Today’s bans on DIY repairs of everything from cell phones to tractors grew out of Hollywood’s fear of videotaping

Efforts to use technology to police copyright evolved into companies using copyright law to lock people out of repairing their own devices.

By: Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, Miami University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: May 22, 2026

Words: 1,161

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, Miami University

If you have ever tried to repair something, realized that it was beyond your financial or technical means, and ended up buying a new one, you are not alone. Repairing electronics and household appliances has not been a real option in the United States for decades now, particularly for items that have proprietary software in them.

Absurd situations have proliferated. It can cost about the same to buy a new …

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