Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Reddit made it impossible for blind Redditors to moderate

2025-08-22T15:14:37Z

McCracken: Reworded the summary section

On July 1st 2023, an announcement was made that there were serious issues with accessibility of the main '''[[Reddit]]''' website, specifically concerning blind moderators.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=They finally did it: Reddit made it impossible for blind Redditors to moderate their own sub |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/14nzwkm/they_finally_did_it_reddit_made_it_impossible_for/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=3 Jul 2023 |title=Reddit screws over blind community - a lesson on road rage in business |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdAOAmaMIL8 |url-status=live |access-date=20 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> This forced blind and visually-impaired moderators to resort to third-party apps in order execute their usual tasks. The blind redditor's concerns were hindered at the time due to changes a month earlier regarding the larger {{Wplink|Reddit API controversy|2023 API controversy}}.

==Background==
The accessibility updates were announced on June 30th.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accessibility Updates to Mod Tools: Part 2 |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/modnews/comments/14n9426/accessibility_updates_to_mod_tools_part_2/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> For a platform so large as Reddit, accessibility should be ensured for the large user base. The moderators tried working with Reddit, and the demo Reddit gave made it clear to the moderators that Reddit could not be used without sight, and there was no reaction to requesting a test with a screen curtain on.<ref name=":0" /> The third-party app RedReader did have proper accessibility features for screen reader use, but had issues with logins at the time.

===Third-party apps in the API controversy===
Initially all free third-party apps had to pay up the cost for accessing content of Reddit.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reddit's Recently Announced API Changes, and the future of the /r/blind subreddit |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Blind/comments/13zr8h2/reddits_recently_announced_api_changes_and_the/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Update 3: Reddit effectively kills off third party apps |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/RedReader/comments/13ylk42/update_3_reddit_effectively_kills_off_third_party/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> A week later exceptions were made, the third-party app RedReader fell under the exemption for non-commercial accessibility-focused apps<ref>{{Cite web |title=Update 4: RedReader granted non-commercial accessibility exemption |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/RedReader/comments/145du4j/update_4_redreader_granted_noncommercial/ |url-status=live |access-date=20 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

==Moderator response==
A large part of the controversy was the lack of cooperation to make the platform accessible, when most of the work to make it accessible was already done and provided to Reddit.<ref name=":1" /> The main site for regular users has the required labels on the buttons such that screen readers can read what they do out loud, but they have not provided these on the moderator version of the site. In an interview about this, one of the moderators states:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Ben Brock |last2=Russell |first2=Dean |date=28 Jun 2023 |title=How Reddit's announced changes affects blind users |url=https://www.wbur.org/endlessthread/2023/06/28/reddit-api-blind |url-status=live |access-date=20 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><blockquote>There are some organizations that prioritize accessibility, and there are some organizations that kind of treat it as an afterthought. Reddit seems to have been the latter type of organization where accessibility was sort of something that they kind of went, OK, it sort of works now. And in any case, we've got these third-party apps, so it's not a big deal. Right?</blockquote>This captures the lack of concern for accessibility beforehand, and explains how the combination of events created a state where the platform became really inaccessible for the moderators.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Reddit]]
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]

User:McCracken

2025-08-22T15:00:04Z

McCracken:

Proud [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:WikiGnome|WikiGnomer]].

discord: loom981
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Score!!Pages!!Changes
|-
|{{#cscore:McCracken|score}}||{{#cscore:McCracken|pages}}||{{#cscore:McCracken|changes}}
|}
==Articles Created==
*[[Seagate]]
*[[Western Digital]]

HP Reverb G2

2025-08-22T14:55:33Z

McCracken: wikignoming

{{Incomplete|Issue 1= While microsoft has ended support none of the existing articles mention hp and the product itself.}}

{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = {{PAGENAME}}
| Release Year =2020
| Product Type =VR headset
| In Production =No
| Official Website =https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/details/hp-reverb-g2-virtual-reality-headset/33835976
| Logo =HP Reverb G2 VR Headset-1.png
}}The '''HP Reverb G2''' is a Virtual Reality (VR) headset produced by [[HP Inc.]], and was developed in cooperation with [[Valve]] and [[Microsoft]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 May 2020 |title=HP, Valve, and Microsoft Removing Distance Barriers with Next-Gen Virtual Reality Headset |url=https://www.hp.com/us-en/newsroom/press-releases/2020/hp-valve-microsoft-next-gen-virtual-reality-headset.html |url-status=live |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |website=HP Newsroom}}</ref> It was marketed to be used with{{wplink|Steam_(service)#SteamVR | SteamVR}} and {{wplink|Windows Mixed Reality}} respectively.

==Consumer impact summary==
The lack of software support has led to the discontinuation of support for this VR headset.

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

*[[Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation]] (2024): The Microsoft Windows 11 update (24H2) has ended support for Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and as a result support for the HP Reverb G2 virtual reality headset has inadvertently ended. This has rendered the device unusable in Windows 11.

==See also==

*[[Discontinuation bricking|Discontinuation bricking ]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:HP Reverb G2]]

Yandex

2025-08-22T14:50:24Z

McCracken: wikignoming

{{stub}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Yandex LLC
| Type = Private
| Founded = 1997
| Industry = Technology, Internet based services
| Official Website = https://yandex.com/
| Logo = Yandex logo.png
}}[[wikipedia:Yandex|Yandex]] is a Russian technology conglomerate that provides internet-related services such as [[wikipedia:Yandex_Search|Yandex Search]], [[wikipedia:Yandex_Taxi|Yandex Taxi]] and [[wikipedia:Yandex_Maps\|Yandex Maps]] It was founded in 1997 by [[wikipedia:Arkady_Volozh|Arkady Volozh]] and [[wikipedia:Ilya_Segalovich|Ilya Segalovich]] as a search engine and over the years developed to become the number one used search engine in the Russian Federation<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 2024 |title=Search Engine Market Share Russian Federation |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/search-engine-market-share/all/russian-federation |url-status=live |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=Statcounter}}</ref> and started having subsidiary companies in many different industries including: [https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yandex_Cloud cloud computing], [[wikipedia:Yandex_Maps|web mapping]], [[wikipedia:Yandex_Eda|online food ordering]], [[wikipedia:Kinopoisk|streaming media]], [[wikipedia:Yandex_Market|online shopping]], a [[wikipedia:Yandex_Taxi|ridesharing company]], [[wikipedia:Yandex_Music|Music]], and not so long ago started making it's own [https://yandex.ru/support/yandex-factory/commo/ru/ electronic devices]

==Consumer impact summary==

====User Freedom====
The user can freely create an account and delete it, but when the user tries to delete an account, it tries to keep them from deleting it by asking questions why they wish to delete their profile.

====User Privacy====
As of 19 May 2022, the Yandex [https://yandex.com/legal/confidential/ privacy policy] states that they will collect: Your name, mobile phone number, address and age; http headers, IP address, cookies, web beacons/pixel tags, browser information, information about your hardware and software, wi-fi network data; date and time of accessing the sites or services; your search history, data on purchases in the services, data on visited organizations, likes and preferences, email addresses of your email contacts, phonebook data, information about interactions with other users, as well as files and content stored in Yandex systems; (geo)location information; and payment card information.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 May 2022 |title=Yandex Legal documents |url=https://yandex.com/legal/confidential/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=Yandex}}</ref>

====Business Model====
The business model of Yandex is maintaining its customer relationships through continuous innovation, customer support services, and personalized user experiences. Also Yandex is investing in it's own AI.

====Market Control====
Yandex is the leading search engine in the Russian Federation, and is actively trying to get even more subsidiary companies to control more of the Russian market.

==Incidents==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Contoversy
!Year
!Background Info
!Aftermath
!Related Article
!Related Video (s)
|-
|Yandex being bundled with sketchy software, and paying bootleg Windows copy makers to include their browser as the default application upon install.
|unknown - present
!
|No consequences
|[https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/detections/pup-optional-yandex PUP.Optional.Yandex]
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MzkwNa-g-0 '''Как я обхитрил Яндекс и всех сборщиков Windows''']
|-
|Yandex makes all searches about [[wikipedia:Alexei_Navalny|Navalny]] give only negative results
|27 April 2020 - 28 April 2020
|Navalny was the main oppositioner of the Russian Goverment. They tried to paint him in a bad light through the search results.
|Yandex had to back down and say it was a "timed experiment".
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20200428080018/https://tjournal.ru/news/162614-yandeks-vsemi-svoimi-servisami-risuet-obraz-navalnogo «Яндекс» всеми своими сервисами рисует образ Навального]
|
|-
|Yandex was accused of advertising potentially unsafe results, including fake versions of well-known programs and websites.
|3 September 2024
|Yandex has promoted fake results for Skype, Anydesk, and other software, that was bundled with malware.
|Yandex was taken to court, and was forced to pay ₽10,000 (~$125)
|[https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4443619 «Яндекс» наказали за рекламу контрафакта]
[https://habr.com/ru/articles/489254/ Яндекс помогает распространять вредоносное ПО?]
|
|-
|Yandex collects data about users' locations, travel speeds, and names of the Wi-Fi networks they connect to. Also, Yandex profiles users based on their search queries using Yandex "Alice".
|January 2023
|In January 2023, Yandex had a massive source code leak, containing around 45 gigabytes of data.
|In a press release about the data breach, Yandex said that user data was not affected, and apologized for its opaque recommendation system and "racial slurs" in some parts of its code.
|[https://www.wired.com/story/yandex-leaks-crypta-ads/ Leaked Yandex Code Breaks Open the Creepy Black Box of Online Advertising]
[https://ir.yandex/press-releases?year=2023&id=2023-01-31 Yandex comments on cybersecurity incident]
|
|-
|Yandex was spying on its Android users using [[wikipedia:Yandex.Metrica|Yandex Metrica]]
|June 2025
|Yandex Metrica was sending unique identificators of it's users since 2017, from browsers into Yandex apps, which let them to link the websites the user visited to a specific user account in the Yandex ecosystem.
|After the incident was known, google started an investigation, which made yandex to stop collecting data.
|[https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/06/meta-and-yandex-are-de-anonymizing-android-users-web-browsing-identifiers/ Meta and Yandex are de-anonymizing Android users’ web browsing identifiers]
|
|}

==Products==

====Products====

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Search|Yandex Search]] - 23 sept 1997 - present===
Used to censor searches to favor a political party and promote sketchy software

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Taxi|Yandex Taxi]] - 26 oct 2011 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Maps\|Yandex Maps]] - 27 aug 2004 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Yandex.Metrica|Yandex Metrica]] - 2008 - present===
Used to steal data from Android users

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Music|Yandex Music]] - 22 Sept 2010 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Eda|Yandex Eda]] - Jan 2018 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Cloud|Yandex Cloud]] - Oct 2020 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Market|Yandex Market]] - 30 Nov 2000 - present===

===[https://yandex.ru/support/yandex-factory/commo/ru/ Commo] - 28 Mar 2022 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Disk|Yandex Disk]] - Apr 2012 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Mail|Yandex Mail]] - June 2000 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Dzen_News|Dzen News]] - 21 June 2000 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Yandex_Translate|Yandex Translate]] - 22 Mar 2011 - present===

===[[wikipedia:Alice_(virtual_assistant)|Yandex Alice]] - 10 oct 2017 - present===
Used to profile users to sell them more personalised things.

==See also==
*[[Google]]
*[[Bing]]
*[[DuckDuckGo Browser|DuckDuckGo]]
==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

User:McCracken

2025-08-21T23:33:32Z

McCracken:

We must fight for what's right.

I'm a [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:WikiGnome|WikiGnomer]].

discord: loom981
{| class="wikitable"
|+Contribution Scores
!Score!!Pages!!Changes
|-
|{{#cscore:McCracken|score}}||{{#cscore:McCracken|pages}}||{{#cscore:McCracken|changes}}
|}

==Articles Created==
*[[Seagate]]
*[[Western Digital]]

ASUS charges for previously free service

2025-08-21T19:17:58Z

McCracken: wikignoming

==Boot Loader Unlocking Controversy==
The ASUS boot loader unlocking tool disappearing is a prime example of how device ownership rights have eroded, where functionality that was present at the time of sale is no longer present years down the line.

==Background==
ASUS used to provide free bootloader unlocking capabilities for their Zenfone & Republic of Gamers (ROG) Android phones.<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref> This feature was actively advertised & was part of the company's appeal to tech-savvy consumers.

===Timeline of Events===
*In May 2023, ASUS disabled their bootloader unlocking tools without warning<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref>
*The company began removing posts about bootloader unlocking from their ZenTalk forums<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref>
*Forum moderators claimed the tools were "under maintenance" or being "overhauled for compliance reasons" without providing timeframes for restoration<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref>
*By early 2024, ASUS began charging approximately €185 (excluding VAT) for bootloader unlocking<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356</ref>

==Impact==
This issue goes over several key consumer protection concerns:

*'''Removal of Advertised Features''': The bootloader unlocking capability was an advertised feature that influenced people's buying decision, which was later removed.
*'''Lack of Transparency''': ASUS provided minimal communication about the change in policy, with documented cases of forum posts being removed & only vague explanations being provided.<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref><ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref> In one of their communications with a customer, they seem to have accidentaly shared internal communication templates revealing the discontinuation of the bootloader unlock tool, without making any public announcements. <ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/update-unoff-bl-unlock-24-01-20-asus-closed-this-method.4649465/post-89761447/</ref>
*'''Monetization of Previously Free Features''': The transition from a free service to a paid one, costing €185 (excluding VAT), is a significant change in the product's pricing structure after purchase<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356</ref>
*'''Extended Device Lifespan Impact''': The change affects consumers' ability to maintain & update their devices beyond ASUS's official support window, which has been documented as "one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world"<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref>
[[File:Lawsuit against asus over bootloader unlocking.jpg|thumb|Document of customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. Credit Mishaal Rahman on twitter <ref>https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083</ref> for this document showing the customer suit against ASUS]]
[[File:ASUS concedes defeat to customer who filed small claims court suit.png|alt=email from ASUS in response to customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. |thumb|email from ASUS in response to customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. Credit to Mishaal Rahman on twitter for providing the screenshot. <ref>https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083/photo/1

</ref>]]

==Legal Implications==
This led to at least one successful legal challenge. In March 2024, a UK customer took ASUS to small claims court over this and got a full refund for both the device & the court fees, totaling £770 (~$973). This case potentially sets a precedent for other consumers affected by the policy change.<ref>https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/</ref>

===Consumer Response===
The response from the consumer community has been notably negative, with documented concerns about:
*The high cost of the unlocking service (€185 excluding VAT)<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356</ref>
*The principle of charging for a previously free feature<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/</ref>

===EU Warranty Implications===
This has additional implications in the European Union, where:
*It is illegal to deny warranty repairs based on software modifications<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/</ref>
*ASUS has been reported to deny warranty service for devices with unlocked bootloaders, despite this legal protection<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/</ref>
*The company has offered "one time warranty repairs" with the condition of relocking the bootloader<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/</ref>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Modern consumer exploitation]]
[[Category:Asus]]
[[Category:Software control]]
[[Category:Right to repair]]

User:McCracken

2025-08-21T19:06:10Z

McCracken: added contribution section (Thanks Schang!)

I like to [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:WikiGnome|WikiGnome.]]

discord: loom981

{| class="wikitable"
|+Contribution Scores
!Score!!Pages!!Changes
|-
|{{#cscore:McCracken|score}}||{{#cscore:McCracken|pages}}||{{#cscore:McCracken|changes}}
|}

== Articles Created ==
* [[Seagate]]
* [[Western Digital]]

Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle

2025-08-21T19:01:45Z

McCracken: built out the article.

{{StubNotice}}

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Samsung
|StartDate=2022
|EndDate=2022
|Status=Resolved
|ProductLine=Samsung Galaxy S
|Product=Samsung Galaxy S22 series
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Digital restrictions
|Description=samsung sued over samsung throttling on purpose
}}
In 2022, with the release of the S22 phone line, Samsung released pre-installed software on their flagship phones, deemed the "Gaming Optimization Service" (GOS). Unbeknownst to the consumer, GOS deliberately throttled their phones under any load across 10,000+ different games and apps.

==Background==
Since 2010, Samsung has been releasing their flagship "S series" line to the public. They have always been a major competitor of [[Apple]] and have been champions of the [[Android|Android operating system]]. The S22 marked their 12th rendition of the phone line, which aimed to be comparable to Apple's iPhone 14.

==[Incident]==
In 2022, briefly after Samsung released their S22 phone line to the public, Korean consumers were upset after they found out that their phones had software on them that limited the performance capability of their devices. Given as this was implemented unexpectedly by Samsung without the consent of the consumer, the citizens of South Korea rushed to file a class-action lawsuit against Samsung for this discovery.

===[Company]'s response===
{{Placeholder box|If applicable, add the proposed solution to the issues by the company.}}
==Lawsuit==
{{Placeholder box|If applicable, add any information regarding litigation around the incident here.

===Claims===
Main claims of the suit.

===Rebuttal===
The response of the company or counterclaims.

===Outcome===
The outcome of the suit, if any.}}
==Consumer response==
{{Placeholder box|Summary and key issues of prevailing sentiment from the consumers and commentators that can be documented via articles, emails to support, reviews and forum posts.}}
==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Placeholder box|[[mw:Help:VisualEditor/User_guide#Editing_categories|Add a category]] with the same name as the product, service, website, software, product line or company that this article is about.

The "Incidents" category is not needed.}}

[[Category:Samsung]]

Samsung

2025-08-21T18:40:49Z

McCracken: wikignoming

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Samsung Group
| Type = Private
| Founded = 1938
| Industry = Conglomerate
| Official Website = https://samsung.com/
| Logo = Samsung Black icon.png
}}

[[wikipedia:Samsung|'''Samsung Group''']] is a multinational conglomerate founded in 1938. Their product portfolio ranges from consumer electronics to heavy equipment. The company is best known to consumers for their electronics such as televisions and mobile phones, as well as their home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

==Consumer-impact summary==

====Repairability====
Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Head |first=Scott |date=23 May 2024 |title=We’re Ending Our Samsung Collaboration |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,<ref>{{Cite web |title=VCC Board Repairs - Jesse Cruz |url=https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and Former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Samsung authorized repair is a clown show; why good technicians reject authorization |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Daniel Advanced Device Repair |url=https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>[[File:Alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33385a S24 Ultra Lcd No Frame |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref>|thumb|363x363px]]
*The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=24 Sep 2020 |title=What You Should Know Before You Fix: Samsung Phones |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Matthew |date=12 Mar 2021 |title=There was hope Samsung had turned a corner in repairability, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a step backwards |url=https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>
*Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=23 May 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=404media.co}}</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=23 May 2024 |title=The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse |url=https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3" /> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=OLED Assembly Without Frame Compatible For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G (Service Pack) (All Colors) |url=https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |website=mobilesentrix.com}}</ref>''') than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have '''allegedly''' purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=8 May 2019 |title=Why Samsung and iPhone X Screens Are Too Expensive to Fix |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays" according to a Former Samsung authorized technician<ref name=":2" /> "With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new."<ref name=":5" />
**Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:No product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33544a A/S Repair Kit-Oled(Comm),Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh59-15734a Con To Con Fpcb-Frc_S928u;Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref> for said model.
***Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.<ref name=":3" /> An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |website=gsmarena.com}}</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.<ref name=":4" />
{| class="wikitable"
|SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS
|}
====Bootloader unlocking====
[https://consumerrights.wiki/Bootloader_unlocking Unlocking the bootloader] of an Android device allows tech-savvy users to install a custom [https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Android ROM], which replaces the whole system of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Custom firmware |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware#Android |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Wikipedia |publisher=Wikipedia contributors}}</ref> Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this feature comes with many restrictions:<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/</ref>

*When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: [https://www.samsungknox.com/en/solutions/personal-apps/secure-folder Secure Folder], [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-wallet/ Samsung Wallet], [https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/samsung-pass Samsung Pass] and [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-health/ Samsung Health]. These restrictions apply even after relocking the bootloader, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its aftermarket value.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Mar 2025 |title=Trusted Computing Platform |url=https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=Samsung Knox Documentation}}</ref>
*In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Install LineageOS on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) |url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=LineageOS Wiki}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3</ref> therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Nov 2022 |title=Why is my device so slow |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/</ref>
*Devices that have shipped with OneUI 8 stable (which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7) or that will be updated to OneUI 8 stable already had or will have their bootloader unlocking mechanisms removed, even if the device was purchased outside of the US and Canada. This makes it impossible to downgrade or flash a new OS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from One UI 8.0 |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |url-status=live |website=XDA developers}}</ref>
*
'''Category: Home appliances'''
*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>{{Cite web |title=Right to Repair |url=https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricting Access to Parts, Tools, and Documentation |url=https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=repair.org}}</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit

https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation

The investigation by US PIRG, iFixit and Repair.org https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2022-0061-0033

Which is sourced from the below letter to the united states FTC

https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf</ref>
*Repair.org surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Paul |date=8 Feb 2023 |title=Appliance Repair Pros Struggle to Find LG and Samsung Documentation |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:Samsung|Samsung category]].

===Samsung self-repair program restrictions===
{{Main|Samsung self-repair program restrictions}}
The terms of use provided to independent repair shop in exchange for parts has intrusive clauses regarding customer data and reporting of third party components, which suggests forced disassembly when those components are used. The pricing structure of Samsung's self-repair program frequently makes repairs economically impractical. The high costs of official replacement parts, coupled with forced bundling of components, mean that purchasing a single replacement part is often more expensive than buying a working used device. Additionally, Samsung's repair program imposes severe limitations on independent repair shops, effectively preventing them from providing cost-effective, high-quality repair options.

===Samsung sued over S22 performance throttling===
{{Main|Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle}}
In 2022, with the launch of their S22 line, it was discovered that Samsung's phones were thermal throttling while performing regular tasks. This was due to Samsung's Gaming Operation Service (GOS) software causing the phone to perform worse than expected across 10,000 different games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=2022-03-09 |title=Samsung answers questions about throttling in Galaxy S22 and other flagships |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gos-faq-3130847/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/qS6pQ |archive-date=2025-08-21 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> Citizens of South Korea filed a class-action lawsuit against Samsung on the basis of these claims and the court ultimately ruled in favor of Samsung.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-12 |title='Controversy over performance' Galaxy S22 joint lawsuit, first trial Samsung Electronics wins (total) |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250612056051004?section=search |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/okN3n |archive-date=2025-08-21 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=Yonhap News}}</ref>

==Products==

*[[Samsung Curved Monitors]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Samsung TV's]]
*[[Samsung Smartphones]]

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]

Samsung

2025-08-21T18:40:15Z

McCracken: Added new incident to wiki page.

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Samsung Group
| Type = Private
| Founded = 1938
| Industry = Conglomerate
| Official Website = https://samsung.com/
| Logo = Samsung Black icon.png
}}

[[wikipedia:Samsung|'''Samsung Group''']] is a multinational conglomerate founded in 1938. Their product portfolio ranges from consumer electronics to heavy equipment. The company is best known to consumers for their electronics such as televisions and mobile phones, as well as their home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

==Consumer-impact summary==

====Repairability====
Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Head |first=Scott |date=23 May 2024 |title=We’re Ending Our Samsung Collaboration |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,<ref>{{Cite web |title=VCC Board Repairs - Jesse Cruz |url=https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and Former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Samsung authorized repair is a clown show; why good technicians reject authorization |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Daniel Advanced Device Repair |url=https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>[[File:Alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33385a S24 Ultra Lcd No Frame |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref>|thumb|363x363px]]
*The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=24 Sep 2020 |title=What You Should Know Before You Fix: Samsung Phones |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Matthew |date=12 Mar 2021 |title=There was hope Samsung had turned a corner in repairability, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a step backwards |url=https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>
*Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=23 May 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=404media.co}}</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=23 May 2024 |title=The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse |url=https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3" /> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=OLED Assembly Without Frame Compatible For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G (Service Pack) (All Colors) |url=https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |website=mobilesentrix.com}}</ref>''') than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have '''allegedly''' purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=8 May 2019 |title=Why Samsung and iPhone X Screens Are Too Expensive to Fix |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays" according to a Former Samsung authorized technician<ref name=":2" /> "With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new."<ref name=":5" />
**Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:No product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33544a A/S Repair Kit-Oled(Comm),Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh59-15734a Con To Con Fpcb-Frc_S928u;Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref> for said model.
***Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.<ref name=":3" /> An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |website=gsmarena.com}}</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.<ref name=":4" />
{| class="wikitable"
|SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS
|}
====Bootloader unlocking====
[https://consumerrights.wiki/Bootloader_unlocking Unlocking the bootloader] of an Android device allows tech-savvy users to install a custom [https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Android ROM], which replaces the whole system of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Custom firmware |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware#Android |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Wikipedia |publisher=Wikipedia contributors}}</ref> Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this feature comes with many restrictions:<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/</ref>

*When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: [https://www.samsungknox.com/en/solutions/personal-apps/secure-folder Secure Folder], [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-wallet/ Samsung Wallet], [https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/samsung-pass Samsung Pass] and [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-health/ Samsung Health]. These restrictions apply even after relocking the bootloader, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its aftermarket value.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Mar 2025 |title=Trusted Computing Platform |url=https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=Samsung Knox Documentation}}</ref>
*In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Install LineageOS on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) |url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=LineageOS Wiki}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3</ref> therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Nov 2022 |title=Why is my device so slow |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/</ref>
*Devices that have shipped with OneUI 8 stable (which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7) or that will be updated to OneUI 8 stable already had or will have their bootloader unlocking mechanisms removed, even if the device was purchased outside of the US and Canada. This makes it impossible to downgrade or flash a new OS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from One UI 8.0 |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |url-status=live |website=XDA developers}}</ref>
*
'''Category: Home appliances'''
*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>{{Cite web |title=Right to Repair |url=https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricting Access to Parts, Tools, and Documentation |url=https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=repair.org}}</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit

https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation

The investigation by US PIRG, iFixit and Repair.org https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2022-0061-0033

Which is sourced from the below letter to the united states FTC

https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf</ref>
*Repair.org surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Paul |date=8 Feb 2023 |title=Appliance Repair Pros Struggle to Find LG and Samsung Documentation |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:Samsung|Samsung category]].

===Samsung self-repair program restrictions===
{{Main|Samsung self-repair program restrictions}}
The terms of use provided to independent repair shop in exchange for parts has intrusive clauses regarding customer data and reporting of third party components, which suggests forced disassembly when those components are used. The pricing structure of Samsung's self-repair program frequently makes repairs economically impractical. The high costs of official replacement parts, coupled with forced bundling of components, mean that purchasing a single replacement part is often more expensive than buying a working used device. Additionally, Samsung's repair program imposes severe limitations on independent repair shops, effectively preventing them from providing cost-effective, high-quality repair options.

===Samsung sued over S22 phones performance throttling===
{{Main|Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle}}
In 2022, with the launch of their S22 line, it was discovered that Samsung's phones were thermal throttling while performing regular tasks. This was due to Samsung's Gaming Operation Service (GOS) software causing the phone to perform worse than expected across 10,000 different games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=2022-03-09 |title=Samsung answers questions about throttling in Galaxy S22 and other flagships |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gos-faq-3130847/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/qS6pQ |archive-date=2025-08-21 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> Citizens of South Korea filed a class-action lawsuit against Samsung on the basis of these claims and the court ultimately ruled in favor of Samsung.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-12 |title='Controversy over performance' Galaxy S22 joint lawsuit, first trial Samsung Electronics wins (total) |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250612056051004?section=search |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/okN3n |archive-date=2025-08-21 |access-date=2025-08-21 |website=Yonhap News}}</ref>

==Products==

*[[Samsung Curved Monitors]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Samsung TV's]]
*[[Samsung Smartphones]]

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]

Samsung

2025-08-21T18:32:28Z

McCracken: Entry of new incident into the wiki.

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Samsung Group
| Type = Private
| Founded = 1938
| Industry = Conglomerate
| Official Website = https://samsung.com/
| Logo = Samsung Black icon.png
}}

[[wikipedia:Samsung|'''Samsung Group''']] is a multinational conglomerate founded in 1938. Their product portfolio ranges from consumer electronics to heavy equipment. The company is best known to consumers for their electronics such as televisions and mobile phones, as well as their home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

==Consumer-impact summary==

====Repairability====
Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Head |first=Scott |date=23 May 2024 |title=We’re Ending Our Samsung Collaboration |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,<ref>{{Cite web |title=VCC Board Repairs - Jesse Cruz |url=https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and Former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Samsung authorized repair is a clown show; why good technicians reject authorization |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Daniel Advanced Device Repair |url=https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>[[File:Alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33385a S24 Ultra Lcd No Frame |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref>|thumb|363x363px]]
*The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=24 Sep 2020 |title=What You Should Know Before You Fix: Samsung Phones |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Matthew |date=12 Mar 2021 |title=There was hope Samsung had turned a corner in repairability, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a step backwards |url=https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>
*Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=23 May 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=404media.co}}</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=23 May 2024 |title=The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse |url=https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3" /> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=OLED Assembly Without Frame Compatible For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G (Service Pack) (All Colors) |url=https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |website=mobilesentrix.com}}</ref>''') than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have '''allegedly''' purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=8 May 2019 |title=Why Samsung and iPhone X Screens Are Too Expensive to Fix |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays" according to a Former Samsung authorized technician<ref name=":2" /> "With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new."<ref name=":5" />
**Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:No product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33544a A/S Repair Kit-Oled(Comm),Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh59-15734a Con To Con Fpcb-Frc_S928u;Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |website=samsungparts.com}}</ref> for said model.
***Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.<ref name=":3" /> An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |website=gsmarena.com}}</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.<ref name=":4" />
{| class="wikitable"
|SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS
|}
====Bootloader unlocking====
[https://consumerrights.wiki/Bootloader_unlocking Unlocking the bootloader] of an Android device allows tech-savvy users to install a custom [https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Android ROM], which replaces the whole system of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Custom firmware |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware#Android |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Wikipedia |publisher=Wikipedia contributors}}</ref> Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this feature comes with many restrictions:<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/</ref>

*When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: [https://www.samsungknox.com/en/solutions/personal-apps/secure-folder Secure Folder], [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-wallet/ Samsung Wallet], [https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/samsung-pass Samsung Pass] and [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-health/ Samsung Health]. These restrictions apply even after relocking the bootloader, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its aftermarket value.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Mar 2025 |title=Trusted Computing Platform |url=https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=Samsung Knox Documentation}}</ref>
*In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Install LineageOS on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) |url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=LineageOS Wiki}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3</ref> therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Nov 2022 |title=Why is my device so slow |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/</ref>
*Devices that have shipped with OneUI 8 stable (which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7) or that will be updated to OneUI 8 stable already had or will have their bootloader unlocking mechanisms removed, even if the device was purchased outside of the US and Canada. This makes it impossible to downgrade or flash a new OS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from One UI 8.0 |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |url-status=live |website=XDA developers}}</ref>
*
'''Category: Home appliances'''
*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>{{Cite web |title=Right to Repair |url=https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=pirg.org}}</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricting Access to Parts, Tools, and Documentation |url=https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=repair.org}}</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit

https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation

The investigation by US PIRG, iFixit and Repair.org https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2022-0061-0033

Which is sourced from the below letter to the united states FTC

https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf</ref>
*Repair.org surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Paul |date=8 Feb 2023 |title=Appliance Repair Pros Struggle to Find LG and Samsung Documentation |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit}}</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:Samsung|Samsung category]].

===Samsung self-repair program restrictions===
{{Main|Samsung self-repair program restrictions}}
The terms of use provided to independent repair shop in exchange for parts has intrusive clauses regarding customer data and reporting of third party components, which suggests forced disassembly when those components are used. The pricing structure of Samsung's self-repair program frequently makes repairs economically impractical. The high costs of official replacement parts, coupled with forced bundling of components, mean that purchasing a single replacement part is often more expensive than buying a working used device. Additionally, Samsung's repair program imposes severe limitations on independent repair shops, effectively preventing them from providing cost-effective, high-quality repair options.

===Samsung sued over S22 phones performance throttling===
{{Main|Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle}}
In 2022, with the launch of their S22 line, it was discovered that Samsung's phones were thermal throttling while performing regular tasks. This was due to Samsung's Gaming Operation Service (GOS) software causing the phone to perform worse than normal. Citizens of South Korea filed a class-action lawsuit against Samsung on the basis of these claims and the court ultimately ruled in favor of Samsung.

==Products==

*[[Samsung Curved Monitors]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Samsung TV's]]
*[[Samsung Smartphones]]

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Samsung]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]

BMW's heated seat subscription

2025-08-21T18:23:04Z

McCracken: sentence structure/grammatical changes

In July 2022, [[BMW]] started charging a subscription for their heated seats as part of their Functions on Demand system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BMW ConnectedDrive seamlessly integrates your mobile devices, smart home technology, and your vehicle's intelligent interfaces into a complete driver's environment. |url=https://www.bmwusa.com/explore/connecteddrive.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=[[BMW]]}}</ref> BMW's "Functions on Demand" system operates on a user opt-in/out subscription to enable various functions inside their vehicles. In September 2023, BMW stated that they are no longer charging a subscription for heated seats.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Attwood |first=James |date=7 Sep 2023 |title=BMW will not charge extra to activate existing functions in cars |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-will-not-charge-extra-activate-existing-functions-cars#:~:text=What%20we%20don%E2%80%99t%20do%20any%20more |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=AutoCar}}</ref>

==Background==
Heated seats first appeared in cars in 1966. However, it wouldn't be until 1972 that some cars would come with heated seats as standard, with others charging for optional packages to include them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guthrie |first=Susanna |date=29 Jul 2022 |title=As much of Australia battles through a particularly nasty winter, one feature on our cars is getting a thorough workout – heated seats. But how do they actually work? And are they bad for your health? We answer the burning questions. |url=https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/how-do-heated-seats-in-cars-work/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=DRIVE}}</ref>

==Heated seat subscription==
[[File:Bmw-heated-seats-subscription.jpg|thumb|370x370px|South Korean heated seat subscription pricing. Photo by motor1.com taken from BMW South Korea.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Padeanu |first=Adrian |date=11 Jul 2022 |title=BMW Heated Seats Subscription Is Real And It Costs $18 Per Month |url=https://www.motor1.com/news/597376/bmw-heated-seats-subscription/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=Motor1}}</ref>]]
BMW stated that around 90% of customers would order the optional heated seat package.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Christopher |date=14 Jul 2022 |title=BMW USA Won't Have Heated Seat Subscription If Option Is Already Chosen |url=https://www.motor1.com/news/598281/bmw-usa-heated-seat-subscription-if-option-chosen/#:~:text=As%20premium%20vehicle,ConnectedDrive%20store%20online. |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=Motor1}}</ref> In order to streamline their factories, they started installing heated seats in all vehicles. Ordinarily, the costs saved by streamlining factories would be passed on to customers with lower vehicle pricing, or by offering advanced features at a more competitive price. However, BMW's approach is to continuously charge customers for such features, using recurring fees rather than a one-time purchase.

BMW started testing the waters with their heated seat subscription in South Korea. South Koreans' monthly pricing is ₩24,000. Using the 2022 currency conversion to USD, this works out to approximately:<ref name=":1" />

*$18/mo
*$176/yr
*$283/3yr
*$406 for unlimited use

A similar subscription is offered for heated steering wheels, with costs at:<ref name=":1" />

*$10/mo
*$92/yr
*$161/3yr
*$222 for unlimited use

==Legal impact==
Introduced in September 2022, New Jersey's Assembly proposed a bill to make it illegal for automobile manufacturers to offer subscription services for any motor vehicle feature that:<ref>https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/A4519/2022</ref>

#utilizes components and hardware already installed on the motor vehicle at the time of purchase or lease by the consumer; and
#would function after activation without ongoing expense to the dealer, manufacturer, or any third-party service provider.

The bill later died in committee.<ref>https://legiscan.com/NJ/bill/S3271/2022</ref>

==Consumer response==
Many BMW owners found it unacceptable to pay a subscription for a feature that was physically present in their vehicles. A common feeling between consumers was that they were being "charged twice for something they already owned". There were also concerns over privacy and security, as the vehicles are connected to the internet and can be controlled by the manufacturer. This led to questions about data privacy and potential intrusions.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Prakash |first=Timothy |date=11 Sep 2023 |title=BMW Drops Heated Seats Subscription Due To Customer Backlash |url=https://thesun.my/motoring-news/bmw-drops-heated-seats-subscription-due-to-customer-backlash-JD11478313 |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=The Sun}}</ref>

==BMW's response==
In September 2023, following severe consumer backlash, BMW suspended their heated seat subscription model. However, they still plan to look to explore other options regarding their Functions on Demand system.<ref name=":2" /> Some of these other options include dashcams and remote start functions, according to a BMW statement.<ref name=":0" />

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

BMW's heated seat subscription

2025-08-21T18:22:22Z

McCracken: sentence structure/grammatical changes

In July 2022, [[BMW]] started charging a subscription for their heated seats as part of their Functions on Demand system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BMW ConnectedDrive seamlessly integrates your mobile devices, smart home technology, and your vehicle's intelligent interfaces into a complete driver's environment. |url=https://www.bmwusa.com/explore/connecteddrive.html |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=[[BMW]]}}</ref> BMW's "Functions on Demand" system operates on a user opt-in/out subscription to enable various functions inside their vehicles. In September 2023, BMW stated they are no longer charging a subscription for heated seats.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Attwood |first=James |date=7 Sep 2023 |title=BMW will not charge extra to activate existing functions in cars |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-will-not-charge-extra-activate-existing-functions-cars#:~:text=What%20we%20don%E2%80%99t%20do%20any%20more |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=AutoCar}}</ref>

==Background==
Heated seats first appeared in cars in 1966. However, it wouldn't be until 1972 that some cars would come with heated seats as standard, with others charging for optional packages to include them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guthrie |first=Susanna |date=29 Jul 2022 |title=As much of Australia battles through a particularly nasty winter, one feature on our cars is getting a thorough workout – heated seats. But how do they actually work? And are they bad for your health? We answer the burning questions. |url=https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/how-do-heated-seats-in-cars-work/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=DRIVE}}</ref>

==Heated seat subscription==
[[File:Bmw-heated-seats-subscription.jpg|thumb|370x370px|South Korean heated seat subscription pricing. Photo by motor1.com taken from BMW South Korea.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Padeanu |first=Adrian |date=11 Jul 2022 |title=BMW Heated Seats Subscription Is Real And It Costs $18 Per Month |url=https://www.motor1.com/news/597376/bmw-heated-seats-subscription/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=Motor1}}</ref>]]
BMW stated that around 90% of customers would order the optional heated seat package.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Christopher |date=14 Jul 2022 |title=BMW USA Won't Have Heated Seat Subscription If Option Is Already Chosen |url=https://www.motor1.com/news/598281/bmw-usa-heated-seat-subscription-if-option-chosen/#:~:text=As%20premium%20vehicle,ConnectedDrive%20store%20online. |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=Motor1}}</ref> In order to streamline their factories, they started installing heated seats in all vehicles. Ordinarily, the costs saved by streamlining factories would be passed on to customers with lower vehicle pricing, or by offering advanced features at a more competitive price. However, BMW's approach is to continuously charge customers for such features, using recurring fees rather than a one-time purchase.

BMW started testing the waters with their heated seat subscription in South Korea. South Koreans' monthly pricing is ₩24,000. Using the 2022 currency conversion to USD, this works out to approximately:<ref name=":1" />

*$18/mo
*$176/yr
*$283/3yr
*$406 for unlimited use

A similar subscription is offered for heated steering wheels, with costs at:<ref name=":1" />

*$10/mo
*$92/yr
*$161/3yr
*$222 for unlimited use

==Legal impact==
Introduced in September 2022, New Jersey's Assembly proposed a bill to make it illegal for automobile manufacturers to offer subscription services for any motor vehicle feature that:<ref>https://legiscan.com/NJ/text/A4519/2022</ref>

#utilizes components and hardware already installed on the motor vehicle at the time of purchase or lease by the consumer; and
#would function after activation without ongoing expense to the dealer, manufacturer, or any third-party service provider.

The bill later died in committee.<ref>https://legiscan.com/NJ/bill/S3271/2022</ref>

==Consumer response==
Many BMW owners found it unacceptable to pay a subscription for a feature that was physically present in their vehicles. A common feeling between consumers was that they were being "charged twice for something they already owned". There were also concerns over privacy and security, as the vehicles are connected to the internet and can be controlled by the manufacturer. This led to questions about data privacy and potential intrusions.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Prakash |first=Timothy |date=11 Sep 2023 |title=BMW Drops Heated Seats Subscription Due To Customer Backlash |url=https://thesun.my/motoring-news/bmw-drops-heated-seats-subscription-due-to-customer-backlash-JD11478313 |url-status=live |access-date=1 Apr 2025 |website=The Sun}}</ref>

==BMW's response==
In September 2023, following severe consumer backlash, BMW suspended their heated seat subscription model. However, they still plan to look to explore other options regarding their Functions on Demand system.<ref name=":2" /> Some of these other options include dashcams and remote start functions, according to a BMW statement.<ref name=":0" />

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

Plex Media Server

2025-08-21T18:19:34Z

McCracken: sentence structure/grammatical changes

{{ProductCargo
|ReleaseYear=2007
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Server, Client
|Website=https://plex.tv/
|Description=Plex Media Serer (PMS), originally a fork of XBMC, is a media server software with associated clients that allows users to host their own media.
|Logo=Plex_logo.svg}}

Plex Media Server is media server software, with associated clients, allowing users to host their own media server on their own hardware, in a Netflix-style interface. Originally forked from XBMC in 2007, the software allows users to specify their own existing media as source, such as movies, music, and photos. Plex is easily accessible on various clients across multiple platforms, including a web client that works on regular computers.

==Consumer impact summary==
For much of its existence, Plex has offered both a free and paid service. The paid service allowed for multiple users on the server, whereas the free service was only limited to one user. Up until April of 2025, both the paid and free tier of the server software allowed for users to access their media remotely (i.e. on a different network than their local/home one) on any client, assuming that the technical aspects had been configured correctly. However, many users were disappointed to find out that Plex revoked free access to the remote streaming function and then tried selling it back to them.

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Revocation of free remote access (''April 2025'')===
In April 2025, an announcement was made<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 Mar 2025 |title=Important 2025 Plex Updates |url=https://www.plex.tv/blog/important-2025-plex-updates/ |archive-url=https://archive.is/zsSN1 |archive-date=15 Aug 2025 |access-date=15 Aug 2025}}</ref> noting various changes. Of note, remote access would no longer be a free feature, and would require a remote access pass subscription. In addition, prices of the existing Plex Pass were increased.

===Banning media servers hosted on Hetzner (''September 2023'')===
{{Main|Plex banning servers hosted on Hetzner}}
In September 2023, Plex sent out an email to all customers on Hetzner IP addresses, stating that "the IP address associated with a Plex Media Server on your account appears to come from a service provider that hosts a significant number of Plex Media Servers that violate our Terms of Service"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-14 |title=Anyone else get this Plex notice? : r/Plex |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/PleX/comments/16iqwf4/anyone_else_get_this_plex_notice/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=Reddit}}</ref>. In this email, they announced that they were blocking Hetzner IP ranges, starting from October 12th.

==See also==

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Ford

2025-08-21T18:08:37Z

McCracken: added link to wikipage discussing Anti-consumer practice.

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1903
|Industry=Automotive
|Logo=Ford.png
|Type=Public
|Website=https://ford.com/
}}

The '''[[Wikipedia:Ford Motor Company|Ford Motor Company]]''' was founded in 1903 by Henry Ford in Detroit, Michigan. With the introduction of a moving assembly line, Ford drastically reduced the cost and time of automobile production, making cars affordable for the masses and transforming industrial production globally. It is one of the oldest and largest automobile manufacturers, one of the "Big Three" American automakers, alongside General Motors (GM) and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler).

==Consumer protection summary==

===User privacy===
:Ford’s data collection practices and privacy policies have raised significant concerns:
:*Extensive data collection: Ford collects a wide range of personal and vehicle data, including location, driving behavior (speed, braking), voice commands, media preferences, and even passenger information. This data is linked to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be tied to individual users.<ref name=":0">https://www.ford.com/help/privacy/#USprivacynotice Ford US Privacy Notice</ref>
:*Data collected includes purchase history, financial information, coarse and precise location data, contact information, identifiers (e.g., VIN, account ID), user-generated content (e.g., voice recordings from smart features), search and browsing history for advertising purposes, usage data, sensitive information (under "Inferences"), diagnostics, and more.<ref name=":0" />
:*Aggregates data from external sources as well, including users' social media posts.<ref name=":0" />
:*Privacy policy is designed to prevent quickly searching for important terms.<ref name=":2">https://www.ford.com/help/privacy/ Ford Privacy Policy</ref><ref name=":0" />
:*Lack of transparency and control: Users are often unaware of the scope of data collection, and Ford’s policies allow sharing with affiliates, dealers, advertisers, and law enforcement. The company reserves the right to override location settings in certain circumstances (e.g., repossession, legal requests).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Elvy |first=Stacy-Ann |title=Paying for Privacy and the Personal Data Economy |url=https://www.columbialawreview.org/content/paying-for-privacy-and-the-personal-data-economy/ |website=Columbia Law Review }}</ref>
:*Security vulnerabilities: Past incidents, such as cybersecurity flaws in the FordPass app and exposed customer records, highlight risks of data breaches. Ford has been criticized for dismissing external reports of vulnerabilities.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=August 15, 2023 |title=Ford |url=https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/privacynotincluded/ford/ |website=mozillafoundation.org }}</ref>
:*According to CCPA Metrics from 2023, there were 96 requests for data to be deleted, and seven of these requests were denied.<ref>https://www.ford.com/help/privacy/#caPrivacy Ford California Notice At Collection And Privacy Disclosures</ref>
===User freedom===
:*Limited opt-out options: Ford’s default settings opt users into data collection, with no clear path to fully delete data. Passengers and secondary drivers must also be informed of data collection, placing the burden on the primary user.<ref name=":2" />
:*Forced connectivity: Features like FordPass require data sharing for basic functionalities (e.g., remote start, tire pressure checks), limiting user choice.<ref name=":3" />
===Business model===
:*Data monetization: Ford’s business model leverages user data for targeted advertising, joint marketing, and partnerships (e.g., Sirius XM). This aligns with broader industry trends where data is a revenue driver.
:*AI and surveillance: Investments in AI (e.g., Baidu’s SYNC system in China) enable deeper user profiling, raising ethical questions about surveillance and consent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marr |first=Bernard |date=July 2, 2021 |title=The Amazing Ways The Ford Motor Company Uses Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning |url=https://bernardmarr.com/the-amazing-ways-the-ford-motor-company-uses-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning/ |website= }}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Acquisition of Freedom Ford Sales Limited by 1911265 Alberta Ltd. |url=https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/position-statements/acquisition-freedom-ford-sales-limited-1911265-alberta-ltd |website=Competition Bureau Canada }}</ref>
===Market control===
:*Dealership consolidation: Ford’s acquisitions of dealerships (e.g., Freedom Ford) have drawn scrutiny from competition regulators. While deemed non-antitrust, such consolidation can reduce local competition and consumer choice.<ref name=":4" />
:*Dependence on connected services: By integrating AI and IoT (e.g., autonomous vehicles, CarStory analytics), Ford reinforces market dominance in connected car technology, potentially stifling smaller competitors.

===Anti-consumer practices===

:*[[Ford ad patent|Patents regarding consumer data]]
::Ford has secured patents for systems that are unrelated to core driving functions and involve consumer data collection. One patented system can deliver targeted advertisements based on in-vehicle conversations, while another relates to vehicle repossession and allows for access restrictions (e.g., in cases of missed payments). Ford has clarified that holding these patents does not necessarily mean they will be implemented in future products. However, the existence of such systems could influence consumer perceptions of the company and affect their willingness to accept certain sales terms.<ref name=":1">https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/03/ford-files-patent-for-system-that-could-remotely-repossess-a-car/</ref><ref>https://therecord.media/ford-patent-application-in-vehicle-listening-advertising</ref>

:*Engineering practices
::Some engine designs use a rubber belt—rather than a metal chain—to drive the oil pump. This belt operates submerged in engine oil and may wear out prematurely, potentially leading to a sudden loss of oil pressure. Additionally, they have released transmission systems in certain ''Fiesta'' and ''Focus'' models that have experienced issues, including loss of power during acceleration, gear shifting, or at constant speeds, as well as unintended acceleration. It has been reported that a software update rendered a vehicle inoperable.<ref>https://garagewire.co.uk/news/bbc-watchdog-ford-ecoboost-wet-belt-problem/</ref><ref>https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/cars/ford/2019/07/11/ford-focus-fiesta-transmission-defect/1671198001/</ref><ref>https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/automatic-software-update-bricked-my-truck.96624/</ref>

:Ford has had the highest number of vehicle recalls in the U.S. in 2021, 2022, and 2023. While recall volume can be influenced by market share, larger automakers often have more recalls, it may also reflect differences in production quality compared to competitors.<ref>https://datahub.transportation.gov/stories/s/NHTSA-Recalls-by-Manufacturer/38mw-dp8u/</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Ford]]

Mercedes-Benz

2025-08-20T22:34:38Z

McCracken: fixed formatting to match other company wiki pages. :)

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Description = Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive manufacturer that has taken away and/or disabled features shortly after their sale
| Founded = 1926
| Industry = Automotive
| Logo = Mercedes-Benz Logo 2010.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Subsidiary
| Website = https://www.mercedes-benz.com/
}}[[wikipedia:Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes-Benz]] is a German automotive manufacturer founded in 1926 and is based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

==Consumer impact summary==
Some Mercedes models have features that are taken away and/or disabled shortly after their sale.

==Incidents==
===Subscription Required for EQS Rear-Wheel Steering===
{{Main|Mercedes-Benz subscription required for EQS rear-wheel steering}}
In July 2021, Mercedes-Benz announced in Europe that it will cost €489 ($575) annually to unlock the full capabilities of the rear wheels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tsui |first=Chris |date=2021-07-26 |title=Full Rear-Wheel Steering on Mercedes EQS Will Be $575 Annual Subscription in Germany: Report |url=https://www.thedrive.com/tech/41678/full-rear-wheel-steering-on-mercedes-eqs-will-be-575-annual-subscription-in-germany-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/72Osg |archive-date=2021-07-27 |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=The Drive}}</ref> By default, all Mercedes-Benz vehicles have the hardware capability to do full 10-degree rear-wheel steering; however, they are software-locked to 4.5 degrees without payment.

===Subscription Required for Performance "Acceleration Increase"===
{{Main|Mercedes-Benz subscription required for performance "acceleration increase"}}
In April 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will charge $60-90/month or $600-$900/year for 60-80 horsepower increases<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stafford |first=Eric |date=2023-04-26 |title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/D4rky |archive-date=2025-08-20 |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Car and Driver}}</ref> (e.g. EQE 350: 288hp --> 348hp, EQS 450: 355hp --> 435hp). This will be done through software-locking the cars despite the cars having the hardware capability to have these higher horsepowers.

===App disabled===
{{Main|Mercedes-Benz app disabled}}
In February 2025, Mercedes-Benz switched off support for the accompanying app<ref>{{cite web|last=Kunkel|first=Christina|date=18 Feb 2025|title=Wie Mercedes seine Smart-Kunden verärgert (How Mercedes angers its "Smart" costumers)|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/smart-app-mercedes-eq-abschaltung-nachruestung-li.3200936?reduced=true|website=Sueddeutsche Zeitung|archive-url=https://archive.ph/xB9x2|archive-date=18 Feb 2025|access-date=19 Feb 2025|language=de}}</ref> for some of their Smart brand car models after a very short time, even though the cars are almost brand new. In the comments of the linked article, user Norbert Endres mentions the same thing happening for the previous model Smart ED 451 in 2019. According to him, the company hotline suggested he buy a new car of model Smart EQ 453 to resolve the problem when he confronted them. Another user complains about a similar incident where all digital features were disabled in the premium class models of the series E-Klasse 212.

==Products==

*S212 300E Bluetec Hybrid (2015): Mercedes-Benz owners aren't able to connect to the Internet and don't have traffic updates even with an active subscription.<ref>www.mercedes-benz.com/community/en/mercedes-benz/cars/post/2015-s212-300e-bluetec-hybrid-j9B2kKOstAV50wP?highlight=xYg6XAggDhXUdOd</ref>

==See also==
*[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]

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

Mercedes-Benz

2025-08-20T22:29:19Z

McCracken: added citation for 2nd incident entered.

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Description = Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive manufacturer that has taken away and/or disabled features shortly after their sale
| Founded = 1926
| Industry = Automotive
| Logo = Mercedes-Benz Logo 2010.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Subsidiary
| Website = https://www.mercedes-benz.com/
}}[[wikipedia:Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes-Benz]] is a German automotive manufacturer founded in 1926 and is based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

==Consumer impact summary==
Some Mercedes models have features that are taken away and/or disabled shortly after their sale.

==Incidents==
===Subscription Required for EQS Rear-Wheel Steering (July 2021)===
In July 2021, Mercedes-Benz announced in Europe that it will cost €489 ($575) annually to unlock the full capabilities of the rear wheels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tsui |first=Chris |date=2021-07-26 |title=Full Rear-Wheel Steering on Mercedes EQS Will Be $575 Annual Subscription in Germany: Report |url=https://www.thedrive.com/tech/41678/full-rear-wheel-steering-on-mercedes-eqs-will-be-575-annual-subscription-in-germany-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/72Osg |archive-date=2021-07-27 |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=The Drive}}</ref> By default, all Mercedes-Benz vehicles have the hardware capability to do full 10-degree rear-wheel steering; however, they are software-locked to 4.5 degrees without payment.

===Subscription Required for Performance "Acceleration Increase" (April 2023)===
In April 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will charge $60-90/month or $600-$900/year for 60-80 horsepower increases<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stafford |first=Eric |date=2023-04-26 |title=Mercedes Reveals EQE and EQS 'Acceleration Increase' Subscription Pricing |url=https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43713075/mercedes-benz-eqe350-eqs450-acceleration-increase-subscription-pricing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/D4rky |archive-date=2025-08-20 |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Car and Driver}}</ref> (e.g. EQE 350: 288hp --> 348hp, EQS 450: 355hp --> 435hp). This will be done through software-locking the cars despite the cars having the hardware capability to have these higher horsepowers.

===App disabled (February 2025)===
In February 2025, Mercedes-Benz switched off support for the accompanying app<ref>{{cite web|last=Kunkel|first=Christina|date=18 Feb 2025|title=Wie Mercedes seine Smart-Kunden verärgert (How Mercedes angers its "Smart" costumers)|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/smart-app-mercedes-eq-abschaltung-nachruestung-li.3200936?reduced=true|website=Sueddeutsche Zeitung|archive-url=https://archive.ph/xB9x2|archive-date=18 Feb 2025|access-date=19 Feb 2025|language=de}}</ref> for some of their Smart brand car models after a very short time, even though the cars are almost brand new. In the comments of the linked article, user Norbert Endres mentions the same thing happening for the previous model Smart ED 451 in 2019. According to him, the company hotline suggested he buy a new car of model Smart EQ 453 to resolve the problem when he confronted them. Another user complains about a similar incident where all digital features were disabled in the premium class models of the series E-Klasse 212.

==Products==

*S212 300E Bluetec Hybrid (2015): Mercedes-Benz owners aren't able to connect to the Internet and don't have traffic updates even with an active subscription.<ref>www.mercedes-benz.com/community/en/mercedes-benz/cars/post/2015-s212-300e-bluetec-hybrid-j9B2kKOstAV50wP?highlight=xYg6XAggDhXUdOd</ref>

==See also==
*[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]

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

Mercedes-Benz

2025-08-20T22:23:12Z

McCracken: Added 2nd incident to the wiki page.

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Description = Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive manufacturer that has taken away and/or disabled features shortly after their sale
| Founded = 1926
| Industry = Automotive
| Logo = Mercedes-Benz Logo 2010.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Subsidiary
| Website = https://www.mercedes-benz.com/
}}[[wikipedia:Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes-Benz]] is a German automotive manufacturer founded in 1926 and is based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

==Consumer impact summary==
Some Mercedes models have features that are taken away and/or disabled shortly after their sale.

==Incidents==
===Subscription Required for EQS Rear-Wheel Steering (July 2021)===
In July 2021, Mercedes-Benz announced in Europe that it will cost €489 ($575) annually to unlock the full capabilities of the rear wheels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tsui |first=Chris |date=2021-07-26 |title=Full Rear-Wheel Steering on Mercedes EQS Will Be $575 Annual Subscription in Germany: Report |url=https://www.thedrive.com/tech/41678/full-rear-wheel-steering-on-mercedes-eqs-will-be-575-annual-subscription-in-germany-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/72Osg |archive-date=2021-07-27 |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=The Drive}}</ref> By default, all Mercedes-Benz vehicles have the hardware capability to do full 10-degree rear-wheel steering; however, they are software-locked to 4.5 degrees without payment.

===Subscription Required for Performance "Acceleration Increase" (April 2023)===
In April 2023, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will charge $60-90/month or $600-$900/year for 60-80 horsepower increases (e.g. EQE 350: 288hp --> 348hp, EQS 450: 355hp --> 435hp). This will be done through software-locking the cars despite the cars having the hardware capability to have these higher horsepowers.

===App disabled (February 2025)===
In February 2025, Mercedes-Benz switched off support for the accompanying app<ref>{{cite web|last=Kunkel|first=Christina|date=18 Feb 2025|title=Wie Mercedes seine Smart-Kunden verärgert (How Mercedes angers its "Smart" costumers)|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/smart-app-mercedes-eq-abschaltung-nachruestung-li.3200936?reduced=true|website=Sueddeutsche Zeitung|archive-url=https://archive.ph/xB9x2|archive-date=18 Feb 2025|access-date=19 Feb 2025|language=de}}</ref> for some of their Smart brand car models after a very short time, even though the cars are almost brand new. In the comments of the linked article, user Norbert Endres mentions the same thing happening for the previous model Smart ED 451 in 2019. According to him, the company hotline suggested he buy a new car of model Smart EQ 453 to resolve the problem when he confronted them. Another user complains about a similar incident where all digital features were disabled in the premium class models of the series E-Klasse 212.

==Products==

*S212 300E Bluetec Hybrid (2015): Mercedes-Benz owners aren't able to connect to the Internet and don't have traffic updates even with an active subscription.<ref>www.mercedes-benz.com/community/en/mercedes-benz/cars/post/2015-s212-300e-bluetec-hybrid-j9B2kKOstAV50wP?highlight=xYg6XAggDhXUdOd</ref>

==See also==
*[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]

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

Mercedes-Benz

2025-08-20T22:18:45Z

McCracken: added citation.

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Description = Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive manufacturer that has taken away and/or disabled features shortly after their sale
| Founded = 1926
| Industry = Automotive
| Logo = Mercedes-Benz Logo 2010.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Subsidiary
| Website = https://www.mercedes-benz.com/
}}[[wikipedia:Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes-Benz]] is a German automotive manufacturer founded in 1926 and is based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

==Consumer impact summary==
Some Mercedes models have features that are taken away and/or disabled shortly after their sale.

==Incidents==
===Subscription Required for EQS Rear-Wheel Steering (July 2021)===
In July 2021, Mercedes-Benz announced in Europe that it will cost €489 ($575) annually to unlock the full capabilities of the rear wheels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tsui |first=Chris |date=2021-07-26 |title=Full Rear-Wheel Steering on Mercedes EQS Will Be $575 Annual Subscription in Germany: Report |url=https://www.thedrive.com/tech/41678/full-rear-wheel-steering-on-mercedes-eqs-will-be-575-annual-subscription-in-germany-report |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/72Osg |archive-date=2021-07-27 |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=The Drive}}</ref> By default, all Mercedes-Benz vehicles have the hardware capability to do full 10-degree rear-wheel steering; however, they are software-locked to 4.5 degrees without payment.
===App disabled (February 2025)===
In February 2025, Mercedes-Benz switched off support for the accompanying app<ref>{{cite web|last=Kunkel|first=Christina|date=18 Feb 2025|title=Wie Mercedes seine Smart-Kunden verärgert (How Mercedes angers its "Smart" costumers)|url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wirtschaft/smart-app-mercedes-eq-abschaltung-nachruestung-li.3200936?reduced=true|website=Sueddeutsche Zeitung|archive-url=https://archive.ph/xB9x2|archive-date=18 Feb 2025|access-date=19 Feb 2025|language=de}}</ref> for some of their Smart brand car models after a very short time, even though the cars are almost brand new. In the comments of the linked article, user Norbert Endres mentions the same thing happening for the previous model Smart ED 451 in 2019. According to him, the company hotline suggested he buy a new car of model Smart EQ 453 to resolve the problem when he confronted them. Another user complains about a similar incident where all digital features were disabled in the premium class models of the series E-Klasse 212.

==Products==

*S212 300E Bluetec Hybrid (2015): Mercedes-Benz owners aren't able to connect to the Internet and don't have traffic updates even with an active subscription.<ref>www.mercedes-benz.com/community/en/mercedes-benz/cars/post/2015-s212-300e-bluetec-hybrid-j9B2kKOstAV50wP?highlight=xYg6XAggDhXUdOd</ref>

==See also==
*[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]

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

Mercedes-Benz

2025-08-20T22:12:24Z

McCracken: rewording

Mercedes-Benz

2025-08-20T22:09:56Z

McCracken: fixed formatting

Mercedes-Benz

2025-08-20T22:09:28Z

McCracken: Added new incident to wiki page.

List of devices requiring account for initial setup

2025-07-14T00:12:07Z

McCracken:

You've just bought your shiny new gadget. As you've just unboxed it, you want to set it up. Unfortunately, you can't do anything with it as is. You have to pair it with some shady app on your smartphone and accept a lengthy [[End-user license agreement]] (EULA) just to test it. Then you have to create a new account that links your e-mail and other personal data to the device.

Often this information is hidden deep inside a manual, and there are no mentions on the product page or box. Sometimes it's not even disclosed in the manual. You have to watch some random unboxing videos on YouTube, to get to know that you need to create an account to use the device.

==Why not?==
'''Why would I want to avoid such devices?'''

*Sometimes when you buy such a device, you can receive an open-box unit which is paired to an account of the previous owner. Unlinking it is often impossible without an access to paired account, as even the manufacturer's support refuses to do it, citing "security reasons".<ref>https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/ezviz-c8c-camera-blocked-by-previous-owner.63418/#post-666651</ref>
*You have to accept a lengthy EULA, often hiding [[EULA roofie|undesirable clauses]], such as [[forced arbitration]].

==The list==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Notes
!Source
|-
|EZVIZ
|H6c, Probably all cameras
|
|<ref>https://mfs.ezvizlife.com/H6c_QSG_EN(EU)(V1.0.0).pdf?ver=52475 page 4</ref>
|-
|DJI
|[[DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro|Osmo Action 5 Pro]]
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Beginner's Guide to Osmo Action 5 Pro |url=https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400011286&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/98Tlh |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=DJI}}</ref>
|-
|DJI
|Osmo Pocket 3
|Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400009024&spaceId=34</ref>
|-
|DJI
|RS 3 Mini
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400007193&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en "Activating the Gimbal" section</ref>
|-
|DJI
|RS 3 Pro
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=03400006898&spaceId=34</ref>
|-
|TP-Link
|Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, 6-Outlet
|
|<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20240629160455/https://static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2021/202111/20211101/1910013111_HS300(US)_UG_V2.0.1.pdf"Set Up Your Smart Power Strip" section</ref>
|-
|Canon
|[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras|EOS Webcam Utility software]]
|
|<ref>[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras#User Frustrations]] Better source needed</ref>
|-
|Sony
|WH-XB910N
|App is needed to be to change the switch for ambient sound / noise cancellation to including turning it off. Account is needed for the app
|
|}

==Notes==
Some device groups have an unified idea about account requirements, even through different manufacturers.

===IP cameras===
A lot of modern IP cameras do not have a traditional RTSP/HTTP video stream access, but need to be paired with an app. The smartphone app is the only means to view the camera stream. There's no sustainable way to record the stream locally. You are forced to use manufacturer's cloud storage subscription solution.

Sometimes volunteers have provided a way to circumvent this restriction, providing an alternative firmware that an advanced user can flash.<ref>https://github.com/roleoroleo/yi-hack-Allwinner-v2</ref> This is not an ideal solution, as the support is sometimes janky, and manufacturer can always block this in newer model revisions.

===DJI===
All DJI devices appear to need account for setup. The Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks.<ref>https://drones.stackexchange.com/questions/2209/how-come-the-dji-fly-app-is-not-in-google-play-store</ref> It was previously available on Play Store, but has been pulled off in 2021. DJI officially says it's due to changing "compatibility strategy".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20211213081844/https://twitter.com/DJISupport/status/1470305900132913152</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Overview]]

List of devices requiring account for initial setup

2025-07-14T00:11:17Z

McCracken: linked Osmo Pocket 5 to its respective wiki page.

You've just bought your shiny new gadget. As you've just unboxed it, you want to set it up. Unfortunately, you can't do anything with it as is. You have to pair it with some shady app on your smartphone and accept a lengthy [[End-user license agreement]] (EULA) just to test it. Then you have to create a new account that links your e-mail and other personal data to the device.

Often this information is hidden deep inside a manual, and there are no mentions on the product page or box. Sometimes it's not even disclosed in the manual. You have to watch some random unboxing videos on YouTube, to get to know that you need to create an account to use the device.

==Why not?==
'''Why would I want to avoid such devices?'''

*Sometimes when you buy such a device, you can receive an open-box unit which is paired to an account of the previous owner. Unlinking it is often impossible without an access to paired account, as even the manufacturer's support refuses to do it, citing "security reasons".<ref>https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/ezviz-c8c-camera-blocked-by-previous-owner.63418/#post-666651</ref>
*You have to accept a lengthy EULA, often hiding [[EULA roofie|undesirable clauses]], such as [[forced arbitration]].

==The list==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Notes
!Source
|-
|EZVIZ
|H6c, Probably all cameras
|
|<ref>https://mfs.ezvizlife.com/H6c_QSG_EN(EU)(V1.0.0).pdf?ver=52475 page 4</ref>
|-
|DJI
|[[Osmo Pocket 5]]
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Beginner's Guide to Osmo Action 5 Pro |url=https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400011286&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/98Tlh |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=DJI}}</ref>
|-
|DJI
|Osmo Pocket 3
|Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400009024&spaceId=34</ref>
|-
|DJI
|RS 3 Mini
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400007193&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en "Activating the Gimbal" section</ref>
|-
|DJI
|RS 3 Pro
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=03400006898&spaceId=34</ref>
|-
|TP-Link
|Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, 6-Outlet
|
|<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20240629160455/https://static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2021/202111/20211101/1910013111_HS300(US)_UG_V2.0.1.pdf"Set Up Your Smart Power Strip" section</ref>
|-
|Canon
|[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras|EOS Webcam Utility software]]
|
|<ref>[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras#User Frustrations]] Better source needed</ref>
|-
|Sony
|WH-XB910N
|App is needed to be to change the switch for ambient sound / noise cancellation to including turning it off. Account is needed for the app
|
|}

==Notes==
Some device groups have an unified idea about account requirements, even through different manufacturers.

===IP cameras===
A lot of modern IP cameras do not have a traditional RTSP/HTTP video stream access, but need to be paired with an app. The smartphone app is the only means to view the camera stream. There's no sustainable way to record the stream locally. You are forced to use manufacturer's cloud storage subscription solution.

Sometimes volunteers have provided a way to circumvent this restriction, providing an alternative firmware that an advanced user can flash.<ref>https://github.com/roleoroleo/yi-hack-Allwinner-v2</ref> This is not an ideal solution, as the support is sometimes janky, and manufacturer can always block this in newer model revisions.

===DJI===
All DJI devices appear to need account for setup. The Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks.<ref>https://drones.stackexchange.com/questions/2209/how-come-the-dji-fly-app-is-not-in-google-play-store</ref> It was previously available on Play Store, but has been pulled off in 2021. DJI officially says it's due to changing "compatibility strategy".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20211213081844/https://twitter.com/DJISupport/status/1470305900132913152</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Overview]]

List of devices requiring account for initial setup

2025-07-14T00:10:47Z

McCracken: included entry for DJI Osmo Pocket 5 in the list.

You've just bought your shiny new gadget. As you've just unboxed it, you want to set it up. Unfortunately, you can't do anything with it as is. You have to pair it with some shady app on your smartphone and accept a lengthy [[End-user license agreement]] (EULA) just to test it. Then you have to create a new account that links your e-mail and other personal data to the device.

Often this information is hidden deep inside a manual, and there are no mentions on the product page or box. Sometimes it's not even disclosed in the manual. You have to watch some random unboxing videos on YouTube, to get to know that you need to create an account to use the device.

==Why not?==
'''Why would I want to avoid such devices?'''

*Sometimes when you buy such a device, you can receive an open-box unit which is paired to an account of the previous owner. Unlinking it is often impossible without an access to paired account, as even the manufacturer's support refuses to do it, citing "security reasons".<ref>https://ipcamtalk.com/threads/ezviz-c8c-camera-blocked-by-previous-owner.63418/#post-666651</ref>
*You have to accept a lengthy EULA, often hiding [[EULA roofie|undesirable clauses]], such as [[forced arbitration]].

==The list==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Notes
!Source
|-
|EZVIZ
|H6c, Probably all cameras
|
|<ref>https://mfs.ezvizlife.com/H6c_QSG_EN(EU)(V1.0.0).pdf?ver=52475 page 4</ref>
|-
|DJI
|Osmo Pocket 5
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Beginner's Guide to Osmo Action 5 Pro |url=https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400011286&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/98Tlh |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=DJI}}</ref>
|-
|DJI
|Osmo Pocket 3
|Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400009024&spaceId=34</ref>
|-
|DJI
|RS 3 Mini
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400007193&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en "Activating the Gimbal" section</ref>
|-
|DJI
|RS 3 Pro
|Allows "5 trial uses" without activation.
|<ref>https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=03400006898&spaceId=34</ref>
|-
|TP-Link
|Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip, 6-Outlet
|
|<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20240629160455/https://static.tp-link.com/upload/manual/2021/202111/20211101/1910013111_HS300(US)_UG_V2.0.1.pdf"Set Up Your Smart Power Strip" section</ref>
|-
|Canon
|[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras|EOS Webcam Utility software]]
|
|<ref>[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras#User Frustrations]] Better source needed</ref>
|-
|Sony
|WH-XB910N
|App is needed to be to change the switch for ambient sound / noise cancellation to including turning it off. Account is needed for the app
|
|}

==Notes==
Some device groups have an unified idea about account requirements, even through different manufacturers.

===IP cameras===
A lot of modern IP cameras do not have a traditional RTSP/HTTP video stream access, but need to be paired with an app. The smartphone app is the only means to view the camera stream. There's no sustainable way to record the stream locally. You are forced to use manufacturer's cloud storage subscription solution.

Sometimes volunteers have provided a way to circumvent this restriction, providing an alternative firmware that an advanced user can flash.<ref>https://github.com/roleoroleo/yi-hack-Allwinner-v2</ref> This is not an ideal solution, as the support is sometimes janky, and manufacturer can always block this in newer model revisions.

===DJI===
All DJI devices appear to need account for setup. The Android app needs to be sideloaded, circumventing Google's Play Store security checks.<ref>https://drones.stackexchange.com/questions/2209/how-come-the-dji-fly-app-is-not-in-google-play-store</ref> It was previously available on Play Store, but has been pulled off in 2021. DJI officially says it's due to changing "compatibility strategy".<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20211213081844/https://twitter.com/DJISupport/status/1470305900132913152</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Overview]]

EviCore

2025-07-14T00:03:52Z

McCracken: Added stub to page.

{{StubNotice}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = EviCore
| Type =Subsidiary
| Founded =2014
| Industry =Healthcare
| Official Website =https://www.evicore.com/
| Logo =Evicore logo.png
}}

'''[[wikipedia:EviCore|EviCore]]''' by Evernorth is a medical benefits management company which has been accused of using AI to systematically deny medical coverage at higher rates than previously seen. UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield and some Medicare and Medicaid contractors outsource prior authorization decisions for the most specialized and expensive procedures<ref name":0"="">[https://www.propublica.org/article/evicore-health-insurance-denials-cigna-unitedhealthcare-aetna-prior-authorizations EviCore, the Company Helping U.S. Health Insurers Deny Coverage for Treatments] — ProPublica</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Incomplete section}}
Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
*User Freedom
*User Privacy
*Business Model
*Market Control

==Incidents==
{{Incomplete section}}
If the company page is short enough and/or the incident is not deserving of it own page, add incidents below in sub-sections (including the points outlined in [[Consumer_Action_Taskforce:Sample/Incident/Help]]) and delete the list at the end of this section.

If the company has various incidents listed and/or this page is getting too long, do not add sub-sections, and instead complete the following list:

This is a list of all consumer protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
*[[Example incident one]] (date):Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).
*[[Example incident two]] (date):

==Products==
{{Incomplete section}}
This is a list of the company's product lines with articles on this wiki.
*[[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
*[[Example product line two]] (release date):

==See also==
{{Incomplete section}}
Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

BowFlex, Inc.

2025-07-13T17:58:28Z

McCracken: Added stub notice.

{{StubNotice}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Bowflex, Inc.
| Type = Public
| Founded = 1986
| Industry = Exercise equipment
| Official Website = https://www.bowflex.com/
| Logo = Bowflex logo.svg
}}

[[wikipedia:Bowflex|'''BowFlex, Inc.''']] is a fitness-equipment manufacturer headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.

==JRNY service==
JRNY is an "adaptive fitness membership" provided by BowFlex that is facilitated by their [[wikipedia:Android_(operating_system)|Android]]-equipped fitness hardware.<ref>[https://www.bowflex.com/jrny.html "JRNY"] - boxflex.com - accessed 2025-01-31</ref>

{{ConsumerImpactSection
|privacy subsection=
* The BowFlex [[privacy policy]] includes a [[post-purchase EULA modification]] where the user must opt out of the sale of their data.
* {{Template:HoverImportant}} BowFlex collects biometric information and will disclose it to "third parties who may acquire your information as a result of a merger, acquisition or other ownership transition".<ref>[https://archive.ph/ZFcsh "Privacy Policy"] - archive.ph - archived 2025-01-21</ref>
|freedom subsection=
* JRNY service includes [[digital rights management]], which restricts access to stock Android features, like installing apps.
* Even with a JRNY subscription, you are limited to a small subset of streaming platform applications.
* BowFlex includes [[forced arbitration]] in its [[end-user license agreement]]<ref>[https://archive.ph/fewi6 "Terms of Use"] - archive.ph - archived 2025-01-31</ref>

}}
=References=
<references />
[[Category:BowFlex]]

Bumpgate

2025-07-13T17:50:43Z

McCracken: added Bumpgate to NVIDIA category.

[[File:Underfilled Die.png|alt=The image shows a diagram of a computer processor. On the bottom, there is a green rectangle labeled "substrate". On top of the substrate, there is a black rectangle labeled "chip", which refers to the die. Between the die and the substrate, there are small silver bumps equally spaced apart, encased within a white "filling". The bumps are the solder bumps connecting the die to the substrate, and the white filling is the underfill- meant to strengthen the solder bumps.|thumb|A diagram of a computer processor. When the underfill becomes too soft at any point in the processor's normal operating temperatures, the solder bumps under the die ("chip") can crack, disconnecting the die from the substrate. This leads to the processor failing, and in turn, leads to a critical system failure for the device it's in.]]
'''Bumpgate''' (also known as '''Nvidiagate''') was a scandal where [[Nvidia]] and ATI Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) made from 2005-2010 were prone to high failure rates because of a design flaw that caused cracked solder bumps under the die.<ref name=":0" />

Despite the name "Nvidiagate", this defect was widespread in the industry. It impacted many Nvidia GPUs (manufactured 2006-2010), but also affected ATI GPUs (2006-2008). Among retro console enthusiasts, the defect is best known to have caused the high failure rate of the ATI Xenos GPUs in [[Microsoft]]'s early Xbox 360 models<ref name=":3" /> (2005-May 2008) and the Nvidia-based RSX GPUs in [[Sony]]'s early PlayStation 3 models (2006-Fall 2008).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |first= |date=23 Dec 2022 |title=A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light of Death |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7WTNwAX0c |url-status=live |access-date=2 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref> Retro computer enthusiasts may also know of the defect from certain models of Dell and [[HP Inc.|HP-Compaq]] laptops (2005-2010), as well as certain [[Apple]] Macbook Pros (May 2007-September 2008).<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |title=Affected Models |url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080616/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/affectedmodels.html |archive-date=1 Oct 2010 |access-date=7 Jun 2025 |website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>

==Background==

===Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Faults===
From approximately 2005-2010, GPU manufacturers Nvidia and ATI developed some GPUs that had a serious design flaw. This flaw led to failures in many of their GPUs during that time period, and Nvidia even saw a class action lawsuit from it. In order to understand what truly happened during this controversy, though, it's important to understand what exactly led to the faults.

These manufacturers had engineered GPUs that electrically connected the silicon chip (die) to the substrate (the "green square part") using high-lead solder bumps. High-lead solder bumps were chosen in order to fit the power delivery specifications that these GPUs needed; high-lead bumps can deliver more current.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Rob |date=29 Sep 2008 |title=NVIDIA at a Disadvantage Due to their Choice of Solder? |url=https://techgage.com/news/nvidia_at_a_disadvantage_due_to_their_choice_of_solder/ |url-status=live |access-date=1 Jun 2025 |website=Techgage}}</ref> To give these solder bumps more strength (especially when operating at high temperatures), it's standard to use an epoxy with silica filler known as underfill. Underfill needs to fit certain specifications, depending on how hot the processor it's used on is expected to get. If it's too hard, the underfill will crack the die. If it's too soft, the bumps will crack because the underfill isn't supportive enough. It also needs to still fit within the right specifications at both high and low temperatures.

In 2006, IBM and Amkor published a study that explained that use of a low Tg underfill was not acceptable with high-lead solder bumps, and high Tg would be necessary to avoid defects.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ray |first=S. |last2=Kiyono |first2=S. |last3=Waite |first3=K. |last4=Nicholls |first4=L. |date=2006 |title=Qualification of low-K 90nm Technology Die with Pb-free Bumps on a Build-up Laminate Package (PBGA) with Pb-free Assembly Processes |journal=56th Electronic Components and Technology Conference |pages=139-144 |via=IEEE}}</ref> Therefore, because Nvidia and ATI chose to use high-lead solder bumps, they needed a high Tg underfill. However, this study was not out at the time that GPUs from 2005 were made, and the companies ended up using low Tg underfill in these processors.

This low Tg underfill would become too soft at high, but normal operating temperatures for these GPUs. When the processor went through normal thermal changes, the solder bumps would soften under heat and harden as they cooled.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Demerjian |first=Charlie |date=1 Sep 2008 |title=Why Nvidia's chips are defective |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1004378/why-nvidia-chips-defective |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520152257/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1004378/why-nvidia-chips-defective |archive-date=20 May 2009 |access-date=1 Jun 2025 |website=The Inquirer}}</ref> This would happen over and over again until they cracked under the thermal stress. When enough solder bumps cracked, it would cause a failure in the unit, hence the term "Bumpgate".

==Companies involved and responses==
Bumpgate was a worldwide, almost industry-wide issue that impacted multiple GPUs from Nvidia and ATI. Therefore, it's unclear what company was the most responsible for the incident. Building a GPU is a specialized process that requires it to go through multiple partner companies before ultimately ending up with the company that sells the unit or the system it's contained in (i.e., Microsoft, Sony, Nvidia, etc.). However, it is still important to note the response of each of the companies that were the public faces involved in this incident.

====Microsoft's Response - The "Red Ring of Death"====
[[File:GPU early.jpg|alt=An image of a 90 nanometer graphics processing unit from a Microsoft Xbox 360. The die is in the center of the green square, and the eDRAM is located to the left of it. The die has dark greenish low Tg underfill under it, indicating that it is defective.|thumb|200x200px|A ''defective'' 90nm "Xenos" GPU from an '''early''' Xbox 360 (Xenon revision). Note the large die in the center of the chip, and the dark greenish underfill. The color of the underfill is one way to tell if the chip has the low Tg underfill.]]<blockquote>''"The breakthrough came when we understood that the connections that were being broken were not located on the motherboard, but they were actually located inside the components."''

- Leo Del Castillo, member of Xbox's hardware engineering group; ''Power On: The Story of Xbox (2021)''<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Xbox |date=13 Dec 2021 |title=Power On: The Story of Xbox {{!}} Chapter 5: The Red Ring of Death |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2d6IMBS8oY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/power-on-the-story-of-xbox/The+Story+of+the+Xbox+-+Chapter+5/Power+On+-+The+Story+of+Xbox+-+Chapter+5+-+The+Red+Ring+of+Death.mp4 |archive-date=13 Dec 2021 |access-date=4 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref></blockquote>In November 2005, Microsoft released the Xbox 360, a video game console equipped with an ATI Xenos GPU. According to leaked internal Microsoft documents from the time, 1.2 million units were shipped out to consumers by November 30th, 2005. 3% of customers had some form of technical issue with their systems. Out of that 3%, 19% reported three flashing red rings, and 24% reported the console freezing.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |date=15 Jan 2024 |title=A 360 Story - The RED Ring of Death & the 7th Generation Console War |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qKtS_uxdcU |url-status=live |access-date=2 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref> This is notable because this indicates that shortly after launch, 43% of consumers had consoles showing symptoms of the now-infamous "Red Ring of Death", a term used universally among consumers the describe the early Xbox 360's common hardware fault confirmed to be caused by Bumpgate.<ref name=":3" /> 

"Three flashing red rings" on the Xbox 360 simply means "core digital error"- or, a general hardware failure. This error can be triggered by a variety of issues, including GPU failure. A Bumpgate-related malfunction would require multiple power cycles to cause a failure in the solder bumps, but it is not uncommon for consoles to see that during testing before being shipped. It is possible that Bumpgate-affected Xbox 360s with GPU failures were part or even all 43% of those defective consoles, but there is no way to be certain. At initial launch, 200,000 non-functional Xbox 360s were in what Microsoft termed "the bonepile"- systems that they planned to repair and ship out later. Approximately 56% of systems worked on the first attempt after manufacture, and that figure improved to 71% after component reworks. At the peak of the "Red Ring of Death" crisis, some consumers discovered that reflowing the motherboard- a process similar to what Microsoft may have done to improve their yield of working Xbox 360s- they could restore functionality to their console, but this was typically for a limited period that was inconsistent between systems.<ref name=":2" />
[[File:GPU late.jpg|alt=An image of a 65 nanometer graphics processing unit from a Microsoft Xbox 360. The die is in the center of the green square, and the eDRAM is located to the left of it. The die has a light, whitish underfill- indicating that it is not one of the defective units.|thumb|204x204px|A ''non-defective'' 65nm "Xenos" GPU from a later revision of Xbox 360 (Jasper V2 on "Kronos 1" package). Note the smaller die and the light, whitish underfill.]]
At the height of the Bumpgate-related defect, approximately 600,000 to 1,000,000 Xbox 360s had the "Red Ring of Death". For several months, Microsoft charged consumers to repair affected consoles. However, in 2007, Microsoft extended the warranty for Xbox 360 consoles displaying an E74 error (an on-screen error also associated with "Red Ring of Death") from one year to three years from the date of purchase. This extension allowed most impacted consumers to get their consoles refurbished at no additional cost. In addition, Microsoft refunded any consumers who had previously paid for repairs related to this issue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Peter |date=2007 |title=Open Letter From Peter Moore |url=http://xbox.com/en-ca/support/petermooreletter.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023004948/http://xbox.com/en-ca/support/petermooreletter.htm |archive-date=23 Oct 2007 |access-date=4 Jun 2025 |website=Xbox}}</ref> By mid-2008, the cause was confirmed to be an issue "within the components"- the low Tg underfill. After this point, ATI and Microsoft completely fixed this issue in Xbox 360s.

Microsoft appears to have taken this approach to protect the Xbox brand. The Xbox 360 was only the company's second home console, and the original Xbox hadn't performed as well as anticipated. Microsoft confirmed this in Chapter 5 of their 2021 documentary, ''Power On: The Story of Xbox''.<ref name=":3" />

====Sony's Response - The "Yellow Light of Death"====
<blockquote>''"We entirely refute the suggestion that PS3 consoles have an inherent defect or other design issue which is akin to any warranty issue experienced by another console manufacturer. [...] We think it is highly unfair to suggest that from an installed base of 2.5 million that the numbers you mention somehow are evidence of a 'manufacturing defect'..."''

- Ray Maguire, managing director and senior vice president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in 2009; in a letter responding to a BBC Watchdog segment covering the "Yellow Light of Death".<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=BBC |date=18 Sep 2009 |title=Sony rebuts BBC PlayStation claim |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8263063.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219154020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8263063.stm |archive-date=19 Feb 2025 |access-date=4 Jun 2025 |website=BBC NEWS}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Matt |date=17 Sep 2009 |title=Sony tackles BBC over 'PS3 failure' report |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/sony-tackles-bbc-over-ps3-failure-report |url-status=live |access-date=10 Jun 2025 |website=Gamesindustry.biz}}</ref></blockquote>In November 2006, Sony released the PlayStation 3. Similar to the Xbox 360, the early models of PlayStation 3 had what consumers believe to be a Bumpgate-related defect with its Nvidia-based Reality Synthesizer (RSX) GPU. Many consumers who had purchased early "phat" models with a 90nm GPU experienced critical system failures. PlayStation 3 systems that were exhibiting the issue may freeze suddenly during gameplay and shut off. However, all users affected would find that when attempting to turn their PlayStation 3 back on, the LED power indicator would momentarily turn green, then the system would beep three times while very briefly flashing to a yellow light, then it would continuously blink red without booting the system. This failure was coined by consumers as the "Yellow Light of Death".

A 2009 segment by BBC Watchdog covered the "Yellow Light of Death".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=HelpForPS3 (Reuploader) |last2=BBC |date=17 Dec 2009 |title=Sony PS3 Yellow Light of Death - BBC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ef8bDQktI |url-status=live |access-date=3 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref> The presenters stated that when viewers contacted Sony about their console malfunctioning, the company simply stated that the issue could have resulted from a variety of possible failures, and pinpointing the cause would require disassembly of the affected system to analyze error codes. This is true; the LED indicators only indicate a general hardware failure, and a proper diagnosis can only be made after checking the PS3's System Controller (Syscon) and checking for error codes.

During the BBC Watchdog segment, one of the interviewees explained that consumers whose systems were outside of the one year warranty period would have to pay £128 (~$173) for a repair, and Sony would only provide customers with a standard three-month post-repair warranty. If the system failed again after that point, they would have to pay out of pocket for another repair. By August 2008, Sony had begun manufacturing consoles with the 65nm RSX<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=R. |date=26 Jun 2008 |title=PS3 graphics chip going 65nm this Fall |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008-06-26-ps3-graphics-chip-going-65nm-this-fall.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924101930/https://www.engadget.com/2008-06-26-ps3-graphics-chip-going-65nm-this-fall.html |archive-date=24 Sep 2021 |access-date=3 Jun 2025 |website=Engadget}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NVIDIA Playstation 3 GPU 65nm Specs |url=https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/playstation-3-gpu-65nm.c1682 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Jun 2025 |website=TechPowerUp GPU Database}}</ref>, which enthusiasts confirmed does not have the theoretically Bumpgate-related fault.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |date=9 Jun 2025 |title=A PS3 Story 2: Defending BumpGate Theory |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpjtRjGPLhI |url-status=live |access-date=10 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref> In addition, Sony has successfully repaired consoles by transplanting non-defective GPUs (the 65nm or 40nm RSX) into systems that were originally manufactured with a defective 90nm RSX.<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Icferrum |date=2 Feb 2020 |title=Frankenstein PHAT PS3: CECHA with 40nm RSX |url=https://www.psx-place.com/threads/frankenstein-phat-ps3-cecha-with-40nm-rsx.28069/ |url-status=live |access-date=14 Jun 2025 |website=PSX-Place}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mystic |date=9 Apr 2025 |title=Sony's PS3 Upgrade They Never Told You About: Official 40nm RSX Frankenstein Console From Sony |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2abnrOADoCc |url-status=live |access-date=14 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref> However, consoles repaired prior to Sony implementing this repair policy were highly likely to fail again. In addition, the console would also be reset during the repair, resulting in the loss of any data that was not backed up prior to the failure (i.e., game saves).<ref name=":1" />

Sony never issued a recall or extended warranty for affected systems; all repair costs were paid by consumers, unless the system failed during the standard one-year warranty period. However, the PS3's fan table accommodated better for the temperature changes that led to failures than the Xbox 360 did, so it took longer for the defect to manifest. Depending on how frequently the console was used, some consumers would not encounter the defect until a few years into owning their console.

When the 65nm RSX was released in Fall 2008,<ref name=":6" /> the defect that seems to have caused the "Yellow Light of Death" was resolved for the late "phat" PS3 models. PS3 "slim" models and newer revisions were completely unaffected. The timing of this led some consumers<ref name=":4" /> to suspect that Sony had known about the defect and quietly fixed it. This was at the same time that Microsoft was addressing the problems with the Xbox 360, as well as while Nvidia was being confronted for their Bumpgate defect in some of their GPUs (particularly, the G84 and G86).

Notably, the RSX is a customized version of Nvidia's 256MB GeForce 7800 GTX.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shimpi |first=Anand |last2=Wilson |first2=Derek |date=24 Jun 2005 |title=Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PS3 - A Hardware Discussion |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/1719/9 |url-status=live |access-date=16 Jun 2025 |website=AnandTech}}</ref> The GeForce 7 series does have some defective units with low-Tg underfill, but it is unclear if the 7800 GTX is among them. There are no known sources of consumer complaints about the 7800 GTX, and none of the notebook laptops covered by the Nvidia class action lawsuit settlement<ref name=":16" /> seem to have that GPU or a mobile version of it. However, this does not necessarily indicate that there was no defect with the 90nm RSX, that Sony wasn't aware that it was defective, or that the 90nm RSX wasn't at all affected by Bumpgate. Console repair and modding enthusiasts have performed extensive research<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Derf |last2=Nadaman |last3=et al. |date=14 Jun 2025 |title=PlayStation 3 - Buying Guide |url=https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:Buying_Guide#PlayStation_3_%22Fat/Phat%22_(2006-2009) |url-status=live |access-date=14 Jun 2025 |website=ConsoleMods Wiki}}</ref> and testing<ref name=":14" /> strongly supports the hypothesis that the "Yellow Light of Death" was caused by Bumpgate, and the only way to permanently repair an affected system is to replace the 90nm RSX with a working non-defective unit.

As of 2025, Sony has never made an official statement confirming that the "Yellow Light of Death" was a widespread issue in early PlayStation 3 consoles, nor have they definitively explained that it was linked to Bumpgate.
====Dell's and HP (HP-Compaq)'s Responses - BIOS Updates and Free Repairs====
There were a variety of Dell and HP-Compaq notebook laptops that were affected by the Bumpgate defect, as evidenced by the Nvidia class action lawsuit.<ref name=":16" /> Upon being informed of the defect by Nvidia in 2008, both companies distributed BIOS updates for affected systems with Nvidia GPUs that according to The Inquirer, "[ran] the fan all the time".<ref name=":5" /> The purpose of this was to attempt to prevent the problem from occurring so that consumers wouldn't have to get their systems repaired. However, both companies also provided free repairs for systems already exhibiting symptoms of a failing GPU, such as no video output to the monitor or the computer failing to boot. It's implied in an SEC report that Nvidia filed in 2008 that the companies were compensated for providing this service.<ref name=":10" />

Both Dell and HP-Compaq also offered varying limited warranties after impacted devices were repaired. HP-Compaq offered a limited warranty for 24 months (two years) after the start of customers' original limited warranty or 90 days (approximately three months) after the affected notebook was repaired- whichever was later.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=HP |date=2008 |title=HP Pavilion dv2000/dv6000/dv9000 and Compaq Presario v3000/v6000 Series Notebook PCs - HP Limited Warranty Service Enhancement |url=http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&docname=c01087277 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710172852/http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&docname=c01087277 |archive-date=10 Jul 2008 |access-date=8 Jun 2025 |website=HP Customer Care}}</ref> Dell extended limited warranties for systems with these issues for 12 months (one year) from the original purchase date, with a maximum of up to 60 months (five years). In addition, they even offered this to customers whose original warranties already expired- making the new warranty valid from the date the original warranty expired.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Menchaca |first=Lionel |date=18 Aug 2008 |title=NVIDIA GPU Update: Dell to Offer Limited Warranty Enhancement to All Affected Customers Worldwide |url=http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/08/18/nvidia-gpu-update-dell-to-offer-warranty-enhancement-to-all-affected-customers-worldwide.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219131311/http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/08/18/nvidia-gpu-update-dell-to-offer-warranty-enhancement-to-all-affected-customers-worldwide.aspx |archive-date=19 Dec 2008 |access-date=23 Jun 2025 |website=Direct2Dell}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=David |date=19 Aug 2008 |title=Dell extends warranties after GPU fault |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/dell-extends-warranties-after-gpu-fault/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 Jun 2025 |website=ZDNet}}</ref>
====Apple's Response - Macbook Pro, May 2007 - September 2008====
In May 2007, Apple released a version of the aluminum Macbook Pro that used the Nvidia GeForce 8600M GT GPU, and manufactured the computers with this GPU until September 2008. They stopped manufacturing them with this GPU because they discovered it was one of the models affected by Bumpgate. Unlike the issues with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 where the system wouldn't even boot, consumers ran into distorted video or no video output on their devices. Nvidia had assured Apple that the graphics processors were not defective, so Apple initially ignored reports expressing that possibility.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Foresman |first=Chris |date=10 Oct 2008 |title=Apple: NVIDIA chips to blame for MacBook Pro video problems |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/10/apple-nvidia-chips-to-blame-for-macbook-pro-video-problems/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 Jun 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Matt |date=10 Oct 2008 |title=Apple Confirms Failing Nvidia Graphics Cards in MacBook Pros, Offers Free Repairs and Refunds |url=https://gizmodo.com/apple-confirms-failing-nvidia-graphics-cards-in-macbook-5061605 |url-status=live |access-date=7 Jun 2025 |website=Gizmodo}}</ref> However, after doing their own investigation, Apple had found that the processors actually were defective. Because of this, Apple offered extended repair coverage adding up to four years from the date of original purchase, and refunded customers who already paid to repair systems affected by this defect.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Apple Support |date=18 Nov 2014 |title=MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues |url=http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203254 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202230527/http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203254 |archive-date=2 Dec 2014 |access-date=7 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

====Nvidia's Response - Inquirer Accusations and SEC Report====
[[File:Nvidia G80, G84 and G86 size comparison.jpg|alt=Three GPU dies are lined up in a row, from largest to smallest, left to right: the Nvidia G80, then the G84, then the G86. The internals of the dies are visible.|thumb|Image of the Nvidia G80, G84, and G86's dies (left-to-right). The G84 and the G86 GPUs are known to have been impacted by the Bumpgate defect.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Demerjian |first=Charlie |date=9 Jul 2008 |title=All Nvidia G84 and G86s are bad |url=http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/07/09/nvidia-g84-g86-bad |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080710121746/http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/07/09/nvidia-g84-g86-bad |archive-date=10 Jul 2008 |access-date=7 Jun 2025 |website=The Inquirer}}</ref>]]
''See also: Lawsuit(s)''<blockquote>''[As of July 2, 2008, all] newly manufactured products and all products currently shipping in volume have a different and more robust material set. [...] We intend to fully support our customers in their repair and replacement of these impacted MCP and GPU products that fail.''

- Marvin Burkett, Nvidia Chief Financial Officer, Form 8-K report to SEC.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Burkett |first=Marvin |last2=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |date=2 Jul 2008 |title=Form 8-K |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1045810/000119312508145974/d8k.htm |url-status=live |access-date=8 Jun 2025 |website=SEC}}</ref></blockquote>Nvidia processors were not the only ones affected by the Bumpgate defect (i.e., the Xbox 360's ATI Xenos GPU), but they seem to have been the most heavily impacted. There were a wide variety of Nvidia graphics processors across multiple architectures that had this defect, but according to the class action lawsuit settlement,<ref name=":16" /> the earliest confirmed system with the defect appears to have been manufactured in December 2005, and the latest systems were manufactured in late February 2010.

The defects were being noticed broadly amongst consumers around July 2008, particularly when ''The Inquirer'' published reports that drew attention to the problems.<ref name=":5" /> Charlie Demerjian, a writer for ''The Inquirer'' at the time, firmly presented claims and evidence that every G84 and G86 GPU was defective- including desktop GPUs- even accusing Nvidia of attempting to cover up the problems.

On July 2nd, 2008- a few days before Demerjian's article was published- Nvidia filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).<ref name=":10" /> The report explained that the corporation would pay a $150-200 million one-time charge to cover customer warranties, repairs, returns, replacements, and other notable expenses caused by poor packaging material in some of their media and communications processors (MCPs) and GPUs exclusively used in laptops. This report also stated that all of their newly manufactured products from that point forward would have a more suitable material set.

On the same day, EE Times published an article where Nvidia explained more about what the cause of the problem was.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LaPedus |first=Mark |date=2 Jul 2008 |title=Nvidia takes charge for bad chips, but who is to blame? |url=http://eetimes.com/electronics-products/processors/4105543/Nvidia-takes-charge-for-bad-chips-but-who-is-to-blame- |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117035658/http://eetimes.com/electronics-products/processors/4105543/Nvidia-takes-charge-for-bad-chips-but-who-is-to-blame- |archive-date=17 Nov 2012 |access-date=23 Jun 2025 |website=EE Times}}</ref> Nvidia had stated in an email that one of their many packaging partners, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC), was responsible. However, a subsequent email backpedaled on this response. In the next email, Nvidia stated that they "worked closely" with TSMC on the packaging and material, and hence took full responsibility. DigiTimes attempted to ask TSMC and some of Nvidia's other packaging partners about the defective chips, but TSMC declined a response, citing "client confidentiality", and the other partners did not know anything about the issue because the chips were from an older generation by that point.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Ingrid |last2=Shen |first2=Steve |date=4 Jul 2008 |title=Nvidia contract makers in Taiwan low-key over defective chip reports |url=http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20080704PD210.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704211726/http://www.digitimes.com/bits_chips/a20080704PD210.html |archive-date=4 Jul 2008 |access-date=23 Jun 2025 |website=DIGITIMES}}</ref> In August 2008, Nvidia's CEO Jen-Hsun Huang explained how the company would handle the defect in an interview during Nvision 2008, claiming that Nvidia would take some responsibility for the defect and pay manufacturers to help consumers fix their devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scath (Reuploader) |date=25 Aug 2008 |title=Nvision: Nvidia CEO Talks About Chip Failure |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZB6kxxgnOQ&t=275 |url-status=live |access-date=27 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

Joel Hruska from Ars Technica explained that if Nvidia ''was'' trying to cover up the defect- as Demerjian claimed- with this report to the SEC, they not only attempted to avoid responsibility and accused their suppliers of causing the problem, they also committed financial fraud by intentionally lowballing their expected financial losses. This is a major accusation that could have had severe consequences for Nvidia, and could have been dangerous for the company.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Hruska |first=Joel |date=16 Jul 2008 |title=NVIDIA denies rumors of faulty chips, mass GPU failures |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/07/nvidia-denies-rumors-of-mass-gpu-failures/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 Jun 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> However, it is difficult to verify if Nvidia was lying or simply not fully aware of the scale of Bumpgate. Nvidia's public acknowledgement of the defect in the SEC report is consistent with when Dell<ref name=":8" /> and HP<ref name=":7" /> discovered the problem. Although Sony never made a statement on the "Yellow Light of Death", this is even consistent with when they switched the PlayStation 3 to the non-defective 65nm RSX.<ref name=":6" /> The only company it does not appear consistent with is Apple, who discovered the defect in their Macbook Pro systems after their own investigation in September 2008.<ref name=":9" /> Even so, it is possible that Nvidia did not know that the GeForce 8600M GT GPUs in the 2007-2008 Macbook Pro were impacted yet when Apple asked them about it, because the situation was still developing.

Regardless of if Nvidia was truthful in their report or not, they denied the claims that individuals like Demerjian were making- that all of their GPUs were defective and failing en masse.<ref name=":11" /> However, Nvidia was later sued in September by investors who alleged that the company had violated federal securities laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Levine |first=Jonathan |date=10 Sep 2008 |title=Gibbs Law Group LLP Announces Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against NVIDIA Corp. |url=https://www.classlawgroup.com/nvidia-lawsuit-filed-press-release |url-status=live |access-date=23 Jun 2025 |website=GibbsMura}}</ref> Shareholder Lisa Miller alleged in the lawsuit that Nvidia knew about the GPU problems as early as November 2007, and concealed this fact from investors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGlaun |first=Shane |date=10 Sep 2008 |title=NVIDIA sued over notebook GPU failures |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2008/09/nvidia-sued-over-notebook-gpu-failures/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Jun 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=malware |date=11 Sep 2008 |title=NVIDIA Sued Over Faulty GPUs |url=https://www.techpowerup.com/71088/nvidia-sued-over-faulty-gpus |url-status=live |access-date=23 Jun 2025 |website=TechPowerUp}}</ref> By 2010, consumers' trust in Nvidia had eroded enough that a class action lawsuit was filed because of the defect.

==Nvidia Class-Action Lawsuit (2010)==
In 2008, individuals and companies began filing lawsuits against Nvidia. A total of nine cases were filed that were found to be related, and by 2010, these became a class-action lawsuit.

===Claims===
Class members claimed that Nvidia had manufactured defective GPUs and knowingly failed to compensate them. 

===Rebuttal===
Throughout the lawsuit, Nvidia continually denied allegations of intentional wrongdoing. 
===Outcome - Settlement and Class Member Appeal===
Nvidia opted for a settlement<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010 |title=Frequently Asked Questions - What can I get from the settlement? |url=http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101001080625/http://www.nvidiasettlement.com/faq.html |archive-date=1 Sep 2010 |access-date=13 Jun 2025 |website=The NVIDIA GPU Litigation}}</ref>- though, still asserted that the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing. Consumers who participated as settlement class members were presented with three options to be compensated, with all benefits paid for by Nvidia:

#A replacement GPU inside their affected notebook;
#A replacement HP notebook computer with one "similar in kind and value" to the one they owned;
#Reimbursement of either the whole cost of repairing the notebook due to a previous GPU failure or a portion of that amount (dependent on how many people submitted valid claims for reimbursement).

The majority of people got their notebooks repaired, but some HP laptops could not be repaired, so they had to be replaced. Many of the systems eligible for the settlement were high-end laptops, originally valued around $1,000 USD. Unfortunately, they were given a budget Compaq Presario CQ56 that was not equivalent in specifications or original value, because it costed approximately how much the three-year-old, defective laptops they replaced were valued at by the time the settlement was reached. Outraged, some of those Class Members contacted Ted Frank from the Center for Class Action Fairness, who promptly filed a complaint with the court to appeal. However, US District Chief Judge James Ware ruled in Nvidia's favor, because the Compaq Presario CQ56 "[came] with an advanced operating system, new warranty and other programs".<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=DeCarlo |first=Matthew |date=3 May 2011 |title=Customers get shafted in Nvidia class action suit |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/43614-customers-get-shafted-in-nvidia-class-action-suit.html |url-status=live |access-date=13 Jun 2025 |website=TechSpot}}</ref>

==Consumer response==
===Microsoft (Xbox 360) Consumer Response===
At first, consumers were angry at Microsoft. During the months that the company would not acknowledge the widespread "Red Ring of Death", many consumers felt as if they'd been tricked and made a bad investment when they purchased an Xbox 360. However, when Microsoft extended the warranty on Xbox 360s experiencing an E74 error to three years after purchase, consumer sentiment improved. In Chapter 5 of ''Power On: The Story of Xbox,''<ref name=":3" /> hardware engineers for Xbox during this era explained the problem that caused the "Red Ring of Death" in enough detail for consumers to understand, leaving many consumers who remembered dealing with this issue feeling further validated and restoring some trust in Microsoft and the Xbox brand.

In addition, the release of the information in ''Power On'' helped enthusiasts learn more about how to fix the issue in early Xbox 360s themselves, if necessary. Many consumers who had purchased an Xbox 360 from this era<ref>{{Cite web |last=Enever |first=Liam |date=1 Oct 2017 |title=Why has my got the red ring of death (sic) |url=https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/430460/Why+has+my+got+the+red+ring+of+death |url-status=live |access-date=4 Jun 2025 |website=iFixIt Answers Forum}}</ref> and even some independent repair technicians<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 Apr 2014 |title=Xbox 360 Red Ring of Death: Why Lead-Free Solder or Solder Failure Are the Problem |url=https://electronicfix.com.au/console-repairs/what-does-the-rrod-mean/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 Jun 2025 |website=The Electronic Fix}}</ref> had initially assumed that the issue was caused by Microsoft using lead-free solder balls- which are used to connect the Xenos GPU to the motherboard- in order to meet new-at-the-time RoHS standards in the European Union. These individuals alleged that the brittler nature of non-leaded solder made the connections weaker compared to traditional leaded solder, causing the defect. Other consumers had a similar assumption, and thought it was related to the solder balls' melting point, and that the console was getting too hot and "desoldering" the GPU from the motherboard as a result. These misconceptions largely faded into obscurity when Microsoft released the non-defective revisions of the Xbox 360 and announced their extended warranty on their defective consoles, but they were dispelled entirely once Chapter 5 of ''Power On'' was released.

Although the majority of Xbox 360 consoles affected by Bumpgate were repaired by Microsoft as part of their extended warranty program, there were some that managed to slip through the cracks, so consumers today still need to be informed. It is generally recommended by retro console enthusiasts to purchase Xbox 360 consoles manufactured after May 2008 (or marked "Q2 2008") and avoid consoles manufactured before this point, but the Tonasket (AKA "Jasper Kronos" or "Jasper V2") motherboard revision is generally considered to be the most reliable of the original "phat" model Xbox 360 consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nadaman |last2=et al. |date=8 Jun 2025 |title=Xbox 360 - Buying Guide |url=https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox_360:Buying_Guide |url-status=live |access-date=14 Jun 2025 |website=ConsoleMods Wiki}}</ref>

===Sony (PlayStation 3) Consumer Response===
Consumers who experienced the "Yellow Light of Death" were upset with Sony for their poor response. Some, such as PS3 modding and repair enthusiast "RIP Felix", described Sony's response as "gaslighting"<ref name=":2" />- saying that Sony had manipulated consumers into thinking that there was no widespread defect. The six-page letter from Ray Maguire to the BBC following their Watchdog segment takes a tone that supports Felix's claim<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" />; By 2009, Sony had stopped producing PS3s with the defective 90nm RSX- which left many consumers suspicious that Sony was trying to cover up the problem to avoid taking responsibility for it.

In 2006, when the PlayStation 3 was new, the console costed $599 USD for the 60GB model ($499 USD for the 20GB model).<ref name=":3" /> This was a major price to pay for a game console at the time; the Nintendo Wii launched at $249.99 USD in November 2006,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Kathleen |last2=Casamassina |first2=Matt |date=14 Sep 2006 |title=US Wii Price, Launch Date Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/us-wii-price-launch-date-revealed |url-status=live |access-date=10 Jun 2025 |website=IGN}}</ref> and the Xbox 360 launched in late November 2005 at $399 USD ($299 USD for the Core System version).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Surette |first=Tim |date=17 Aug 2005 |title=Xbox 360 pricing revealed: $299 and $399 models due at launch |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/xbox-360-pricing-revealed-299-and-399-models-due-at-launch-6131245 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605013951/http://www.gamespot.com/news/xbox-360-pricing-revealed-299-and-399-models-due-at-launch-6131245 |archive-date=5 Jun 2013 |access-date=10 Jun 2025 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> Because of the extremely high price compared to competitors, consumers felt that they were making a major investment in a high quality system that would be well-supported if there was a defect. Unfortunately, Sony failed to ever acknowledge the "Yellow Light of Death", other than denying how widespread it was in their only official rebuttal from Ray Maguire, and made consumers pay for an issue that was never their fault.

Some consumers who dealt with the "Yellow Light of Death" paid Sony to repair their systems, but others decided to consider it a loss. For consumers whose systems failed after the "Slim" models came out, some of them chose to re-purchase the cheaper, allegedly more reliable Slim models. At the time, it was assumed that these models were not prone to "Yellow Light of Death" (they have since been confirmed completely non-defective), but there was still some uncertainty among the community at the time. However, others gave up on Sony entirely, switching to other platforms- particularly, the Xbox 360.

====Consumers perform their own repairs====
As a result of the poor response from Sony, consumers largely took things into their own hands. When the PS3 was still supported, informed consumers were sure to warn prospective buyers that the "backwards compatible" and "phat" models of PS3 were prone to the "Yellow Light of Death", that Sony wouldn't fix it for free, and even if they were willing to send it in for repairs, the system would be reset. In the United Kingdom, there was the BBC Watchdog segment that- while misguided on the cause of the problem- did inform consumers across the UK about the issues, so they knew to avoid these early PS3s and choose a newer Slim model if they wanted a PS3.

As of 2025, nearly every PS3 enthusiast knows about the reliability issues of the early, "backwards compatible" PlayStation 3s. Despite this, though, these systems are quite popular among retro console repair and modding enthusiasts particularly for their ability to play not only original PlayStation games, but also PlayStation 2 games. The earliest two revisions, CECHAxx and CECHBxx, even have real PlayStation 2 processors built-in.<ref name=":18" /> This is especially enticing to consumers who own a PlayStation 5, which is capable of playing PlayStation 4 games, so a person could play any PlayStation game across any generation on legitimate hardware with only two consoles. The reliability issues of these early PS3s is a major downside to consumers, though, so the community has been looking for ways to permanently repair these systems for nearly two decades.

However, because Sony never acknowledged the defect, it was far less clear to consumers what exactly was causing the fault than it was for the Xbox 360. This led many retro console and repair enthusiasts to make poorly informed choices in how to attempt to repair their devices. The only guidance that consumers had for what the fault could be was from the BBC Watchdog segment stating that it was a GPU failure- however, they had incorrectly diagnosed the cause in the segment. BBC Watchdog had also employed technicians to reflow the components on afflicted PS3s' motherboards- which led enthusiasts to believe that doing the same to their console would fix it. However, this would only temporarily restore functionality to the system.

By 2018, frustrated PS3 owners were searching for a better solution- preferably, an easier fix. As a result, rumors began to spread that it was not the RSX GPU that was defective, but rather, the NEC-Tokin capacitors surrounding it.<ref name=":4" /> The reason for the misconception was because Toshiba laptops from the same era had their NEC-Tokins fail prematurely due to a design flaw specific to those laptops. In addition, a failure of the NEC-Tokins can result in similar behavior from the PS3, lending further credence to the claim. It was all but "confirmed" when enthusiasts tried replacing them with tantalum capacitors, and it worked for some. However, the reason for this is because it is possible for PS3s to have a GPU-related failure because of the NEC-Tokin capacitors. It has since been confirmed that the NEC-Tokins are not defective or poorly placed, and if they have failed in a console, it is likely due to normal aging. In fact, these capacitors are specialized for their purpose in the PS3, and should not be replaced unless they truly have failed.

In 2020, PSX-Place forum user "Icferrum" discovered a CECHAxx PS3 with a 40nm RSX inside instead of a standard 90nm RSX. There was no information about this modification online, so the only explanation was that Sony had done this officially. This set enthusiasts off to find a way to perform the same modification. A breakthrough was eventually made with the development of the "Frankenstein Mod" in 2021 (sometimes referred to as the "Orbis Mod"), which utilizes an Orbis modchip to make a 40nm RSX compatible with older PS3 models.<ref name=":17" />

As for how consumers largely discovered that the problem was related to Bumpgate, YouTube and PSX-Place user "RIP Felix" published multiple videos detailing his research and theories regarding the early PS3s' defect. Most significantly, Felix published a video where he and Xbox 360 repair and modding enthusiast Josh Davidson (Octal450 on the ConsoleMods Wiki) performed various experiments to confirm their theory that the PS3's 90nm RSX was affected by Bumpgate. They tested the solder bumps under the 90nm RSX's die to confirm the use of high-lead solder bumps, and also performed a variety of tests on the underfill, comparing it to similar defective and non-defective GPUs from the same era- such as the Xbox 360's GPUs and Nvidia's GPUs. The tests included simply shining an ultraviolet light on the underfill to see the similarities in color and luminescence, poking the underfill of each of the GPUs with a soldering iron at various temperatures to compare the reactions, and even using a UV visual spectrophotometer to visualize the difference between compositions in various underfills. The results strongly support Felix's theory that the PS3's 90nm RSX's defects were due to Bumpgate; each test showed that the 90nm RSX was remarkably similar to known defective GPUs, but distinct from non-defective ones.<ref name=":14" /> Felix and Davidson's findings effectively confirm that the only way to repair early PlayStation 3s with the "Yellow Light of Death" caused by a GPU failure is to replace the GPU with a non-defective model.

Thanks to the work of retro console modding and repair enthusiasts, consumers have an option to permanently repair these valuable systems. However, the "Frankenstein Mod" is not recommended for inexperienced modders or those who don't have access to a BGA rework station. Because of the specialized nature of this modification, most people will still recommend for consumers to find someone skilled enough to do the modification for them, buy a system that is already modified, or to simply avoid purchasing any consoles impacted by Bumpgate.

===Nvidia Consumer Response===
Many consumers were uncomfortable with purchasing Nvidia's products for several years, because they saw Nvidia as untrustworthy after their perceived response to the Bumpgate scandal. A GPU is one of the most expensive components in a computer, and it's an investment expected to last for approximately as long as the component remains technologically relevant. Therefore, consumers had some right to be cautious when hearing about defective Nvidia GPUs- especially before the defect was publicly acknowledged.

If a product does not last because of a defect, then the company should respect their customer's investment by honoring the warranty- or by recalling the product if the defect is found to be common, as with Bumpgate. Nvidia's SEC report<ref name=":10" /> shows that they appeared to have this intention, and the company informing Dell<ref name=":8" /> and HP<ref name=":7" /> of the defect also seem to demonstrate this. In addition, based on the fact that Bumpgate affected some non-Nvidia processors (such as the Xbox 360's ''ATI'' graphics processor<ref name=":3" />), Nvidia was likely not fully responsible for the underfill defect. In fact, they alleged in the SEC report that it was their packaging company that caused the problem. However, this did not quell consumers' anger at Nvidia, and a class action lawsuit was filed. Unfortunately, the results of that lawsuit and subsequent settlement left consumers still angry and frustrated at the company- especially those who received insufficient compensation, like those who ended up with a budget laptop to replace their high-end laptop.<ref name=":15" /> This only fueled consumer distrust for Nvidia. Although the defect may not have fully been Nvidia's fault, their failure to properly compensate some Class Members when they agreed to settle was unacceptable to many consumers.

==See Also:==

*[[Nvidia]]
*[[Microsoft]]
*[[Sony]]
*[[HP Inc.|HP]]
*[[Apple]]

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

{{Placeholder box|[[mw:Help:VisualEditor/User_guide#Editing_categories|Add a category]] with the same name as the product, service, website, software, product line or company that this article is about.

The "Incidents" category is not needed.}}

User:McCracken

2025-07-13T17:48:05Z

McCracken: added WD to creation list

I like to [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:WikiGnome|WikiGnome.]]

discord: loom981

== Articles Created ==
* [[Seagate]]
* [[Western Digital]]

Category:Western Digital

2025-07-13T17:47:21Z

McCracken: created category page for WD.

[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Computer hardware companies]]
[[Category:Storage companies]]

Western Digital

2025-07-13T17:46:40Z

McCracken: Added introduction paragraph + Consumer-impact paragraph.

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1970 (General Digital Corporation)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.westerndigital.com/
| Logo =WDlogo.svg
}}Western Digital is a data storage company from the US that specializes in high-quality hard drives and backup solutions.

==Consumer-impact summary==
Western Digital, along with [[Seagate]], own a majority of the market share in the hard drive industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hard Drives (Global Market) |url=https://tadviser.com/index.php/Article:Hard_Drives_(Global_Market) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/WhsaC |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=TAdviser}}</ref>

Western Digital uses a hybrid business model which allows them to sell their products through their own website, on digital storefronts such as [[Amazon]], [[NewEgg]], and [[Alibaba]], and directly to commercial clients.

==Incidents==
{{Placeholder box|Add one-paragraph summaries of incidents below in sub-sections, which link to each incident's main article while linking to the main article and including a short summary. It is acceptable to create an incident summary before the main page for an incident has been created. To link to the page use the "Hatnote" or "Main" templates.

If the company has numerous incidents then format them in a table (see [[Amazon]] for an example). }}

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).
===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Western Digital

2025-07-13T17:37:41Z

McCracken: Filled out InfoboxCompany

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1970
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.westerndigital.com/
| Logo =WDlogo.svg
}}{{Placeholder box|An introductory paragraph starting with "'''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a ...<ref name":0">ref goes here</ref>". When writing the article, insert text in the space below this box, and then delete this tip box (and the other tip boxes below). In the visual editor, just click on a box and press backspace to delete it. In the source editor, simply delete the double curly brackets, and the text inside them.}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Incidents==
{{Placeholder box|Add one-paragraph summaries of incidents below in sub-sections, which link to each incident's main article while linking to the main article and including a short summary. It is acceptable to create an incident summary before the main page for an incident has been created. To link to the page use the "Hatnote" or "Main" templates.

If the company has numerous incidents then format them in a table (see [[Amazon]] for an example). }}

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).
===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

File:WDlogo.svg

2025-07-13T17:37:07Z

McCracken: Western Digital logo

== Summary ==
Western Digital logo
== Licensing ==
{{PD}}

User:McCracken

2025-07-13T17:33:35Z

McCracken:

I like to [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:WikiGnome|WikiGnome.]]

discord: loom981

== Articles Created ==
* [[Seagate]]

User:McCracken

2025-07-13T17:32:40Z

McCracken: Added a created articles section

I like to [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:WikiGnome|WikiGnome.]]

discord: loom981

== Articles Created ==
* [[Seagate]]

Seagate sells old hard drives as new

2025-07-13T17:22:00Z

McCracken: added this article to the Seagate category.

Reports from consumers, as well as investigations by ''Heise Online'',<ref name="heise-online-report" /> describe an issue where used and refurbished [[Seagate]] hard drives are being sold as new. Many buyers reported receiving drives with extensive prior usage, despite being marketed and priced as brand-new products. The issue appears to stem from deceptive practices by certain sellers, rather than Seagate itself, though questions remain regarding how these drives re-entered the supply chain.

== Details ==
Customers who purchased Seagate ''Exos'' series hard drives from several different online retailers, including [[Amazon]], JB Computer, Mindfactory, Reichelt, Alternate, Böttcher, Büroshop 24, Galaxus, Jacob, Kosatec, Maingau, and Proshop, reported inconsistencies in their drives.<ref name="heise-online-report">[https://www.heise.de/news/Gebrauchte-Seagate-Festplatten-als-Neuware-im-Umlauf-10254276.html Heise Online Report]</ref>

Upon inspection by users, these drives showed thousands of operating hours, suggesting they had been previously used despite being sold as new. Many had run for 10,000 to 50,000 hours, confirming they were repurposed rather than unused.

=== Affected Models ===
The primary models affected are:

*'''Seagate Exos X16 (16TB)''' – ST16000NM000J, ST16000NM001G
*'''Seagate Exos X14 (14TB)''' – ST14000NM001G, ST14000NM005G
*'''Seagate Exos X12 (12TB)''' – ST12000NM0127, ST12000NM0558

Additional reports mention 4TB, 10TB, and 18TB drives, as well as certain NAS-specific models.<ref name="heise-online-report" />

=== Identifying used drives ===

=== '''SMART and FARM data''' ===
Many buyers identified the issue using SMART (self-monitoring, analysis, and reporting technology) and FARM (field-accessible reliability metrics) values. SMART values are sometimes reset to give the appearance of a new drive, whereas FARM logs still retain the true operational hours, exposing the actual usage.

A consumer who purchased two ST14000NM005G (14TB) drives found they had already been used for 10,000 to 15,000 hours. A replacement order for ST16000NM001G (16TB) drives revealed even worse results: 22,000 operational hours.<ref name="heise-online-report" />

[https://www.smartmontools.org/ smartmontools]

=== Manufacturer warranty checks ===
Many affected buyers found that when they checked warranty status on Seagate's website, they were redirected to contact their retailer. This shows that these were OEM models, which do not include a manufacturer-backed warranty beyond the retailer’s return policy.<ref>[https://www.seagate.com/de/de/support/warranty-and-replacements/ Seagate Warranty Check]</ref>

== Responsibility and supply-chain concerns ==

=== Seller Fraud ===
The primary responsibility lies with the sellers who misrepresented the drives as new.
*Some retailers sold OEM or recertified drives, but failed to disclose this information.
*Some drives even exhibited physical wear, such as scratches and missing security labels.<ref name="heise-online-report" />
*Certain affected vendors have since begun accepting returns, suggesting at least partial acknowledgment of the issue.<ref name="heise-online-report" />

Heise Online conducted an undercover test, ordering two 16TB drives from a suspect retailer. The order was later canceled by the seller, who admitted that a "quality control check" revealed the drives were not actually new.<ref name="heise-online-report" />

=== Seagate’s role and supply-chain gaps ===
While Seagate is not directly responsible for seller deception, some concerns remain:
*Seagate acknowledged that factory-recertified drives exist, but said they should be clearly labeled with a green-bordered sticker. Many affected buyers received drives without any such indicators.<ref name="heise-online-report" />
*The source of these used drives remains unclear: it is unknown how these high-hour drives re-entered the market.
*Seagate states that because of data-protection policies, they cannot disclose the original sale location of the affected drives.<ref name="heise-online-report" />

Even official Seagate distributors have been caught selling questionable drives, raising concerns about the integrity of authorized reseller networks.<ref name="heise-online-report" />

== Consumer Impact ==

=== Financial and reliability concerns ===
*Consumers paid full price for drives that had already undergone years of use.
*These drives were sold without manufacturer-backed warranties, making returns and replacements difficult.
*Customers relying on these drives for data integrity and professional storage solutions are at risk of premature failures.

== Consumer Advice ==

=== How to Check If A Drive Is Affected ===
*'''Run SMART & FARM checks''' – Use smartmontools (Linux/Windows) or Seagate’s Seatools utility to check for high power-on hours.
- Linux Command: `smartctl -l farm /dev/sdX`
- Compare results with `smartctl -a /dev/sdX`
*'''Check serial numbers''' – Check warranty status on Seagate's [https://www.seagate.com/de/de/support/warranty-and-replacements/ official website].
*'''Check for physical wear''' – Look for scratches, missing seals, or inconsistent labels that indicate prior use.
*'''Request a refund''' – If you purchased from an affected retailer, request a return or replacement based on misrepresentation.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Seagate]]

Category:Seagate

2025-07-13T17:20:00Z

McCracken: Created page with "Category:Companies Category:Computer hardware companies Category:Storage companies"

[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Computer hardware companies]]
[[Category:Storage companies]]

List of companies

2025-07-13T17:16:29Z

McCracken: Added Seagate to list.

__NOTOC__
{{Hatnote|This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items.}}

Below is a list of companies that have dedicated articles in the CAT wiki.

===A===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ AT&T ]]

* [[ AVM Software ]]

* [[ Acer ]]

* [[ Activision Blizzard ]]

* [[ Adobe ]]

* [[ AirAsia ]]

* [[ Allstate ]]

* [[ Ally Financial ]]

* [[ Ally Invest Securities ]]

* [[ Amazon ]]

* [[ Ancestry.com ]]

* [[ Anova Culinary ]]

* [[ Apple ]]

* [[ Arlo ]]

* [[ Asus|ASUS ]]

* [[ Autodesk ]]

* [[ Axis ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===B===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Balena ]]

* [[ BMW ]]

* [[ Brother Industries Ltd. ]]

* [[ Bambu Lab ]]

* [[ Best Buy ]]

* [[ BetterHelp ]]

* [[ BowFlex, Inc. ]]

* [[ Brilliant ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===C===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ CARIAD ]]

* [[ Canon ]]

* [[ Capital One ]]

* [[ Cerberus ]]

* [[ Chamberlain Group ]]

* [[ Charles Schwab ]]

* [[ Chase Bank ]]

* [[ Cloudflare ]]

* [[ Coffee Meets Bagel ]]

* [[ CompTIA ]]

* [[ Cricut ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===D===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}

* [[ DAZN ]]

* [[ Deep Cycle Systems ]]

* [[ Discord ]]

* [[ Disney ]]

* [[ Duolingo ]]

* [[ Dymo ]]

* [[ Dyson ]]

* [[ DJI ]]{{Div col end}}
----

===E===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Ecoflow ]]

* [[ EduVULCAN ]]

* [[ Electronic Arts ]]

* [[ Epic Games, Inc. ]]

* [[ Eufy ]]

* [[ EVGA ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===F===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ FUTO ]]

* [[ Fiio ]]

* [[ Ford ]]

* [[ Future Motion ]]

* [[ Frontier Airlines ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===G===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ GameStop ]]

* [[ General Motors ]]

* [[ Glasswire ]]

* [[ GoGuardian ]]

* [[ Google ]]

* [[ GoPro ]]

* [[ Groupon ]]

* [[ Guardzilla ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===H===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ HP Inc. ]]

* [[ Happiest Baby ]]

* [[ Home Connect ]]

* [[ Honda ]]

* [[ Hyundai ]]

* [[ Humble Bundle ]]{{Div col end}}
----

===I===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ IFTTT ]]

* [[ IKEA ]]

* [[ Intel ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===J===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ John Deere ]]
* [[ Jeep ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===K===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Kroger Grocery store electronic shelf labels & facial recognition|Kroger ]]
* [[ Keurig ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===L===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ LG ]]

* [[ Lebara ]]

* [[ Lenovo ]]

* [[ Leo Express ]]

* [[ Lieferando ]]

* [[ LinkedIn ]]

* [[ LiveRamp ]]{{Div col end}}
----

===M===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Magic Leap ]]

* [[ MakerBot ]]

* [[ ManyCam ]]

* [[ Meta ]]

* [[ Microsoft ]]

* [[ Miele ]]

* [[ Monoprice ]]

* [[ Motorola ]]

* [[ Movies Anywhere ]]

* [[ Mozilla ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===N===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Nanoleaf ]]

* [[ Netflix, Inc. ]]

* [[ Nike ]]

* [[ Nintendo ]]

* [[ Nissan ]]

* [[ Nixplay ]]

* [[ NordVPN ]]

* [[ NZXT ]] {{Div col end}}
----

===O===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Optimum ]]
* [[ Optus ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===P===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ PayPal ]]

* [[ PayPal Honey ]]

* [[ Peloton ]]

* [[ Photobucket ]]

* [[ Pitboss Grills ]]

* [[ Pluralsight ]]

* [[ Plutus ]]

* [[ Protonmail ]]

* [[ Purism ]]

* [[ Pinterest ]]{{Div col end}}

*[https://wiki.rossmanngroup.com/wiki/Paragon_NTFS_software_license_invalidation Paragon Software]

----

===Q===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Qantas ]]
* [[ Quidd ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===R===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Raven ]]

* [[ Ring ]]

* [[ Redbox ]]

* [[ Reddit ]]

* [[ Robinhood Financial ]]

* [[ Roblox ]]

* [[ Roborock ]]

* [[ Roku, Inc. ]]

* [[ Rovio ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===S===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Samsung ]]

* [[ Seagate ]]

* [[ Seattle Avionics ]]

* [[ SecuROM ]]

* [[ Shopee ]]

* [[ SiriusXM ]]

* [[ Smartwool ]]

* [[ Sonos ]]

* [[ Sony ]]

* [[ Spectrum ]]

* [[ Spotify ]]

* [[ Starlink ]]

* [[ Steam ]]

* [[ Synology ]]
{{Div col end}}

----

===T===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ T-Mobile ]]

* [[ Tado ]]

* [[ TD Ameritrade ]]

* [[ TP-Link ]]

* [[ User testing for mandatory paid subscription into Tado Smart Thermostat app|Tado GmbH ]]

* [[ Take Two ]]

* [[ Team 17 ]]

* [[ Telstra ]]

* [[ Telly ]]

* [[ Terumo Cardiovascular ]]

* [[ Tesla, Inc. ]]

* [[ Thermaltake ]]

* [[ Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC ]]

* [[ Tinder ]]

* [[ TRMNL ]]

* [[ Toyota ]]

* [[ Tuya Inc. ]]

* [[ Twitch ]]

* [[ Twitter ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===U===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Uber ]]

* [[ Ubisoft ]]

* [[ Urban Air Adventure Park ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===V===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Valve ]]

* [[ Verisk Analytics, Inc. ]]

* [[ Virgin Media ]]

* [[ Volkswagen ]]

* [[ Vultr ]]

* [[ Venmo ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===W===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ Walmart ]]

* [[ Wink ]]

* [[ Winston-Salem Journal ]]

* [[ Wondershare ]]

* [[ Wyze ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===X===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ X Corp ]]

* [[ Xiaomi ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===Y===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em|gap=2em}}
* [[ YouTube ]]
{{Div col end}}
----

===Z===

----
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Organizations]]

Seagate

2025-07-13T14:44:54Z

McCracken: added wikilinks to Amazon, NewEgg, and Alibaba.

{{StubNotice}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1978 (Shugart Technology)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.seagate.com/
| Logo =Seagate logo.svg
}}Seagate Technology (Seagate) is a data storage company from the US that specializes in high-quality hard drives, solid state drives, and other such long-term storage solutions.

==Consumer-impact summary==
Seagate and [[Western Digital]] own a majority of the market share in the hard drive industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-25-06 |title=Hard Drives (Global Market) |url=https://tadviser.com/index.php/Article:Hard_Drives_(Global_Market) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/WhsaC |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=TAdviser}}</ref>

Seagate uses a hybrid business model that consists of selling directly to consumers through their website, on online marketplaces such as [[Amazon]], [[NewEgg]], and [[Alibaba]], as well as directly to commercial businesses.

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Misrepresenting sales of old hard drives as new===
{{Main|Misrepresented sales of used Seagate hard drives as new}}
Reports from consumers, as well as investigations by ''Heise Online'', describe an issue where used and refurbished [[Seagate]] hard drives are being sold as new. Many buyers reported receiving drives with extensive prior usage, despite being marketed and priced as brand-new products. The issue appears to stem from deceptive practices by certain sellers, rather than Seagate itself, though questions remain regarding how these drives re-entered the supply chain.

==Products==
*[[Seagate Exos X16 (16TB)]] - ST16000NM000J, ST16000NM001G (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.
*[[Seagate Exos X14 (14TB)]] – ST14000NM001G, ST14000NM005G (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.
*[[Seagate Exos X12 (12TB)]] – ST12000NM0127, ST12000NM0558 (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Seagate

2025-07-13T14:43:47Z

McCracken: Added consumer impact summary.

{{StubNotice}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1978 (Shugart Technology)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.seagate.com/
| Logo =Seagate logo.svg
}}Seagate Technology (Seagate) is a data storage company from the US that specializes in high-quality hard drives, solid state drives, and other such long-term storage solutions.

==Consumer-impact summary==
Seagate and [[Western Digital]] own a majority of the market share in the hard drive industry.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-25-06 |title=Hard Drives (Global Market) |url=https://tadviser.com/index.php/Article:Hard_Drives_(Global_Market) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/WhsaC |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=TAdviser}}</ref>

Seagate uses a hybrid business model that consists of selling directly to consumers through their website, on online marketplaces such as Amazon, NewEgg, and Alibaba, as well as directly to commercial businesses.

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Misrepresenting sales of old hard drives as new===
{{Main|Misrepresented sales of used Seagate hard drives as new}}
Reports from consumers, as well as investigations by ''Heise Online'', describe an issue where used and refurbished [[Seagate]] hard drives are being sold as new. Many buyers reported receiving drives with extensive prior usage, despite being marketed and priced as brand-new products. The issue appears to stem from deceptive practices by certain sellers, rather than Seagate itself, though questions remain regarding how these drives re-entered the supply chain.

==Products==
*[[Seagate Exos X16 (16TB)]] - ST16000NM000J, ST16000NM001G (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.
*[[Seagate Exos X14 (14TB)]] – ST14000NM001G, ST14000NM005G (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.
*[[Seagate Exos X12 (12TB)]] – ST12000NM0127, ST12000NM0558 (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Seagate

2025-07-13T14:29:15Z

McCracken: Started to fill out Products section.

{{StubNotice}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1978 (Shugart Technology)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.seagate.com/
| Logo =Seagate logo.svg
}}Seagate Technology (Seagate) is a data storage company from the US that specializes in high-quality hard drives, solid state drives, and other such long-term storage solutions.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Misrepresenting sales of old hard drives as new===
{{Main|Misrepresented sales of used Seagate hard drives as new}}
Reports from consumers, as well as investigations by ''Heise Online'', describe an issue where used and refurbished [[Seagate]] hard drives are being sold as new. Many buyers reported receiving drives with extensive prior usage, despite being marketed and priced as brand-new products. The issue appears to stem from deceptive practices by certain sellers, rather than Seagate itself, though questions remain regarding how these drives re-entered the supply chain.

==Products==
* [[Seagate Exos X16 (16TB)]] - ST16000NM000J, ST16000NM001G (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.
* [[Seagate Exos X14 (14TB)]] – ST14000NM001G, ST14000NM005G (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.
* [[Seagate Exos X12 (12TB)]] – ST12000NM0127, ST12000NM0558 (2018): Old drive that is being listed as new.

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Seagate

2025-07-13T14:22:46Z

McCracken: right. THATS the template for a stub...

{{StubNotice}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1978 (Shugart Technology)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.seagate.com/
| Logo =Seagate logo.svg
}}Seagate Technology (Seagate) is a data storage company from the US that specializes in high-quality hard drives, solid state drives, and other such long-term storage solutions.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Misrepresenting sales of old hard drives as new===
{{Main|Misrepresented sales of used Seagate hard drives as new}}
Reports from consumers, as well as investigations by ''Heise Online'', describe an issue where used and refurbished [[Seagate]] hard drives are being sold as new. Many buyers reported receiving drives with extensive prior usage, despite being marketed and priced as brand-new products. The issue appears to stem from deceptive practices by certain sellers, rather than Seagate itself, though questions remain regarding how these drives re-entered the supply chain.

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Seagate

2025-07-13T14:22:02Z

McCracken: Stubbed

{{STUB}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1978 (Shugart Technology)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.seagate.com/
| Logo =Seagate logo.svg
}}Seagate Technology (Seagate) is a data storage company from the US that specializes in high-quality hard drives, solid state drives, and other such long-term storage solutions.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Misrepresenting sales of old hard drives as new===
{{Main|Misrepresented sales of used Seagate hard drives as new}}
Reports from consumers, as well as investigations by ''Heise Online'', describe an issue where used and refurbished [[Seagate]] hard drives are being sold as new. Many buyers reported receiving drives with extensive prior usage, despite being marketed and priced as brand-new products. The issue appears to stem from deceptive practices by certain sellers, rather than Seagate itself, though questions remain regarding how these drives re-entered the supply chain.

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Seagate

2025-07-13T14:21:36Z

McCracken: Started Incidents tab.

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1978 (Shugart Technology)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.seagate.com/
| Logo =Seagate logo.svg
}}Seagate Technology (Seagate) is a data storage company from the US that specializes in high-quality hard drives, solid state drives, and other such long-term storage solutions.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Misrepresenting sales of old hard drives as new===
{{Main|Misrepresented sales of used Seagate hard drives as new}}
Reports from consumers, as well as investigations by ''Heise Online'', describe an issue where used and refurbished [[Seagate]] hard drives are being sold as new. Many buyers reported receiving drives with extensive prior usage, despite being marketed and priced as brand-new products. The issue appears to stem from deceptive practices by certain sellers, rather than Seagate itself, though questions remain regarding how these drives re-entered the supply chain.

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Seagate

2025-07-13T14:16:40Z

McCracken: Added introduction paragraph.

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1978 (Shugart Technology)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.seagate.com/
| Logo =Seagate logo.svg
}}Seagate Technology (Seagate) is a data storage company from the US that specializes in high-quality hard drives, solid state drives, and other such long-term storage solutions.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Incidents==
{{Placeholder box|Add one-paragraph summaries of incidents below in sub-sections, which link to each incident's main article while linking to the main article and including a short summary. It is acceptable to create an incident summary before the main page for an incident has been created. To link to the page use the "Hatnote" or "Main" templates.

If the company has numerous incidents then format them in a table (see [[Amazon]] for an example). }}

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).
===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Seagate

2025-07-13T14:07:48Z

McCracken: Filled out Company template.

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Public
| Founded =1978 (Shugart Technology)
| Industry =Data Storage
| Official Website =https://www.seagate.com/
| Logo =Seagate logo.svg
}}{{Placeholder box|An introductory paragraph starting with "'''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a ...<ref name":0">ref goes here</ref>". When writing the article, insert text in the space below this box, and then delete this tip box (and the other tip boxes below). In the visual editor, just click on a box and press backspace to delete it. In the source editor, simply delete the double curly brackets, and the text inside them.}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User freedom
* User privacy
* Business model
* Market control}}

==Incidents==
{{Placeholder box|Add one-paragraph summaries of incidents below in sub-sections, which link to each incident's main article while linking to the main article and including a short summary. It is acceptable to create an incident summary before the main page for an incident has been created. To link to the page use the "Hatnote" or "Main" templates.

If the company has numerous incidents then format them in a table (see [[Amazon]] for an example). }}

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).
===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}



[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

File:Seagate logo.svg

2025-07-13T14:06:15Z

McCracken: Seagate logo

== Summary ==
Seagate logo
== Licensing ==
{{From Wikimedia}}

Switch Game Key-Card

2025-07-13T14:00:02Z

McCracken: replaced ? with imagine describing the issue in question.

{{StubNotice}}{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = {{PAGENAME}}
| Release Year =2025
| Product Type =Hardware to distribute software
| In Production =Yes
| Official Website =https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/
| Logo =Gamekeycard.png
}}The [[Nintendo]] Switch Game Key-Card is a peripheral first released for the [[Nintendo Switch]] 2. The card itself differentiates itself from the traditional game cards for both generations of the [[Nintendo Switch]] platform by acting as a physical key to access a digital license for a game on the [[Nintendo Switch]] 2.

==Consumer impact summary==

*User Freedom: Game key-cards require access to the [[Nintendo E-Shop]] for the [[Nintendo Switch]] 2 to be used for the first time on a user's console. Functions like how many games released on the [[Xbox]] One/Series consoles.
*User Privacy: Unknown
*Business Model: Trim costs for game distribution

==Impact==

===Right to ownership===
Due to the favorably cheaper nature<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=May 15, 2025 |title=Nintendo Says Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Help Third-Party Publishers Bring ‘Deeper, Larger, and More Immersive Content on the Platform’ |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-says-switch-2-game-key-cards-help-third-party-publishers-bring-deeper-larger-and-more-immersive-content-on-the-platform |access-date=May 28, 2025 |work=IGN}}</ref> of a generic game card that holds a download code, progressively more 3rd-party games are adopting having its physical distribution be exclusive to these cards.<ref>{{Cite news |last=NE |first=Brian |date=May 12, 2025 |title=List of all Nintendo Switch 2 games with a game-key card release |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/list-of-all-nintendo-switch-2-games-with-a-game-key-card-release/ |access-date=May 28, 2025 |work=Nintendo Everything}}</ref> Because of this, if a game is delisted and the card is obtained 2nd-hand, or is alternatively attempted to be reinstalled, these cards become effectively useless.

==See also==

*[[Nintendo Switch]] 

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Nintendo]]
[[Category:Products]]

File:Gamekeycard.png

2025-07-13T13:59:09Z

McCracken: McCracken uploaded a new version of File:Gamekeycard.png

== Summary ==
A diagram showing the "Game-Key Card" logo on a Switch 2 box.
== Licensing ==
{{Permission}}

File:Gamekeycard.png

2025-07-13T13:56:32Z

McCracken: A diagram showing the "Game-Key Card" logo on a Switch 2 box.

== Summary ==
A diagram showing the "Game-Key Card" logo on a Switch 2 box.
== Licensing ==
{{Permission}}