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Comment by habeebtc | Hacker News Reader

The big problem with regulating big tech is you are punching yourself in the pocketbook.

Even if congressmen are not trading on inside info and getting rich, if you have a 401k you are gonna get dinged in net worth by this kind of regulation. On AAPL especially.

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I don't think this is true for anyone except those who have a substantial stake in AAPL (or any other company that profits from repair restrictions). A competitive repair market for Apple products (and the resulting changes in the market for new Apple products) would decrease the profit of Apple, but increase the profit of repair shops and decrease the expenses of individuals and organizations that use Apple products. The positive financial impact on repair shops and Apple users would stimulate the economy more than the negative financial impact on Apple would hurt the economy. This is because an inefficient market results in deadweight loss,* which would be reduced by making the market more competitive.

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadweight_loss

My point is that congresspeople are unlikely to legislate their lunch money.

As well, there is an angle about the fiscal health or the middle class as well. Depending on how much you think the average congressperson feels about them.

Depends on the punishment for violations. If there is "no user servicable" parts inside, they should be taxed very heavily. Obviously, that would just be passed along to the consumers. However, if it is heavy enough, would consumers choose not to buy? That tax money could be used to offset other expenses related to waste.

However, I stipulate people will still buy and gov't will repurpose the money raised from taxes to do other things.

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