Massachusetts lawmakers are pushing for legislation that would require companies to inform consumers when their connected products will stop receiving software updates, in an effort to combat cybersecurity risks and boost consumer protections. The proposed bills, collectively known as the "An Act Relative to Consumer Connected Devices," aim to create a state law that mandates manufacturers disclose on product packaging and online how long they will provide software and security updates for devices.
If passed, the laws would require manufacturers to notify customers when their device is approaching its end of service life and inform them about features that will be lost and potential security vulnerabilities that may arise when regular support ends. This information could help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and avoid being left vulnerable to malware once a manufacturer stops providing updates.
The initiative comes as concerns over the growing number of connected devices in homes and offices that no longer receive security updates have become more pronounced. Experts argue that these "zombie gadgets" can become attack vectors for hackers, leaving owners exposed to cyber threats.
Consumer Reports and other advocacy groups have long advocated for policies like this one, citing consumer stories about products suddenly stopping working or becoming completely unusable. By providing clear notice of when a product's support will end, consumers can better plan and budget for the eventual obsolescence of their devices.
The proposed legislation has received support from some lawmakers and industry experts, who see it as an opportunity to address growing cybersecurity concerns while promoting consumer protections. However, like many pieces of legislation, this one is still in its early stages and faces uncertainty about passage.
If passed, the laws would require manufacturers to notify customers when their device is approaching its end of service life and inform them about features that will be lost and potential security vulnerabilities that may arise when regular support ends. This information could help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and avoid being left vulnerable to malware once a manufacturer stops providing updates.
The initiative comes as concerns over the growing number of connected devices in homes and offices that no longer receive security updates have become more pronounced. Experts argue that these "zombie gadgets" can become attack vectors for hackers, leaving owners exposed to cyber threats.
Consumer Reports and other advocacy groups have long advocated for policies like this one, citing consumer stories about products suddenly stopping working or becoming completely unusable. By providing clear notice of when a product's support will end, consumers can better plan and budget for the eventual obsolescence of their devices.
The proposed legislation has received support from some lawmakers and industry experts, who see it as an opportunity to address growing cybersecurity concerns while promoting consumer protections. However, like many pieces of legislation, this one is still in its early stages and faces uncertainty about passage.
I gotta say, this is a good idea 
. We're living in a world where our devices are connected to the internet 24/7, and it's crazy how much potential for security risks there is. If manufacturers don't give us clear notice when their products are gonna stop getting updates, we're basically walking into cyber traps 
. I mean, think about all the times you've tried to fix something on your device or update its software, only to have it break 
. This legislation could really help level the playing field and put consumers first.
just yet. We've seen plenty of bills like this get stuck in limbo because politicians can't agree on how to implement them 
. And let's be real, some manufacturers might just ignore this requirement if they feel it's too expensive or inconvenient for them 
. Still, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one might actually make a difference 
.
and hackers get 'em 
! Manufacturers gotta be honest with consumers 
... it's not cool when you buy a device thinking it'll last but then it just dies 
. I think it's about time we know how long our gadgets will last 
. It's like buying a car, you should know when the warranty is up 
! Think about it, we've got smart TVs, smartphones, and home appliances that just keep getting smarter, but what happens when they're no longer supported? It's like buying a car with outdated tech - you're stuck with the old stuff forever 
. If they can just give us some basic info upfront, we might be able to avoid getting stuck with a "zombie gadget" 
! Can't these companies see that their lack of support is costing them customers in the long run? It's time for 'em to step up and take responsibility 
.
. It's crazy to think that there are "zombie gadgets" just sitting around collecting dust and being exploited by hackers 
. It's all about consumer protection, you know? We need to be informed so we can make smart choices when buying new gadgets 
!
. But what about the bigger picture? Will this just lead to more companies being super cautious and slowing down innovation? 
? Anyway, I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens 
. Like, what's the point of even buying something if it's just gonna become a security risk later on? I mean, come on, we know how these things work - manufacturers make money off us for as long as they can, then just abandon us to rot 
. If they don't give us heads up, how are we supposed to know if our phone or tablet is still secure? It's a no-brainer 
, companies should be more transparent about their plans for us consumers. And what's the point of buying something if it just gonna become obsolete after 6 months? 
. and like, if the company stops updating it, they gotta inform you so you can either find a new one or maybe repurpose it as a paperweight 
anyway i think this law is super necessary cos people need to know when their devices are gonna be abandoned and left to rust cybersecurity risks r real and we cant afford 2 ignore them 
It's time for companies to take responsibility and give us a heads up when their stuff is no longer secure. A simple warning label on the packaging or a clear message online would be a huge step in the right direction 
Can you imagine buying that new smart fridge thinking it'll last forever, only to have your entire kitchen hacked because the manufacturer stopped supporting it? No thanks! Manufacturers need to get their act together and prioritize our safety 
it's gonna affect everything from cars to toasters... who needs a smart toaster that can't even toast properly anymore? 
️ meanwhile, this bill about companies telling us when our devices are obsolete has some merit, but what about those of us on the low end like me with a crappy phone and no cash for new one 
It's like they're these zombie gadgets just sitting there, waiting for hackers to exploit them. And it's not just about laptops, it's about all the smart home devices and whatnot that we use every day.
. Still, I'm curious to see how this plays out and whether companies will actually follow through on their commitments. It's a good start, but we'll have to wait and see if it sticks 
. 
. And who knows, maybe this will also encourage manufacturers to invest in their products' longevity instead of just phoning it in 
.