The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reminding several Computer Companies that "warranty void if removed" Stickers are Illegal, as is Language discouraging Consumers from Fixing their own Devices.
The Commission warned: ASRock, Gigabyte, and Zotech, to get rid of them and Remove Terms threatening to Void Warranties if Users break the Seal.
"Letters to three other companies warn against their use of stickers containing 'warranty void if removed' or similar language that are placed in locations on products that hinder consumers’ ability to perform routine maintenance and repairs on their products," the FTC wrote.
These Letters were issued to: ASRock, Zotac, and Gigabyte, Companies that Market and Sell Gaming PCs, Graphics Chips, Motherboards, and other Accessories.
It wasn't just the Stickers, but Language in the Warranties stating that Guarantees would be Voided if Seals were Broken.
The Practices "may be standing in the way of consumers' right to repair products they have purchased," according to the Rrelease.
Commission Staff will Review the Companies' websites after 30 days, and Failure to Correct Violations may Result in Law Enforcement action.
Right-to-Repair Laws have spread across U.S. States, but the FTC is actually referencing Decades-Old Rules. Under the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, Companies can't place Restrictions on Repairs, unless they provide the Parts or Services for Free or receive a Waiver from the FTC.
This isn't a New occurrence, as there was a similar Warning from the FTC in 2018.
At that time, the FTC sent Warnings to Six Companies: ASUS, HTC, Hyundai, Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony.
Such Stickers and Policies aren't necessarily Illegal in other Nations.
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