Every day, consumers invest in connected devices with the promise of a lasting product. But oftentimes, lurking behind the sleek hardware and features, lies the hidden risk of software tethering. In our letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), SRFF urged the agency to set clear guidelines that protect consumers from practices that limit device longevity—and compromise cybersecurity. Our letter to the FTC is a call to action: implement clear standards that mandate ongoing software and cybersecurity updates, promote transparency, and hold manufacturers accountable for the lifecycle of their products.
’Software tethering’ is when manufacturers retain control over a device through its software after its been purchased. Since many products are now internet-connected, manufacturers can use software to disable features or even brick a product after purchase by abandoning software updates entirely. While manufacturers argue that these measures help protect consumer data and ensure product performance, the reality is that they often leave users with devices that lose critical functionalities long before their hardware wears out. More alarmingly, the abrupt cessation of software and cybersecurity updates can expose devices to vulnerabilities, leaving consumers at risk.
In our letter, SRFF emphasized that consumers deserve transparency regarding how long their devices will receive essential security and software updates. We called on the FTC to require companies to disclose a guaranteed minimum support period on product packaging. This clear commitment that devices will remain secure and functional for a defined period would ensure that consumers can make informed decisions and avoid investing in products that may soon become obsolete or unsafe.
Cybersecurity Is a Consumer Right
The consequences of a ‘wild-west’ in ongoing cybersecurity supports for internet-connected devices isn’t just losing access to smart toasters and toothbrushes. Devices become susceptible to cyber threats when they lose security updates. A lack of regular updates can transform once-reliable devices into liabilities—potential gateways for cyberattacks and data breaches. SRFF is a strong proponent of long-term software updates to protecting personal data and maintain overall trust in our digital ecosystem. SRFF’s advocacy is rooted in a vision of a marketplace where every connected product is built to last. We stand with cybersecurity experts, repair professionals, and forward-thinking manufacturers who recognize that true innovation means designing devices that evolve with the threats they face.
By addressing the challenges of software tethering, the FTC can help create a future where devices not only perform at the time of purchase but continue to protect consumers and contribute to a more sustainable, secure digital environment. At SRFF, we remain committed to advancing policies that empower consumers and strengthen the cybersecurity of every device in our modern economy.
Together, we can ensure that technology works for us all.
“Nobody wants a drawer full of broken junk—that’s why we keep fighting for our right to fix everything. But too often, gadgets become expensive paperweights not because the hardware breaks but because companies ended software support” – Liz Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability at iFixit and SRFF Board Member
Consumer Reports Press Release
