Activists urge FTC to ban hardware downgrades

Consumer and digital rights activists are urging the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prohibit device manufacturers from downgrading hardware functionality through software, a practice they term "software tethering." In a letter to the FTC, the activists highlighted instances where products lost functionality after support was withdrawn, such as a smart jacket from Google and Levi's, and Spotify's "Car Thing," which became unusable shortly after launch. They also cited the case of a connected bassinet that imposes a subscription fee on new owners, diminishing resale value. The letter, signed by representatives from Consumer Reports, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and other organizations, calls for clear guidelines to protect consumers from unexpected loss of features and additional costs after purchase. Activists argue that consumers are increasingly left with non-functional devices due to manufacturers' decisions to end support without warning, which can also hinder the resale market. Justin Brookman from Consumer Reports emphasized the need for a standard that informs consumers about what to expect when buying connected devices. The FTC has previously taken limited actions on this issue, but activists believe more comprehensive measures are necessary to establish industry norms.

- Activists are calling for the FTC to ban hardware downgrades by manufacturers.

- The practice of "software tethering" can render devices unusable after support ends.

- Examples include a smart jacket and a Spotify device that lost functionality post-purchase.

- The letter emphasizes the negative impact on resale value and consumer rights.

- There is a growing demand for clear guidelines from the FTC regarding device functionality.