cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/21474519
Not sure if a local gov could get away with this. Is it sensible to ask the local gov take formal actions to declare copyright as unenforcable on things like service manuals and wiring diagrams, which product makers protect almost like trade secrets? It’s not likely enforced anyway, but a formal step would be needed before leaked service manuals could be distributed by public libraries.
In the EU, manufacturers must share repair docs with third-party /insured/ repair professionals (not consumers) for some specific products like washing machines.
Using a stick
Would it be sensible for a local law to require those professionals who have privileged access to repair docs to share whatever they obtain in the course of their work with a public library?
using a carrot
Would it be sensible for a policy to compensate professionals who have privileged access to repair docs for sharing whatever they obtain in the course of their work with a public library? It could be abused. E.g. an appliance repair shop could submit multiple wiring diagrams for the same product as separate submissions if they are (e.g.) paid $/€ 50 per submission.
If the carrot and stick are both used, repair pros could get 50 for the first submitted doc for each model, but then have a mandate to supply any additional docs they receive for that model without further compensation. Maybe that’s too detailed for a petition.
Good fucking luck
Service manuals often aren’t even made anymore let alone wiring diagrams. This is a bigger discussion of things being made to be repairable. It’s one thing if you’re discussing a car (which are increasingly being built like hostile tech, thanks tesla), but your phone/console/laptop/appliance/etc?
Best case scenario it’s made with a few sub assemblies that are designed to be swapped out instead of fixing them. why diagnose the 1 cent capacitor that’s shorting on your phone motherboard and swap it out? That would create skilled labor, save your data, create opportunities for local small businesses, and prevent e waste. Instead let’s just swap the motherboard, or more likely just junk the phone altogether and make it a parts phone so it can be used for someone who needs a new lcd/battery/casing down the line. As a result apple will buy it off of you for $100 (only if you buy a new phone too though, store credit) as a result even though you paid 800 2 years ago and the remaining parts are worth $400 second hand easily
That’s why even when you can get these docs they’re largely worthless. Apple shares their support docs with their self repair program (though you need a current model serial number to access, not freely available). But it’s what’s described above. If you want to change the lcd? Helpful. If you want to fix a boot loop and persevere your flash? Go fuck yourself unless you have backups
That’s why we have the EU to get thatbstuff sorted.
