USA approved the right to repair smartphones, household appliances, cars for third-party companies

In the spring, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recognized that the anti-repair tactics of large companies are hurting small businesses and consumers.

The FTC said yesterday that it voted unanimously to take action against violating companies that deliberately make it difficult to repair products outside of their own repair network. The regulator fully supports the restoration of the right to repair for third-party companies.

The Federal Trade Commission 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.

Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan

And we are talking not only about smartphones, but also about other industries, including cars, household appliances, industrial equipment. The FTC is urging everyone to file complaints of violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Basically, if Apple voids the iPhone’s warranty because it was repaired by a third party, the company would be considered a violation of the law.