Owners of Samsung branded devices are faced with an undesirable situation: the Korean company requires independent repair shops to disclose the personal data of customers who come to repair faulty equipment from this manufacturer.
Samsung requirements
Transfer of personal data
If the owner brings his Samsung device to a third-party service center, the company insists on providing the workshop with the client’s name, contact information, gadget ID and description of the malfunction. Moreover, if it turns out that non-original components were previously used for repairs, Samsung requires that the equipment be immediately disassembled and the corporation notified about this.
Contradiction with the law
Such conditions became known after analyzing the contract that Samsung imposes on independent workshops when purchasing original spare parts from her. Such requirements cause dissatisfaction among users who do not want to distribute their personal data without consent and damage property. Experts point out that in the United States, under federal law, consumers have the right to use third-party parts when repairing their gadgets. And in some states, such as New York, Minnesota and California, Samsung contracts are completely illegal due to local laws.
Environmental risks
By creating obstacles for device repair, Samsung is harming not only the safety of gadgets , but also to the environment, since repairable equipment is forced to go to landfills.
End of partnership
Shortly before this information was made public, renowned parts supplier and repair blog iFixit announced that it was ending its partnership with Samsung less than 2 years after the partnership began. The reason given is the high prices for Samsung parts and the low repairability of its products, which does not correspond to the mission of iFixit.
Glossary
- Samsung is a South Korean multinational company, a manufacturer of electronics and household appliances.
- iFixit is an American company specializing in the sale of tools, spare parts and manuals for repairing various equipment.
- The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act is a US federal law governing warranties on consumer products.
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Answers to questions
What problem have Samsung device owners encountered?
What should repair shops do if they discover that unauthorized parts are being used?
What requirements does Samsung have for independent repair shops?
Is Samsung's claim legal in some US states?
Why did iFixit end its partnership with Samsung?
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Discussion of the topic – Samsung discloses customer data and repairs only with original parts
Samsung requires independent repair shops to disclose customers' personal information if non-genuine parts are used in the device. The company intends to combat the use of non-original parts.
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Антон
This is another example of corporate diktat from Samsung. The company tries to control the repair of its devices, invading the privacy of customers. 🤨 The trend of limiting independent gadget repair is worrying.
Марина
I agree with you, Anton. Samsung's practice is egregious - demanding personal data from customers and disassembling the device if there are third-party parts is simply a scandal. 😡 This approach is clearly harmful to the environment and consumer rights.
Эрих
Did you know that in New York, Minnesota and California such Samsung contracts will be illegal? 🤔 It’s good that some states protect the rights of consumers to repair their own devices.
Франсуа
It's surprising that a company like Samsung doesn't care about sustainability. 😕 Instead of encouraging repairs and extending the life of gadgets, they create barriers for independent repair shops.
Вернер
Bang, again these stupid newfangled things from these pseudo-techies! 🙄 Why the hell would anyone need parts not from Samsung if the device is from them? If it breaks, buy a new one, and don’t overpay specialists for pennies of money for repairs!
Эмма
Werner, this is a rather short-sighted and consumerist approach. 😐 Many people want to extend the life of their gadgets for environmental and financial reasons. Independent repairs are important for sustainability!
Мачей
Samsung's position is clear - they want to protect their brand and guarantee quality. 🤷♂️ But I agree, disclosing clients’ personal data is already too much. There must be a compromise between the interests of the producer and the consumer.
Оксана
This is another wake-up call for consumers to choose products that, although more expensive, are more environmentally friendly. 😌 I would not buy Samsung equipment after such an attitude towards repairs.