The hottest Consumer Rights Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

10 States Introduce Right to Repair Legislation

Fight to Repair • 118 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Consumer Rights
  1. 10 states have introduced right to repair legislation in 2024, showing strong momentum for repair laws.
  2. The bills cover various categories, from electronics to farm equipment, and some propose new types of right to repair laws.
  3. Recent successes in passing right to repair laws hint at a changing landscape, with more support for consumer repair rights.

Apple's Hypocrisy on Part Pairing

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Repairs Legislation Environmental Consumer Rights
  1. Apple supported a right-to-repair law in California but opposed a similar bill in Oregon due to concerns on part pairing, despite citing safety and privacy reasons for their stance.
  2. Part pairing allows companies like Apple to control repair processes, maximize profits, and hinder the use of cheaper third-party components, impacting consumer choice and costs.
  3. Oregon legislators passed the proposed right-to-repair legislation despite Apple's opposition, indicating a shift towards giving residents a robust right to repair and recognition of Apple's contradictory stance.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Would you like some surveillance capitalism with your sandwich?

The Joyous Struggle • 197 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
🕹 Technology Data Privacy Consumer Rights Digital Currency Data security
  1. Technology and capitalism are intertwined, impacting our daily experiences and evolving our lived realities.
  2. Surveillance capitalism, based on data extraction and manipulation, can lead to a loss of personal control and invasion of privacy.
  3. The normalization of compulsory data sharing in society poses a threat to individual autonomy and shifts the balance from citizens to consumers.

With Governor’s Signature, Minnesota Gives Residents A Right to Repair

Fight to Repair • 98 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Technology Cybersecurity Consumer Rights
  1. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed the Digital Fair Repair Act into law, giving residents the legal right to repair electronics, joining New York as one of the first U.S. states with comprehensive repair laws.
  2. The new law requires manufacturers to provide documentation, parts, and tools for repair within 60 days of a product's sale, though some products like cars are exempt from these regulations.
  3. Minnesota's right to repair legislation includes measures to prevent manufacturers from evading repair requirements under the guise of 'cybersecurity,' marking progress in consumer rights and product longevity.

Bosch: “We Don’t Support Self Service”

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 30 May 23
💼 Business Consumer Rights Manufacturing Legislation Market Trends
  1. Manufacturers like Bosch refuse to provide service manuals, making it challenging and expensive for customers to repair appliances themselves.
  2. Consumers are advocating for right to repair laws to ensure they have access to repair information and tools for products they own.
  3. Demand for service manuals and DIY repair is growing, with one-third of appliance owners choosing to repair their own devices.

Should Car Safety Features Have A Paywall?

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Automotive Consumer Rights Tech Policy Regulations
  1. Consumer Reports campaign seeks to make safety features like Automatic Crash Notifications (ACN) standard rather than paid subscriptions by car companies.
  2. The trend of companies turning safety features like Apple's Emergency SOS into subscription services raises concerns about access to potentially life-saving features.
  3. Regulators like the FTC are taking steps against companies like Tesla and John Deere for using software controls to enforce subscriptions and deny access to users, highlighting the need for government intervention to protect consumer rights.

Citing Danger of “Ink Spills” Epson Programs End of Life for Some Printers

Fight to Repair • 157 implied HN points • 27 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Hardware Legal Environment Consumer Rights Repair
  1. Epson printers have a pre-determined 'end of life' programmed into their software without clear disclosure at purchase, pushing customers to replace or service their printers.
  2. Users encountering the 'end of life' message can temporarily reset it using an Epson utility for Windows, but Mac users must seek service or replace the printer.
  3. Epson designed their printers to stop working to prevent potential property damage from ink spills or safety issues, leading to concerns about electronic waste and right-to-repair practices.

Lack of Repair Options Drives Great Video Game to Die Off

Fight to Repair • 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.

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

Fight to 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.

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

Fight to Repair • 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.

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

Fight to 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.

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

Fight to Repair • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation 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.

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

Fight to Repair • 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

Fight to Repair • 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.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday, October 7 2022

Fight to Repair • 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.

The Week in Repair: March 6-12

Fight to Repair • 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

Fight to Repair • 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 8-15

Fight to Repair • 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.

The Week in Repair: Jan 18-25

Fight to Repair • 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.

French Authorities Investigate Apple Part Pairing as Deceptive Business Practices

Fight to Repair • 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.

A Number One!! NY Passes Digital Fair Repair Act

Fight to Repair • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Consumer Rights State Politics
  1. New York passed the Digital Fair Repair Act, becoming the first state to do so, enabling consumers to repair their electronics and reducing waste.
  2. Years of work by right to repair advocates led to this milestone, overcoming heavy lobbying from tech firms and previous failures in other states.
  3. The passing of the act is a win for consumers, small businesses, and the environment, allowing easier access to spare parts, repair software, and service diagrams for a wide range of devices.

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

Fight to Repair • 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.

FTC Report Slams OEM Restrictions on Repair

Fight to 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.

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

Fight to Repair • 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 Weekly: Week of November 7, 2022

Fight to Repair • 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.