Abstract: An electronic communication system including: (a) a fastener 2 operable to close or open to secure an item such as a seat 20 to a vehicle; (b) electronic communication means 4 linking the fastener 2 to at least one separate device, such as a second fastener 2 or a handheld remote user-controlled device, to communicate information to the separate device; and (c) electronic circuitry to detect the status of the fastener and to generate the information to be communicated by the electronic communication means to the separate device, wherein the information, which may be an electrical signal such as an electrical pulse, relates to the open or closed status of the fastener.