FTC warns PC makers that threaten 'right to repair'; Nintendo and Sony have received similar warnings in the past
The FTC is investigating PC manufacturers who scare you away from your right to repair - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/3/24191790/asrock-gigabyte-zotac-ftc-warranty-void-right-to-repair
The FTC has sent letters to PC makers ASRock, GIGABYTE, and ZOTAC, warning them about the use of stickers that cover screw holes on their devices and void warranty if removed. The letters call on the manufacturers to modify their warranties, review their customer support practices, and ensure that they are not illegally jeopardizing warranties that users should be entitled to. According to sources, GIGABYTE has received notice that the FTC would be concerned if it 'denies warranty coverage based on warranty provisions or similar provisions.'
ASRock, GIGABYTE and ZOTAC have received notices from the FTC to immediately cease practices that undermine the right to repair, but each company still includes language in their repair-related policies that undermines the right to repair.
ASRock's repair policy states that 'The manufacturer's warranty is void if the product has been modified, damaged or tampered with, for example if the cover has been opened or additional optional parts/components have been installed or removed.'
GIGABYTE's terms and conditions state that 'the warranty will be void if the manufacturing sticker inside the product is removed or damaged.'
The FTC's 'right to repair' claim is based on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, rather than on state right-to-repair laws currently in place in each state.
The FTC explains the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act as follows: 'Prohibits warrantors of consumer products valued at more than $5 from conditioning their written warranty on the consumer's use of any product or service, such as repair services, that is identified by a brand, business, or company name, unless (1) the warranty states that the product or service is provided at no charge to the consumer, or (2) the warrantor has received an exemption from the Commission.'
The FTC has notified ASRock, GIGABYTE and ZOTAC that 'FTC investigators have copied and stored the online pages in question and will review your written warranties and promotional materials in 30 days,' and has asked them to correct their practices within 30 days.
In 2018, the FTC issued a similar warning to Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft for practices that threaten the right to repair home video game consoles. Nintendo and Sony updated their policies to comply with the right to repair within two months of the warning.
Nintendo and Sony review warranties for 'Warranty void if removed' stickers on game consoles - GIGAZINE
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in Hardware, Posted by logu_ii