Have you ever been frustrated by a broken ice cream machine? It’s a common problem, and one that can be especially annoying when you’re craving a cold, refreshing treat. But there’s good news on the horizon!

The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice have recently requested that the US Copyright Office exempt commercial soft serve machines from anti-circumvention rules under the DMCA.

This move is part of a broader effort to make repairs more accessible and affordable for consumers and businesses. It follows a petition filed by repair vendor iFixit and advocacy group Public Knowledge, which highlighted the issue of frequently broken and locked-down ice cream machines.

Currently, the DMCA’s anti-circumvention rules make it illegal to bypass technological measures that control access to copyrighted works. This has made it difficult for third-party repair shops and consumers to fix ice cream machines, which are often locked down by manufacturers.

The proposed exemption would allow for more third-party and self-repair options, potentially leading to cost savings and increased competition in the repair market. This is great news for consumers, who will have more choices and lower repair costs, and for businesses, who will be able to keep their ice cream machines up and running more easily.

The FTC and DOJ’s request is a positive step towards making repairs more accessible and affordable. It’s a win-win for consumers and businesses alike, and it’s a sign that the government is taking the issue of repair seriously.

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