Framework, a San Franciso-based company,  designed a DIY laptop allowing consumers to build their own product with their own choice of an operating system, memory, storage, and WiFi capabilities. Built with the right-to-repair in mind, such technology aims to disrupt the disposable tech economy run by the giants like Apple and Microsoft.

So what?

Disposable tech has trapped consumers in a use-and-throw model with rigid user license agreements and inflexible products. Landfills in developing nations are filled with electronic waste leaving workers exposed to high levels of lead and mercury during disposal.

The right-to-repair movement has been gaining steam to not only equip users to use their products the way they want to but also move us away from the unsustainable path of creating 50 million tons of e-waste per year. The legislation is now pending in 27 states with more consumers demanding an open marketplace for repair.

One quick YouTube search will find you hundreds of videos with people looking for ways to repair minor issues with their iPhones, laptops amongst other electronics. The argument made is that opening up a phone to replace a hardware feature does not equate to stealing intellectual property.

Can this move impact Big Tech’s market control and hand back agency to consumers?