A Criticism of ‘Right to Repair’ Laws

Consumer and industrial equipment have become increasingly sophisticated over the past decade. As machines evolve alongside the technological revolution, they become increasingly dependent on complex computing software and uniquely manufactured components. In recent years, third parties have endeavored to access the software and components embedded in these machines to modify equipment independently rather than through manufacturer- authorized channels. Manufacturers, in response, have tried to obstruct this access through technology and contracts, including the voiding of warranties. Equipment owners and third parties dislike these obstructions and have turned to policymakers for relief. Some states have responded with laws mandating that consumers have access to software and parts to "repair" their equipment while bypassing authorized channels. These "right to repair" (R2R) efforts seek to procure consumer gains in the form of lower service fees, but policymakers--and the equipment owners themselves--fail to understand those gains can come at the expense of environmental damage, data privacy, manufacturing innovation, and consumer safety.