Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

RAM Shortage

2026-02-06T01:08:10Z

Antiadguy: I added the RAM crisis and how this will affect consumer computing; article is in need of completion and revision

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=OpenAI, Samsung, Micron
|StartDate=2025-10-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Price Fixing
|Description=OpenAI purchased almost half of the RAM.
}}
{{Ph-I-Int}}
==Background==
{{Ph-I-B}}OpenAI is the pioneer of the Artificial Intelligence boom in the entire world.

Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix are the main RAM producers for consumers and corporations.

==[Incident]==
{{Ph-I-I}}On October 1st 2025, OpenAI signed deals with major memory manufacturers to secure 40% of global RAM production. As of February 2026, RAM prices have tripled compared to October 2025. By late 2026, 70% of all RAM usage is expected to come from AI data centers. [1]

===Corporate response===

* Micron has exited the consumer RAM market to focus resources toward manufacturing RAM to supply AI data centers.
* Samsung has promised to continue selling SSDs
* Samsung and Hk Hynix have increased RAM prices due to slowed production and less competition from Micron<br />

==Consumer response==
{{Ph-I-ConR}}Consumers have responded to the situation by:

* Highlighting the potential fuffilment of Jeff Bezos' desire for consumers to rent computing power from the cloud. [3]
* Making several YouTube videos stating how this will impact the future of home computing. [4] [5]<br />

==References==
{{reflist}}[https://medium.com/predict/openai-crashed-the-global-memory-supply-4cc7136c3e73 <nowiki>[1] Medium</nowiki>]

[https://investors.micron.com/news-releases/news-release-details/micron-announces-exit-crucial-consumer-business <nowiki>[2] Micron Investors</nowiki>]

[3] [https://www.windowscentral.com/artificial-intelligence/jeff-bezos-says-the-quiet-part-out-loud-bezos-envisions-that-youll-give-up-your-pc-for-an-ai-cloud-version Windows Central]

[4] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfOREULEqRU RAM prices are Worse Than You Think]

[5][https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A-eeJP0J7c&t=633s WTF Just Happened? | The Corrupt Memory Industry & Micron]{{Ph-I-C}}

RAM Shortage

2026-02-06T00:29:30Z

Antiadguy: In October 2025, OpenAI signed major deals with Samsung and SK Hynix to set aside 40% of global RAM for itself, drastically increasing the price of RAM. Manufacturers have ceased producing consumer RAM to keep prices high and profit from the AI boom. CEOs have also introduced the concept of renting computing power to profit from the chaos.

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=OpenAI, Samsung, Micron
|StartDate=2025-10-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Price Fixing
|Description=OpenAI purchased almost half of the RAM.
}}
{{Ph-I-Int}}
==Background==
{{Ph-I-B}}

==[Incident]==
{{Ph-I-I}}

===[Company]'s response===
{{Ph-I-ComR}}

==Lawsuit==
{{Ph-I-L}}

==Consumer response==
{{Ph-I-ConR}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Ph-I-C}}

Digital rights management

2025-12-30T14:27:27Z

Antiadguy: I clarified what the AACS key was.

[[Category:Anti-consumer practices]]
[[Category:Common terms]]

[[wikipedia:Digital_rights_management|'''Digital rights management''']] (DRM), alternatively known as '''digital restrictions management'''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stallman |first=Richard |title=Opposing Digital Rights Mismanagement |url=https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/opposing-drm.en.html |archive-url=https://archive.is/XwqaH |archive-date=2023-05-02}}</ref>, broadly refers to any kind of access control technology that is used to deliberately restrict the usage of media content or devices after the sale. It is typically used by a seller to prevent unauthorized distribution or replication of their product. Implementations of DRM can range from very simple (such as a basic disc check) to extremely complex executable binary obfuscation (such as Denuvo).

<blockquote><I>DRM creates a damaged good; it prevents you from doing what would be possible without it. – Defective by Design</I><ref>https://www.defectivebydesign.org/what_is_drm</ref></blockquote>

==Why it is a problem==
DRM, by definition, is designed to make content less compatible with devices. This means there is a higher likelihood of software or hardware refusing to play content due to buggy or overly restrictive DRM. For example, with the aforementioned Netflix HDCP requirement, it is not enough for the display you intend to watch the content on to support HDCP—all monitors connected to the system must support it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Netflix requires all monitors to be HDCP 2.2. How can I get around this? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1avkwtb/netflix_requires_all_monitors_to_be_hdcp_22_how/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I get Netflix working at 4k on my second monitor? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/mam2l9/how_do_i_get_netflix_working_at_4k_on_my_second/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How to use Netflix on your Windows computer or tablet |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931 |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Netflix Help Center}}</ref> This means that on PCs with multi-monitor setup PC, older but fully functional monitors cannot be used as secondary screens without violating Netflix’s DRM restrictions.

Such requirements are not always clearly disclosed. When they are, they are often buried in the Terms of Service or, in Netflix's case, require navigating through multiple FAQ pages. Furthermore, some content may surreptitiously install DRM without the knowledge or consent of the user, such as in the Sony Rootkit scandal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Oct 2005 |title=Sony, Rootkits and Digital Rights Management Gone Too Far |url=http://blogs.technet.com/b/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/31/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights-management-gone-too-far.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317040653/http://blogs.technet.com/b/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/31/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights-management-gone-too-far.aspx |archive-date=17 Mar 2015 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Mark Russinovich's Blog}}</ref> Such software may contain exploits that can compromise the security of the user's PC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krebs |first=Brian |date=10 Nov 2005 |title=Virus Writers Exploit Sony Anti-Piracy Software |url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2005/11/virus_writers_exploit_sony_ant.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061116191907/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2005/11/virus_writers_exploit_sony_ant.html |archive-date=16 Nov 2006 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Washington Post}}</ref>

DRM in video games has frequently been implemented in an intrusive manner, hurting load times and performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kessler |first=Ana |date=25 May 2023 |title=Testing Reveals Games with Denuvo Launch Up to Four Times Slower |url=https://80.lv/articles/testing-reveals-games-with-denuvo-launch-up-to-four-times-slower/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=80.lv}}</ref> This behavior has been more a result of negligent usage of the DRM rather than deliberate malicious intent.

DRM failures can also come as a surprise. For example, with a YouTube Premium subscription, you can "Download videos to watch offline", but such videos are only available for 48 hours without an internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in select countries & regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Help}}</ref> This creates confusion and problems, as users may want to download videos in anticipation of a period without internet access.

===Ineffectiveness of audio and video DRM===
It is nearly impossible to prevent copying of non-interactive content such as audio and video once it is distributed to the consumer.

Macrovision DRM can be defeated using a widely available time base corrector,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bought this box back in the early 90s to eliminate Macrovision copy guard on tapes - cost $49.95 back then. Decided to see if it still works by recording my Red Label Star Wars set to DVD. Still working it’s magic! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/VHS/comments/so4xs5/bought_this_box_back_in_the_early_90s_to/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref> which strips out the signal that triggers the AGC on VCRs or Macrovision compliant devices.

Many HDMI splitters<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bypassing HDCP in 2024 |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/19dohrh/bypassing_hdcp_in_2024/lbtqiky/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref> and capture cards<ref>{{Cite web |title=I bought a $40 capture card off Amazon and it seems to have hdcp bypass because my PS3 works directly with it. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/19dohrh/bypassing_hdcp_in_2024/kj7cu60/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref> are capable of decrypting HDCP and copying the video stream. As long as at least one bypass exists at the HDCP level, all streaming content can be trivially ripped.

Audio DRM is trivial to bypass, as the audio must be decrypted into a plain analog signal in order to drive physical speakers or headphones.

===DRM degradation===
The development of some forms of DRM, such as [[wikipedia:Games_for_Windows_–_Live|Games For Windows Live]], are reliant on special processes within some operating systems that end up becoming unsupported or deprecated as time goes on. Legacy [[SecuROM]]-protected titles (released roughly between 1998 and 2005) are notoriously known for not running on operating systems newer than Windows XP<ref>https://www.lucadamico.dev/papers/drms/securom/ArabianNights.pdf</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@haggar |date=15 Oct 2006 |title=Unpacking SecuROM 4.xx |url=http://www.reversing.be/article.php?story=20061015153108847 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226230919/http://www.reversing.be/article.php?story=20061015153108847 |archive-date=26 Feb 2022 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=www.reversing.be}}</ref>. Customers must spend an extensive amount of time circumventing the DRM (or using more illicit methods) just to play content they legitimately purchased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baggs |first=Nathan |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Hacking This Terrible DRM |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjkqI7dBDVg |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

This DRM degradation has the worst effects on physical licenses of products, as unlike a digital installation, if a physical copy of a game's DRM stops being supported by modern hardware, developers cannot simply distribute a patch to directly modify the code on a disc, and online patches cannot last forever.

==DRM in video content==

Attempting to prevent the copying of video content is one of the most common and long-standing uses of DRM. The idea of using copy obstruction on video content predates the term "DRM", one early example being the "Automatic Gain Control" requirement in VCRs used to enforce the "Macrovision" copy-protection scheme.<ref>[https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/1201#k_1_A 17 U.S. Code § 1201 - Circumvention of copyright protection systems, K.1.A.i]</ref><ref>[https://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/courses/cs181/projects/1999-00/dmca-2k/macrovision.html Macrovision Demystified], Stanford CS181. </ref> This requirement resulted in VCRs and compliant analog to DV capture cards not being able to record commercial VHS tapes{{citation needed}}.

From 1996, DVDs began to feature the "Content Scramble System" (CSS), an encryption based DRM. CSS was successfully circumvented as early as 1999, less than five years after its introduction, partly due to the limited length of the 40-bit encryption key, which was used to comply with US government export regulations of the time.<ref>http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/DeCSS/FrankStevenson/mail1.txt</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20000302000206/http://www.dvd-copy.com/news/cryptanalysis_of_contents_scrambling_system.htm "Cryptanalysis of Contents Scrambling System", Frank A. Stevenson, archived from dvd-copy.com]</ref> Following this, DVDs as well as HD-DVDs and Blu-Rays would implement other types of DRM, one of them being the "Advanced Access Content System".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Advanced Access Content System (AACS) |url=http://www.aacsla.com/specifications/specs091/AACS_Spec_Common_0.91.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302130221/http://www.aacsla.com/specifications/specs091/AACS_Spec_Common_0.91.pdf |archive-date=2 Mar 2007 |access-date=20 Apr 2025}}
</ref> When the first AACS processing key was similarly extracted, the AACS Licensing Administrator began issuing cease-and-desist letters to websites where the key was posted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Apr 2007 |title=AACS licensor complains of posted key |url=https://lumendatabase.org/notices/21725 |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lumen}}</ref> Another form of Blu-Ray DRM, [[Cinavia]], uses a form of audio watermarking that makes certain releases unplayable in devices that are not equipped to recognize it, a notable example being Sony's Playstation 3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganesh |first=T. S. |date=21 Mar 2012 |title=Cinavia DRM: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Blu-ray’s Self-Destruction |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/5693/cinavia-drm-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-blurays-selfdestruction/2 |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=AnandTech}}</ref>

In the attempt of preventing video ripping via a capture card, modern displays, optical disc players, and computers use the [[wikipedia:High-bandwidth_Digital_Content_Protection|High-Definition Content Protection]] system to encrypt display signals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About DCP |url=https://www.digital-cp.com/about_dcp |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=www.digital-cp.com}}</ref> For example, [[Netflix stream-quality controversy|Netflix will refuse]] to stream content at the full resolution advertised for the plan if the user is not streaming through an HDCP compliant video card and display.

For terrestrial over-the-air broadcast, in 2023 [[ATSC 3.0]] pilot stations across the United States started to encrypt their signals,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=15 May 2023 |title=Broadcasters Roll Out Restrictive DRM Encryption on ATSC 3.0 Broadcasts |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/05/15/broadcasters-roll-out-restrictive-drm-encryption-on-atsc-3-0-broadcasts/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref> leaving those that bought ATSC 3.0 tuners that could not decrypt broadcasts unable to watch the newly encrypted channels. Those tuners that were later certified by the A3SA authority to decrypt signals also had potential restrictions placed as part of the DRM scheme, such as blocking recordings and remote tuner access.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Jared |date=28 Jul 2023 |title=NextGen TV’s DRM puts future of the over-the-air DVR in doubt |url=https://www.techhive.com/article/2009693/nextgen-tv-drm-puts-future-of-the-over-the-air-dvr-in-doubt.html |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=TechHive}}</ref>

==DRM in audio content==
Another place DRMs were used in was audio content, which was rarely implemented due to audio's analog nature (compared to video and software), making it questionable whether it could effectively block data replication. The most notable application of audio DRM was [[wikipedia:MediaMax|MediaMax]], which essentially functioned as malware to prevent users from simply playing these audio discs on Windows and macOS. There was also the less-notable [[wikipedia:Extended_Copy_Protection|Extended Copy Protection]] (XCP) DRM, however it did leave [[Sony]] in hot water<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony BMG copy protection rootkit scandal |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_BMG_copy_protection_rootkit_scandal |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref>, dubbing this form of DRM also as the Sony Rootkit.

==DRM in software==
Most discussions about DRM often associate its use with some form of software restriction, from the simple product key, to the infamous [[Denuvo]] DRM. Historically, DRM started off with simpler physical techniques, such as decoder wheels and [[wikipedia:Lenslok|LensLok]]. The effectiveness of these systems varied, and many cracking groups simply found ways around them, especially since second-hand copies of software that used these primitive forms of DRM could easily become lost, damaged, or worse, fail to function with certain hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Ben |date=15 Apr 2010 |title=Banging the DRM |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/banging-the-drm-article?page=2 |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=EuroGamer}}</ref> This has essentially sparked a game of cat and mouse that continues to fester, especially for the gaming community, to this day.

===Always-online DRM===
Some DRM requires a constant internet connection. While this may make sense in something that inherently requires an internet connection such as a streaming service or multiplayer-only video game, this has also been employed in games with single-player content, rendering customers unable to use their purchase if they do not have an active internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=17 May 2012 |title='Diablo III' Fans Should Stay Angry About Always-Online DRM |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Conversely, if operations for these services are shut down, user, even those with legitimate copies of software and internet access, cannot run their games without resorting to hacking them first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitor |first=João |date=12 Jul 2024 |title=Rewriting completely the GameSpy support from 2000 to 2004 using Reverse Engineering on EA and Bungie Games |url=https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Keowu Blog's}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=4 Apr 2014 |title=GameSpy Shuts Down May 31: Will Your Game Be Affected? |url=https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=SlashGear}}</ref> [[Ubisoft]] has historically been known for server shutdowns and transfers cutting off access to games for many players.<ref>http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250000000000*/http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html Archive]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=8 Feb 2012 |title=Ubisoft DRM Locks Out Paying Customers |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=GameSpy}}</ref> Encrypted [[ATSC 3.0]] channels cannot be tuned to without a persistent internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=3 Sep 2023 |title=The ADTH Nextgen TV Box Shows Us Just How Bad ATSC 3.0 Encryption Will Be.. |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref>

==DRM present elsewhere==

===Network-Attached Storage Units===
''See also: [[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]''

In 2025, certain models of pre-built network attached storage units produced by [[Synology]] contained DRM in order to prevent the usage of non-Synology branded hard drives.<ref>Morales, Jowi (16 Apr 2025). "Synology [https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs]". ''Tom's Hardware''. Retrieved 24 Nov 2025.</ref> This decision recieved a lot of backlash and was reverted in October 2025.

===Printer Ink===
''See also: [[HP Dynamic Security]]''

Companies such as [[HP]] only allow printers to only use ink sold by the same brand. There are a number of DRM systems employed by different companies to this end, an example of which is HP Dynamic Security, which has caught controversy during recent years. Similarly, [[Dymo]] engages in this practice with their paper products using RFID tags.

===Air Filters===
''See also: [[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down devices used with third party air filters]]''

Some companies, namely Molekule and [[Xiaomi]], use NFC-based DRM systems to ensure that replacement air filters which are inserted in air purifying devices are made by the brand. Molekule additionally threatened to permanently shut down any devices which used third-party filters, essentially [[Device bricking|bricking]] them.

===Water Filters===
''See also: [[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]''

Certain models of refrigerators manufactured by General Electric contain DRM in order to prevent customers from purchasing generic water filters and to instead force their own water filters which are more expensive. <ref>https://www.vice.com/en/article/these-fridges-wont-dispense-filtered-water-unless-you-pay-extra-for-official-filters-with-rfid-chips/</ref>

==Further reading==
*[[Automotive digital restrictions management]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Digital rights management]]

Spotify

2025-10-24T21:48:13Z

Antiadguy: I added Spotify's DMCA notice against ReVanced and how Spotify alleges that client-side modification violates copyright law. My contribution is in need of review and proper citation.

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Spotify
| Type = Public
| Founded = 2006
| Industry = Audio Streaming
| Official Website = https://spotify.com/
| Logo = Spotify.png
}}
'''[[Wikipedia:Spotify|Spotify]]''' is a global music-streaming service founded in 2006 in Sweden by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon. It allows users to stream music, podcasts, and other audio content via a freemium model, offering both free, ad-supported access and premium subscription services.

==Consumer-impact summary==
====Freedom====
Users can request to obtain a copy of and delete their user data through the app and website.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.spotify.com/us/article/data-rights-and-privacy-settings/|title=Data rights and privacy choices|work=Spotify Support|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916033527/https://support.spotify.com/us/article/data-rights-and-privacy-settings/|archive-date=2025-09-16|url-status=live}}</ref> According to the user guidelines, users cannot share their accounts with others (section 13) or reverse-engineer the Spotify client (section 1).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/user-guidelines/|title=Spotify User Guidelines|work=Spotify|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250907171037/https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/user-guidelines/|archive-date=2025-09-07|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Privacy====
According to the privacy policy, user data collected includes name, estimated age, address, gender, phone number, and date of birth, with optional data such as voice and usage data being used to "personalize your account".<ref name="SpotifyPP">{{Cite web|url=https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/|title=Privacy Policy|date=2025-08-27|work=Spotify|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916051241/https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/privacy-policy/|archive-date=2025-09-16|url-status=live}}</ref> This data, including listening history, is retained by Spotify for "as long as necessary" until the user makes a deletion request (with the exception of search queries after 90 days). Spotify also states they share your data with third parties, including [[Google Maps]] to verify addresses when purchasing a premium subscription.<ref name="SpotifyPP" />

====Business model====
For free users, Spotify plays advertisements in-between songs, with those same free users getting 6 song skips per hour and being restricted to shuffle-only play until September 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/778176/spotify-free-user-upgrade-play-specific-songs|title=Spotify’s free users can finally play the songs they want|first=Jess|last=Weatherbed|date=2025-09-15|work=TheVerge|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250917210559/https://www.theverge.com/news/778176/spotify-free-user-upgrade-play-specific-songs|archive-date=2025-09-17|url-status=live}}</ref> For premium users, the subscriptions cost between $11.99/m for an individual, $16.99/m for a duo plan, and $19.99/m for a family plan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spotify.com/us/premium/|title=Spotify Premium (US)|work=Spotify|access-date=2025-09-17}}</ref>

====Market control====
According to Statistica, Spotify is currently the most used music streaming service with a 31.7% user share, with others such as Tencent Music and Apple Music falling behind.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://evoca.tv/streaming-service-market-share/|title=Streaming Service Market Share (2025): Global Revenue Data|date=2025-08-25|first=Brooke|last=Gaines|work=EvocaTV|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814072314/https://evoca.tv/streaming-service-market-share/|archive-date=2025-08-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Privacy violations and data misuse ''(2015)''===
In 2015, Spotify demanded access to users’ contacts, photos, and location via mobile apps, triggering backlash over disproportionate data harvesting.{{CitationNeeded}}

===Car Thing ''(2019-2024)''===
{{Main|Spotify Car Thing}}
In 2019, Spotify announced the Car Thing, a device marketed as a voice-controlled interface for selecting music and podcasts while driving.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.spotify.com/2021-04-13/spotify-launches-our-newest-exploration-a-limited-release-of-car-thing-a-smart-player-for-your-car/|title=Spotify Launches Our Newest Exploration: A Limited Release of Car Thing, a Smart Player for Your Car|date=2021-04-13|work=Spotify Newsroom|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250801132943/https://newsroom.spotify.com/2021-04-13/spotify-launches-our-newest-exploration-a-limited-release-of-car-thing-a-smart-player-for-your-car/|archive-date=2025-08-01|url-status=live}}</ref> The device was officially launched in the U.S. on February 22, 2022, it cost $89.99 and requires a Spotify Premium subscription plan along with a phone with a mobile data connection to be used.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsroom.spotify.com/2022-02-22/car-thing-from-spotify-is-now-officially-available-in-the-u-s/|title=Car Thing From Spotify Is Now Officially Available in the U.S.|date=2022-02-02|work=Spotify Newsroom|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416142739/https://newsroom.spotify.com/2022-02-22/car-thing-from-spotify-is-now-officially-available-in-the-u-s/|archive-date=2025-04-16|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 30, 2022, the device went on sale for $50. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://community.spotify.com/t5/Car-Thing/Summer-Sale-Special-89-99/td-p/5412050|title=Solved: Summer Sale Special $89.99 - The Spotify Community|work=Spotify Community|author=greyorlyte|date=2022-08-01|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126174331/https://community.spotify.com/t5/Car-Thing/Summer-Sale-Special-89-99/td-p/5412050|archive-date=2025-01-26|url-status=live}}</ref> The company discontinued production of the device in July 27, 2022, citing low demand. A spokesperson told TechCrunch. “Based on several factors, including product demand and supply chain issues, we have decided to stop further production of Car Thing units. Existing devices will perform as intended." <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/07/27/spotify-exits-short-lived-car-thing-hardware-play-as-reports-q2-maus-of-433m-offsetting-russia-exit-and-service-outage/|title=Spotify exits short-lived Car Thing hardware play, reports Q2 MAUs of 433M, offsetting Russia exit and service outage|first=Ingrid|last=Lunden|date=2022-07-27|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708172544/https://techcrunch.com/2022/07/27/spotify-exits-short-lived-car-thing-hardware-play-as-reports-q2-maus-of-433m-offsetting-russia-exit-and-service-outage/|archive-date=2025-07-08|url-status=live}}</ref> In August of 2022, Spotify further reduced the price to $30 in order to sell off all existing stock. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/spotify-car-thing-lowest-price-ever-get-one-still-can/|title=Spotify Car Thing is at its lowest price ever, get one while you still can|first=Rajesh|last=Pandey|work=Android Police|date=2022-08-25|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405054611/https://www.androidpolice.com/spotify-car-thing-lowest-price-ever-get-one-still-can/|archive-date=2025-04-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 20, 2022, security researchers released a report on how they achieved root on the Car Thing, uncovering how the device could potentially be hacked. Spotify responded on October 21, 2022, saying that the product is unsupported, end-of-life, and therefore no bugs would be accepted pertaining to the product. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oddsolutions.github.io/Spotify-Car-Thing-Root/|title=Spotify Car Thing - Root and Custom OS toolkit|work=GitHub|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250801132952/https://oddsolutions.github.io/Spotify-Car-Thing-Root/|archive-date=2025-08-01|url-status=live}}</ref> The product had gone from its launch to "end-of-life" in the span of 8 months.
[[File:Spotify Car Thing Email.jpg|left|thumb|433x433px|Screenshot of email from Spotify, sent to Car Thing users.]]

On May 23rd, 2024, Spotify announced, via email to users, that support for the Car Thing would end in December of that year, rendering the device inoperable after that point.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://x.com/mypussyfarts/status/1793679258105348378?mx=2|title=what the fuck do you mean stop operating some people actually use the car thing DAILY @Spotify|author=@mypussyfarts|date=2024-05-23|work=X|access-date=2025-09-17}}</ref>

The Car Thing support page advised Car Thing owners to "contact your state or local waste disposal department to determine how to dispose of or recycle Car Thing in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," rendering the device obsolete. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.spotify.com/us/article/car-thing-discontinued/|title=Car Thing discontinued|work=Spotify Support|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828003549/https://support.spotify.com/us/article/car-thing-discontinued/|archive-date=2025-08-28|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 28, 2024 a class action lawsuit was filed against Spotify, due to a lack of refunds offered on the Car Thing. “All of the claims herein arise out of Spotify’s decision to unilaterally and without recourse cut off its support of the Car Thing and announce its plan to terminate its functionality on December 9, 2024,” the lawsuit reads. "Many owners of the Car Thing have complained in public forums and to Spotify about the discontinuance of the product and have requested that Spotify address and remedy the problem by providing a refund, equivalent replacement, or allow the Car Thing to be open sourced for use outside of Spotify’s control. Spotify has stated that it will not refund, or replace, the Car Thing, instead recommending that Consumers “reset your Car Thing to factory settings and safely dispose of your device following local electronic waste guidelines.” <ref>[[:File:Spotify-car-thing-lawsuit-class-action-mazumder-may-2024.pdf]]</ref>

On May 31, 2024, Spotify began offering refunds for the Car Thing. In December 2024, the Spotify website for Car Thing read, "Contact customer service by no later than January 14, 2025 to discuss your refund options." <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://carthing.spotify.com/|title=Car Thing|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225024757/https://carthing.spotify.com/|archive-date=2024-12-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Spotify support web page for Car Thing states that they are discontinuing the hardware product as part of ongoing efforts to streamline their product offerings.<ref name=":0" />

{{Clear}}

===Voice & environment surveillance patent ''(2021)''===
<blockquote>The audio signals may be recorded in real-time, or may correspond to previously-recorded audio signals...

For example, such metadata might include an emotional state...... in one example aspect, the content metadata indicates an emotional state of a speaker providing the voice.</blockquote>Back in 2021, Spotify was granted US patent 10891948 B2 for ''"identification of Taste Attributes from an audio signal"[[:File:US10891948.pdf]] .'' This describes tech that:

#analyzes what users say
#Analyzes background noise to determine where you are(bus stop, coffee shop, home, etc)
#Scores incoming data to guess a user's mood or emotional state.

The patent describes listening to birds chirping, printers printing, cars on a street. This technology enables Spotify to create detailed profiles of their users' activities, how they feel, and social interactions without users understanding that their data is being collected in this way.

This is marketed as a music recommendation system. The patent demonstrates that Spotify's capabilities go far further than music taste evaluation, with the ability for personal surveillance.

According to a statement Spotify gave at news media they are not currently using this in their service, however they have not committed to never using this technology on their service.<ref>{{cite web |last=Heater |first=Alex |title=Spotify is patenting a surveillance system disguised as a music recommendation engine |url=https://www.soundguys.com/spotify-surveillence-patent-51768/ |website=SoundGuys |date=2021-04-14 |access-date=2025-06-16}}</ref>

===Fake artists and playlist manipulation ''(2024-)''===
In recent years, Spotify has experimented with inserting extra AI and longform content into user playlists, in order to lower the average royalty cost paid out per user.

*Perfect Fit Content (PFC) Program:

::An internal initiative to seed playlists with AI generated or low cost music (''e.g., ambient, jazz. The velvet sundown'') from Swedish and English producers. These tracks replaced human artists to reduce royalty payouts.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=The truth about Spotify |url=https://www.honest-broker.com/p/the-ugly-truth-about-spotify-is-finally|date=2024-12-19|first=Ted|last=Gioia|work=The Honest Broker|access-date=2025-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250905090427/https://www.honest-broker.com/p/the-ugly-truth-about-spotify-is-finally|archive-date=2025-09-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

*Fake artist networks:

::Investigators found 20 individuals operating under 500 aliases (''e.g., Trumpet Bumblefig, Vattio Bud. The velvet sundown.'' ) generating millions of streams. One obscure Swedish jazz artist outperformed Grammy winning albums. {{CitationNeeded}}
::Employees claimed that listeners <q>wouldn’t know the difference</q> between authentic and PFC tracks.<ref name=":1" />

*Playlist manipulation
::The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) criticized Spotify for bundling music with audiobooks to lower royalty rates, calling it a "predatory" practice.{{CitationNeeded}}

=== DMCA Notice Against ReVanced ''(9/12/25)'' ===

On September 12th 2025, Spotify filed a DMCA takedown notice against ReVanced's "Unlock Spotify Premium" patch. [[https://revanced.app/announcements/15-spotify-dmca-notice-seeking-legal-help 19]] Spotify alleges that the patch enables circumvention of its digital protection measures by enabling users to remove advertisements and UI restrictions on free Spotify. This is part of a broader crackdown where Spotify has disabled users from utilizing third party tools to access its content, such as Grayjay.[[https://github.com/fmhy/FMHY/wiki/FMHY%E2%80%90Notes.md#android-spotify-note 20]] However, Louis Rossmann and ReVanced have proved that the patch only removes client-side restrictions and does not violate 17 U.S. Code § 1201 of the DMCA.[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgFCC9haqB4 Rossmann Video 1]] ReVanced has complied with the request but is still aiming to regain the right to host the patch.

==See also==
*[[Apple Music]]
*[[Deezer]]
*[[Pandora]]
*[[SoundCloud]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Spotify]]