The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently put three major computer component manufacturers—ASRock, Gigabyte, and Zotac—on notice for potentially violating consumer rights. The issue revolves around warranty stickers found on some of their products, which bear messages like “Warranty Void If Sticker Is Removed.” These stickers are problematic because they discourage consumers from carrying out basic repairs and maintenance, essentially forcing them to seek professional services for any issues that could realistically be resolved by the consumers themselves.
The FTC has given ASRock, Gigabyte, and Zotac a strict deadline of 30 days to alter their warranty practices. If they fail to make the necessary changes, they could face fines. The types of products specifically affected have not been detailed, but these companies are well-known for making key computer components such as motherboards and video cards.
Moreover, the FTC has raised concerns about the warranty policies of these firms, which seem to suggest that using third-party parts or services could result in a voided warranty. Such a stipulation is likely in violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This legislation states that warranties cannot be dependent on the use of specific brands or services for repairs and maintenance, ensuring that consumers have more freedom in how they manage their products.
This enforcement by the FTC indicates a rigorous examination of promotional and warranty-related materials provided by these companies. ASRock, Gigabyte, and Zotac are expected to revise their policies within the given timeframe to avoid legal and financial consequences. This move by the FTC serves as a reminder of the ongoing regulatory efforts to protect consumer rights in the technology sector, ensuring that customers are not unfairly restricted in their ability to repair and maintain their purchases.