The American Repair Association has named Google the recipient of its prestigious 2024 Repair Advocate of the Year Award. This accolade honors Google’s outstanding contributions to advancing the Right to Repair movement, supporting legislative reform, and empowering consumers to fix their devices.
A landmark year for right to repair in the USA
The year 2024 has marked a turning point for the Right to Repair in the United States, with more legislative victories than ever before. States like California and Massachusetts expanded protections to powered wheelchairs, while Oregon restricted software-based repair limitations, known as "parts pairing," and extended repair rights to electronics dating back to 2015. Colorado took the lead by extending protections to business-purchased technology and urging the FTC to develop a repair scoring system.
Google’s pivotal role in legislative progress
Google’s advocacy was instrumental in reshaping the repair landscape. In January, the company released a comprehensive white paper outlining its commitment to repair-friendly practices, emphasizing consumer access to repair tools, parts, and documentation. Beyond policy recommendations, Google took direct action by engaging with advocates, coordinating strategy, and testifying in support of key bills across states like Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Colorado.
By challenging misconceptions about repair restrictions and educating legislators about viable alternatives to parts pairing, Google helped secure groundbreaking legislation. These efforts were crucial in passing landmark laws in Oregon and Colorado, establishing significant barriers against anti-repair practices.
A commitment to consumer empowerment
The award recognizes Google’s leadership in advocating for repair-friendly policies and challenging restrictive industry norms. According to Gay Gordon-Byrne, Executive Director of Repair.org, “Google’s advocacy for Right to Repair has played a critical role in advancing consumer rights across the country. Their support for state legislation like Oregon’s and Colorado’s new law shows a commitment to a future where people can fix their devices without unnecessary hurdles.”
Advancing the right to repair movement
The 2024 Repair Advocate of the Year Award, presented by Repair.org, celebrates individuals and organizations that significantly impact the Right to Repair movement. Google’s efforts underscore the importance of consumer empowerment and set a benchmark for other industry players to follow.
As the Right to Repair movement continues to gain momentum, Google’s leadership signals a shift toward greater consumer control and sustainability. Congratulations to Google for this well-deserved recognition.
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