"Right to Repair"

[George K]

https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/07/policy-statement-federal-trade-commission-repair-restrictions-imposed

[Axtremus]

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/

That’s the White House’s July 9 executive order that gave the FTC the kick to get going with tackling the “right to repair” issue.

[Jolly]

Even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then...

[Axtremus]

https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a36903122/right-to-repair-fair-repair-act-2021/

The article claims that half the states have considered “Right to Repair” legislation. The article itself is not all the good, but it links to many other articles that I find interesting, particularly:

• one that talks about the military procuring equipment that are hampered by repair restrictions
• hospital equipment, a situation made more dire by COVID-19
• John Deere’s broken promise, one designed to stall “Right to Repair” legislation for three years three years ago and now remain unfulfilled

On the consumer electronics side, you’ve got Apple, Inc. as the poster child for “Right to Repair” problem (but it’s actually common across the entire consumer electronics industry). On the farming equation side, it seems it’s always John Deere that’s the problem poster child.