
  1. The interview on The Hacker Mind podcast discussed the importance of the right to repair movement and its potential impact on the future of the Internet of Things.
  2. The conversation highlighted the goals and objectives of the right to repair movement, as well as the role of organizations like SecuRepairs.org in advocating for right to repair legislation.
  3. The podcast episode featured insights from a knowledgeable journalist and author, Robert Vamosi, who has expertise in privacy implications of technology and the risks associated with the Internet of Things.

How Big Ag Weaponizes The Clean Air Act To Keep Its Repair Monopoly

0 implied HN points • 19 Feb 21
💼 Business Regulation Monopoly Repair Agriculture Emissions
  1. Manufacturers of agricultural equipment use scare tactics about emissions to build profitable service and repair monopolies.
  2. Unlike the automotive industry, the agricultural equipment market faces stricter restrictions regarding repairs and maintenance.
  3. Big Ag's focus on emissions control is part of a strategy to prevent right to repair laws and perpetuate a monopoly on parts and services, rather than a genuine concern for clean air.

Red Flags for Repair in Proposed Auto Cyber Guidelines

0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulations Cybersecurity Software updates
  1. The draft guidelines from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have raised concerns for repair advocates due to the potential impact on state laws granting access to vehicle data for repair.
  2. The proposed guidelines recommend giving automakers control over diagnostic tools' access to vehicle systems, potentially affecting laws like the Massachusetts 2013 auto right to repair act.
  3. There are positive aspects in the guidelines encouraging automakers to maintain serviceability, evaluate software vulnerabilities, and track software in vehicles, but the voluntary nature of the guidelines raises concerns about implementation and cybersecurity in existing connected vehicles.

How Much Could Repair Save Americans? (Hint: It’s a Really Big Number.)

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 21
💼 Business Consumer Rights Legislation Economic Impact
  1. The economic argument for repair highlights significant savings for Americans, with potential benefits of around $300 per household per year, totaling $36.6 billion annually.
  2. Access to robust repair options can reduce the cost of owning electronics by almost a quarter (22%) for the average American family.
  3. Legislators should consider the economic impact of promoting a repair economy, which not only benefits consumers, but also creates jobs and supports the local economy.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 1, 2022

0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repair E-Waste Batteries Podcast Recycling
  1. Samsung has introduced 'repair mode' for its Galaxy smartphones in South Korea to aid technicians in fixing devices without accessing user data, enhancing customer data security.
  2. The rapid turnover of tech products due to planned obsolescence has led to a surge in electronic waste, urging consumers to consider repairing or upgrading devices before recycling.
  3. Electric vehicle batteries are outlasting cars, leading to delays in recycling programs but also presenting opportunities for second-life use before recycling.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 3, 2022

0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Electronics Repair Legislation E-Waste Standardization
  1. Electronics are designed with hidden 'death dates' and often lack longevity, urging users to demand longer-lasting products.
  2. Samsung and iFixit have collaborated to offer genuine parts and repair programs for Galaxy devices, enabling users to conduct self-repairs.
  3. The Right to Repair legislation, if passed, would require electronics manufacturers to provide repair information to independent repair providers, potentially fostering innovation and sustainability in the industry.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 10, 2022

0 implied HN points • 10 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repair Subscription Copyright
  1. The throw-away economy is harmful to the environment and resource allocation, emphasizing the need to shift towards a circular economy of reuse, repair, and recycle.
  2. In a subscription-based world, it's crucial to maintain the 'right to own' to prevent a future where ownership and property rights are eroded by overwhelming subscriptions.
  3. The rise of second life markets for refurbished goods and the need for legislation to compel manufacturers to cooperate more with repairers highlights the importance of extending the lifespan of products.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 12, 2022

0 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Cybersecurity E-Waste Legislation Manufacturers
  1. Manufacturers often stop supporting older devices to encourage people to upgrade, impacting the lifespan of tech products.
  2. The EU is working on proposals to empower consumers by fighting against greenwashing and planned obsolescence, aiming for more durable goods and the right to repair.
  3. India plans to ban inexpensive Chinese smartphones to boost domestic brands, potentially leading to reduced market variety and changes in consumer choices.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 15, 2022

0 implied HN points • 16 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repair Antitrust Legislation Security Smartphones
  1. Farmers are turning to 'tractor hacking' to bypass digital locks on their vehicles, highlighting the importance of right-to-repair movements in various industries.
  2. Samsung is making repairs for Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Fold 4 cheaper, showing a positive trend towards more affordable repair costs for high-end devices.
  3. Right-to-repair legislation is crucial for reducing personal consumption, e-waste, and potentially saving millions of tons of waste annually, yet the movement lacks comprehensive implementation and global support.

Could Driver Assistance Features Undermine Independent Repair?

0 implied HN points • 08 May 22
💼 Business Automotive Technology Repair Insurance Competition
  1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) could impact independent auto repair by potentially limiting repair options for car owners.
  2. Introduction of Ford's Certified Glass Network is an example of how automakers are adapting to the rise of ADAS features in vehicles.
  3. The market for auto repair, such as glass replacement, is evolving due to the increasing reliance on software-based safety features in modern vehicles.

Fight to Repair Daily: Monday, September 5, 2022

0 implied HN points • 05 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repair Tech Companies Legislation Event Ownership
  1. EU regulators propose extending smartphone lifespans by offering spare parts for up to 5 years to reduce environmental impact.
  2. Right to Repair has become a prominent issue in Quebec's election, with a focus on independent repair shops gaining access to vehicle data.
  3. When purchasing tech products, you may own the physical components but not the software, allowing companies to control repair options and enforce restrictions.

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday September 14, 2022

0 implied HN points • 14 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repair Lawsuit Market Regulation
  1. The right to repair movement is gaining momentum globally, with significant legal battles and initiatives such as India's e-repair market potentially worth $20 billion.
  2. Innovations like the Kytch device for repairing McDonald's McFlurry machines and initiatives like Fixit Clinics show the importance of empowering individuals to fix their own belongings, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
  3. Policy changes, like the EU Commission's proposed requirements for smartphones and tablets to be more repairable, are crucial steps towards promoting sustainability, but there are still challenges to address in ensuring true repairability and longevity of electronic devices.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday October 28, 2022

0 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
💼 Business Technology Legal Sustainability Retail Manufacturing
  1. Apple is switching to USB-C for iPhones in compliance with EU regulations, despite expressing concerns about electronic waste.
  2. Automakers like General Motors and Stellantis are struggling to comply with Massachusetts' right to repair law due to safety concerns, sparking a legal battle with the state.
  3. The FTC approved orders against companies like Harley-Davidson and Weber for illegally restricting consumers' right to repair, leading to corrective actions and potential penalties.

Fight to Repair Weekly: Week of October 31, 2022

0 implied HN points • 03 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Right-to-repair Legislation Activism Environment Antitrust
  1. All eyes are on New York Governor Kathy Hochul as the Digital Fair Repair Act awaits her signature, passing overwhelmingly in the Legislature.
  2. Albany's Times Union urges Governor Hochul to sign the right to repair bill despite lobbying efforts from special interests.
  3. Farmers face barriers to repair equipment due to restrictions on accessing repair tools, as highlighted in an opinion piece supporting the right to repair.

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday, September 7, 2022

0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repair Sustainability Legislation Entrepreneurship DIY
  1. The Massachusetts auto right to repair case revolves around interpreting legislation from 2020 and implementing its requirements.
  2. Designing for climate positivity involves measures like public transit enablement, eliminating programmed obsolescence, and moving towards a four-day workweek.
  3. The 'Right to Repair' legislation has the potential to create large-scale entrepreneurship and gig employment opportunities in the electronics and white goods sector.

Fight to Repair Weekly: Week of November 7, 2022

0 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Repair Antitrust Consumer Rights Corporate Power Environmental Activism
  1. FTC is stepping up to enforce unfair competition laws, aiming to crack down on companies using unfair tactics for advantage.
  2. Repair-focused class action lawsuits against manufacturers like Harley Davidson and John Deere are progressing, showing a pushback against restrictions on repair.
  3. Articles highlight challenges in repairing modern products like phones and bicycles, emphasizing the importance of the right to repair movement.

Complaint: Apple’s Part Pairing Powers Planned Obsolescence - The Week in Repair

0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
  1. Apple is being accused of using part pairing to fuel planned obsolescence, hindering repair efforts.
  2. French group HOP filed a complaint against Apple's practice of part serialization, tying components to specific devices.
  3. The FTC is taking action against anti-repair practices, highlighting the importance of right to repair laws.

All Eyes on NY Governor as Clock Ticks Down on Right to Repair Legislation - Week in Repair

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Government Advocacy Policy Governor
  1. NY Governor has until Dec 28 to sign or veto the Digital Fair Repair Act, impacting a huge population in New York and potentially helping people save money on electronics repairs.
  2. Congress is calling on the FTC to prioritize investigations on repair restrictions, especially related to car manufacturers' control over telematics systems.
  3. Dell is working on a modular laptop design to increase repairability, while the future of medical device repair and the impact of healthcare monopolies are concerning topics in the repair industry.

The Repair Angle In Wired’s Big McDonalds Ice Cream Expose

0 implied HN points • 06 Jun 21
🕹 Technology Repair Internet of Things Right-to-repair Tech startups Podcasts
  1. Wired's article on McDonald's ice cream machines highlights the importance of the right to repair.
  2. The investigation revealed how obscure machine errors and lack of access to repair options can lead to unfair business practices by manufacturers.
  3. Jeremy O'Sullivan's experience with ice cream kiosks and Kytch's IoT analytics startup sheds light on challenges in the repair industry.

Deere hedges bets on repair with new agreement - Week in Repair

0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 23
💼 Business Repair Legislation Technology Market
  1. Deere's new repair agreement with the American Farm Bureau Federation raises questions about how effective it will be in granting full repair rights to farmers.
  2. The vague nature of the Deere agreement and lack of enforcement mechanisms could allow Deere to maintain control over repairs and avoid significant changes.
  3. Deere's history of restrictive repair practices and ongoing issues suggest that the current agreement may not lead to substantial improvements for customers unless closely monitored.

French Authorities Investigate Apple Part Pairing as Deceptive Business Practices

0 implied HN points • 18 May 23
💼 Business Technology Repair Environmental Lawsuits Consumer Rights
  1. French authorities are investigating Apple for possibly deceptive business practices related to part pairing and limiting repairs.
  2. Legal battles against manufacturers over repair restrictions, like John Deere and Tesla, are on the rise.
  3. Logitech and iFixit have teamed up to offer spare parts and repair guides for Logitech's mice to promote self-repairing.

Groups Petition Uncle Sam To Repair McDonalds' Wonky McFlurry Machines

0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
💼 Business Repair Legislation Astroturfing Advocacy Market Analysis
  1. Groups are petitioning to repair McDonald's McFlurry machines due to their high failure rates and complicated repair process involving expensive services from the manufacturer.
  2. iFixit and Public Knowledge are seeking an exemption from the DMCA to fix the software locks on the McFlurry devices, highlighting the challenges faced in accessing repair information due to digital restrictions.
  3. Tesla and Rivian supporting an automotive right to repair campaign may signify a shift in industry attitudes, but caution is advised as MOUs lack clear rules and enforcement mechanisms compared to comprehensive legislation.

Week in Repair: News Highlights

0 implied HN points • 03 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Tech news Right-to-repair Antitrust E-Waste Legislation
  1. Apple is planning to phase out older iPhone models like the iPhone 6 Plus, with a leaked report suggesting a move towards augmented reality devices by 2032.
  2. President Biden's economic advisers believe that the antitrust agenda will lead to economic growth by focusing on local business growth, worker wages, and right-to-repair rules for products like medical devices and tractors.
  3. Regulation may be necessary to tackle built-in obsolescence in printers and address the challenges of ownership as devices transition into services, with right-to-repair laws gaining momentum globally.

Fight to Repair Daily: Wednesday, September 21, 2022

0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Repairability Legislation Circular Economy Cybersecurity Right-to-repair
  1. A long-ignored federal law, the Robinson-Patman Act, could help protect small businesses from the market dominance of big players like Amazon and Walmart by prohibiting price discrimination.
  2. Framework Computer is introducing a Chromebook that is fully upgradeable, repairable, and customizable, addressing the right-to-repair movement's concerns over modern laptop design.
  3. NIST is awarding funding to universities to develop educational programs focused on establishing a circular economy for plastics, aiming to reduce plastic waste through reuse, repair, and recycling.

Groups call on EPA to investigate Deere over violations of Clean Air Act

0 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corporate Accountability Agriculture Legal Actions Government Agencies
  1. Groups are urging the EPA to investigate Deere for violating the Clean Air Act by restricting access to emissions systems for repairs, impacting farmers and repair professionals.
  2. Deere's practices of limiting repair options can result in higher costs for farmers, class action lawsuits, and long wait times for service.
  3. Under federal law, the EPA has the authority to take action against manufacturers failing to comply with emissions standards, so there's growing pressure for Deere to be held accountable.

Tesla hit with anti-trust suit over repair restrictions. Also HP is still barring 3rd party ink

0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Security Repairability Internet of Things Hardware
  1. Tesla is facing class action lawsuits for limiting third-party repair options for their electric vehicles, which can result in higher costs and longer wait times for repairs.
  2. HP continues to restrict third-party ink access despite facing anti-trust fines, using cybersecurity concerns as an excuse, but impacting customer choice and potentially inflating costs.
  3. Repairability contributes to less waste, longer device usage, and cost savings for consumers. Companies should balance security concerns with providing consumers with fair options for repairs.

Fight to Repair Daily: August 5, 2022

0 implied HN points • 06 Aug 22
🕹 Technology Repair Environment Antitrust
  1. Massachusetts is close to a decision on automotive right to repair laws which could impact how vehicles with telematics are standardized and opened up for repair.
  2. Nintendo fans are facing issues with DMCA takedowns, affecting areas like modding and use of soundtracks, bringing attention to copyright restrictions in the gaming industry.
  3. Local initiatives like the Repair Economy Washington's furniture refurbishment project highlight community efforts to support refugees and reduce waste through repair events.

Deere is ducking free software responsibilities. Also: advocates pan EU right to repair rules

0 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Open Source Right-to-repair Electronic Devices
  1. Groups are pressuring John Deere to comply with open-source code sharing rules, emphasizing the importance of transparency in software modifications.
  2. The proposed EU right to repair law is being criticized by advocates for not going far enough in promoting repair over replacement and addressing anti-repair practices.
  3. Source code sharing is crucial for innovation, especially in areas like farming equipment where it could lead to more accessible repair solutions and cost-effective operations.