A coalition of consumer protection and anti-waste groups recently penned a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging action against the practice of “software tethering.” This practice ties the functionality of hardware to external software, often rendering products useless once software updates cease. The groups, which include Consumer Reports, iFixit, US PIRG, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Center for Economic Justice, and Californians Against Waste, highlight the need for the FTC to provide clear guidance on this issue. Despite some previous limited actions by the FTC, a lack of clarity and enforcement has created an environment where consumers cannot rely on the longevity of the products they purchase.
The letter specifically calls out products that have had their functionality limited or eliminated due to software tethering. For example, the $1,695 Snoo bassinet saw certain advertised features locked behind a monthly subscription service, while the Juicero juicer became unusable after the company shut down. This trend of using software to restrict product usage in ways that drive profits for manufacturers is alarming. According to Lucas Rockett Gutterman, the Director of Designed to Last at US PIRG, this practice pushes consumers to replace still-functional products and undermines their rights as buyers in the era of connected devices.
The authors of the letter also draw attention to the environmental consequences of software tethering, particularly with smart home products and major appliances. Uncertainty around when these products might become obsolete results in wasted resources and contributes to electronic waste. A forthcoming study by Consumer Reports revealed that only a few major smart appliance manufacturers commit to providing cybersecurity and software updates for their products for a set period. This lack of long-term support leaves consumers at risk of investing in products that may quickly become outdated and unusable.
As more companies develop “smart” products that rely on internet connectivity and app controls, the issue of software tethering is expected to worsen. Major, established companies like Google have discontinued support for certain products, leaving customers with useless devices and generating more electronic waste. The coalition’s letter serves as a call to action for the FTC to address this issue proactively and protect consumer rights in the face of evolving technology.
The fight against software tethering is crucial in safeguarding consumer rights and reducing electronic waste. The coalition of consumer protection and anti-waste groups is advocating for clear guidelines from the FTC to prevent manufacturers from limiting product functionality through software manipulation. It is essential for consumers to be able to trust that the products they purchase will remain usable over time, without being subject to artificial obsolescence. Ultimately, the push for transparency and accountability in the tech industry is vital for ensuring a sustainable and consumer-friendly market for connected devices.
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