A coalition of leading consumer protection organizations, including Consumer Reports, iFixIt, US PIRG, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the Center for Economic Justice, and Californians Against Waste, have lodged a joint petition with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
This appeal urges an investigation into the practice of “software tethering,” a tactic that threatens to make hardware obsolete the moment software updates cease.
The lifespan of tech devices, they argue, is being unfairly cut short by this practice, infringing on consumers’ right to repair and contributing to the rise in electronic waste.
The consortium has substantiated their concerns with examples where products have lost important functionalities or become unmanageable due to software tethering.
This over-reliance on proprietary software, they warn, threatens product consistency and could render items inoperable once the tethered software grows outdated or inaccessible.
Reacting to this situation, Lucas Rockett Gutterman, a director at US PIRG, condemned manufacturers for exploiting software to limit technology usage for monetary benefit, leading to customer disaffection and the monopolization of services and parts, which he insists stifles competition and creativity.
They note Google’s practice of discontinuing support for certain products, leaving consumers lumbered with redundant devices.
Having lodged their concerns about “software obsolescence,” the group wants the FTC to set out clear regulations to protect consumers.
The recommendations include requiring companies to guarantee a minimum period of support for their products and ensuring operability without the dependence on internet or software updates.
Addressing software tethering’s consumer impact
The consortium also proposes that companies provide detailed repair manuals, spare parts, and tools at reasonable prices to enable easier maintenance.
If adhered to, these measures could significantly extend the life of a product, reduce e-waste, and provide benefits to both consumers and the environment.
To further drive home the importance of this, the coalition asserts that the FTC should take legal action against any companies engaging in anti-competitive practices in relation to device repairs and maintenance.
Their ultimate objective is to create a market dominated by fair competition, consumer choice, and sustainability, where consumers are not penalized for making independent repairs or using third-party services.
To underscore the gravity of this situation, their closing remarks highlighted the current prevalence of software obsolescence and warned of a surge in companies marketing connected devices without long-term support plans unless adequate supervision and enforcement is implemented.
They argue that this lack of commitment would not only erode consumer trust but also compromise the digital safety and privacy of users.
