Colorado's Right to Repair Law Under Threat from Tech Lobbyists

Lobbyists representing major technology firms, including Cisco and IBM, are advocating for legislation in Colorado that seeks to significantly weaken the state's right to repair law. This proposed bill, which recently advanced through a Colorado state senate committee, would exempt hardware classified as "critical infrastructure" from the existing right to repair provisions. The term "critical infrastructure" is broadly defined, potentially allowing manufacturers to exempt a wide range of products from repair requirements. Louis Rossmann, a right to repair expert, expressed concerns during a legislative hearing, stating that manufacturers could easily designate their products as critical infrastructure to avoid compliance with repair laws.

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Proponents of the bill argue that the changes are necessary to protect national security and ensure the integrity of data centers. Joseph Lee from Cisco emphasized that not all digital devices are equivalent, suggesting that equipment used in critical sectors, such as power grids, should be repaired only by authorized personnel. Chris Bresee from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association echoed this sentiment, asserting that safeguarding critical systems is paramount. However, critics argue that this rationale is a guise for creating monopolies on repair services, as the broad definition of critical infrastructure could encompass nearly any electronic device.

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Consumer rights advocates and cybersecurity experts have raised alarms about the potential consequences of the proposed legislation. Andrew Brandt, cofounder of the nonprofit Elect More Hackers, highlighted that delays in repairs could leave smaller companies vulnerable to cyberattacks. Paul Roberts, founder of SecuRepairs, criticized the bill's backers for exploiting genuine cybersecurity concerns to enhance their market control, arguing that the legislation would lock in a monopoly on repair services for large tech firms.

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While the bill's supporters maintain that it is a necessary measure for protecting critical infrastructure, opponents contend that it undermines the right to repair, which has been a significant consumer rights issue for over a decade. The debate centers on whether the need for security justifies restricting access to repair services, with critics asserting that greater access to repair options can actually enhance cybersecurity by allowing quicker fixes to vulnerable equipment.

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• “It relies on a broad, vague definition that allows the manufacturer themselves to self-designate whether their equipment is for critical infrastructure,” — Louis Rossmann, Right to Repair Expert

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• “This is not an argument against repair or against consumers rights, it is a recognition that fixing a smartphone is not the same as modifying systems that keep the lights on for our country.” — Chris Bresee, Lobbyist, National Electrical Manufacturers Association

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• “The big tech companies backing the bill are using a very real concern about cybersecurity and resilience of US critical infrastructure to pad their bottom line, locking in a monopoly on service and repair.” — Paul Roberts, Cybersecurity Expert

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The outcome of this legislative effort could have significant implications for the right to repair movement and the broader landscape of consumer rights in technology.

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