now you can repair cars, set-top boxes, routers and more
We have written about the right to repair more than once. This is a really important topic, as the amount of e-waste is constantly increasing, and it seems that only regulatory methods can solve this problem. The more restrictions are imposed on the repair of various devices and systems by individuals and organizations, the faster the volume of e-waste will grow. Conversely, if users and private service centers can repair any device, the less broken systems will be thrown away.
A few days ago there was news that the US Copyright Office had added new exceptions to Section 1201 of the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Now you can repair not only phones and laptops, but also cars, medical gadgets, routers and TV-boxes. Unfortunately, there are also limitations. Details about the achievements and problems of the right to repair – under the cut.
What’s up with success?
It didn’t start all of a sudden. The repair right community has been actively lobbying for its position for several years. As a result, the US Federal Trade Commission decided to fight illegal restrictions on the part of large companies on the repair of complex devices. Moreover, the Commission announced its intention to allocate resources for the implementation of laws regarding renovation works.
The plan includes five main stageshighlighting points such as gathering public opinion, including complaints, strengthening work with local law enforcement, and updating company rules and regulations. All this, according to representatives of the regulator, makes it possible to combat the increase in the cost of the final product, the isolation of independent repair shops, the increase in electronic waste, etc.
“The FTC voted unanimously to strengthen law enforcement against repair restrictions that prevent small businesses, workers, consumers and even government agencies from repairing their own products. Such restrictions can significantly increase consumer spending, stifle innovation, shut down business opportunities for independent repair shops, create unnecessary e-waste, delay timely repairs, and undermine resiliency, ”said Federal Trade Commission Chairman Lina Khan.
Around the same time, in the summer of 2021, the EU announced the need for manufacturers of electronic devices and household appliances to supply spare parts for their devices within 10 years. These included, for example, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and lighting fixtures.
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Now the success of the lobby right for renovation has become even more visible. The US Copyright Office has published additional exemptions to section 1201 of the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act. In addition to washers and smartphones, the right to repair has now been extended to cars, medical devices, routers and set-top boxes. As for routers, it is especially worth noting the termination of the DMCA.
> regarding device firmware. In other words, users can optionally install third-party firmware on network gadgets. In addition, firmware can be studied and modified.
Experts note that the Copyright Office
above the amendments – as a result, the main features of different types of devices were taken into account. Accordingly, the new list of exceptions is very useful for individuals and service centers that repair equipment.
Another interesting point is that archival libraries now have the ability to create copies of outdated disk media – if there is no replacement for them. Unfortunately, no one has received the right to hack copy protection to convert the contents of such drives into other formats. But there is permission to hack devices for playing streaming video, if this is not done to access pirated content.
What about the disadvantages?
Problems still remain, and quite a few. The fact is that Apple and other large vendors of electronic devices do not want to be left behind. That is, companies are struggling to control the service and repair industry. Companies understand that this is a gold mine for them – not only do they sell devices, but they also continue to receive money after the sale.
In addition to electronics, the situation with the repair of smart agricultural equipment remains unclear. For example, the one produced by John Deere. Her tractors are not being sold to farmers, as one might think. Instead, an Extended Use License Agreements are concluded with the “customer”. And just according to the terms of the contract, the farmer does not have the right to independently repair equipment, including both hardware and software. The violator faces fines of hundreds of thousands of dollars and even prison terms.
Other problems
The current business model of manufacturers of electronics, home appliances, agricultural devices, etc. evolved over many decades. And if you start changing it now, a lot can go wrong. We will not consider all possible directions for the development of the situation, since the volume of the article will not be enough.
But one of the main consequences is the rise in the price of products. Manufacturers are already claiming that if they have to produce spare parts for their devices for a period of 10 years, then the price of the devices themselves will rise. Experts believe that the relatively low cost of household appliances and electronics is now due to a decrease in the reliability of such systems. If you require a long-term guarantee and ultra-high reliability, then vendors will raise the price.
For example, a quarter of a century guarantee is given for a number of Miele household appliances. But these devices are 5-10 times more expensive than conventional ones. Will the consumer be ready to increase the cost of such equipment? Not a fact at all. And another question – what to do with all these spare parts, stocked up for a period of 10 years, after the end of the warranty? It is also unclear. “If rules are created according to which for all types of goods, regardless of their technological life cycle, manufacturers will need to have a ten-year stock of spare parts, this will most likely lead to an increase in e-waste: what will not be in demand will have to be disposed of,” the press predicts. service of the group “M.Video-Eldorado”.
But in any case, the buyer of the product should be able to dispose of his purchase at his own discretion. And now it seems that the right lobby has every chance of achieving this goal.
