Right to repair
Right to repair is a legal right for owners of devices and equipment to freely modify and repair products such as automobiles, electronics, and farm equipment. This right is framed in opposition to restrictions such as requirements to use only the manufacturer's maintenance services, restrictions on access to tools and components, and software barriers.
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Obstacles to owner repair can lead to higher consumer costs or drive consumers to single-use devices instead of making repairs. While the global community is concerned over the growing volume of the waste stream, especially electronic waste, the debate over the right to repair has been centered on the United States, India, and the European Union. Right to repair may also refer to the social movement of citizens putting pressure on their governments to enact laws protecting a right to repair.
In addition to the consumer goods, healthcare equipment repair access made news at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when hospitals had trouble getting maintenance for some critical high-demand medical equipment, most notably ventilators.