Software Group Urges FTC to Implement Guidelines for Tethering Smart Devices
A letter signed by as many as 17 different groups, urges the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to consider introducing clearer guidelines for software tethering.
The letter describes this as “making a device’s functionality dependent on built-in software that connects the device to a manufacturer’s servers.” It details “various harms to consumers” associated with this practice.
According to the signatories, blocking features behind a paywall and rendering products unusable through software at a later date is harmful to consumers and creates more e-waste that is harmful to the environment.
FTC Urged to Re-Tackle Software Tethering
The letter illustrates the complaint with the $1,695 Snoo, a smart crib from Happiest Baby, which recently moved features like pacifier mode, sleep tracking and car ride mode to a $19.99 subscription model. While pre-change buyers can continue without a subscription, it would hurt the used market.
Spotify’s $89.99 Car Thing is also used as an example: the music streaming platform confirmed it would no longer be supported as of December 2024, less than two years after its launch.
While it is acknowledged that some companies offer advance notice, refunds, and a plan for recycling non-working hardware, the signatories believe that most unsupported products could still work with the appropriate software.
Additionally, the open letter addresses the complex relationships between companies that can create similar technical limitations, such as a recent Chamberlain MyQ API update that made it impossible to work with smart home assistants — “the smart home is rife with examples of these kinds of consumer bait-and-switches.”
The group believes the problem will only get worse as more “smart” devices are introduced, and is calling on the FTC to require companies to disclose a minimum support time for products; to ensure that core functionality works even without an internet connection and software updates; to encourage tools and methods for reuse when software support ends; to allow third parties to pick up where owner companies left off with copyright modifications; and to encourage manufacturers to build sustainability into their products.
Ny Breaking The FTC has asked for comment on the letter, but we have not yet received a response.