If you have ever 'gutted' your laptop or smartphone you will know that the task is usually not easy. In recent times, in fact, repair our devices is increasingly difficult, something that in the United States has made the movement for the right to repair appear ('Right to Repair').
Some states in the USA already advocate legislation that defends the rights of consumers in this area, and the last state to join these proposals is California, something especially significant considering that Silicon Valley is the heart of the technological world.
More resources for unofficial repairs
The proposal comes from Susan Talamantes Eggman, and as in the 17 states that already have this type of bill approved or in the process of being, the idea is to defend the right of users to repair their devices.
The implications are enormous especially in the United States, as manufacturers increasingly put more barriers to these operations to try to force users to always go to official or authorized services. With this regulation alternatives are proposed that would facilitate independent repair processes both by users and by technical services not officially authorized.
Technological companies would have to provide guidelines for those processes - there are those who fortunately already do so - as well as guarantee the production and distribution of replacement parts and components. As Kit Walsh of the EFF explained, "this legislation is key to protecting independent repair shops and the competitive repair market, which would mean better service at lower prices."