FTC 4-0 Finds Little Evidence Against Right to Repair

The FTC unanimously supported a long-awaited report finding little evidence for some sectors' opposition to letting consumers fix their own devices. “Although manufacturers have offered numerous explanations for their repair restrictions, the majority are not supported by the record,” said the report OK'd 4-0 and issued Thursday afternoon.

Self-regulation here hasn't widely worked, noted a conclusion on page 54. “The auto industry has shown that in certain contexts, self-regulation can significantly increase consumers’ repair options. But other industries have not adopted similar self-regulation.”

The FTC said it “will pursue appropriate law enforcement and regulatory options, as well as consumer education.” It “stands ready to work with legislators, either at the state or federal level, in order to ensure that consumers have choices when they need to repair products,” it said. The report was addressed to Congress and its release was delayed amid a Supreme Court ruling against the commission on another matter, we previously reported.

Tech interests didn't immediately comment.