The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse
Is Samsung Breaking Right-to-Repair Laws?
iFixit has ended its relationship with Samsung due to concerns over the company's commitment to right to repair. A leaked contract reveals Samsung requires independent repair shops to share customers' personal data and details of their repair, including stripping any aftermarket parts from devices, which may conflict with legal consumer rights. Additionally, Samsung might be tracking customers who purchase official parts, as confirmed by iFixit's past practices of sharing customer information with Samsung. This situation raises concerns about privacy and the enforcement of right-to-repair laws, especially with upcoming legislation in states like California and Minnesota.
What specific personal information are independent repair shops required to send to Samsung according to the leaked contract?
According to a leaked contract obtained by 404 Media, independent repair shops are required to send several pieces of personal information to Samsung for every repair. This includes the customer's name, address, telephone number, the phone’s unique serial number and IMEI, the customer's complaint, and all the details of the repair34. This extensive data collection is mandated by the contract that Samsung has independent repair shops sign in exchange for selling them genuine repair parts4.
Has Samsung responded to inquiries about the authenticity and implications of the leaked service provider contract?
Samsung has not responded to inquiries regarding the authenticity and implications of the leaked service provider contract. According to the information from 404 Media, they have attempted to reach out to Samsung for a comment, but the company has neither confirmed nor denied the report. Additionally, the reporter has been in direct contact with Samsung for the past two hours without receiving a definitive response from the company.