Last week, the White House issuedan executive order aimed at anti-competitive practices.

It includes a provision that would give you the right to repair your own cell phones and other devices.

Many manufacturers make repairing devices difficult.

Someone repairing a smartphone.

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Experts say that such measures are unfair to users.

Locked Down?

gear manufacturers often make it hard to find parts and repair information, Benton said.

Someone repairing a cellphone.

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Apple uses a proprietary screw that makes it difficult to pop kick open the iPhone, for example.

Some manufacturers say they are protecting customers from hurting themselves or that their repair manual is proprietary information.

Growing DIY Movement

The right to repair movement is flourishing around the world.

In the US, more than adozen states are considering right-to-repair legislation.

Users are embracing the movement as well.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak recently endorsed the right-to-repair movement.

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Helpful or Harmful?

But not everyone is praising the presidents order.

“Our sector is strong and growing, and our people are benefiting,” he added.

“Unfortunately, there are those who want to erode our competitive advantage with archaic tax policies.

“That might lead to lower prices for consumers,” he added.