The right-to-repair movement: sustainability and consumer rights

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/20438869231178037

The right-to-repair movement is a consumer rights movement that supports people’s freedom to repair and customize their gadgets, such as smartphones. To make diagnostic tools, repair manuals, and replacement parts available to the public, the movement continues to push for laws requiring manufacturers to do so. The movement, supported by legislation, is gaining traction as a fundamental human right. On the other hand, the right-to-repair movement received different responses from smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Google, and Nokia. This article describes the evolving market conditions and examines how various brands have reacted to the recent global tide. The article contributes to the efforts toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on several accounts since right-to-repair laws help reduce electronic waste and promote sustainable consumption.