The FTC restated the growing impression that restrictions imposed on repairs to consumer electronics by the original manufacturers, whether through warranty clauses or by limiting the availability or compatibility of parts, have increasingly obliged customers to use manufacturers' and sellers' own repair networks or, in many case, simply abandon the item entirely and purchase a new replacement long before the end of its useful life.
The FTC's 'Right to Repair for small businesses, workers, consumers and government entities' policy statement is the Commission's first step towards actively addressing this issue. The FTC has invited the public to submit complaints about offending companies.
If the FTC acts as is expected, it would mean consumers in the US would be free either to repair popular gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, computers and games consoles themselves or to use independent repair shops, which are typically cheaper...