Massachusetts lawmakers want companies to tell customers when their devices will stop working to enhance cybersecurity and consumer awareness.
Boston: Two lawmakers in Massachusetts introduced bills to make companies tell customers when their smart devices will stop working. This effort aims to help consumers avoid risks from old devices and make informed purchases.
The bills, named An Act Relative to Consumer Connected Devices, were presented by state senator William Brownsberger and state representative David Rogers. They want everyone to feel safe when buying products that connect to the internet.
“Our lives are full of smart devices,” Rogers explained. When companies stop giving updates, these devices can be dangerous for hackers. Customers need to know how safe their devices are before buying them.
The proposed law comes after a report from Consumer Reports and other groups. This report encouraged lawmakers to tell customers about when their smart home devices, like Wi-Fi routers and security cameras, will stop working. Supporters of the bill hope it inspires similar laws elsewhere.
Stacey Higginbotham from Consumer Reports shared, “Everyone has a story about a device that suddenly broke or stopped working.” She highlighted how software connects products to their makers and affects performance.
If passed, the laws would require companies to show how long they will give updates on product packages and online. Companies must also inform customers when their product will soon end support and what security risks this may cause. Devices without updates are more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
“This issue is growing as more smart devices age,” said Paul Roberts, who helped the lawmakers with the bill. “We can’t just leave these devices without protection.”
Many old devices are still connected to the internet and may not have received updates for years. These “zombie gadgets,” like old routers and cameras, are at risk of attack without their owners knowing.
“We aim to reduce these risks,” Higginbotham said. She stressed the importance of informing consumers about the dangers of old devices.
Roberts hopes lawmakers will see the problem clearly and support the solution.