Part 7/11:
This theme echoes across multiple industries where manufacturers exploit legal frameworks designed for digital content. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) restricts access to repair information by implying that the software—which often is integral to the functionality of consumer goods—is not owned but licensed, thus limiting repair rights.
The Wider Implications of Repair Restrictions
The stakes extend beyond financial burdens; they also jeopardize health and safety. Individuals depending on electric wheelchairs or other medical devices face severe consequences when repairs are delayed due to monopolized services. Farmers endure immense stress associated with their reliance on functional equipment to work against the clock dictated by nature.