Stop Tech Companies from Bricking Products: Consumer Groups Call for FTC Action
Consumer Groups Urge FTC to Address Software Tethering
Consumer groups have rallied, pushing for the FTC's involvement in curbing tech companies' practices that effectively render products non-functional. These practices, termed software tethering, tie the functionality of hardware to ongoing software support, often resulting in obsolescence and waste.
Concerns Over Product Longevity
The letter signed by various organizations, including Consumer Reports and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, underscores significant concerns about longevity. Examples cited include the costly Snoo bassinet, whose features become subscription-based, and the abandoned Juicero juicer.
Proposed Solutions for Lasting Products
- Require companies to guarantee minimum product support time.
- Ensure core functionality operates without internet or software updates.
- Encourage methods for product reuse after software support ends.
- Protect adversarial interoperability for device modifications.
- Educate manufacturers on designing for longevity.
Consumer groups assert that without adequate guidance, consumers face the growing risk of investing in connected devices with no reliable support.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.