There is more positive news on the right to repair front, this time from the automotive industry. The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (REPAIR Act), introduced by Rep. Neal Dunn of Florida, seeks to grant car owners access to essential repair and diagnostic data needed for auto repairs. Automakers, of course, oppose Mr. Dunn’s bill because it empowers car owners to make their own repair and maintenance choices.
This fight in the auto industry mirrors the struggles faced by the enterprise IT and hardware aftermarket. At FreeICT USA, we see these issues as fundamentally connected: both industries face increasing restrictions that limit independent repair, refurbishment, and resale. Just as automakers are trying to restrict access to repair data, IT hardware manufacturers are creating artificial barriers to servicing and reselling enterprise technology.
The REPAIR Act aims to prevent automakers from hoarding vehicle data, which independent repair shops need to keep cars on the road. Similarly, in the ICT sector, manufacturers use firmware locks, software restrictions, and warranty exclusions to prevent businesses from repairing their own hardware and software, or choosing third-party service providers. These tactics not only drive up costs but also lead to unnecessary e-waste as enterprises are forced to replace rather than repair IT assets.
Independent auto repair shops handle over 80% of out-of-warranty car repairs at significantly lower costs than dealerships. Similarly, independent IT service providers have long extended the life of hardware, provided cost-effective alternatives, and ensured that businesses can make their own decisions about their technology. Yet, as manufacturers in both industries consolidate power, consumers and businesses alike are left with fewer choices, higher prices, and avoidable waste.
The February 11th ruling dismissing automakers’ attempt to block Massachusetts’ Right to Repair law is a significant victory. It sets a precedent for federal action in the auto industry—and should serve as inspiration for the ICT sector. We need similar protections ensuring that enterprises retain the right to repair, support, and resell their IT hardware without interference from manufacturers.
At FreeICT USA, we stand for the freedom to repair, resell, and support enterprise technology. Just as the REPAIR Act is critical to protecting independent auto repair shops, we need legislative action to prevent IT manufacturers from locking businesses into costly and unsustainable service models. The Right to Repair is not just a consumer issue—it’s a business necessity, an economic imperative, and an environmental responsibility.
