Digital devices
Right to repair
On March 17, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) called for a "right to repair". This does not go far enough for the Pirate Party.
The committee's demand includes that software updates with new functions can be reversed and must not impair the performance of the device. MEP Dr. Patrick Breyer (Pirate Party) believes that the paper does not go far enough.
"We Pirates want users to have control over the technology they use in their daily lives. Users need the right to modify and repair devices themselves. Manufacturers' copyright or patent law must no longer stand in the way of this! While commercial manufacturers of IT devices are required by law to provide updates for a reasonable period of time, there is currently no obligation to promptly close known security vulnerabilities and no manufacturer liability for the often devastating consequences of damage. If a manufacturer decides to abandon a product that is still widely used, we also call for the mandatory publication of source code and development tools so that the community can maintain it. The Pirate Party will continue to stand up for the rights of consumers in this matter, who have been left behind in the debate on 'intellectual property' due to overpowering corporate interests."
The EU Commission is considering presenting a separate draft law on a right to repair in the third quarter of 2022. According to a Eurobarometer survey, 79% of EU citizens believe that manufacturers should be obliged to facilitate the repair of digital devices or the replacement of their individual parts, and 77% would prefer to have their devices repaired rather than replaced.
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