New York State champions consumer rights with Digital Fair Repair Act

January 31, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

The iPhone is notoriously hard for independent stores to repair, but that should change after New York enacted the Digital Fair Repair Act that went into effect on Dec. 28, 2023.
Photo: Jeff Chiu/AP

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New York State has enacted the Digital Fair Repair Act, heralding a new era of accessibility and affordability in electronic repairs.

The legislation, which came into effect on Dec. 28, mandates manufacturers to provide independent repair shops and consumers with essential repair documents, tools and parts, thereby breaking down barriers that have historically led to monopolized repair services and inflated costs.

The act covers a wide range of “digital electronic equipment,” including everyday items like smartphones, computers and home entertainment systems, ensuring that repairs are no longer a prerogative of manufacturer-authorized centers alone.

This move is meant to lower repair costs and aims to stimulate competition among repair shops to reduce electronic waste by extending the lifespan of electronic devices. State Sen. Neil Breslin and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, the legislative sponsors, emphasized the law’s dual benefit to both the environment and small businesses.

“This new recently enacted Right to Repair law, the first of its kind in the United States, will provide greater choice and affordability for consumers if they choose to repair their electronic devices, while also significantly reducing the amount of electronic waste,” Breslin said.

Under the new law, the Office of the Attorney General holds the authority to enforce compliance, with mechanisms in place for consumers and repair shops to report any violations. This law represents a significant step towards empowering consumers and fostering a more sustainable and competitive repair industry in New York State.