A coalition of consumer protection and anti-waste groups is urging the Federal Trade Commission to take action against “software tethering,” a practice that ties hardware functionality to external software, often rendering products useless after software updates cease. Organizations such as Consumer Reports, iFixIt, US PIRG, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Center for Economic Justice, and Californians Against Waste have come together to request the FTC to provide clear guidelines on software tethering. The groups argue that the lack of clarity and enforcement in this area has created a landscape where consumers can no longer rely on the longevity of the products they purchase.
The letter calls out several products that have been negatively impacted by software tethering, leading to limited functionalities or complete inoperability. The Snoo bassinet, priced at $1,695, was found to lock certain advertised features behind a monthly subscription service, leaving customers frustrated. Similarly, the Juicero juicer became obsolete after the company behind it went out of business. These instances highlight how manufacturers use software as a means to control how consumers use their products, often to maximize profits at the expense of consumer rights.
Lucas Rockett Gutterman, the Designed to Last director at US PIRG, emphasized the importance of consumer rights in the age of connected devices. He noted that tech companies are pushing consumers to replace still-functional products by restricting their use through software. The letter also points out that even well-established companies like Google discontinue products, leaving customers with electronic waste. Smart home appliances are particularly vulnerable to this trend, as uncertainty about their lifespan results in significant financial losses and environmental waste.
A study by Consumer Reports revealed that out of 22 major smart appliance manufacturers, only a small percentage committed to providing cybersecurity and software updates for a specific period. The majority either offered support without a clear timeframe or failed to address the issue altogether. The letter predicts that as more companies develop internet-connected or app-controlled products, the problem of software tethering will only worsen over time, leading to increased consumer frustration and environmental damage.
The push to combat software tethering practices is crucial for protecting consumer rights and reducing electronic waste. The collaboration between consumer advocacy groups and the FTC signifies a growing concern over the impact of software control on product longevity and consumer choice. It is essential for regulatory bodies to provide clear guidelines and enforcement measures to ensure that consumers can enjoy the full functionality of their purchases without fear of arbitrary restrictions or forced obsolescence.
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