Massachusetts legislators introduced bills in the state House and Senate on Tuesday that would require companies to disclose the end-of-service dates for their connected products, aiming to enhance cybersecurity and consumer protection. The proposed legislation, titled "An Act Relative to Consumer Connected Devices," seeks to provide consumers with the information needed to make informed purchasing decisions, knowing how long they can expect a device to receive software updates and security patches.

State Representative David Rogers, who introduced the bill in the House, stated that the increasing integration of smart devices into daily life necessitates greater transparency. "Once a company decides it will no longer provide software updates for those devices, they become ticking time bombs for hackers to exploit," Rogers said in a statement. "We must ensure consumers are given the tools to understand their devices and the risks, before they purchase them."

The legislation addresses the growing concern that outdated and unsupported connected devices, such as smart TVs, security cameras, and even appliances, become vulnerable to cyberattacks. Without regular software updates, these devices can be exploited by malicious actors, potentially compromising user data and privacy. The proposed law aims to mitigate this risk by empowering consumers to choose products with longer support lifecycles and plan for the eventual replacement of devices before they become security liabilities.

State Senator William Brownsberger, who introduced the bill in the Senate, emphasized the importance of consumer awareness in the face of rapidly evolving technology. The bills, if passed, would mandate that manufacturers clearly state the date when software updates and security support will cease for a given product. This information would ideally be displayed prominently on the product packaging or website, allowing consumers to factor it into their purchasing decisions.

The potential impact on the tech industry could be significant, as companies may need to adjust their product development and support strategies to comply with the new regulations. Some manufacturers may choose to extend the support lifecycles of their products, while others may focus on clearly communicating the end-of-service dates to consumers. The legislation could also incentivize the development of more secure and easily updatable connected devices.

The bills are currently under consideration by the Massachusetts legislature. The next step involves committee hearings and potential amendments before a vote by the full House and Senate. If passed by both chambers, the legislation would then be sent to the governor for approval. The outcome of these bills could set a precedent for other states looking to address the growing cybersecurity risks associated with connected devices and enhance consumer protection in the digital age.