U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice Voice Support for Right to Repair

The Auto Care Association has commended the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division (DOJ) for its recent support of right-to-repair legislation, according to a press release.

Currently, the U.S. Copyright Office is weighing on whether to recommend a renewal and expansion of temporary exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which forbids overriding technology protection measures that control access to copyrighted content.

In a comment submitted to the Copyright Office, the FTC-DOJ urged a renewal and expansion of repair-related exemptions, arguing that it would promote competition for replacement parts, repair, and maintenance services, and in turn benefit consumers with lower prices.

In the joint comment that received 3-0 approval from the FTC, they and the DOJ claimed to support renewal, expansion, and adding certain DMCA exemptions: renewal of a current exemption related to computer programs for diagnostics and repair is supported, as well as expanding it to include industrial and commercial equipment.

Additionally, FTC-DOJ supported the renewal of an exemption related to motor vehicle repair, as well as the creation of a new exemption that would allow shops and vehicle owners to access, store, and share vehicle data.

“In particular, on behalf of the entire automotive aftermarket, Auto Care Association agrees with the DOJ and the FTC that the Class 7 exemption to allow vehicle owners and repair facilities greater access to vehicle diagnostic and telematics data for monitoring purposes is critically important to lower the cost of repairs, improve access to repair services, and minimize costly and inconvenient delays,” stated Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey.