Congress is taking a look at the ways that Apple makes it harder to fix our iPhones, iPads and other products as a part of a larger antitrust investigation.
Congress is taking a look at the ways that Apple makes it harder to fix our iPhones, iPads and other products as a part of a larger antitrust investigation.
On Sept. 13, the House Judiciary Committee delivered a bipartisan request to Apple CEO Tim Cook for documents related to its investigation into possible anti-competitive practices, including those regarding independent repair of Apple products. Congress’ inquiry comes after our Right to Repair campaign has helped spur legislation in states across the country, increasing the pressure on Congress and federal legislators to address barriers to repair.
“People should be able to fix their products, and when companies work to undermine repair, not only do they frustrate their customers, but also they should be concerned with whether they are on the wrong side of the law,” said Nathan Proctor, director of our national Right to Repair campaign. “When it comes to restricting repair, Apple isn’t alone and a lot of other companies should take this as a warning.”
The bottom line? Apple and others “should cooperate, support independent repair and avoid exposing themselves to regulatory and legal risks.”
Photo Caption: “Repair of our iPhones and other technology saves money and cuts the amount of electronic waste—the fastest-growing part of the waste stream—that we generate,” says our Right to Repair campaign director, Nathan Proctor. Photo Credit: ThoroughlyReviewed via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
It's harder than it should be to fix our stuff. Manufacturers of every electronic product from toasters to tractors create barriers that stymie repair from owners or independent repair businesses. It's fueling a rise in electronic waste, the loss of independent repair businesses -- and ultimately more cost and more waste for consumers.
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