What the First US "Right to Repair" Law Does, in Actuality?

The ability to repair your own gadgets has become a global concern as certain businesses make it harder and harder to do so. What does the first contemporary Right to Repair law—which was just approved in the US state of New York actually do? Many modern electronics are difficult to fix, in part because accessing internal components requires more time and effort due to downsizing and waterproofing, as well as because many businesses restrict access to repair information and replacement parts. One of the worst violators is Apple, which for years only allowed certified technicians access to manuals and components. Additionally, the company's new self-repair program necessitates renting pricey tools. Farmers have advocated for repair legislation so they can mend their own tractors and other equipment, which shows that the issue is not only restricted to consumer devices. Photo Credit: Review Geek Electronic Device Fair Repair Act A few measures outlining the right to repair have been introduced in state and federal legislatures, but most of them haven't advanced very far. Rep. Joseph D. Morelle (D-NY-25) filed the Fair Repair Act in the House of Representatives in June 2021, but it hasn't yet been submitted to the Senate, and its future in the newly Republican-controlled House is questionable. On the other hand, the state of New York has consistently advanced its own legislation, which Governor Kathy Hochul of New York just signed into law. "This bill will protect consumers from the monopolistic tactics of digital equipment producers," the bill's text reads. According to this law, manufacturers must sell non-trade secret diagnostic and repair information to independent mechanics. Other than the lack of information being withheld by manufacturers, nothing stops third party repairers from being technically qualified to make digital repairs. Photo Credit: The New York Times The purpose of the measure is to equalize everyone with authorized repair facilities. The same repair manuals and parts that are made available to the general public must also be made available to approved repair facilities. Despite the fact that the law only applies to New York, iFixit notes that some businesses made their repair instructions publicly accessible online after France implemented a repair law last year. The Digital Fair Repair Act will almost definitely be helpful to everyone attempting to repair electronics that also happen to be sold in New York, even if other states and the federal government move slowly on similar legislation. Products sold after July 1, 2023, will be subject to it. The Catch The new law in New York has a few key limitations. It makes a few of exclusions, such as "particular public safety communications equipment," digital home appliances, cars, and off-road machinery like mining and construction machinery. Farm and utility equipment are exempt, which further disadvantages farmers and benefits John Deere. Computers, phones, tablets, and other gadgets that an average individual may own still appear to be covered by the law, but businesses are not required to make it simple. According to the bill, manufacturers of electronic devices must "make any special documentation, tools, and parts necessary to access and reset the lock or function when disabled in the course of diagnosis, maintenance, or repair of the equipment, available to the owner and to independent repair providers, on fair and reasonable terms." If Apple's attorneys can describe their absurd tool-rental program for DIY iPhone repairs as "fair and reasonable" in court, then it is very likely still legal. Photo Credit: iFixit Finally, there is a potential that state courts will invalidate the entire law. Given that corporate lobbying already significantly constrained the legislation's reach, it doesn't seem very plausible, but anything may happen.