May 01, 2023 19:10:00

While Big Tech opposes the bill that recognizes the 'right to repair', Microsoft is ready to boost

It is known that

big tech such as Apple and Google are strongly opposed to the bill that recognizes the 'right to repair' to repair automobiles and smartphones by themselves without going through the manufacturer. However, Microsoft is moving to support the bill's enactment.

Big Tech hates the right to repair. But Microsoft is changing its tune. | Grist
https://grist.org/technology/microsoft-right-to-repair-quietly-supported-legislation-to-make-it-easier-to-fix-devices-heres-why-thats-a-big-deal/

It has long been criticized by users that the mechanism that only specific companies can repair electronic devices is monopoly. In June 2022,

Congress finally passed the `` Digital Fair Repair Act '' in New York State, which obliges manufacturers for the first time in the United States to allow consumers and independent stores to repair electronic devices. It will come into effect on July 1, 2023.

A law that recognizes the ``right to repair'' has been enacted and will be effective in New York from July 1, 2023-GIGAZINE

It has been reported that lobbying from tech companies such as Apple and Google in the process of enacting the law delayed the governor's signature.

Apple and Google are opposing the bill that recognizes the 'right to repair' passed by an overwhelming majority and are trying to prevent enforcement - GIGAZINE

However, the same tech company, Microsoft, has taken a conceding stance on repair rights.

Originally, Microsoft, like Apple and Google, has restricted the repair of its products to only authorized partners. This policy change was due to pressure from shareholders. In 2021, Microsoft agreed to facilitate access to parts and information needed for repairs, and to study its impact on climate change and e-waste.

In January 2022, Microsoft's official 'neutral' stance when the bill on the right to repair was introduced in the Washington state legislature was 'a really big step forward,' said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Mia Gregerson. is expressed.

This bill could not pass Congress due to opposition from industry groups of electronic device manufacturers, but when the bill `` E2SHB 1392 '' on the right to repair was submitted again in 2023, Microsoft announced support for the bill. It passed the House but was expected to struggle in the Senate, so Irene Prenefisch, Microsoft's director of government affairs, called on the eight members of the Environment, Energy and Technology Committee to help pass the bill. I was sent an email stating that. ``This bill will give manufacturers, customers and independent repair shops a fair share of profits, giving consumers more options for repairing devices,'' Prenefish said in an email.

However, even with Microsoft's help, the bill did not pass the Washington State Senate. Rep. Drew Mathewen, who opposed the bill, acknowledged being contacted by Microsoft, saying, ``There may be compromises that can be reached eventually, but more work will be needed.'' .