Consumer Impact and Legal Obligations
The FTC found that 88.6% of smart device manufacturers do not disclose the duration of software updates, potentially violating the and FTC Act.
Consumers are left uncertain about the lifespan and functionality of their devices, with 163 out of 184 products lacking clear support duration information on their webpages.
Transparency and Marketing Concerns
Some companies use ambiguous language or bury support information in non-prominent sections, leading to consumer deception about product longevity.
The FTC's findings were influenced by a letter from and US Public Interest Research Group, highlighting the increasing consumer issues related to software support and product functionality.