A coalition of consumer protection and anti-waste groups is pressing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to intervene in the practice of “software tethering,” where a product’s functionality is tied to external software updates. This practice can render devices unusable when manufacturers stop providing updates. The coalition, including groups like Consumer Reports, iFixIt, US PIRG, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and others, argues that such practices force consumers to replace otherwise functioning products, increasing waste and reducing consumer rights.
The groups have sent a letter to the FTC urging for clear guidelines on software tethering, which they believe would allow consumers to rely on connected devices for longer periods. They argue that without regulation, companies will continue to control how long products last by ceasing to provide essential updates.
The letter cites examples of products that have become unusable due to software tethering. One notable case involves the Snoo bassinet, priced at $1,695, which later locked some of its features behind a subscription service, much to the frustration of its users. Another instance is the Juicero juicer, which became obsolete after the company shut down, leaving users with devices that no longer functioned. “Manufacturers are increasingly using software to force us into using their products in ways that boost their profits,” said Lucas Rockett Gutterman, director of Designed to Last at US PIRG. He emphasized that consumers should have the right to continue using products they’ve paid for, particularly as more devices become connected and dependent on software.
The letter also points out that large companies like Google have discontinued support for certain products, leaving customers with unusable gadgets. The coalition is particularly concerned about smart home products and larger appliances, noting that when these devices become non-functional, it represents a significant financial loss for consumers and generates significant amounts of waste.
A study by Consumer Reports cited in the letter found that out of 22 major smart appliance manufacturers, only three provided a clear timeline for how long they would offer cybersecurity and software updates. The coalition fears that the problem will worsen as more companies introduce “smart” products that rely on internet connections or apps to function.
To address this growing issue, the coalition has proposed several recommendations for the FTC:
- Requiring companies to guarantee a minimum period of software support and display this information on product packaging.
- Ensuring that essential product functions continue to work even if the internet connection fails or software updates are discontinued.
- Promoting tools that allow consumers to reuse or modify products after software support ends.
- Protecting “adversarial interoperability,” allowing third parties or competitors to modify old devices for continued use.
- Encouraging manufacturers to design products with longevity in mind.
“Consumers are already feeling the negative effects of software obsolescence,” the letter concludes, “and without clear guidance and enforcement, companies will continue to take risks with connected devices that they have no intention of supporting in the long term.”
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