‘Slowing Down the Loop’: Smart Devices and the Right to Repair

Abstract

The last decade has seen a significant increase in new product lines in ‘smart’ consumer products. These products have been manufactured and released in the wake of technological developments allowing for everyday objects and environments to be computerised and connected to the Internet. Some of these new products will inevitably contain or develop defects compromising their function, and when they are discarded they have the potential to add substantially to the ever-growing global e-waste problem. A stronger right to repair, particularly in the context of these new products, would assist in reducing ewaste, promoting sustainability, and growing a circular economy. This paper examines the recommendations of the recent Australian Productivity Commission Inquiry regarding the ‘right to repair’ through the lens of sustainability principles for consumer products agreed upon by the United Nations. The Productivity Commission’s recommendations unfortunately contain some significant gaps in relation to reducing e-waste and promoting sustainable production and consumption. However, some significant lessons can be learned by the international community from the Australian experience.

Keywords: Right to repair, internet of things, sustainability