Lawmakers and consumer groups are intensifying scrutiny of manufacturers accused of deliberately restricting access to parts, tools and diagnostic software for independent repair businesses. The practice forces consumers to use authorized service centers, increasing costs and limiting choice.
The conflict centers on companies making it difficult or impossible for anyone outside their authorized network to fix products—from smartphones and tractors to medical devices. Manufacturers claim these restrictions are necessary for safety, security or intellectual property protection.
Advocates for the "right to repair" movement argue that these corporate policies create monopolies on repairs. If consumers cannot choose who repairs their products, they contend, they don't truly own them. Small businesses and individual consumers face higher repair bills or are forced to replace otherwise functional items.
Several states have moved to legislate the issue. New York passed the Digital Fair Repair Act in 2022, requiring manufacturers of digital electronic products to make parts, tools and information available to independent repair providers. California followed with similar legislation in 2023.
At the federal level, President Trump has issued executive orders directing the Federal Trade Commission to enforce anti-monopoly laws related to repair restrictions. The orders signal White House focus on increasing competition in various sectors, including product repair.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated openness to examining bipartisan solutions. Agricultural groups facing repair challenges for increasingly complex farm equipment have fueled some of this legislative interest.
Apple and John Deere have been prominent targets of the movement. Both companies have gradually expanded access to repair manuals and parts in recent years, often in response to legislative threats and public pressure. Critics say these concessions remain insufficient.
The dispute reflects a power imbalance between large corporations and individual consumers or small businesses. By controlling the repair ecosystem, manufacturers dictate pricing and service options, limiting consumer choice and stifling independent entrepreneurial activity in the repair sector. Proponents of broader right-to-repair laws argue that open repair markets foster competition, reduce electronic waste and extend the lifespan of products.
