The Right to Repair Movement Takes Off
In 2021, the right to repair movement gained momentum, with Microsoft being the first major tech firm pledging to acknowledge the right to repair for their customers, and action from the Federal Trade Commission to limit manufacturers ability to prevent independent repairs of their product. The movement centers around the consumers' right to fix their own property or choose their own service provider to do so, as opposed to the manufacturer being the only source to access repairs. As E-waste continues to be the fastest growing waste stream in the world, the right to repair is essential to limiting this excess output. Here’s what you need to know about the movement.
Fighting to Reverse Throw-away Culture
By limiting repairs, manufacturers are creating a cycle where instead of consumers being able to repair their devices, it is simply easier to purchase a new one. This cycle has greatly contributed to the E-waste problem, and has created shortages in rare-earth nonrenewable materials. The overuse of these materials is creating long-term issues and will prevent the technology industry from being able to rely on them in the future. Right to repair is looking to limit not just environmental waste, but limit the overuse of these materials in order to create a more sustainable industry.
Countering Intellectual Property Claims
When trying to access repairs for personal devices, the only options are often within the manufacturer’s repair networks. In addition, products are frequently designed to make their repair intentionally difficult, further ensuring that consumers will have to go directly to the source. These manufacturers will commonly argue that allowing consumers to make their own repairs poses safety and security risks to their companies -- groups campaigning for the right to repair are against these claims, stating that the consumers’ personal property rights should be given priority.
Online creators who assist individuals in making their own repairs to devices have been frequently subjected to cease and desist letters by such companies. Right to repair also looks to protect these content creators and allow them to disseminate information that will assist others in repairing their own devices. This will enable individuals to lengthen the lifespan of their electronics, and help them to avoid creating unnecessary waste.
The right to repair becoming widely accepted will undoubtedly lead to more sustainable practices in the technology industry. With the climate crisis looming, limiting excess waste is a vital action in helping the tech industry to become more environmentally friendly.
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