4. Fighting programmed obsolescence worldwide

The state of the fight against programmed obsolescence around the world reveals a mixed and uneven picture.

• In Europe, France is a pioneer. In 2015, it was one of the first countries in the world to introduce an offence of programmed obsolescence, a reparability index, a repair fund, and to propose laws regulating advertising to restrict the race to systematically buy new phones and other connected objects. Penalties for this offence can be up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of 300,000 euros. The first official complaint in France was lodged by the association HOP (Halte à l'Obsolescence Programmée) against certain printer manufacturers, in particular EPSON.

  Germany is not to be outdone and, in line with the efforts of its French neighbor, is currently planning ambitious new measures, such as extending legal...