Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Ofcom

2025-08-30T16:23:10Z

Eliadttt:

'''The Office of Communications''' (commonly known as '''Ofcom''') is the United Kingdom’s communications regulator, responsible for overseeing television, radio, telecommunications, postal services, and the radio spectrum. Established under the Office of Communications Act 2002 and formally launched in 2003, Ofcom replaced multiple legacy regulators and has since become the central authority for communications policy in the UK.{{Citation needed}} Its mandate includes protecting consumers, promoting competition, and ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards.{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = The Office of Communications
| Type = Statutory corporation
| Founded = Created by Office of Communications Act 2002
| Industry = Broadcasting
| Official Website = http://www.ofcom.org.uk/
| Logo = Ofcom-3424516625.png
}}

==Consumer and public impact==
===Consumer protection===
Ofcom plays a significant role in defending consumer rights in telecommunications and broadcasting.{{Citation needed}} It enforces rules on fair pricing, transparency of contracts, accessibility of services, and the quality of broadband and mobile coverage. It also has powers to impose fines on companies that breach regulations or mislead customers. Critics argue, however, that enforcement has not always kept pace with industry practices, and that large telecom providers retain significant market power despite regulatory oversight.{{Citation needed}}

===Freedom of expression===
The regulator is frequently at the centre of debates around free speech, given its authority to fine or revoke licences from broadcasters who breach the Broadcasting Code.{{Citation needed}} While intended to protect the public from harmful or misleading content, detractors contend that Ofcom’s interventions risk constraining journalistic freedom or setting limits on controversial speech.{{Citation needed}}

===Digital markets===
Ofcom has been tasked with overseeing aspects of online safety and regulating major digital platforms following the passage of the [[Online Safety Act|Online Safety Act 2023]].{{Citation needed}} This expansion of its powers has been welcomed by those concerned about harmful content online, but civil liberties groups warn of potential overreach, surveillance concerns, and risks to user privacy.{{Citation needed}}

==Notable controversies==
===Handling of broadband complaints===
Consumer groups have accused Ofcom of failing to adequately penalize large internet service providers for poor service delivery and misleading pricing practices.{{Citation needed}} Despite repeated investigations, critics argue that penalties are often too small to deter misconduct.{{Citation needed}}

===Press and broadcasting regulation===
Ofcom has faced criticism for rulings on high-profile media cases, including politically sensitive broadcast content.{{Citation needed}} Some commentators argue that its decisions show inconsistency or political bias, while others view its role as essential for maintaining public trust in media standards.{{Citation needed}}

===Surveillance and data concerns===
With the introduction of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has been given powers to compel platforms to monitor and remove harmful material.{{Citation needed}} Privacy advocates argue that these requirements could force companies to weaken encryption and intrude on users’ communications, raising ethical and legal challenges.{{Citation needed}}

==See also==
*[[Online Safety Act|Online Safety Act 2023]]
*[[Communications in the United Kingdom]]
*[[Media regulation]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Regulators of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Consumer rights in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2003]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]
[[Category:Articles under development]]
[[Category:Articles with verification concerns or other deficiencies]]

Enshittification

2025-08-30T13:43:06Z

Eliadttt: /* End-to-end principal */ elaborated sections regarding social media enshitification specifically

{{stub}}

'''Enshittification''', also known as '''crapification''' and '''platform decay''', is a pattern in which two-sided online products, usually subscription services, decline in quality over time. Initially, companies create high-quality offerings to attract users and undercut competition, then they degrade those offerings to better serve business customers, and finally degrade their services to users and business customers to maximize profits for shareholders.

The term was first coined by tech blogger Cory Doctorow in November 2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doctorow |first=Cory |date=28 Nov 2022 |title=Pluralistic: How monopoly enshittified Amazon/28 Nov 2022 |url=https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/28/enshittification/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 Aug 2025 |website=Pluralistic}}</ref> and has since gained widespread recognition.<ref>{{Cite web |title=enshittification |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/enshittification |url-status=live |access-date=18 Aug 2025 |website=Merriam-Webster}}</ref>

==How it works==
<blockquote>''"It is a seemingly inevitable consequence arising from the combination of the ease of changing how a platform allocates value, combined with the nature of a "two-sided market," where a platform sits between buyers and sellers, hold each hostage to the other, raking off an ever-larger share of the value that passes between them."'' - Cory Doctorow, ''Wired,'' 2023<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doctorow |first=Cory |date=23 Jan 2023 |title=The ‘Enshittification’ of TikTok |url=https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-platforms-cory-doctorow/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 Aug 2025 |website=WIRED}}</ref></blockquote>Enshittification at its core is a three-stage process.

===Stage 1 - Incentivizing Mass Adoption===
Companies offer their product or service to users with great incentive to try and build an established userbase. It is usually during the early stage of the company is the most focused on providing a positive user experience and listening to feedback.

For example, [[Uber]] was initially well-received for offering competitive prices for transportation, leading to a large userbase adopting the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolff |first=Micheal |date=22 Dec 2013 |title=Wolff: The tech company of the year is Uber |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/wolff/2013/12/22/the-success-of-app-based-car-service-uber/4141669/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 Aug 2025 |website=USA TODAY}}</ref>

===Stage 2 - Catering to Business Clients===
Once a stable userbase is locked in, companies begin offering access to the userbase to business customers with great incentive. This stage is usually when the user experience begins to decline as the company is now more focused on catering to partners such as suppliers and advertisers.

For example, in 2023, Reddit removed free access to their API nearing the time of its IPO.<ref name="TheVergeAnnouncement">{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=April 18, 2023 |title=Reddit's upcoming API changes will make AI companies pony up |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/18/23688463/reddit-developer-api-terms-change-monetization-ai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614020642/https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/18/23688463/reddit-developer-api-terms-change-monetization-ai |archive-date=June 14, 2023 |access-date=June 17, 2023 |work=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> Then, in 2024, Reddit struck a $60M deal with Google to give access to its user-generated content for AI training data.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tong |first=Anna |last2=Wang |first2=Echo |last3=Coulter |first3=Martin |last4=Tong |first4=Anna |last5=Wang |first5=Echo |date=2024-02-22 |title=Exclusive: Reddit in AI content licensing deal with Google |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/reddit-ai-content-licensing-deal-with-google-sources-say-2024-02-22/ |access-date=2025-06-20 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref>

===Stage 3 - Quality Degradation for Shareholders===
When both users and business partners are locked in, the company shifts its surpluses to the shareholders. It no longer has any incentive to grow or maintain quality for either of its customer bases and relentlessly seeks profit at any rate for the shareholders. Companies at this stage also tend to have such a large market presence that switching barriers naturally (or intentionally) fall into place for those trying to leave for alternatives.

An ongoing example is [[YouTube]]'s [[YouTube#Crackdown against ad-blockers|crackdown on users using ad-blockers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube intensifies crackdown on ad blockers {{!}} AdGuard |url=https://adguard.com/en/blog/youtube-new-banner-adblockers-violate-tos.html |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=AdGuard Blog |language=en}}</ref> While such a crackdown might reduce ad-blocker usage and increase short-term shareholder returns, it degrades the experience for users and reduces the quality of impressions for advertisers. Over 30% of the world's population uses YouTube, with a ~98% market share in online video media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube - Market Share, Competitor Insights in Media Players And Streaming Platforms |url=https://www.6sense.com/tech/media-players-and-streaming-platforms/youtube-market-share |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=6sense}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=23 Essential YouTube Statistics You Need to Know in 2025 |url=https://thesocialshepherd.com/blog/youtube-statistics |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=The Social Shepherd |language=en}}</ref>

==Why it is a problem==

===Erosion of user experiences===
It can cause frustration among customers, for example Netflix has started locking down movies behind expensive plans, so customers are frustrated into subscribing to a more expensive plan.

Enshittification can also lead to [[wikipedia:Feature creep|feature creep]] - especially when new features of a product are intended to further lock in users and increase revenue. This creep can lead to an overall reduction in performance due to bloat and increased complexity, reducing a product's usability. A prime example of feature creep caused in large part by late-stage enshittification is Microsoft Windows.

===Switching barriers===
Enshittified platforms that act as intermediaries can act as both a monopoly on services and a monopsony on customers, as high switching barriers prevent either from leaving even when better alternatives technically exist. These barriers can be intentionally put in place - such as restricting the user's ability to transfer data or communicate between platforms - or unintentional, such as a platform's userbase being so large that it naturally makes it near impossible for users or partners to find equivalent engagement on an alternative platform.

An example of this would be a long-time eBay seller hoping to leave the site for an alternative with lower fees (possibly Mercari or Etsy). They might first encounter issues migrating all of their listings over to the new platform; a process which could be tedious. Their feedback history will certainly not carry over to the new platform so buyers are initially less likely to view them as trustworthy, potentially impacting sales. Lastly, the alternative platform likely has a vastly smaller userbase than eBay so despite all the possible benefits - the seller is less likely to be successful on the new platform than they are on eBay.

Such switching barriers can create an adversarial relationship between platform users or business partners and the company they're dependent on. The users or partners cannot be successful without access to the wide reach of the platform - but it leaves them wholly dependent on a company that no longer has their best interests in mind.

===Platform death===
A potential end-scenario for enshittified platforms is death, usually caused by a large enough exodus of users and business partners, and a general loss of trust. A platform may not truly "die" per se, but it can completely lose the identity that made it successful in the first place - and might not ever regain it. An ongoing example is [[X Corp|Twitter]] post Elon Musk's takeover. Under its new ownership and branding, the platform drove away swathes of its userbase and advertisers to alternative platforms (such as Bluesky) after its policy shifts proved widely unpopular.

However, the death of an enshittified platform is not an entirely positive end result. It uproots a long established userbase and can greatly disrupt their activities. There is also the chance that alternative platforms lack feature parity with the old platform or that it might not even be able to support the massive influx of new users - at least for some amount of time. At worst, data loss could be involved meaning years worth of information - if not archived beforehand - could potentially be lost if a platform shuts down in some capacity.

==Possible solutions==

===End-to-end principal===
...

===Right of exit===
The right of exit, or Data portability, is the right of a user to leave a platform without losing the data stored on it, and instead being able to export it and access it in various applications of the user's liking.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DataPortability Project |url=http://www.dataportability.org/ |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723171111/http://www.dataportability.org/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2009 |access-date=18 Aug 2025 |website=DataPortability}}</ref>

===Public backlash===
...

===Alternative platforms===
...

==Examples==
===E-commerce===
In Doctorow's original post, he discussed the practices of Amazon. The online retailer initially drew in users with products sold below cost and free shipping. Once its userbase was well established, more sellers began to sell their products through Amazon. Finally, Amazon began to add fees to increase profits. In 2023, over 45% of the sale price of items went to Amazon in the form of various fees. Amazon also allows sellers the ability to push their listing higher in search results via its paid Sponsored Products program. Doctorow described advertisement within Amazon as a payola scheme in which sellers bid against one another for search-ranking preference, and said that the first five pages of a search for "cat beds" were half advertisements

eBay is another e-commerce site that followed a similar trajectory, initially offering low fees and a robust buying/selling protection system. Once its userbase of largely secondhand buyers and sellers was solidified, eBay raised seller fees and began incentivizing large volume sellers - often actual businesses - with lower selling fees should they subscribe to eBay Store. eBay sellers are also no longer able to leave negative feedback for buyers, greatly reducing the ability of sellers to avoid bad actors. Since then, eBay has introduced promoted listings that are effectively analogous to Amazon's paid sponsored listing system. eBay has also encouraged sellers to use AI generated descriptions that often misrepresent the condition of items being sold, along with opting all of its users into in-house AI training [[Ebay AI opt in by default|by default]] as of its April 21, 2025 privacy policy revision.

===Media streaming platforms===
The enshittification of Netflix is similarly reflected in other competing streaming platforms such as YouTube TV and Amazon Prime Video, where prices have increased despite a decline (or at least no perceivable improvement) in overall service quality. Multiple providers have also downgraded their cheapest paid plans to now come bundled with ads.

===Search engines===
Google started as an ad-free search engine, but over time more paid insertions have been included on the top of the search without a clear and visible distinction between ads and actual legitimate results. In 2024, Google started rolling out AI Overview, but the roll-out was rushed. The AI Overview showed inaccurate, potentially dangerous overviews, such as encouraging eating rocks, suggesting putting glue on top of pizza as a solution to cheese sliding off, encouraging smoking during pregnancy, encouraging suicide and suggesting users to jump off the golden gate bridge.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goodwin |first=Danny |date=24 May 2024 |title=Google AI Overviews under fire for giving dangerous and wrong answers |url=https://searchengineland.com/google-ai-overview-fails-442575 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250623180113/https://searchengineland.com/google-ai-overview-fails-442575 |archive-date=23 Jun 2025 |access-date=21 Jul 2025 |work=Search Engine Land}}</ref> Google has responded to those issues and temporarily disabled the AI overview. While those incidents have been fixed and the AI Overview has been made available again, the AI overview still shows inaccurate results, often citing satire comments as factual sources, or making stuff up. The AI overview has also been criticized for reducing traffic towards genuine sites, where instead of visiting sites to get the information, the information is displayed on top, where people don't have to visit sites to get the information they were looking for, and is also a cause of privacy concerns.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=15 Jul 2025 |title=Google Discover adds AI summaries, threatening publishers with further traffic declines |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/15/google-discover-adds-ai-summaries-threatening-publishers-with-further-traffic-declines/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250718124612/https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/15/google-discover-adds-ai-summaries-threatening-publishers-with-further-traffic-declines/ |archive-date=18 Jul 2025 |access-date=21 Jul 2025 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bellan |first=Rebecca |date=10 Jun 2025 |title=Google’s AI search features are killing traffic to publishers |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/10/googles-ai-overviews-are-killing-traffic-for-publishers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250714040741/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/10/googles-ai-overviews-are-killing-traffic-for-publishers/ |archive-date=14 Jul 2025 |access-date=21 Jul 2025 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref>

===Social media===
'''[[Facebook]]'''

[[Facebook]] has shifted from a network for personal connection to a platform dominated by advertising and algorithmic manipulation. User data is monetised at the expense of privacy, while the quality of organic content has steadily declined.

'''[[Instagram]]'''

Once centred on creativity and social sharing, Instagram now prioritises sponsored posts, shopping features, and influencer marketing. Users’ ability to control their feeds has been reduced, reflecting the platform’s focus on profit over consumer experience.

'''[[Reddit]]'''

[[Reddit]]’s 2023 API changes exemplify enshitification, undermining community tools and third-party apps in favour of advertising revenue. This has eroded user autonomy and restricted consumer choice.

'''Twitter/X'''

Following its acquisition and rebrand, Twitter/X introduced paywalls for basic features, weakened moderation, and increased promoted content. The result has been a degraded service and a diminished consumer experience.

'''[[TikTok]]'''

[[TikTok]]’s powerful recommendation algorithm drives engagement but also funnels users into repetitive content while saturating feeds with advertising. Concerns over data exploitation further highlight the imbalance between corporate gain and consumer rights.

'''YouTube'''

YouTube has expanded ad loads and aggressively promoted subscriptions, while algorithmic changes often disadvantage independent creators. Consumers face reduced choice and increased intrusion, hallmarks of enshitification.

===Software===
Adobe...

Microsoft Windows...

===Video Games===
Unity...

A lot of mobile games have fell into enshittifed experiences. A lot of mobile games were paid in the early days of the [[Apple App Store]], but then became [[Free to Play]] with users being bombarded with ads, [[Microtransactions|micro-transactions]], [[Battle passes|battle-passes]], energy-systems and more, to extract as much money out of the player's pocket, while making the experience less fun. The video game Angry-Brid is a good example of this. What started as a very simple game now has all of the aforementioned tactics baked into it, rendering the playing experience tedious and unpleasant.

===Learning Applications===
Duolingo

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]

Ofcom

2025-08-30T13:06:55Z

Eliadttt: Created page with "{{Incomplete}} {{Infobox government agency | name = Office of Communications | native_name = Ofcom | logo = Ofcom-logo-2022.png | formed = 29 December 2003 | jurisdiction = United Kingdom | headquarters = Riverside House, London | chief1_name = Dame Melanie Dawes | chief1_position = Chief Executive | website = https://www.ofcom.org.uk/ }} '''The Office of Communications''' (commonly known as '''Ofcom''') is the United Kingdom’s communications regulator, responsible for..."

{{Incomplete}}
{{Infobox government agency
| name = Office of Communications
| native_name = Ofcom
| logo = Ofcom-logo-2022.png
| formed = 29 December 2003
| jurisdiction = United Kingdom
| headquarters = Riverside House, London
| chief1_name = Dame Melanie Dawes
| chief1_position = Chief Executive
| website = https://www.ofcom.org.uk/
}}
'''The Office of Communications''' (commonly known as '''Ofcom''') is the United Kingdom’s communications regulator, responsible for overseeing television, radio, telecommunications, postal services, and the radio spectrum. Established under the Office of Communications Act 2002 and formally launched in 2003, Ofcom replaced multiple legacy regulators and has since become the central authority for communications policy in the UK.{{Citation needed}} Its mandate includes protecting consumers, promoting competition, and ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards.

==Consumer and public impact==
===Consumer protection===
Ofcom plays a significant role in defending consumer rights in telecommunications and broadcasting.{{Citation needed}} It enforces rules on fair pricing, transparency of contracts, accessibility of services, and the quality of broadband and mobile coverage. It also has powers to impose fines on companies that breach regulations or mislead customers. Critics argue, however, that enforcement has not always kept pace with industry practices, and that large telecom providers retain significant market power despite regulatory oversight.{{Citation needed}}

===Freedom of expression===
The regulator is frequently at the centre of debates around free speech, given its authority to fine or revoke licences from broadcasters who breach the Broadcasting Code.{{Citation needed}} While intended to protect the public from harmful or misleading content, detractors contend that Ofcom’s interventions risk constraining journalistic freedom or setting limits on controversial speech.{{Citation needed}}

===Digital markets===
Ofcom has been tasked with overseeing aspects of online safety and regulating major digital platforms following the passage of the [[Online Safety Act 2023]].{{Citation needed}} This expansion of its powers has been welcomed by those concerned about harmful content online, but civil liberties groups warn of potential overreach, surveillance concerns, and risks to user privacy.{{Citation needed}}

==Notable controversies==
===Handling of broadband complaints===
Consumer groups have accused Ofcom of failing to adequately penalize large internet service providers for poor service delivery and misleading pricing practices.{{Citation needed}} Despite repeated investigations, critics argue that penalties are often too small to deter misconduct.{{Citation needed}}

===Press and broadcasting regulation===
Ofcom has faced criticism for rulings on high-profile media cases, including politically sensitive broadcast content.{{Citation needed}} Some commentators argue that its decisions show inconsistency or political bias, while others view its role as essential for maintaining public trust in media standards.{{Citation needed}}

===Surveillance and data concerns===
With the introduction of the Online Safety Act, Ofcom has been given powers to compel platforms to monitor and remove harmful material.{{Citation needed}} Privacy advocates argue that these requirements could force companies to weaken encryption and intrude on users’ communications, raising ethical and legal challenges.{{Citation needed}}

==See also==
* [[Online Safety Act 2023]]
* [[Communications in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Media regulation]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Regulators of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Consumer rights in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2003]]

Online Safety Act

2025-08-30T13:03:59Z

Eliadttt: minor edits to infoboxcompany (ofcom)

{{Incomplete}}
'''The Online Safety Act 2023''' is a United Kingdom law designed to regulate online content and impose new safety duties on digital platforms. Enforced by [[Ofcom]], the Act grants regulators powers to fine or restrict access to services that fail to address harmful or illegal online material.{{Citation needed}} Marketed as a measure to protect children and vulnerable users, the Act has attracted significant criticism regarding its impact on consumer rights, free expression, and digital privacy.{{Citation needed}}

==Consumer-impact summary==

====Freedom====
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = The Office of Communications
| Type = Statutory corporation
| Founded = Created by Office of Communications Act 2002
| Industry = Broadcasting
| Official Website = http://www.ofcom.org.uk/
| Logo = Ofcom-3424516625.png
}}
The Act requires platforms to proactively monitor and remove "harmful" content. Critics argue this could incentivize excessive content moderation, limiting freedom of expression and legitimate debate online.{{Citation needed}} Civil liberties groups warn that consumers may face reduced access to lawful content due to companies’ fear of regulatory penalties.{{Citation needed}}

====Privacy====
The law empowers [[Ofcom]] to compel messaging services to implement scanning tools, including within encrypted channels.{{Citation needed}} Privacy advocates argue this effectively undermines end-to-end

encryption, forcing consumers to compromise their security for compliance.{{Citation needed}} Services like [[Signal]] and [[WhatsApp]] have threatened to withdraw from the UK rather than weaken user privacy protections.{{Citation needed}}

====Business model====
Compliance requirements are resource-intensive, potentially disadvantaging smaller firms and startups.{{Citation needed}} Critics suggest this entrenches the dominance of large technology companies, limiting consumer choice and concentrating control in fewer providers.{{Citation needed}}

====Market control====
By vesting [[Ofcom]] with extensive enforcement powers, the Act centralises control over digital communication. While intended to safeguard consumers, opponents argue it risks government overreach and reduced autonomy for users to determine how their data and communications are managed.{{Citation needed}}

==Incidents==

===Encryption controversy (2023)===
Major technology firms, including [[Meta]] and [[apple]], publicly opposed provisions requiring proactive content detection in encrypted messaging.{{Citation needed}} They argued the law would compromise encryption or make the UK an unviable market for secure communications, impacting millions of consumers.{{Citation needed}}

==See also==

*[[Ofcom]]
*[[Data Protection Act 2018]]
*[[Freedom of expression in the United Kingdom]]
*[[General Data Protection Regulation]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]
[[Category:Articles under development]]
[[Category:Articles with verification concerns or other deficiencies]]

Online Safety Act

2025-08-30T12:57:45Z

Eliadttt: added infoboxcompany for Ofcom

{{Incomplete}}
'''The Online Safety Act 2023''' is a United Kingdom law designed to regulate online content and impose new safety duties on digital platforms. Enforced by [[Ofcom]], the Act grants regulators powers to fine or restrict access to services that fail to address harmful or illegal online material.{{Citation needed}} Marketed as a measure to protect children and vulnerable users, the Act has attracted significant criticism regarding its impact on consumer rights, free expression, and digital privacy.{{Citation needed}}

==Consumer-impact summary==

====Freedom====
The Act requires platforms to proactively monitor and remove "harmful" content. Critics argue this could incentivize excessive content moderation, limiting freedom of expression and legitimate debate online.{{Citation needed}} Civil liberties groups warn that consumers may face reduced access to lawful content due to companies’ fear of regulatory penalties.{{Citation needed}}

====Privacy====
The law empowers [[Ofcom]] to compel messaging services to implement scanning tools, including within encrypted channels.{{Citation needed}} Privacy advocates argue this effectively undermines end-to-end

{{InfoboxCompany
| Ttile = Ofcom
| Name = Ofcom
| Type = Government
| Founded = 29th December 2003
| Industry = UK Broadcasting authority
| Official Website = https://www.ofcom.org.uk/
| Logo = Ofcom-3424516625.png
}}

encryption, forcing consumers to compromise their security for compliance.{{Citation needed}} Services like [[Signal]] and [[WhatsApp]] have threatened to withdraw from the UK rather than weaken user privacy protections.{{Citation needed}}

====Business model====
Compliance requirements are resource-intensive, potentially disadvantaging smaller firms and startups.{{Citation needed}} Critics suggest this entrenches the dominance of large technology companies, limiting consumer choice and concentrating control in fewer providers.{{Citation needed}}

====Market control====
By vesting [[Ofcom]] with extensive enforcement powers, the Act centralises control over digital communication. While intended to safeguard consumers, opponents argue it risks government overreach and reduced autonomy for users to determine how their data and communications are managed.{{Citation needed}}

==Incidents==

===Encryption controversy (2023)===
Major technology firms, including [[Meta]] and [[apple]], publicly opposed provisions requiring proactive content detection in encrypted messaging.{{Citation needed}} They argued the law would compromise encryption or make the UK an unviable market for secure communications, impacting millions of consumers.{{Citation needed}}

==See also==

*[[Ofcom]]
*[[Data Protection Act 2018]]
*[[Freedom of expression in the United Kingdom]]
*[[General Data Protection Regulation]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]
[[Category:Articles under development]]
[[Category:Articles with verification concerns or other deficiencies]]

Online Safety Act

2025-08-30T12:46:22Z

Eliadttt: added page and content for the UK 2023 online safety act.

{{Incomplete}}
'''The Online Safety Act 2023''' is a United Kingdom law designed to regulate online content and impose new safety duties on digital platforms. Enforced by [[Ofcom]], the Act grants regulators powers to fine or restrict access to services that fail to address harmful or illegal online material.{{Citation needed}} Marketed as a measure to protect children and vulnerable users, the Act has attracted significant criticism regarding its impact on consumer rights, free expression, and digital privacy.{{Citation needed}}

==Consumer-impact summary==

====Freedom====
The Act requires platforms to proactively monitor and remove "harmful" content. Critics argue this could incentivize excessive content moderation, limiting freedom of expression and legitimate debate online.{{Citation needed}} Civil liberties groups warn that consumers may face reduced access to lawful content due to companies’ fear of regulatory penalties.{{Citation needed}}

====Privacy====
The law empowers [[Ofcom]] to compel messaging services to implement scanning tools, including within encrypted channels.{{Citation needed}} Privacy advocates argue this effectively undermines end-to-end encryption, forcing consumers to compromise their security for compliance.{{Citation needed}} Services like [[Signal]] and [[WhatsApp]] have threatened to withdraw from the UK rather than weaken user privacy protections.{{Citation needed}}

====Business model====
Compliance requirements are resource-intensive, potentially disadvantaging smaller firms and startups.{{Citation needed}} Critics suggest this entrenches the dominance of large technology companies, limiting consumer choice and concentrating control in fewer providers.{{Citation needed}}

====Market control====
By vesting [[Ofcom]] with extensive enforcement powers, the Act centralises control over digital communication. While intended to safeguard consumers, opponents argue it risks government overreach and reduced autonomy for users to determine how their data and communications are managed.{{Citation needed}}

==Incidents==

===Encryption controversy (2023)===
Major technology firms, including [[Meta]] and [[apple]], publicly opposed provisions requiring proactive content detection in encrypted messaging.{{Citation needed}} They argued the law would compromise encryption or make the UK an unviable market for secure communications, impacting millions of consumers.{{Citation needed}}

==See also==

*[[Ofcom]]
*[[Data Protection Act 2018]]
*[[Freedom of expression in the United Kingdom]]
*[[General Data Protection Regulation]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]
[[Category:Articles under development]]
[[Category:Articles with verification concerns or other deficiencies]]

Talk:Microsoft Edge

2025-08-30T12:21:55Z

Eliadttt: /* move to microsoft page? */ Reply

==move to microsoft page?==

[[Microsoft#Edge]] already has a bunch of incidents and needs some working on, so this page is sort of redundant... would be much more efficient to direct efforts towards improving that section. [[User:NotARobot06|NotARobot06]] ([[User talk:NotARobot06|talk]]) 07:28, 30 August 2025 (UTC)

:As for it being a browser, i believe that Microsoft edge has enough anti-ownership nonsense about it, so much so i think that it is sufficient to have its own subcategory (under "web browsers"). The same way Mozilla and Firefox have independent pages, I believe that Microsoft and Edge should too. [[User:Eliadttt|Eliadttt]] ([[User talk:Eliadttt|talk]]) 12:21, 30 August 2025 (UTC)

Microsoft Edge

2025-08-30T09:38:50Z

Eliadttt: added categories, removed redundant comment

{{ProductCargo|Logo=Microsoft_Edge_logo.png|Category=Web browser|Company=Microsoft|InProduction=Yes|ReleaseYear=2020-01-15|Website=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge}}

'''Microsoft Edge''' is a proprietary web browser developed by Microsoft, first released in 2015 as the successor to Internet Explorer. Based on the Chromium engine since 2020, Edge is marketed as a fast and secure browser with integration across Microsoft services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-30 |title=What's the difference between the new Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge Legacy? |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/what-s-the-difference-between-the-new-microsoft-edge-and-microsoft-edge-legacy-a01258e5-8c05-7bbb-bed2-c65bec0eb126 |url-status=live |website=Microsoft Support}}</ref> However, its deep embedding into Windows and Microsoft’s promotional tactics have drawn ongoing criticism.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

==Consumer impact summary==
'''Freedom'''

Microsoft Edge has been criticized for undermining user choice by being set as the default browser in Windows and by employing “dark patterns” that discourage switching to competitors.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Forced reinstalls after system updates and persistent prompts have been described as limiting user autonomy.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Privacy'''

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about Edge’s telemetry and data collection, including browsing history and search queries sent to Microsoft by default.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] While the company claims this improves performance and security, critics view it as excessive surveillance.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Business model'''

Edge follows a freemium-adjacent model, integrating Microsoft services such as Bing and Shopping tools directly into the browser.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Critics argue these features prioritize monetization and ecosystem lock-in over user experience.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Market control'''

By bundling Edge with Windows and tightly integrating it into the operating system, Microsoft has been accused of leveraging its OS dominance to entrench its browser market share.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] This has attracted regulatory scrutiny and antitrust complaints.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']
==Incidents==
'''Forced Installation via Windows Updates'''

Microsoft has been criticized for pushing Edge installations and re-pinnings through Windows updates, even when users had previously removed or replaced the browser. [''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']
==See also==
*[[Chromium]]
*[[Firefox]]
*[https://consumerrights.wiki/Category:Web_browsers Web browsers]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]
[[Category:Articles with verification concerns or other deficiencies]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:Web browsers]]

Microsoft Edge

2025-08-30T01:15:42Z

Eliadttt: flipped the titles in reference

[[File:0115red edge-2989692897.jpg|thumb|'''<big>Microsoft Edge logo</big>''']]
'''Microsoft Edge''' is a proprietary web browser developed by Microsoft, first released in 2015 as the successor to Internet Explorer. Based on the Chromium engine since 2020, Edge is marketed as a fast and secure browser with integration across Microsoft services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-30 |title=What's the difference between the new Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge Legacy? |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/what-s-the-difference-between-the-new-microsoft-edge-and-microsoft-edge-legacy-a01258e5-8c05-7bbb-bed2-c65bec0eb126 |url-status=live |website=Microsoft Support}}</ref> However, its deep embedding into Windows and Microsoft’s promotional tactics have drawn ongoing criticism.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===Consumer-impact summary===
'''Freedom'''

Microsoft Edge has been criticized for undermining user choice by being set as the default browser in Windows and by employing “dark patterns” that discourage switching to competitors.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Forced reinstalls after system updates and persistent prompts have been described as limiting user autonomy.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Privacy'''

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about Edge’s telemetry and data collection, including browsing history and search queries sent to Microsoft by default.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] While the company claims this improves performance and security, critics view it as excessive surveillance.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Business model'''

Edge follows a freemium-adjacent model, integrating Microsoft services such as Bing and Shopping tools directly into the browser.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Critics argue these features prioritize monetization and ecosystem lock-in over user experience.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Market control'''

By bundling Edge with Windows and tightly integrating it into the operating system, Microsoft has been accused of leveraging its OS dominance to entrench its browser market share.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] This has attracted regulatory scrutiny and antitrust complaints.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===Incidents===
'''Forced Installation via Windows Updates'''

Microsoft has been criticized for pushing Edge installations and re-pinnings through Windows updates, even when users had previously removed or replaced the browser. [''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===See also===

*[https://consumerrights.wiki/Category:Web_browsers Web browsers]
*[[Chromium]]
*[[Firefox]]

===References===
<references />

Microsoft Edge

2025-08-30T01:09:07Z

Eliadttt:

[[File:0115red edge-2989692897.jpg|thumb|'''<big>Microsoft Edge logo</big>''']]
'''Microsoft Edge''' is a proprietary web browser developed by Microsoft, first released in 2015 as the successor to Internet Explorer. Based on the Chromium engine since 2020, Edge is marketed as a fast and secure browser with integration across Microsoft services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-30 |title=Microsoft Support |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/what-s-the-difference-between-the-new-microsoft-edge-and-microsoft-edge-legacy-a01258e5-8c05-7bbb-bed2-c65bec0eb126 |url-status=live |website=What's the difference between the new Microsoft Edge and Microsoft Edge Legacy?}}</ref> However, its deep embedding into Windows and Microsoft’s promotional tactics have drawn ongoing criticism.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===Consumer-impact summary===
'''Freedom'''

Microsoft Edge has been criticized for undermining user choice by being set as the default browser in Windows and by employing “dark patterns” that discourage switching to competitors.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Forced reinstalls after system updates and persistent prompts have been described as limiting user autonomy.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Privacy'''

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about Edge’s telemetry and data collection, including browsing history and search queries sent to Microsoft by default.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] While the company claims this improves performance and security, critics view it as excessive surveillance.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Business model'''

Edge follows a freemium-adjacent model, integrating Microsoft services such as Bing and Shopping tools directly into the browser.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Critics argue these features prioritize monetization and ecosystem lock-in over user experience.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Market control'''

By bundling Edge with Windows and tightly integrating it into the operating system, Microsoft has been accused of leveraging its OS dominance to entrench its browser market share.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] This has attracted regulatory scrutiny and antitrust complaints.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===Incidents===
'''Forced Installation via Windows Updates'''

Microsoft has been criticized for pushing Edge installations and re-pinnings through Windows updates, even when users had previously removed or replaced the browser. [''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===See also===

*[https://consumerrights.wiki/Category:Web_browsers Web browsers]
*[[Chromium]]
*[[Firefox]]

===References===
<references />

Microsoft Edge

2025-08-30T00:46:05Z

Eliadttt: Comment referencing the future addition of of a "Categories" section

'''Microsoft Edge''' is a proprietary web browser developed by Microsoft, first released in 2015 as the successor to Internet Explorer. Based on the Chromium engine since 2020, Edge is marketed as a fast and secure browser with integration across Microsoft services.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] However, its deep embedding into Windows and Microsoft’s promotional tactics have drawn ongoing criticism.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===Consumer-impact summary===
'''Freedom'''

Microsoft Edge has been criticized for undermining user choice by being set as the default browser in Windows and by employing “dark patterns” that discourage switching to competitors.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Forced reinstalls after system updates and persistent prompts have been described as limiting user autonomy.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Privacy'''

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about Edge’s telemetry and data collection, including browsing history and search queries sent to Microsoft by default.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] While the company claims this improves performance and security, critics view it as excessive surveillance.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Business model'''

Edge follows a freemium-adjacent model, integrating Microsoft services such as Bing and Shopping tools directly into the browser.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Critics argue these features prioritize monetization and ecosystem lock-in over user experience.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Market control'''

By bundling Edge with Windows and tightly integrating it into the operating system, Microsoft has been accused of leveraging its OS dominance to entrench its browser market share.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] This has attracted regulatory scrutiny and antitrust complaints.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===Incidents===
'''Forced Installation via Windows Updates'''

Microsoft has been criticized for pushing Edge installations and re-pinnings through Windows updates, even when users had previously removed or replaced the browser. [''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

===See also===

*[https://consumerrights.wiki/Category:Web_browsers Web browsers]
*[[Chromium]]
*[[Firefox]]

===References===
<references />

Microsoft Edge

2025-08-30T00:36:41Z

Eliadttt: Created page for Edge

'''Microsoft Edge''' is a proprietary web browser developed by Microsoft, first released in 2015 as the successor to Internet Explorer. Based on the Chromium engine since 2020, Edge is marketed as a fast and secure browser with integration across Microsoft services.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] However, its deep embedding into Windows and Microsoft’s promotional tactics have drawn ongoing criticism.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

=== Consumer-impact summary ===
'''Freedom'''

Microsoft Edge has been criticized for undermining user choice by being set as the default browser in Windows and by employing “dark patterns” that discourage switching to competitors.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Forced reinstalls after system updates and persistent prompts have been described as limiting user autonomy.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Privacy'''

Privacy advocates have raised concerns about Edge’s telemetry and data collection, including browsing history and search queries sent to Microsoft by default.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] While the company claims this improves performance and security, critics view it as excessive surveillance.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Business model'''

Edge follows a freemium-adjacent model, integrating Microsoft services such as Bing and Shopping tools directly into the browser.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] Critics argue these features prioritize monetization and ecosystem lock-in over user experience.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

'''Market control'''

By bundling Edge with Windows and tightly integrating it into the operating system, Microsoft has been accused of leveraging its OS dominance to entrench its browser market share.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]''] This has attracted regulatory scrutiny and antitrust complaints.[''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

=== Incidents ===
'''Forced Installation via Windows Updates'''

Microsoft has been criticized for pushing Edge installations and re-pinnings through Windows updates, even when users had previously removed or replaced the browser. [''[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|citation needed]]'']

=== See also ===

* [https://consumerrights.wiki/Category:Web_browsers Web browsers]
* [[Chromium]]
* [[Firefox]]

=== References ===
<references />