iFixit and others call on the FTC to crack down on companies that 'make purchased hardware dysfunctional through updates and subscriptions'
A coalition of U.S. consumer groups, activists and lawmakers on September 5, 2024, called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to crack down on device makers that render their hardware useless by adding software updates and subscriptions.
spotifyletterdraft2 - FTCLetter9.5.2024.pdf
(PDF file)
Letter: Groups call on FTC to develop clear guidance for use of 'software tethering'
https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/group-letter-ftc-software-tethering
FTC Pushed To Crack Down On Companies That Ruin Hardware Via Software Updates Or Annoying Paywalls | Techdirt
Activists urge FTC to ban hardware downgrades • The Register
https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/06/consumer_ftc_software_tethering
The coalition, which includes 17 organizations including Consumer Reports , iFixit , and PIRG , is urging the FTC to crack down on anti-consumer practices like 'software tethering,' in which firmware updates are used to render hardware useless immediately or at a later date, and the introduction of subscriptions that suddenly lock out key features.
The FTC previously investigated Google for abruptly ceasing service for the smart home hub 'Revolv' that it had acquired through an acquisition, but it has been pointed out that the FTC did not take any concrete action after that.
'Both software tethering and the introduction of subscriptions violate the rights of consumers who purchase their products from companies,' the groups wrote. 'While the FTC has already taken some limited action on this issue, the lack of clarity and actual enforcement has allowed an ecosystem to flourish in which consumers cannot rely on the devices they purchase to last.'
The group cites the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, manufactured by Happiest Baby, as an example of hardware that has been rendered useless by companies. The SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet is characterized by its various functions, such as playing soothing music for babies sleeping in their cribs and providing parents with reports of their babies' sleep. However, as a child grows, if the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet becomes unnecessary and is sold or transferred to the next owner, the owner must pay a monthly subscription fee of $19.99 (about 2,800 yen) to maintain its functionality.
They also cited the example of ' Car Thing ,' an in-car hardware product that went on sale in April 2021 and stopped functioning on January 29, 2024. Justin Brookman, former policy director of the FTC's Technology, Research and Investigations Bureau, criticized the move, saying, 'When companies decide to end support without notice, users are faced with a situation where their devices suddenly stop working.'
Spotify's in-car device 'Car Thing' will completely stop functioning on December 9, 2024 - GIGAZINE
'We're not aware of any other public interest group like us bringing this issue to the FTC,' Brookman said. 'This issue is relatively new, and there are no clear standards.'
'Without clear guidance and enforcement to device makers, this situation could get even worse,' Brookman and his team wrote in their complaint to the FTC, urging them not to reduce product features through software updates, remove kits with few loyal users, or add surprise fees such as subscription fees after purchase.
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