As part of a deal with As You Sow, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about business pollution, Microsoft has announced expanded repair options for its devices by the end of 2022.
Last June, As You Sow, an e-waste environmental impact watchdog, presented a shareholder resolution urging Microsoft to adopt environmentally responsible policies for product repairability.
Microsoft has now just promised that it will be easier for its customers to repair the products it sells in the near future. The company will study the environmental impact of the right to repair and will follow up on its findings by the end of next year. As You Sow describes Microsoft’s commitment ” encouraging step ”, But it should be borne in mind that for the moment this is only the launch of a study that will guide the future decisions of the American giant.
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Microsoft gives in to investor pressure
It is the first time that an American manufacturer has agreed to change its repair policies as a result of investor pressure, but it is unlikely to be the last. Indeed, in September, Green Century, a mutual fund company focused on environmentally responsible investing, filed a similar resolution on the right to repair with Apple. However, we do not yet know if this will be successful.
Apple has never been exemplary when it comes to repairing its products, especially in recent years. We know, for example, that the manufacturer refused to help independent shops repair its products by keeping official parts for itself. Worse yet, customers will not be able to have their iPhone 13 screen replaced at an unauthorized repairer if it is broken, as the operation would disable Face ID.
At Microsoft, As You Sow clarified that Microsoft will “ identify new mechanisms to increase access to repair, including for Surface devices and Xbox consoles, and make certain repair parts and documentation available to consumers, not just authorized service providers “. In 2023, once the study has been carried out, it should therefore be easier to have the products of the American giant repaired..
Source: Gizmodo