According to the FTC, our connected devices lack transparency on their sustainability
In a study published in November 2024, the FTC reveals that many connected objects seriously lack transparency when it comes to receiving new updates. Thus, consumers lack information about potential updates to their connected objects, and sometimes these tools become obsolete without them realizing it. It is precisely this fact that is being highlighted by the FTC today.
89% of connected devices tested offer no transparency about their sustainability
As part of its study, the FTC analyzed 184 different devices, from different categories. 89% of the devices tested were unable to provide any form of information about the lifespan of the product. By lifespan we mean in particular the fact of receiving regular updates. No information is communicated by the devices on this subject: it can therefore happen that this famous connected thermostat no longer works, without you realizing it, quite simply because it no longer supports the new updates provided by the manufacturer.
Such an observation may also raise security questions: if a connected home automation device no longer works, it would be a good idea to warn the user a little in advance, so that the latter can prepare for its replacement. Especially since, without receiving frequent updates, these connected objects are exposed to much greater security breaches. In the context of a connected camera installed in a house, this notably implies the possibility for a hacker to access this data more simply, if the connected object is not updated regularly.
According to the FTC, manufacturers of connected objects should have to follow a method similar to that recently used for smartphones: for example, for its Galaxy S24 range, Samsung was able to announce the duration of support for the device in updates. day. The FTC would like these connected objects to come with the purchase of some kind of guarantee of updates, just to have a good idea of their effective lifespan once installed at home.
