Planned obsolescence
The use of techniques, including software, by which the party placing a product on the market deliberately seeks to shorten its lifespan. In France it has been a criminal offence since 2015 (Article L441-2 of the Consumer Code), punishable by two years’ imprisonment and a €300,000 fine, which may be raised to 5% of average annual turnover.
See also: Repairability index (and durability index)
Definitions checked in October 2026 against the sources cited. Spotted an error or a regulatory change? Report it in the Agora.
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