Beyond Tariffs: How the World Can Crack America’s 'Digital Locks' in 2026

They're shaking hands, but they've got their fists clenched. As Donald Trump prepares to bring 19th-century tariffs to a 21st-century fight in 2026, smart nations are sharpening a new kind of blade. Instead of taxing their own consumers with retaliatory duties, they're looking at repealing the anti-circumvention laws that shield US tech giants' massive profits.

The Tariff Trap: Why Old Tactics Fail

A tariff is ultimately a tax paid by the domestic consumer. According to reports from WIRED World in 2026, political leaders have learned that the public won't forgive those who preside over rising prices. Countries like Canada, Mexico, and Brazil are realizing there's a more surgical way to respond. For two decades, the US Trade Representative (USTR) has pressured the world into adopting laws that make it a felony to modify devices without manufacturer permission. Now that the US has reneged on free trade, these nations have little reason to keep protecting Silicon Valley's digital monopolies.

Targeting the Heart of the 'Rent-Seeking' Empire

Digital locks help American companies extract hundreds of billions of dollars every year. From Apple's walled garden to John Deere's repair restrictions, these laws prevent competition. By repealing them, a country could instantly launch a domestic tech sector capable of 'jailbreaking' US products, turning those billions in US rents into domestic consumer surplus and local profits.

Tesla's Vulnerability and the Musk Factor

The most severe impact might hit Tesla. Its hyper-inflated stock price relies on a subscription model—charging drivers monthly for features that are already physically in the car. If it becomes legal for mechanics in Nigeria or Denmark to jailbreak a Tesla and unlock these features for a flat fee, Elon Musk's wealth could evaporate. This would likely collapse the share value he uses to collateralize massive loans, creating a systemic risk for his entire empire.