Wemo discontinuation of service - Revision history

2001:4BC9:1F99:CFF7:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: Add category: Wemo

2026-03-19T03:04:20Z

Add category: Wemo

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:04, 19 March 2026
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	[[Category:Belkin]]		[[Category:Belkin]]
			[[Category:Wemo]]
	[[Category:Internet of Things]]		[[Category:Internet of Things]]
	[[Category:Planned obsolescence]]		[[Category:Planned obsolescence]]
	[[Category:Smart home devices]]		[[Category:Smart home devices]]
	[[Category:Ongoing events]]		[[Category:Ongoing events]]

Tempo123: Remove dead unarchived (lost) citation and associated statement.

2026-03-19T00:21:24Z

Remove dead unarchived (lost) citation and associated statement.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:21, 19 March 2026
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	\|author=ho_merjpimpson \|title=It’s officially ending. I just got this email. Glad I started switching to Zigbee last week. \|url=https://old.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/its_officially_ending_i_just_got_this_email_glad/n2et52a/ \|website=[[Reddit]] \|date=10 Jul 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222233628/https://old.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/its_officially_ending_i_just_got_this_email_glad/n2et52a/ \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>''</blockquote>		\|author=ho_merjpimpson \|title=It’s officially ending. I just got this email. Glad I started switching to Zigbee last week. \|url=https://old.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/its_officially_ending_i_just_got_this_email_glad/n2et52a/ \|website=[[Reddit]] \|date=10 Jul 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222233628/https://old.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/its_officially_ending_i_just_got_this_email_glad/n2et52a/ \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>''</blockquote>

	Users called for firmware updates enabling local control and drew parallels to digital game preservation campaigns~~, with one noting: "Just like cloud based games &~~ the [[Stop Killing Games]] campaign, there probably needs to be something similar for IoT."<ref>{{Cite web \|author=argonzo \|title=It’s officially ending. I just got this email. Glad I started switching to Zigbee last week. \|url=https://old.reddit.com/r/WeMo/comments/1lwilvc/its_officially_ending_i_just_got_this_email_glad/n2en9py/ \|website=[[Reddit]] \|date= \|access-date= \|url-status=dead \|archive-url= \|archive-date=}}<!-- Comment was removed and there are no existing back-ups of it. Also moved this reference to here, as it seems there was an erroneous switcheroo with the citation for the first r/WeMo quote. ~~-Sojourna --></ref>~~		Users called for firmware updates enabling local control and drew parallels to digital game preservation campaigns such as the [[Stop Killing Games]] campaign.

	==Technical workarounds==		==Technical workarounds==

Tempo123: Remove broken links

2026-03-19T00:13:34Z

Remove broken links

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:13, 19 March 2026
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	}}{{OngoingEvent}}		}}{{OngoingEvent}}

	[[Belkin]] [[Wemo]] smart home devices require cloud connectivity to work. On 10 July 2025, Belkin announced the shutdown of cloud services supporting most Wemo devices, effective 31 January 2026.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|author= \|title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know \|url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 \|website=[[Belkin]] \|date=10 Jul 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260127181224/https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 \|archive-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref> These devices remain for sale on Belkin's Amazon WeMo store<ref>{{Cite web \|author= \|title=Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up, White \|url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC \|website=[[Amazon]] \|date= \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222233508/https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> and advertising them as working with [[Google]], ~~[[Amazon~~ Alexa~~\|Alexa]]~~, and more.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|author= \|title=Wemo \|url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 \|website=[[Amazon]] \|date= \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl \|archive-date=13 Jul 2025}}</ref>		[[Belkin]] [[Wemo]] smart home devices require cloud connectivity to work. On 10 July 2025, Belkin announced the shutdown of cloud services supporting most Wemo devices, effective 31 January 2026.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|author= \|title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know \|url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 \|website=[[Belkin]] \|date=10 Jul 2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2025 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260127181224/https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 \|archive-date=27 Jan 2026}}</ref> These devices remain for sale on Belkin's Amazon WeMo store<ref>{{Cite web \|author= \|title=Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up, White \|url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC \|website=[[Amazon]] \|date= \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222233508/https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC \|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> and advertising them as working with [[Google]], Alexa, and more.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|author= \|title=Wemo \|url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 \|website=[[Amazon]] \|date= \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl \|archive-date=13 Jul 2025}}</ref>

	This shutdown will disable remote access and automation functionality for 27+ device models sold between August 2015 and November 2023, affecting thousands of customers who purchased these devices as permanent smart home solutions. The incident is one example of a broader trend of IoT device abandonment and {{Wplink\|Tethering\|software tethering}} practices that enable manufacturers to remotely disable purchased products.		This shutdown will disable remote access and automation functionality for 27+ device models sold between August 2015 and November 2023, affecting thousands of customers who purchased these devices as permanent smart home solutions. The incident is one example of a broader trend of IoT device abandonment and {{Wplink\|Tethering\|software tethering}} practices that enable manufacturers to remotely disable purchased products.

	==Background==		==Background==
	First launched in 2011, Wemo is a smart home product line developed by Belkin. The product line includes smart plugs, light switches, motion sensors, dimmers, and connected appliances like coffee makers and humidifiers. These devices were marketed as one-time purchases with cloud features, app control, and integration with voice assistants including Amazon Alexa, [[Google Home]], and [[Apple HomeKit]].		First launched in 2011, Wemo is a smart home product line developed by Belkin. The product line includes smart plugs, light switches, motion sensors, dimmers, and connected appliances like coffee makers and humidifiers. These devices were marketed as one-time purchases with cloud features, app control, and integration with voice assistants including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.

	Wemo gained popularity for its convenience, ease of use, and broad compatibility with voice assistants and cloud automation programs. Devices were sold with '''no disclosed end-of-life timeline for cloud functionality'''.		Wemo gained popularity for its convenience, ease of use, and broad compatibility with voice assistants and cloud automation programs. Devices were sold with '''no disclosed end-of-life timeline for cloud functionality'''.
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	===Legal action===		===Legal action===
	On 28 January 2026, ClassAction.org issued a website form for people affected by the Wemo cloud shutdown to contact them regarding a potential [[mass arbitration]] event.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=		On 28 January 2026, ClassAction.org issued a website form for people affected by the Wemo cloud shutdown to contact them regarding a potential mass arbitration event.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=
	\|title=Belkin Wemo End of Life Arbitration: Affected by Discontinued Belkin Wemo Support? \|url=https://www.classaction.org/belkin-wemo-bricking-arbitration-lawsuit-info \|website=ClassAction.org \|date=28 Jan 2026 \|access-date=29 Jan 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129143210/https://www.classaction.org/belkin-wemo-bricking-arbitration-lawsuit-info \|archive-date=29 Jan 2026}}</ref> In addition, the Sauder Schelkopf law firm launched their own investigation into the Wemo cloud shutdown.<ref>{{Cite web \|author= \|title=Belkin Ends Support for Wemo Smart Home Products Class Action Lawsuit Investigation \|url=https://sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/belkin-ends-support-for-wemo-smart-home-products-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/ \|website=Sauder Schelkopf Attorneys At Law \|date=2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260129144014/https://sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/belkin-ends-support-for-wemo-smart-home-products-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/ \|archive-date=29 Jan 2026}}</ref>		\|title=Belkin Wemo End of Life Arbitration: Affected by Discontinued Belkin Wemo Support? \|url=https://www.classaction.org/belkin-wemo-bricking-arbitration-lawsuit-info \|website=ClassAction.org \|date=28 Jan 2026 \|access-date=29 Jan 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129143210/https://www.classaction.org/belkin-wemo-bricking-arbitration-lawsuit-info \|archive-date=29 Jan 2026}}</ref> In addition, the Sauder Schelkopf law firm launched their own investigation into the Wemo cloud shutdown.<ref>{{Cite web \|author= \|title=Belkin Ends Support for Wemo Smart Home Products Class Action Lawsuit Investigation \|url=https://sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/belkin-ends-support-for-wemo-smart-home-products-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/ \|website=Sauder Schelkopf Attorneys At Law \|date=2025 \|access-date=17 Feb 2026 \|url-status=live \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260129144014/https://sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/belkin-ends-support-for-wemo-smart-home-products-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/ \|archive-date=29 Jan 2026}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==
	*[[Software tethering]]
	*[[Planned obsolescence]]		*[[Planned obsolescence]]
	*[[Right to repair]]		*[[Right to repair]]
	*[[IoT device abandonment]]

	==References==		==References==

Bananabot: Re-archived 10 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-22T23:36:54Z

Re-archived 10 citation(s) from archive.today to web.archive.org using CRWCitationBot

Show changes

Sojourna: Clean-up; pass on style; note for ref 10.

2026-02-18T04:11:32Z

Clean-up; pass on style; note for ref 10.

Show changes

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: http to https with AutoWikiBrowser, replaced: http: → https:

2026-02-11T17:41:44Z

http to https with AutoWikiBrowser, replaced: http: → https:

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 11 February 2026
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	*Complete collapse of Insteon's smart home system (2022), affecting 1.3 million customers<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/04/shameful-insteon-looks-dead-just-like-its-users-smart-homes/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/buqud \|archive-date=23 Apr 2022 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica}}</ref>		*Complete collapse of Insteon's smart home system (2022), affecting 1.3 million customers<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/04/shameful-insteon-looks-dead-just-like-its-users-smart-homes/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/buqud \|archive-date=23 Apr 2022 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica}}</ref>

	Academic research has identified this phenomenon as ''"regulation by bricking"''<ref>{{Cite journal \|last=Tusikov \|first=Natasha \|date=2019-06-18 \|title=Regulation through “bricking”: private ordering in the “Internet of Things” \|url=~~http~~://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-through-bricking-private-ordering-internet-things \|journal=Internet Policy Review \|volume=8 \|issue=2 \|doi=10.14763/2019.2.1405 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807232444/https://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-through-bricking-private-ordering-internet-things \|archive-date=7 Aug 2019 \|access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>'','' a form of corporate control where manufacturers retain the ability to remotely disable devices after purchase through licensing agreements and cloud service dependencies.		Academic research has identified this phenomenon as ''"regulation by bricking"''<ref>{{Cite journal \|last=Tusikov \|first=Natasha \|date=2019-06-18 \|title=Regulation through “bricking”: private ordering in the “Internet of Things” \|url=https://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-through-bricking-private-ordering-internet-things \|journal=Internet Policy Review \|volume=8 \|issue=2 \|doi=10.14763/2019.2.1405 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807232444/https://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-through-bricking-private-ordering-internet-things \|archive-date=7 Aug 2019 \|access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>'','' a form of corporate control where manufacturers retain the ability to remotely disable devices after purchase through licensing agreements and cloud service dependencies.

	==Consumer protection and regulatory response==		==Consumer protection and regulatory response==

Mr Pollo: /* Lawsuit */

2026-01-29T14:41:37Z

Lawsuit

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:41, 29 January 2026
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	Consumer advocacy organizations, led by Consumer Reports, have mobilized against IoT device abandonment practices, coining the term ''"software tethering"'' to describe manufacturer control over post-purchase device functionality.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-13 \|title=Consumer Reports, U.S. PIRG, and 15 other groups call on FTC to create clear guidance for ‘software tethering’ \|url=https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/group-letter-ftc-software-tethering/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/UoeOr \|archive-date=6 Jan 2026 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Consumer Reports Advocacy}}</ref> The coalition has petitioned the FTC to address these practices and establish mandatory disclosure requirements for device support timelines.		Consumer advocacy organizations, led by Consumer Reports, have mobilized against IoT device abandonment practices, coining the term ''"software tethering"'' to describe manufacturer control over post-purchase device functionality.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-13 \|title=Consumer Reports, U.S. PIRG, and 15 other groups call on FTC to create clear guidance for ‘software tethering’ \|url=https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/group-letter-ftc-software-tethering/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/UoeOr \|archive-date=6 Jan 2026 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Consumer Reports Advocacy}}</ref> The coalition has petitioned the FTC to address these practices and establish mandatory disclosure requirements for device support timelines.

	===~~Lawsuit~~===		===Legal action===
	On January 28, 2026, ClassAction.com issued a website form for people affected by the Wemo cloud shutdown to contact them regarding a potential [[mass arbitration]] event.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.classaction.org/belkin-wemo-bricking-arbitration-lawsuit-info\|title=Belkin Wemo End of Life Arbitration: Affected by Discontinued Belkin Wemo Support?\|date=2026-01-28\|work=ClassAction.com\|access-date=2026-01-29}}</ref> In addition, the Sauder Schelkopf law firm launched their own investigation into the Wemo cloud shutdown.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/belkin-ends-support-for-wemo-smart-home-products-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/\|title=Belkin Ends Support for Wemo Smart Home Products Class Action Lawsuit Investigation\|work=Sauder Schelkopf Attorneys At Law\|access-date=2026-01-29}}</ref>		On January 28, 2026, ClassAction.com issued a website form for people affected by the Wemo cloud shutdown to contact them regarding a potential [[mass arbitration]] event.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.classaction.org/belkin-wemo-bricking-arbitration-lawsuit-info\|title=Belkin Wemo End of Life Arbitration: Affected by Discontinued Belkin Wemo Support?\|date=2026-01-28\|work=ClassAction.com\|access-date=2026-01-29}}</ref> In addition, the Sauder Schelkopf law firm launched their own investigation into the Wemo cloud shutdown.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/belkin-ends-support-for-wemo-smart-home-products-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/\|title=Belkin Ends Support for Wemo Smart Home Products Class Action Lawsuit Investigation\|work=Sauder Schelkopf Attorneys At Law\|access-date=2026-01-29}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==

Mr Pollo: https://join.classaction.org/bm-belkin-wemo-support

2026-01-29T14:39:12Z

https://join.classaction.org/bm-belkin-wemo-support

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 29 January 2026
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	Consumer advocacy organizations, led by Consumer Reports, have mobilized against IoT device abandonment practices, coining the term ''"software tethering"'' to describe manufacturer control over post-purchase device functionality.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-13 \|title=Consumer Reports, U.S. PIRG, and 15 other groups call on FTC to create clear guidance for ‘software tethering’ \|url=https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/group-letter-ftc-software-tethering/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/UoeOr \|archive-date=6 Jan 2026 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Consumer Reports Advocacy}}</ref> The coalition has petitioned the FTC to address these practices and establish mandatory disclosure requirements for device support timelines.		Consumer advocacy organizations, led by Consumer Reports, have mobilized against IoT device abandonment practices, coining the term ''"software tethering"'' to describe manufacturer control over post-purchase device functionality.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-13 \|title=Consumer Reports, U.S. PIRG, and 15 other groups call on FTC to create clear guidance for ‘software tethering’ \|url=https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/group-letter-ftc-software-tethering/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/UoeOr \|archive-date=6 Jan 2026 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Consumer Reports Advocacy}}</ref> The coalition has petitioned the FTC to address these practices and establish mandatory disclosure requirements for device support timelines.

			===Lawsuit===
			On January 28, 2026, ClassAction.com issued a website form for people affected by the Wemo cloud shutdown to contact them regarding a potential [[mass arbitration]] event.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.classaction.org/belkin-wemo-bricking-arbitration-lawsuit-info\|title=Belkin Wemo End of Life Arbitration: Affected by Discontinued Belkin Wemo Support?\|date=2026-01-28\|work=ClassAction.com\|access-date=2026-01-29}}</ref> In addition, the Sauder Schelkopf law firm launched their own investigation into the Wemo cloud shutdown.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://sauderschelkopf.com/investigations/belkin-ends-support-for-wemo-smart-home-products-class-action-lawsuit-investigation/\|title=Belkin Ends Support for Wemo Smart Home Products Class Action Lawsuit Investigation\|work=Sauder Schelkopf Attorneys At Law\|access-date=2026-01-29}}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==

Bythmusters: Started cargo

2026-01-26T15:54:34Z

Started cargo

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:54, 26 January 2026
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			{{IncidentCargo
			\|Company=Belkin
			\|StartDate=2025-07-10
			\|EndDate=
			\|Status=
			\|ProductLine=Wemo
			\|Product=
			\|ArticleType=
			\|Type=
			\|Description=
			}}
	Belkin [[Wemo]] smart home devices require cloud connectivity to work. On July 10, 2025, Belkin announced the shutdown of cloud services supporting most Wemo devices, effective January 31, 2026.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-10 \|title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know \|url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/MiAgq \|archive-date=12 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Belkin Official Support}}</ref> These devices remain for sale on Belkin's Amazon WeMo store <ref>{{Cite web \|title=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement \|url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC \|archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/ORa4X \|archive-date=2025-07-13 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement}}</ref> and advertising them as working with Google, Alexa, & more.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web \|title=Amazon.com: Wemo \|url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl \|archive-date=2025-07-13 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Amazon.com: Wemo}}</ref>		Belkin [[Wemo]] smart home devices require cloud connectivity to work. On July 10, 2025, Belkin announced the shutdown of cloud services supporting most Wemo devices, effective January 31, 2026.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-10 \|title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know \|url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/MiAgq \|archive-date=12 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Belkin Official Support}}</ref> These devices remain for sale on Belkin's Amazon WeMo store <ref>{{Cite web \|title=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement \|url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC \|archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/ORa4X \|archive-date=2025-07-13 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement}}</ref> and advertising them as working with Google, Alexa, & more.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web \|title=Amazon.com: Wemo \|url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl \|archive-date=2025-07-13 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Amazon.com: Wemo}}</ref>

Trinity: Added some archived reference links

2026-01-06T18:57:06Z

Added some archived reference links

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:57, 6 January 2026
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	Belkin [[Wemo]] smart home devices require cloud connectivity to work. On July 10, 2025, Belkin announced the shutdown of cloud services supporting most Wemo devices, effective January 31, 2026.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-10 \|title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know \|url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Belkin Official Support}}</ref> These devices remain for sale on Belkin's Amazon WeMo store <ref>{{Cite web \|title=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement \|url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC \|archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/ORa4X \|archive-date=2025-07-13 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement}}</ref> and advertising them as working with Google, Alexa, & more.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web \|title=Amazon.com: Wemo \|url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl \|archive-date=2025-07-13 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Amazon.com: Wemo}}</ref>		Belkin [[Wemo]] smart home devices require cloud connectivity to work. On July 10, 2025, Belkin announced the shutdown of cloud services supporting most Wemo devices, effective January 31, 2026.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-10 \|title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know \|url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/MiAgq \|archive-date=12 Jul 2025 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Belkin Official Support}}</ref> These devices remain for sale on Belkin's Amazon WeMo store <ref>{{Cite web \|title=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement \|url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC \|archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/ORa4X \|archive-date=2025-07-13 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement}}</ref> and advertising them as working with Google, Alexa, & more.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web \|title=Amazon.com: Wemo \|url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/TBvNl \|archive-date=2025-07-13 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Amazon.com: Wemo}}</ref>

	This shutdown will disable remote access and automation functionality for 27+ device models sold between August 2015 and November 2023, affecting thousands of customers who purchased these devices as permanent smart home solutions. The incident is one example of a broader trend of IoT device abandonment & [[wikipedia:Tethering\|software tethering]] practices that enable manufacturers to remotely disable purchased products.		This shutdown will disable remote access and automation functionality for 27+ device models sold between August 2015 and November 2023, affecting thousands of customers who purchased these devices as permanent smart home solutions. The incident is one example of a broader trend of IoT device abandonment & [[wikipedia:Tethering\|software tethering]] practices that enable manufacturers to remotely disable purchased products.
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	===Technology community backlash===		===Technology community backlash===
	Ars Technica's coverage criticized Belkin's move as reflecting an industry that ''"has grown too comfortable with bricking customers' stuff"'' without offering adequate recourse or transparency.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Scharon Harding \|date=2025-07-12 \|title=Belkin shows tech firms getting too comfortable with bricking customers' stuff \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/belkin-shows-tech-firms-getting-too-comfortable-with-bricking-customers-stuff/ \|website=Ars Technica}}</ref>		Ars Technica's coverage criticized Belkin's move as reflecting an industry that ''"has grown too comfortable with bricking customers' stuff"'' without offering adequate recourse or transparency.<ref>{{Cite web \|author=Scharon Harding \|date=2025-07-12 \|title=Belkin shows tech firms getting too comfortable with bricking customers' stuff \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/belkin-shows-tech-firms-getting-too-comfortable-with-bricking-customers-stuff/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/nwIaW \|archive-date=12 Jul 2025 \|website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

	Reddit discussions in r/WeMo revealed widespread consumer anger:		Reddit discussions in r/WeMo revealed widespread consumer anger:
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	*Google Cloud IoT Core termination (2023)		*Google Cloud IoT Core termination (2023)
	*Amazon Web Services IoT service discontinuations (2024–2026)		*Amazon Web Services IoT service discontinuations (2024–2026)
	*Complete collapse of Insteon's smart home system (2022), affecting 1.3 million customers<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/04/shameful-insteon-looks-dead-just-like-its-users-smart-homes/ \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica}}</ref>		*Complete collapse of Insteon's smart home system (2022), affecting 1.3 million customers<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica \|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/04/shameful-insteon-looks-dead-just-like-its-users-smart-homes/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/buqud \|archive-date=23 Apr 2022 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Shameful: Insteon looks dead—just like its users’ smart homes - Ars Technica}}</ref>

	Academic research has identified this phenomenon as ''"regulation by bricking"''<ref>{{Cite journal \|last=Tusikov \|first=Natasha \|date=2019-06-18 \|title=Regulation through “bricking”: private ordering in the “Internet of Things” \|url=http://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-through-bricking-private-ordering-internet-things \|journal=Internet Policy Review \|volume=8 \|issue=2 \|doi=10.14763/2019.2.1405 \|access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>'','' a form of corporate control where manufacturers retain the ability to remotely disable devices after purchase through licensing agreements and cloud service dependencies.		Academic research has identified this phenomenon as ''"regulation by bricking"''<ref>{{Cite journal \|last=Tusikov \|first=Natasha \|date=2019-06-18 \|title=Regulation through “bricking”: private ordering in the “Internet of Things” \|url=http://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-through-bricking-private-ordering-internet-things \|journal=Internet Policy Review \|volume=8 \|issue=2 \|doi=10.14763/2019.2.1405 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807232444/https://policyreview.info/articles/analysis/regulation-through-bricking-private-ordering-internet-things \|archive-date=7 Aug 2019 \|access-date=2025-07-13}}</ref>'','' a form of corporate control where manufacturers retain the ability to remotely disable devices after purchase through licensing agreements and cloud service dependencies.

	==Consumer protection and regulatory response==		==Consumer protection and regulatory response==
	The incident shows the gaps in consumer protection frameworks for software-dependent devices. Current warranty laws assume hardware failure rather than service termination, creating uncertainty about whether cloud service shutdowns count as defective products.		The incident shows the gaps in consumer protection frameworks for software-dependent devices. Current warranty laws assume hardware failure rather than service termination, creating uncertainty about whether cloud service shutdowns count as defective products.

	Consumer advocacy organizations, led by Consumer Reports, have mobilized against IoT device abandonment practices, coining the term ''"software tethering"'' to describe manufacturer control over post-purchase device functionality.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-13 \|title=Consumer Reports, U.S. PIRG, and 15 other groups call on FTC to create clear guidance for ‘software tethering’ \|url=https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/group-letter-ftc-software-tethering/ \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Consumer Reports Advocacy}}</ref> The coalition has petitioned the FTC to address these practices and establish mandatory disclosure requirements for device support timelines.		Consumer advocacy organizations, led by Consumer Reports, have mobilized against IoT device abandonment practices, coining the term ''"software tethering"'' to describe manufacturer control over post-purchase device functionality.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2025-07-13 \|title=Consumer Reports, U.S. PIRG, and 15 other groups call on FTC to create clear guidance for ‘software tethering’ \|url=https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/group-letter-ftc-software-tethering/ \|archive-url=https://archive.ph/UoeOr \|archive-date=6 Jan 2026 \|access-date=2025-07-13 \|website=Consumer Reports Advocacy}}</ref> The coalition has petitioned the FTC to address these practices and establish mandatory disclosure requirements for device support timelines.

	==See also==		==See also==