IRREPARABLE GOODS SLAMMED
FTC REPORT POURS SCORN ON THE EXCUSES MADE
© YASIN OZTURK/ANADOLU AGENCY VIA GETTY IMAGES, WIKIMEDIA
THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION has made its final report on manufacturer-imposed restrictions on the repair of hardware, and has concluded that things are far from ideal. It has examined the reasons for the restrictions supplied by manufacturers and found that “the majority are not supported by the record.” There are, apparently, eight main ways you are stopped from repairing things, from the requirement to use special tools, through to using soldered components and citing (non-existent) safety worries. Many of the problems are baked into the designs, and exacerbated by limited information. The worst offenders are the makers of smartphones, laptops, and cars. Apple received some special mentions, too, for ensuring that only Apple can fix its products. The FTC was pleasingly thorough in refuting manufacturers’ excuses, and in its support for right-to-repair advocates. The conclusion is that the American public is not getting a fair deal, and the FTC has pledged to work with legislators to ensure you can fix what you buy, where feasible, without using OEM designated repair facilities.