The Great Lightbulb Conspiracy (2014)

The Phoebus cartel, formed in 1924 by major lightbulb manufacturers, engineered a shorter lifespan for incandescent lightbulbs, setting a standard of 1,000 hours compared to the previous 1,500 to 2,000 hours. This strategy, known as planned obsolescence, aimed to boost profits and sales by producing higher quality, more efficient, and brighter bulbs at a higher cost. The cartel's influence extended globally, with companies like Osram, Philips, and General Electric participating. Despite the cartel's dissolution in the 1930s, its impact on industrial strategies remains significant. The cartel's meticulous control over bulb lifespan involved rigorous testing and fines for deviations, shaping the industry for years to come. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing profit over consumer interests in technological advancements. The Phoebus cartel's legacy underscores the complexities and ethical considerations involved in the evolution of technology and market dynamics.