Consumer protection and anti-waste groups are rallying together to urge the Federal Trade Commission to address the issue of software tethering, a practice that ties hardware’s functionality to external software, often rendering products unusable after software updates cease. The lack of clarity and enforcement surrounding this issue has led to a situation where consumers cannot rely on the longevity of the connected products they purchase.
In a joint letter, organizations including Consumer Reports, iFixIt, US PIRG, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Center for Economic Justice, and Californians Against Waste are demanding that the FTC provide clear guidance on software tethering. They highlight instances where products’ features have been restricted or completely disabled due to this practice, citing examples such as the Snoo bassinet and Juicero juicer. Customers have been shocked to find that advertised features were locked behind paywalls or were rendered useless when companies went out of business.
The prevalence of software tethering not only affects individual consumers but also has broader implications for the waste produced by unsupported or limited-function products. Major companies like Google have been known to discontinue products, leaving customers with obsolete and wasteful devices. The rise of smart home products, particularly major appliances, has made consumers even more vulnerable to this issue. The letter warns that uncertainty about product longevity can lead to significant financial loss and environmental waste.
According to the letter, only a small percentage of major smart appliance makers commit to providing long-term cybersecurity and software updates for their products. The lack of transparency and commitment from manufacturers leaves consumers in the dark about the lifespan of their devices. The authors anticipate that as more companies introduce ‘smart’ products into the market, the problem of software tethering will worsen unless regulatory action is taken.
Lucas Rockett Gutterman, Director of Designed to Last at US PIRG, emphasizes the importance of protecting consumer rights in the face of manufacturers’ profit-driven strategies. Consumers deserve to receive the functionality and longevity promised when they purchase connected products. The letter also draws attention to the environmental consequences of disposable technology, pointing out the literal tons of waste generated when unsupported devices are discarded.
The coalition of consumer protection and anti-waste groups is pushing for the FTC to intervene and establish clear guidelines on software tethering to safeguard consumer interests and reduce electronic waste. By holding manufacturers accountable and promoting transparency in product support and updates, consumers can make informed decisions about their purchases and contribute to a more sustainable approach to technology consumption.
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