FTC Eyes Smart Home Makers Over Software Updates

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is scrutinizing smart home device manufacturers regarding the crucial issue of software updates. A common problem is that many smart devices become obsolete without prior warning, effectively turning into 'paperweights.'

FTC staffers examined 184 distinct smart products, specifically looking for disclosures about the duration of software update support from manufacturers. The findings were telling: 89 percent of these products provided no explicit details concerning their software support period or its termination date.

While the FTC's report doesn't directly advocate for immediate enforcement actions, it underscores that smart home manufacturers who fail to specify software update lifespans could be in violation of existing laws. For instance, manufacturers offering written warranties but neglecting to detail software update durations might be infringing upon the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, which mandates pre-sale disclosure of warranties for consumer products exceeding $15. Furthermore, companies that imply long-term functionality for their gadgets while remaining silent on software update policies might be contravening the FTC Act.

In a related public advisory, the commission urges prospective smart home buyers to meticulously consider a device's actual value and its operational capability if software support were to cease.

Smart home devices are notoriously known for their brief operational lifespans. It's not uncommon for manufacturers to discontinue online support or software updates merely a few years post-release. Without these essential updates, smart devices risk losing core functionality, becoming entirely non-operational, and missing out on critical security patches. Numerous instances exist where smart devices have prematurely failed or become obsolete due to a lack of ongoing support.