FAS Seeks to Ban Gadget Makers from Installing Software with Hidden Functions

The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia is proposing a ban on companies withholding essential information about their products and using software that “unreasonably shortens” the lifespan of devices. This initiative will affect companies like Apple and Samsung, which have previously been accused of deliberately slowing down their smartphones.

FAS has suggested amending the law “On Protection of Competition.” The draft bill, developed by the agency, has been published on the portal for regulatory legal acts and was first reported by RBC.

Key Provisions of the Proposal

• FAS proposes to prohibit the use of software in products that “unreasonably shortens” their lifespan, including linking device functionality to battery wear.
• According to the accompanying materials for the bill, misleading consumers is one of the most common forms of unfair competition identified by antimonopoly authorities.
• Manufacturers and sellers often manipulate consumer choice by withholding or providing incomplete or ambiguous information about important operating conditions of their products.

Why the Issue Is Important

The problem is especially relevant for electronics and household appliances. These products are popular among mass consumers who typically lack specialized technical knowledge and rely primarily on information provided by manufacturers.

There have been cases where international electronics and appliance manufacturers have intentionally limited the functionality of gadgets, including restricting compatibility with certain software.

“It is clear that such practices, in modified forms, can be used by manufacturers of any type of equipment to stimulate sales, including by reducing the period between model updates,” the explanatory note to the bill states.

Industry Response

A Samsung press representative declined to comment. Apple has not yet responded to the FAS initiative.

Background

In 2017, Apple admitted to slowing down older iPhones to prevent unexpected shutdowns. The controversy resurfaced in 2020 when owners of outdated smartphones complained that their devices became slower after new iOS versions were released. Although Apple did not admit fault, the company agreed to pay a total of $500 million in compensation.

Public Discussion

The public discussion period for the draft bill ends on April 23, 2020. If you have comments or suggestions, you can leave them on the document’s page.