People who are more into electronics are aware of the fact that they cannot tamper with the “Warranty Void If Removed” stickers on devices. These stickers are common on many smartphones, gaming consoles, etc.
If the seal is broken, manufacturers know that the device was repaired by an unauthorized party and void all warranty benefits.
But those practices may soon be coming to an end. The FTC sent warning letters to six companies on Tuesday, saying such policies are illegal and violate the 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act — which states that no manufacturer can place restrictions on the repair of a device for which it offers a warranty.
The Commission said a company cannot place such labels unless it “offers parts and services for free or has a waiver from the FTC.”.
Although the FTC has not revealed names, it has provided some examples of such warranty policies, such as those shown below:
"Using a company's parts is essential to maintaining manufacturer warranties and any extended warranties."
"This warranty does not apply if this product is used with products not sold or licensed by the same company."
"This warranty is not valid if the sticker affixed by the company has been defaced or removed."
Ars Technica notes that a simple Google reveals companies that engage in such practices. Some of the companies in question could be Hyundai, Sony, and Nintendo.
The FTC has asked the companies to stop these practices and make changes to their warranty policies. They will review the companies' websites after 30 days, and failure to comply with the order will result in enforcement action.
