The hottest Consumer Rights Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Anti-Abundance Types Are Wrong About Housing Market Concentration

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3462 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy Market Regulation Political Ideology Consumer Rights
  1. Housing prices are rising mainly due to supply restrictions, not because of big companies controlling the market. If there are fewer houses available, prices go up.
  2. Although some believe that market concentration in housing is a problem, evidence shows that the housing market is actually quite competitive across the U.S.
  3. Some regions with stricter zoning laws face higher housing costs, suggesting that easing these regulations could help make housing more affordable.

It’s Not Just Red Dye No. 3. It’s All Our Stuff.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3909 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Food Safety Public Health Regulation Consumer Rights Toxicology
  1. The FDA recently banned Red Dye No. 3 due to concerns about its link to thyroid cancer in animals. It's a small victory, but there are many other potentially harmful additives still being used.
  2. Red Dye No. 3 will likely be replaced by Red Dye No. 40, which also has warnings about its effects on children in Europe. This shows that simply switching one dye for another isn't a true solution.
  3. There is a growing concern that synthetic dyes are just a small part of a larger problem with harmful chemicals in our food and products. It's important for consumers to demand safer options.

The Dirty Trick Health Insurers Are Playing That You Don’t Know About

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1199 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Regulation Consumer Rights Healthcare Costs Health Reform
  1. Health insurers use a measurement called the medical loss ratio (MLR) to determine how much of your premiums go to actual medical care versus overhead costs. They should spend at least 80-85% on care, but many find sneaky ways to get around this.
  2. Big insurance companies manipulate what counts as 'quality improvement' to make it look like they're spending more on healthcare than they actually are. They might include things like software upgrades or marketing instead of just patient care.
  3. By buying up doctors' offices and clinics, insurers can steer patients to their own services without MLR rules applying. This way, they keep more money for themselves instead of lowering premiums or improving coverage for you.

PSA: Microsoft may be training on your private data without your knowledge

Marcus on AI • 4070 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Data Privacy Big Tech Ethics Consumer Rights
  1. Microsoft might be using your private documents to train their AI without you knowing. It's important to check your settings.
  2. If you have sensitive information in your Office documents, make sure to turn off any options that share your data.
  3. Big tech companies are increasingly using sneaky methods to gather training data, so it's vital to stay informed and protect your privacy.

These politically enthusiastic supplement fans do not exist

Conspirador Norteño • 44 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Disinformation Health Consumer Rights Advertising
  1. Some social media accounts are fake and use AI-generated faces to push products, like weight loss supplements. They create the impression of being real people to promote their ads.
  2. These accounts often mimic authentic political personas, but they show signs of being inauthentic, like having repeated text or the same profile images. This raises questions about the trustworthiness of the content shared.
  3. A website linked to these ads uses fake reviews from AI-generated profiles, making it seem like people are satisfied customers when they're not real. This highlights the need to be careful about schemes like these online.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Donald Trump, the Smokers’ President

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Social Issues Health Policy Consumer Rights
  1. Some people see nicotine as a popular choice and want to defend it against government rules. This has made smoking a topic that some conservatives rally around.
  2. A new cigar company recently launched and did really well, showing that there is still interest in nicotine products, despite overall sales being down.
  3. Media figures like Tucker Carlson argue that nicotine can actually improve life, pushing back against efforts to regulate its use.

Scott Galloway Explains Why Age Gating Social Media Is Both Necessary and Doable

After Babel • 1346 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Social media Public Health Consumer Rights
  1. Social media can be very harmful to kids, exposing them to risks like addiction, violence, and negative mental health effects. Just like age restrictions exist for alcohol and smoking, similar rules should apply to social media.
  2. Changing how social media platforms operate is key to protecting children. This means having laws that ensure kids can't access these platforms without parental oversight or age verification.
  3. Forcing social media companies to bear the costs of the harm they cause can help change their behavior. If they hurt someone, they should be held accountable, just like in other industries.

Techno-Feudalist Time Theft

The Carousel • 89 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Rights Digital economy Product Design
  1. Many tech products force us to do extra work, making us feel like we're troubleshooting issues that should be the company's responsibility. This is done to cut costs for the companies and shift the burden onto consumers.
  2. Digital products can end up costing more and being more complicated than simpler, traditional options. For example, digital car keys can be expensive to replace and often need frequent reprogramming.
  3. The design of modern tech is often intentional to make us do more work for them, not less. Instead of providing convenience, tech can sometimes complicate our lives and steal our time.

How One Synapse/Evolve Victim Got His Money Back

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Investments Regulation Fintech Consumer Rights
  1. Some people affected by the Synapse bankruptcy have struggled to get their money back, leaving many feeling hopeless. The trustee in charge is working on figuring out how to reconcile the missing funds.
  2. One man was able to get his money back by filing a small claims case against Evolve Bank, showcasing that taking legal action can sometimes help consumers regain their lost funds.
  3. In contrast, his daughter faced challenges in court with her similar case, highlighting how results can vary even with similar circumstances. This shows that legal situations can be unpredictable.

I'm going to run for president

Basta’s Notes • 81 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigning Public Policy Consumer Rights Social Issues
  1. Consumer goods packaging is often really hard to open, and people are tired of it. Many everyday items come with frustrating seals and tabs that don't work properly.
  2. The packaging issue seems to come from companies not caring about their customers. Some brands even do a great job, showing that it is possible to make easy-to-open products.
  3. Basta's campaign idea focuses on fixing packaging to make it user-friendly. It taps into a common frustration shared by many people, making it a relatable issue.

The AI Data Paranoia Edition

Why is this interesting? • 241 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Data Privacy Machine Learning Consumer Rights
  1. AI companies often clarify that they do not use customer data for training purposes, especially in enterprise settings. This is important for businesses concerned about data privacy.
  2. There is still some confusion and debate among brands and agencies regarding how AI services handle their data. This shows a need for better understanding and communication on the topic.
  3. Different AI companies have varying terms of service, which can affect how user data is treated, highlighting the importance of reading the agreements carefully.

We Must Pay More for Drugs

Something to Consider • 79 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Drug Pricing Pharmaceuticals Consumer Rights Health economics
  1. Patents help inventors protect their ideas, but they alone can't ensure fair profits from innovations. We need more support to make sure inventors get what they deserve.
  2. In a monopoly, the price of goods reflects production costs, not research costs. This can lead to less innovation if prices don't encourage investment.
  3. To encourage more drug discoveries, we might need to pay higher prices or create subsidies and prizes for medical breakthroughs. It’s a tough choice, but necessary for progress.

The Beast That Can't Be Killed

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 150 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Capitalism Economic Policy Consumer Rights Wealth Inequality
  1. Capitalism has a tough time changing, even with attempts at regulation. Efforts to control it often fail, showing that it can be very resilient.
  2. Billionaires and powerful capitalists can influence and undermine regulatory bodies. Efforts to create rules for them can be ignored or dismantled.
  3. The system of capitalism can lead to negative outcomes for everyone, as the wealthy often prioritize their interests over the public good.

Medicare Advantage plans have potentially deadly side effects. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must act.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1079 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Public Health Consumer Rights
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are different from traditional Medicare, often limiting your choice of doctors and treatments. This means you might end up paying a lot more for care when you need it.
  2. Advertising for Medicare Advantage plans often focuses on attractive benefits, but downplays the risks and potential costs. It's important to be cautious since the coverage gaps can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
  3. There is a call for stricter regulations on how Medicare Advantage plans are advertised, similar to rules for prescription drugs. This could help ensure people understand the serious implications before signing up.

Can You Resell An Illumina Sequencer?

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Legal issues Market Dynamics Consumer Rights Intellectual Property
  1. Illumina has faced accusations of anti-competitive behavior, especially towards companies reselling their sequencers. They reportedly pressured customers with high fees to avoid sales from third parties.
  2. The lawsuit between International Equipment Trading and Illumina ended in a settlement, leaving questions about legality unanswered. However, it appears Illumina has softened some of their policies regarding support for secondhand equipment.
  3. There's an increasing number of used Illumina machines for sale online, often with their software removed. Users wanting to reinstall the software might need to contact Illumina for assistance and potentially pay for a service contract.

Private Medicare blitz: for-profit health insurers are pressing hard for new enrollees in their taxpayer-supported Medicare businesses in 2024

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare Costs Consumer Rights
  1. Private Medicare plans are trying hard to gain new members, often using appealing offers like gym memberships and grocery cards to entice seniors.
  2. Many seniors who switch to these plans may face unexpected costs, like high deductibles, and risk being denied coverage for essential medical services.
  3. It's important for seniors to carefully consider the long-term impact of switching to private Medicare plans, especially if they have serious health needs.

NEWS UN-COVERED: health insurer rate hikes and Medicare Advantage ads in 2024

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Insurance Issues Government Policy Consumer Rights
  1. Medicare Advantage ads are misleading, and there is an effort by the government to make them more transparent. Consumers need to be careful and do their research before signing up for these plans.
  2. In 2024, health insurers are planning significant rate hikes that could affect employers and consumers. This could lead to higher overall healthcare costs and impact inflation.
  3. There is increasing pushback from employers against these rate hikes. They are using new transparency rules to negotiate better deals with health insurers.

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.

Is America A Failed State?

Castalia • 219 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Consumer Rights Corporate Power Infrastructure Public Services
  1. Travel experiences highlight issues in customer service and corporate practices. Many people are frustrated with technology getting in the way and feeling ignored by automated systems.
  2. America's economic landscape is dominated by a few large corporations, leading to less competition and lower quality service. This shift has resulted in a sense of uniformity and dissatisfaction in many communities.
  3. People often accept the current system without questioning it, similar to the way citizens in a failing state might feel. There's a need for accountability and reform to improve the situation.

Right to Repair: McFlurries and Apples

Gad’s Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Rights Sustainability Corporate Policy Economic Impact
  1. The Right to Repair movement is gaining ground, challenging companies like Apple and Taylor that restrict repair access. People want the freedom to fix their own devices or use local repair shops without barriers.
  2. Consumers are increasingly frustrated with strict repair policies and prefer products that can be easily repaired. Studies show many people feel unhappy with brands that don’t support repair options.
  3. While the Right to Repair aims to help consumers and the environment, companies may respond by raising prices on new products. It's important to find a balance between access to repairs and fair pricing.

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.

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.

Vol. 1, Issue 37 - Pokémon games as a service is bad news

Johto Times • 79 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Video Games Digital Media Consumer Rights Entertainment
  1. Making Pokémon games available through a service like Nintendo Switch Online can limit players' control over what they can play. If the service ends or costs increase, access to these games could disappear.
  2. Unlike owning a game outright, subscribing to a service means you only have access while paying. This can feel risky when it comes to classic games that many fans have loved for years.
  3. Nintendo has a history of not making games available across its different consoles. Many older Pokémon titles are hard to access now, making it frustrating for fans who want to play their favorites.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.