when governments ban imports / exports, its a matter of public scrutiny. So is protectionism.

But apparently we allow a private cartel to do the same thing to an enrire industry with no pushback.

This affects smart IoT devices, TVs, cars, etc. My xiaomi light does not pair with the app because its was meant for chinese market, and the guy that sold it to me claims its not hia problem either.

The only way out of this mess is a law to properly define digital ownership.

If you want a weired half renting half ownership, that should have to be explicit contract with a signature and maybe lawyers involved, so you know what you are signing up for.