Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Brainly

2026-03-12T22:55:12Z

Reform: Added incomplete notice, removed a unfitting sentence, and added several citation needed notices that should help with creating a company type article that fits the wiki policy better

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Consumer impact summary doesn't need a Freedom, Privacy, Business model, Market control, format. Especially when there isn't enough description material to put there. See https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Consumer_Rights_Wiki:Article_types#Companies|Issue 2=Some incidents can be fit for the Consumer impact summary instead so that we at least have some text there|Issue 3=Probably needs to be cleaned of low verifiability opinions and original research, see wiki policy}}{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=2009
|Industry=Education
|Logo=Brainly logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://brainly.com/
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Brainly|Brainly]]''' (originally Zadane.pl) is a Polish company and platform founded in 2009 by Michał Borkowski dedicated towards students assisting each other for homework online. In recent years, the platform has come under controversy from its users for various issues, from not honoring canceled plans, to facilitating the usage of AI instead of the platform's community.

==Consumer-impact summary==
====Freedom====
Accessing content requires creating a free account, and some community-generated answers are additionally paywalled behind a subscription tier. Account deletion has also been reported to also be tedious.{{Clarify|why}}{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}

====Privacy====
Unknown{{Clarify|how}}; user-generated content is difficult to request removal.

====Business model====
Funded via [[advertising overload]] for free users, additionally has "premium-tier" content.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}
====Market control====
Limited competition; has had some history purchasing competitor websites, such as OpenStudy,<ref>{{Cite news |date=Jun 14, 2016 |title=Brainly Acquires US Social Learning Platform, OpenStudy |url=https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-06-14-brainly-acquires-us-social-learning-platform-openstudy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124153046/https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-06-14-brainly-acquires-us-social-learning-platform-openstudy |archive-date=2026-01-24 |access-date=Apr 30, 2025 |work=[[EdSurge]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Marketwired |date=Jun 14, 2016 |title=Social Learning Platform OpenStudy Joins the Brainly Community |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/social-learning-platform-openstudy-joins-130000652.html |access-date=Apr 30, 2025 |work=Yahoo Finance}}</ref> and soon after deleting them.

==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]].
===Concerning TOS===
According to the Terms of Service (TOS) of Brainly,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Brainly TOS |url=https://brainly.com/pages/terms_of_use |access-date=Apr 30, 2025 |website=Brainly}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-04-30 |title=Brainly |url=https://tosdr.org/en/service/1007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018221453/https://tosdr.org/en/service/1007 |archive-date=2025-10-18 |access-date=2025-04-30 |website=[[Terms of Service; Didn't Read]]}}</ref> any content a user generates for the platform may be sub-licensed out to third parties, and all content generated for the platform has its license preserved even if the consumer's account is deleted, either through an unannounced removal, or the consumer requesting their account to be deleted. Additionally, users are bound under arbitration when it comes to legal disputes against Brainly.

Users within the EU are treated more fairly in their TOS,<ref name=":0" /> however it is inaccessible to users living outside of the EU for reference. 

===Emphasis on AI generated content over user-generated content (''2023/24'')===
Editor's note: Needs fixes!

In early 2024, Brainly experienced a transition towards favoring AI generated content for the platform,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Ravaglia |first=Ray |date=Jan 23, 2024 |title=Brainly Evolving From Questions And Answers To AI Learning Companion |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rayravaglia/2024/01/23/brainly-evolving-from-questions-and-answers-to-ai-learning-companion/ |access-date=Apr 30, 2025 |work=Forbes}}</ref> however earlier in mid-to-late 2023, they integrated an excessive amount of generative AI tools within the site,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thejournal.com/articles/2023/09/14/brainly-adds-ai-powered-tools-to-its-platform.aspx?admgarea=pro.development|title=Brainly Adds AI-Powered Tools to Its Platform|first=Kate|last=Lucariello|date=2023-09-14|work=The Journal|access-date=2025-05-05}}</ref> from AI-powered tutors, to encouraging answers to be generated on question pages by AI. A significant portion of the content originally published to the platform has also been used for the purposes of assisting these AI tools.<ref name=":1" />

===Concerning SEO measures===
Editor's note: may delete this section, please discuss in discuss tab!

Brainly has a problematically large amount of web domains that they own,{{Citation needed|reason=Company articles need NPOV|date=12 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=DomainIQ |title=DomainIQ WhoIs lookup |url=https://www.domainiq.com/domain?brainly.com#/domains |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250505081303/https://www.domainiq.com/domain?brainly.com#/domains |archive-date=May 5, 2025 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=DomainIQ}}</ref> and combined with searching online for assistance with homework questions showing a considerably higher quota of results pointing to the platform, it is difficult for consumers on any of the 3 most popular search engines ([[Google]], [[Bing]], [[Yahoo]]) to evade the platform in search results. This is statistically even higher when questions from online learning platforms such as Edgenuity or Odysseyware are inputted into web searches.{{Citation needed}}

===Auto-renewal deceptive billing===
Reported by consumers on several platforms, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/brooklyn/profile/educational-technology/brainlycom-0121-87151719/complaints|title=Brainly.com - BBB Complaints|work=Better Business Bureau|access-date=2025-05-05}}</ref> Trustpilot,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/brainly.com?stars=1|title=Brainly Reviews|work=Trustpilot|access-date=2025-05-05}}</ref> and Complaints Board,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complaintsboard.com/brainly-b136175#filter|title=Brainly Reviews and Complaints|work=Complaints Board|access-date=2025-05-05}}</ref> Brainly has repeatedly charged users for premium content after they cancelled their subscription.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Emma |date=Mar 8, 2024 |title=A Brief Overview Of Brainly Academic Service |url=https://nocramming.com/tutoring/brainly |access-date=May 5, 2025 |work=NoCramming}}</ref> Notably seen on the BBB, a user had an account charged by Brainly, notably with no refunds despite the account being fraudulently being created with their credentials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anonymous |date=Jun 14, 2024 |title=BBB Complaint |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/brooklyn/profile/educational-technology/brainlycom-0121-87151719/complaints#0121_87151719_21848927 |access-date=May 4, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau}}</ref> Another user cited difficulties to stop charges to their account as well.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=K. |title=Brainly Review: Poor Customer Service & Technical Difficulties Result in Bad Experience |url=https://www.complaintsboard.com/brainly-b136175#c1531768 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=Complaints Board}}</ref>

Users attempting to use customer service have also reported being locked into speaking with an AI assistant to handle their billing problems.<ref name=":3" />

===Difficulty to delete one's own published content===
On the platform, content published by users is impossible to delete, regardless of whether it was a question or an answer, and this content cannot be modified once published either. Additionally, attempting to remove one's account does not effectively delete this content, as-is mentioned in the TOS.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

Some reviews have also mentioned difficulties with the platform allowing users to delete their accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frostism |date=Apr 4, 2025 |title=Unable to delete account |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/67f03f86bb961ab810bb2139 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=Trustpilot}}</ref> This problem is additionally inflated due to the only accessible way to contact site staff being the AI assistant.<ref name=":3" />

===Access limits===
Content that was initially offered to users for free, especially user-generated content, has had its accessibility become questionable. Some content initially published for free has seen it transitioned into content only accessible to premium or "legacy"  accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=U. |first=Anonymous |date=Oct 16, 2020 |title=Paying for Education |url=https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/brainly.com#72 |access-date=May 5, 2020 |website=Sitejabber}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=One |date=Jan 14, 2025 |title=Don't pay for this, it is useless and unhelpful. |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/678526449ae2412eec41a3d9 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=Trustpilot}}</ref> Additionally, there are harsh limits imposed on "free" users who wish to look up answers, as the platform currently limits accessing content to 1 question per day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=H. |first=James |date=Apr 26, 2023 |title=One answer a day |url=https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/brainly.com#373 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=Sitejabber}}</ref>

===Advertising Overload===
{{Main|Advertising overload}}
[[File:Brainly Advertising Overload Example.png|thumb|237x237px|A screenshot of the notification tab, where Brainly is advertising its extension, and Adobe Creative Cloud]]
Since the start of the 2020s, Brainly has introduced progressively more pervasive advertisements on their platform, from some simple static advertisements initially, to massively obstructive ads that have made using the platform nearly impossible.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schiller |first=W. |title=The most horrible and desperate site I've ever been on |url=https://www.complaintsboard.com/brainly-b136175#c1941947 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=Complaints Board}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=L. |first=Jennifer |date=Dec 22, 2020 |title=Terrible! |url=https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/brainly.com#111 |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=sitejabber.com}}</ref> Some ads are even visible in the notification tab, which forces advertisement notifications to be focused at the top, meaning users are forced to be advertised just to check their notifications.

Below are some general examples of the platform's advertising overload problems.<gallery>
File:Brainly UI.webp|A screenshot of a question page as of May 5, 2025
File:Thumbnail 239098 normal.1608673988.jpg|A screenshot showing an obstructive advertisement
File:Premium Ad.jpg|A screenshot showing content blocked behind a premium ad for 'Brainly Plus'
</gallery>

==See also==

===Companies===

*[[CourseHero]]
*[[Chegg]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Advertising overload

2026-03-12T16:08:58Z

Reform: Switched 2 quoteblocks to "Main article: ... "

Advertising overload refers to the practice of not only integrating advertising as a source of revenue in software and websites, but also increasing the number of ads within platforms that consumers use. This has increasingly caused inconvenience to consumers. A commonly cited issue is the ever-increasing length of unskippable ads, which are forcibly shown even to people who need to watch CPR videos.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Luke |date=5 Jun 2023 |title=YouTube is playing three-minute-long adverts before FIRST AID videos — and they've already been linked to at least one death |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12143973/YouTube-playing-30-second-adverts-AID-videos.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709000810/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12143973/YouTube-playing-30-second-adverts-AID-videos.html |archive-date=2025-07-09 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |work=[[Daily Mail]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube Playing Three Minute Ads Prior To First Aid Videos |url=https://1059themountain.com/mornings/youtube-playing-three-minute-ads-prior-to-first-aid-videos/ |url-status=dead |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=105.9 The Mountain}}</ref>

==Applications in industries==

===Operating systems===
Operating systems have been experiencing advertising overload, most notably the large market lead [[Windows]]. [[Activision Blizzard|King]]'s Candy Crush frequently comes pre-installed on [[Windows]] 10 operating systems,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moscaritolo |first=Angela |date=15 May 2025 |title=Windows 10 Will Come With Candy Crush Saga Pre-Installed |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-will-come-with-candy-crush-saga-pre-installed |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[PCMag]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250130100032/https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-will-come-with-candy-crush-saga-pre-installed |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> without consumer consent, and this game is additionally loaded with ads.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Problems with ads in Candy Crush Saga - Solutions and tips |url=https://www.clashofgaming.com/en/problems-with-ads-in-candy-crush-saga-solutions-and-tips |url-status=dead |website=Clash of Gaming}}</ref> Microsoft Solitaire Collection, a mainstay title for Windows devices, has had unnecessary ads inserted into the software.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Feb 2020 |title=Unwanted ads in solitaire collection |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unwanted-ads-in-solitaire-collection/814c97f6-30e5-478d-89f0-dfcad1085485 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174717/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unwanted-ads-in-solitaire-collection/814c97f6-30e5-478d-89f0-dfcad1085485 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Aug 2024 |title=How to stop ads on Microsoft Solitaire collection? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/how-to-stop-ads-on-microsoft-solitaire-collection/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Games Learning Society]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250508004832/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/how-to-stop-ads-on-microsoft-solitaire-collection/ |archive-date=8 May 2025}}</ref> Users who purchased Windows 10+ licenses have reported a progressively increasing number of ads within the software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=28 Feb 2021 |title=How to Disable All of Windows 10's Built-in Advertising |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[How-To Geek]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260125093825/https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/ |archive-date=25 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=De Leon |first=Nicholas |date=21 Oct 2024 |title=How to Get Rid of the Ads and Other Shortcomings in Windows 11 |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/windows-11-how-to-get-rid-of-ads-and-other-shortcomings-a7800213441/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Consumer Reports]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723174357/https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/windows-11-how-to-get-rid-of-ads-and-other-shortcomings-a7800213441/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Apr 2023 |title=Every time I login to my PC a screen advertising Game Pass appears. How do I stop this? |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/every-time-i-login-to-my-pc-a-screen-advertising/6f83ad8a-3dab-43ef-871e-979b58965f6f |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174703/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/every-time-i-login-to-my-pc-a-screen-advertising/6f83ad8a-3dab-43ef-871e-979b58965f6f |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> Windows 10 additionally has pop-ups that frequently prompt legacy users to purchase Windows 11-supported hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irwin |first=Kate |date=21 Nov 2024 |title=Microsoft Pushes Copilot+ PCs on Windows 10 Users With Pop-Up Ads |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-pushes-copilot-plus-pcs-on-windows-10-users-with-pop-up-ads |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2024 |website=[[PCMag]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250126125054/https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-pushes-copilot-plus-pcs-on-windows-10-users-with-pop-up-ads |archive-date=26 Jan 2025}}</ref> While it is possible to disable this pop-up via registry editing in Win 10 Pro edition,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stagg |first=Dave |date=Feb 14, 2022 |title=How to disable the Windows 11 Upgrade prompt |url=https://endpointfocus.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-11-upgrade-prompt/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Endpoint Focus |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250130215921/https://endpointfocus.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-11-upgrade-prompt/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> the registries that are changed with this method are the ones which handle receiving any update, including security updates.

Smart televisions also have been seeing a sharp increase in advertisements within the operating system as well, such as [[Roku]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roku Advertising |url=https://advertising.roku.com |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201023014/https://advertising.roku.com/ |archive-date=2026-02-01 |website=[[Roku Advertising]]}}</ref> and [[Amazon]] Fire TV.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire TV |url=https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/ad-specs/fire-tv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251215085117/https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/ad-specs/fire-tv |archive-date=2025-12-15 |website=[[amazon ads]]}}</ref> [[Roku]] has faced criticism for its plans to introduce ads that appear whenever users pause a game they are playing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=4 Apr 2024 |title=Roku’s New HDMI Tech Could Show Ads When You Pause Your Game |url=https://kotaku.com/roku-patent-hdmi-tech-tv-ads-game-console-pause-screen-1851388976 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174717/https://kotaku.com/roku-patent-hdmi-tech-tv-ads-game-console-pause-screen-1851388976 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This introduces privacy concerns since these detection systems depend on constant spying on consumer's activities.
[[File:Fire TV ads.png|thumb|A screenshot of the home screen for an Amazon Fire TV]]
[[File:Xbox One Dashboard.jpg|thumb|The Xbox One dashboard as of 2022]]
Users of [[Xbox]] One/Series<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=26 Jul 2023 |title=New Xbox Dashboard Looks Great, Still Has Too Many Ads |url=https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725071633/https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Micheals |first=Steve |date=22 Jan 2024 |title=Xbox Gamers Not Happy About Full-Screen Ads |url=https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[GameRant]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724143350/https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> and [[PlayStation]] 4/5 consoles,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=30 Sep 2024 |title=PS5 Homescreen Now Replaces Unique Video Game Art With Annoying Ads You Can’t Turn Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-homescreen-now-replaces-unique-video-game-art-with-annoying-ads-you-cant-turn-off |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250722001903/https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-homescreen-now-replaces-unique-video-game-art-with-annoying-ads-you-cant-turn-off |archive-date=22 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=1 Oct 2024 |title=PlayStation Blames PS5 Dashboard Ads On "Tech Error" |url=https://www.thegamer.com/ps5-dashboard-ads-were-a-bug-tech-issue-removed/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Gamer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241005041024/https://www.thegamer.com/ps5-dashboard-ads-were-a-bug-tech-issue-removed/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Co |first=Alex |date=29 Sep 2024 |title=PS5 New UI Update Also Brought Ads You Can’t Turn Off and Unwanted Forced News Feed to Select Titles |url=https://mp1st.com/news/ps5-new-ui-update-also-brought-unwanted-forced-news-feed-and-ads-to-select-titles |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[MP1ST]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174701/https://mp1st.com/news/ps5-new-ui-update-also-brought-unwanted-forced-news-feed-and-ads-to-select-titles |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> have been receiving ads on the home screens of their systems for over a decade.<ref>[https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/pictures-2023/xbox-one-dashboard-ads Archive of dashboard ads for Xbox consoles]</ref> This practice dates back to the 7th console generation, such as on the [[Xbox]] 360.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-20 |title=The ads finally were removed from the Xbox 360 dashboard |url=https://www.neogaf.com/threads/the-ads-finally-were-removed-from-the-xbox-360-dashboard.1549854/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ZExyD |archive-date=2026-03-09 |website=[[NeoGAF]]}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Low-quality source}}

===Streaming services===
In the late 2010s, there was a polarizing shift within the streaming service industry. New streaming services like IMDB TV and [[Roku]] Television came onto the scene offering free streaming, with the caveat of ads.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=Free ad-supported streaming television |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_ad-supported_streaming_television |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203184000/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_ad-supported_streaming_television |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> This inspired corporations who operated premium streaming services to do the same. In the early 2020s, paying users were forced to watch ads.<ref name=":8">[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131131/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 Archived]) Ads on Netflix]</ref> Since then, users have only been reporting an increase in the amounts of ads<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=11 Sep 2021 |title=Share of adults who think there were too many ads on video streaming services in the United States as of September 2021, by generation |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Statista]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215212237/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> that they watch on their services.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Scott |date=5 Jan 2025 |title=Amazon Prime Video Increases Ad Frequency In The US To Boost Revenue |url=https://9meters.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-prime-video-increases-advertisements-in-the-us-to-boost-revenue-increase-ad-free-signups |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[9meters]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724175144/https://9meters.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-prime-video-increases-advertisements-in-the-us-to-boost-revenue-increase-ad-free-signups |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> These premium providers, such as [[Netflix, Inc.|Netflix]],<ref name=":8" /> do offer versions of their services that are ad free at a higher cost. Consumers have labeled this practice as a form of extortion.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Roettgers |first=Janko |date=23 Sep 2023 |title=Why every streaming service wants you to watch ads now |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Fast Company]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127234258/https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> Plex is one of the few services which only offer a paid, ad-supported version of its platform.

These ad-free tiers additionally are increasing in price,<ref name=":2" /> so it often forces consumers who are disinterested in alternative means to either pay an excessive amount of money to watch their favorite media, or be barraged by increasing ads.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />


===Traditional gaming===
While not on par with its Mobile gaming counterpart, traditional video games have also been experiencing this heavy increase in advertising. This has especially been seen and documented from titles such as [[Call of Duty]] and [[Fortnite]]. The home screen and launch screen experience for these games often aim to direct players toward the storefront, encouraging them to purchase the products that are being promoted that day.<ref>{{Cite news |last=u/Character-Acrobatic |date=Jun 16, 2024 |title=Stop advertising inside the game |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1dgvt12/stop_advertising_inside_the_game/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=reddit |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250118135659/https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1dgvt12/stop_advertising_inside_the_game/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=Nov 3, 2023 |title=Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Has A Full-Screen Ad That Some People Don't Like |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-has-a-full-screen-ad-that-some-people-dont-like/1100-6518890/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Gamespot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211104346/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-has-a-full-screen-ad-that-some-people-dont-like/1100-6518890/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, killcams in Call of Duty have seen ads as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aguilar |first=Jorge A. |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Call of Duty Brings Advertisements to Player Killcams |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/call-of-duty-advertisements-player-killcams/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=How to Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207081717/https://www.howtogeek.com/call-of-duty-advertisements-player-killcams/ |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref> 

[[Activision Blizzard]] has a dedicated advertising division for companies to advertise their products inside their games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Powering brand connections in gaming |url=https://about.ads.microsoft.com/en/solutions/technology/gaming-solutions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103021919/https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ |archive-date=2026-01-03 |website=[[Microsoft Advertising]]}}</ref> [[Epic Games, Inc.|Epic Games]] has done a similar thing.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Joey |date=24 Jul 2024 |title=Fortnite Ads |url=https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Media Shark]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215212419/https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lattin |first=Pesach |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=Fortnite In-Game Advertising. How does it Work? |url=https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[aDOtat]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164045/https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |archive-date=17 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=Dec 2, 2020 |title=How Fortnite Became Gaming’s Great Shameless Marketing Tool |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Den of Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215013514/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> It is expected that legitimate ads may be progressively more pervasive within the media that users pay for.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Olivia |date=11 Oct 2023 |title=In-Game Advertising: How it Works and Why it Works |url=https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Abios]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251205150742/https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |archive-date=5 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=In-game advertising |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251201201031/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |archive-date=1 Dec 2025}}</ref> Advertising agencies in general are also trying to integrate billboard ads for legitimate products inside games, such as Trackmania.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vargas |first=Anthony |date=2 Mar 2022 |title=NBCU Adds In-Game Ads To Its Sales Roster Through Partnership With Anzu |url=https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Ad Exchanger]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114020308/https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Anzu-NBCU-partership-1024x490.jpg|thumb|In-game ads in Trackmania]]
Some platforms have gone so far as to send users notifications explicitly promoting these new products available for purchase within the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Huzaifa |date=24 Nov 2023 |title=Ubisoft Cites “Technical Error” For Recent In-Game Pop-Up Fiasco |url=https://exputer.com/news/games/ubisoft-technical-error-in-game-ad/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Exputer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206085537/https://exputer.com/news/games/ubisoft-technical-error-in-game-ad/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Most have kept these notifications in-game,<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to get rid of GTA Online ads on loading screens |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandTheftAutoV/comments/l3xthb/how_to_get_rid_of_gta_online_ads_on_loading/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210127195925/https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandTheftAutoV/comments/l3xthb/how_to_get_rid_of_gta_online_ads_on_loading/ |archive-date=27 Jan 2021}}</ref> but some have been reported to leave notification pop-ups directly on users' devices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Mar 2023 |title=Why am I constantly having game app ads popping up even when I'm not playing games? |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/204580579/why-am-i-constantly-having-game-app-ads-popping-up-even-when-i-m-not-playing-games?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Google Play Help]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250115063953/https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/204580579/why-am-i-constantly-having-game-app-ads-popping-up-even-when-i-m-not-playing-games?hl=en |archive-date=15 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Oct 2023 |title=Game ads keep popping up every 15-30 seconds! |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CLnjCLSQZ/game-ads-keep-popping-up-every-1530-seconds |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon Forum]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174714/https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CLnjCLSQZ/game-ads-keep-popping-up-every-1530-seconds |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> It is entirely plausible that these marketplace advertisements will increase in popularity from publishers as time goes on. <gallery>
File:Example of in-game ads.jpg|Cod MW3 - Ad in-game marketing the premium version
File:Tmobile Ad in fortnite.webp|Fortnite - Ad marketing T-Mobile
</gallery>

====Advergaming====
{{Main|Advergames}}
While not as popular as it once was, companies would pay developers to work on games that exist solely to advertise a product, such as McDonald's McWorld, which also advertised other products inside the game.<ref>Olivetti, Justin, [https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ The Game Archaeologist: McDonalds’ McWorld MMO is a thing that existed] (2020-05-23) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005215/https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250829122526/https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ Archived])</ref> Sometimes these games would also introduce additional anticonsumer practices, often to the detriment of young kids.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Eric |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=McWorld: What happens when a fast food restaurant create an online virtual world |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nerFPG-PEQ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250825132954/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nerFPG-PEQ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Many of these games were made as shovelware as well, so many of these games are often not meant for an extended period of time to be accessible. Older advergames often only sold for a short period, only up to a few years at best, so if a game held any quality, there is a problem of [[FOMO]], this has been seen with popular titles such as Pepsiman on the PS1 or Cool Spot on the Sega Genesis. In the 2000s, these games often preferred accessing servers, mostly to encourage serving additional ads. Many of these would not last long, and these products people invest into are just taken away from them, such as ToonTown<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Heather |date=23 Aug 2013 |title=Coping with the loss of an online world |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/23/tech/gaming-gadgets/closing-toontown/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250813162715/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/23/tech/gaming-gadgets/closing-toontown/index.html |archive-date=13 Aug 2025}}</ref> or Club Penguin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Marissa |date=3 Apr 2017 |title=Disney’s Beloved Club Penguin Has Shut Down After More Than a Decade. We Documented Its Final Days. |url=https://slate.com/culture/2017/04/what-the-end-of-disneys-mmo-club-penguin-was-like-inside-the-game.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Slate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219191942/https://slate.com/culture/2017/04/what-the-end-of-disneys-mmo-club-penguin-was-like-inside-the-game.html |archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref>

In the modern day, Advergaming has largely preferred existing metaverses, such as Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bains |first=Callum |date=13 Jul 2024 |title=‘Advergames’: how games platform Roblox became a corporate marketing playground |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215212500/https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Chantelle |date=4 Jun 2024 |title=Ikea is Hiring 10 Roblox Players to Work at In-Game Store |url=https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Time]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723195409/https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref> or the literal Metaverse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laughlin |first=Charles |date=14 Jun 2022 |title=Is Dining in the Metaverse Real? Brands Seem to Think So |url=https://www.localogy.com/2022/06/is-dining-in-the-metaverse-real-brands-seem-to-think-so/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Localogy]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174722/https://www.localogy.com/2022/06/is-dining-in-the-metaverse-real-brands-seem-to-think-so/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> These too, have brought controversy<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=22 Apr 2022 |title=Roblox is ‘exploiting’ users with deceptive advertising, watchdog group says |url=https://www.polygon.com/23035640/roblox-ads-deceptive-ftc-complaint |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Polygon]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210010651/https://www.polygon.com/23035640/roblox-ads-deceptive-ftc-complaint/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> and can be seen as anti-consumer.

===Mobile gaming===
A feature often associated with modern day mobile games are ads, especially [[False advertising|misleading ads]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shetty |first=Saurabh |date=27 Jan 2024 |title=How misleading mobile game ads are hurting the industry |url=https://gamingonphone.com/editorial/how-misleading-mobile-game-ads-are-hurting-the-industry/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[GamingonPhone]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250821164359/https://gamingonphone.com/editorial/how-misleading-mobile-game-ads-are-hurting-the-industry/ |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghuram |first=Vignesh |date=25 Oct 2024 |title=False Promises, Real Profits: Why Misleading Ads Work for Mobile Games |url=https://afkgaming.com/global/false-promises-real-profits-why-misleading-ads-work-for-mobile-games |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[AFKGaming]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250803090619/https://afkgaming.com/global/false-promises-real-profits-why-misleading-ads-work-for-mobile-games |archive-date=3 Aug 2025}}</ref> Unfortunately, publishers such as Puzzle1Studio, Metacore Games, and [[Rovio]] have a history of publishing titles that corner the consumer into frequently watching ads in the middle of their games.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=LaMarca |first=Livia |date=8 Dec 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} Oh my god, please stop the excessive ads on mobile games! |url=https://pittnews.com/article/177875/opinions/opinion-oh-my-god-please-stop-the-excessive-ads-on-mobile-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ThePittNews]]|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211161555/https://pittnews.com/article/177875/opinions/opinion-oh-my-god-please-stop-the-excessive-ads-on-mobile-games/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> This practice additionally leeches into Microtransactions, wherein these app developers will intentionally try to coax users into watching ads for increased rewards, or to reduce cooldown times.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Kew-Denniss |first=Zachary |date=7 Dec 2023 |title=Google and Apple share the blame for mobile gaming's awful reputation |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-apple-share-blame-for-mobile-gamings-awful-reputation/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Android Police]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213062816/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-apple-share-blame-for-mobile-gamings-awful-reputation/ |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Major software distribution platforms, such as the Google Play store or the iOS App Store, often allow this behavior<ref name=":4" /> to persist from app developers, even featuring these ad-heavy games.

===Social media===
Social media has become a fundamental part of the advertising world, thanks to the ease with which targeted audiences can be reached based on their interests. There are various types of advertising that users encounter when using all major social media platforms.

====Native ads (In-feed ads)====
Native ads are designed to blend seamlessly into the rest of the feed, mimicking its appearance. They are generally more engaging and lead to stronger brand identification among consumers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Apr 2015 |title=Ad Effectiveness Study: Native Ads Vs Banner Ads |url=https://www.sharethrough.com/blog/ad-effectiveness-study-native-ads-vs-banner-ads |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sharethrough]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215071950/https://www.sharethrough.com/blog/ad-effectiveness-study-native-ads-vs-banner-ads |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> Native ads are distinguishable from organic content by the label “sponsored,” often written in very small text. As highlighted by Dr. Bartosz W. Wojdynski’s research,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wojdynski |first=Bartosz W. |date=Jul 2016 |title=The Deceptiveness of Sponsored News Articles: How Readers Recognize and Perceive Native Advertising |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305718389_The_Deceptiveness_of_Sponsored_News_Articles_How_Readers_Recognize_and_Perceive_Native_Advertising |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230129003538/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305718389_The_Deceptiveness_of_Sponsored_News_Articles_How_Readers_Recognize_and_Perceive_Native_Advertising |archive-date=29 Jan 2023}}</ref> native ads can easily be misleading. In fact, 68% of participants in his study failed to distinguish them from organic content. Therefore, it is crucial that these ads do not come across as deceptive. The [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] follows these three principles:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Native Advertising: A Guide for Businesses |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[FTC]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103230211/https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref><blockquote>
#'''Transparency is key''': An advertisement or promotional message should not suggest or imply to consumers that it is anything other than an ad.
#'''Clarity of commercial intent''': Some native ads may be so clearly commercial in nature that they are unlikely to mislead consumers even without a specific disclosure. In other cases, a disclosure may be necessary to ensure consumers understand the content is advertising.
#'''Clear and prominent disclosures''': If a disclosure is necessary to prevent deception, it must be clear and prominent.
</blockquote>
====Video Ads====
Video ads are among the most common forms of advertising on social media. They can appear either as standalone content or be inserted at the beginning, end, or middle of another video. Shorter, skippable, and non-intrusively placed ads perform better, as they respect user autonomy. Targeted ads are more likely to capture interest. As with other ad formats, transparency is crucial here as well, ensuring that the ad is not perceived as intrusive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krishnan |first=S. Shunmuga |last2=Sitaraman |first2=Ramesh K. |title=Understanding the Effectiveness of Video Ads: A Measurement Study |url=https://www.akamai.com/site/en/documents/research-paper/understanding-the-effectiveness-of-video-ads-a-measurement-study-technical-publication.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240722060725/https://www.akamai.com/site/en/documents/research-paper/understanding-the-effectiveness-of-video-ads-a-measurement-study-technical-publication.pdf |archive-date=22 Jul 2024}}</ref>

====Stories Ads====
Ads that appear in Stories are full-screen, vertical, and often feature interactive elements like swipe-up links, polls, or countdowns. They expire after 24 hours, giving them an ephemeral nature. Story ads are better perceived when they are creative, non-intrusive, and relevant to users' interests.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahatmavidya |first=P.A. |last2=Kerti Yasa |first2=Ni Nyoman |date=Mar 2020 |title=ADVERTISING VALUE OF INSTAGRAM STORIES AND THE EFFECT ON MILLENNIAL’S ATTITUDE |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339884883_ADVERTISING_VALUE_OF_INSTAGRAM_STORIES_AND_THE_EFFECT_ON_MILLENNIAL%27S_ATTITUDE |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231126232406/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339884883_ADVERTISING_VALUE_OF_INSTAGRAM_STORIES_AND_THE_EFFECT_ON_MILLENNIAL'S_ATTITUDE |archive-date=26 Nov 2023}}</ref>

====Influencer marketing====
Influencer marketing is a type of advertising in which brands team up with social media personalities, also known as influencers, to promote a product or service.

Most of these influencers have built a credible standing among a large and engaged following. Brands use brand deals to leverage the influencers' credibility and relatibility and reach audiences in ways that feel far more authentic than traditional advertising.

Users are more influenced by social media personalities who share their values and lifestyles. Consequently, authenticity, trustworthiness, and relevance are the key drivers of consumer behavior. Thus, when influencers share real-life experiences of using a product or service, their recommendations are more likely to resonate with followers and result in higher levels of engagement and purchase intent.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anjali |date=Jun 2020 |title=Influencer Marketing: An Exploratory Study to Identify Antecedents of Consumer Behavior of Millennial |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342181914_Influencer_Marketing_An_Exploratory_Study_to_Identify_Antecedents_of_Consumer_Behavior_of_Millennial |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230506202540/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342181914_Influencer_Marketing_An_Exploratory_Study_to_Identify_Antecedents_of_Consumer_Behavior_of_Millennial |archive-date=6 May 2023}}</ref>

Congruence—the match between the persona of the influencer, the product they are promoting, and the interests of the audience—is crucial. When the fit among these elements is strong it makes the campaign appear more genuine, and therefore more credible. Strong congruence will improve the credibility of an influencer, and create a stronger emotional relationship with the audience.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Belanche |first=Daniel |last2=Ibáñez Sánchez |first2=Sergio |last3=Casaló Ariño |first3=Luis Vicente |last4=Flavián |first4=Marta |date=Apr 2021 |title=Understanding influencer marketing: The role of congruence between influencers, products and consumers |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352120476_Understanding_influencer_marketing_The_role_of_congruence_between_influencers_products_and_consumers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225102404/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352120476_Understanding_influencer_marketing_The_role_of_congruence_between_influencers_products_and_consumers |archive-date=25 February 2026 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]]}}</ref>

Over-commercialization—when influencers promote too many products or aren't transparent—can erode their audience's trust. Clear disclosures, such as #ad or #sponsored, help to maintain transparency and adherence with advertising regulations. Unfortunately, such disclosures are often hidden among numerous hashtags or omitted altogether.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" />

===Web===
{{Main|Advertising Overload in Websites}}
Ever since the introduction of cookies in the early 1990s, websites have been trying to make progressively more money off of advertisers. This pattern used to be easily thwarted, as in the early days of the web, consumers could simply choose not to visit these websites to avoid being so pervasively served advertisements. Unfortunately, in modern times, consumers lack this capability, as mass advertising has now become a systemic problem. Popular news sources, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others, are filled to the brim with advertisements. As mentioned by publications such as The Huffington Post,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elliot |first=Christopher |date=8 Feb 2017 |title=Yes, There Are Too Many Ads Online. Yes, You Can Stop Them. Here's How. |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[HuffPost]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127141328/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297 |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> The Conversation,<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Steve |date=18 Sep 2024 |title=Why is the internet overflowing with rubbish ads – and what can we do about it? |url=https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Conversation]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126234756/https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref> and B2,<ref>Crossland, Archie, (2024-06-20) [https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Ad Overload: Are Publishers Showing Too Many Ads?] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815092938/https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815092938/https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Archived])</ref> the web itself has too many ads.

====Banner Ads====
Banner ads are the most common form of web ads and one of the oldest forms of digital advertising, usually appearing as rectangular graphics at the top, bottom, or sides of a webpage. However, despite their pervasiveness, their effectiveness has been questioned due to phenomena such as banner blindness, where users unconsciously ignore ad-like content. Banner ads work only if they are rightly placed, well designed, and relevant.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Joowon |last2=Ahn |first2=Jae-Hyeon |date=Oct 2012 |title=Attention to Banner Ads and Their Effectiveness: An Eye-Tracking Approach |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220930043417/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach |archive-date=30 Sep 2022}}</ref>

This research<ref name=":7" /> featured the use of eye-tracking technology to analyze how users behave with banner ads. It was found that such ads placed in central or prominent positions on a webpage receive significantly more attention than those in peripheral areas. Moreover, the animated and interactive banners are better at capturing attention than static ones; however, too much may become distracting and otherwise counterproductive. This also underlines that the relevance of the ad to the user's interests is one of the critical drivers of engagement. If banner ads are contextual, relating either to the content of the webpage or the browsing behavior of the user, they are more likely to be noticed and clicked. Advertisers should focus on creating non-intrusive, contextually relevant advertisements that add value to the user experience—not disrupt it.

==Notable Examples==
This section is a stub, please add to it!

===YouTube===
YouTube serves six different categories of advertisement:

*'''Skippable In-stream Ads'''
**These have no maximum length, though they are skippable after playing for five seconds.
**They can play before, during, or after other videos, or as a full screen interstitial ad in the mobile app.
**They can also appear on YouTube TV.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=About YouTube TV Ads - Google Ads Help |url=https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/10651730 |access-date=11-Mar-2026 |website=Google Support}}</ref>
*'''Non-skippable In-stream Ads'''
**These are up to 60 seconds long, and can't be skipped.
**They can appear before, during, and after other videos, and on YouTube TV.<ref name=":9" />
*'''In-feed Video Ads'''
**These consist of a thumbnail and some text, appearing alongside real videos.
**They can appear amongst the search results, on the YouTube mobile homepage, and alongside related videos.
*'''Bumper Ads'''
**Bumper Ads are a category of non-skippable ads that are at most 6 seconds long.
*'''Masthead Ads'''
**These ads have no maximum length, though on desktop platforms only the first 30 seconds play.
**This ad consists of a video that autoplays at the top of the YouTube home feed. After the video is finished (or after 30 seconds on desktop) the ad displays a thumbnail.
*'''YouTube Shorts Ads'''
**These ads are intended to blend in with normal Shorts videos. As with normal Shorts, users can skip the ad by swiping up or down, and the ad will be kept and reshown if the user scrolls back.
**YouTube does not list a hard time limit, but they recommend a maximum of 60 seconds. <ref>{{Cite web |title=About video ad formats - YouTube Help |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2375464?hl=en#Youtube_Shorts_ads |access-date=11 Mar 2026 |website=Google Support}}</ref>

====Youtube premium controversy====
Recent controversy has brought up cases in which YouTube Premium subscribers still see advertisements—contrary to the service's own highlighting of offering an ad-free experience. Users have reported both pre-roll ads and mid-roll ads, along with promotional content in the Home feed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I have YouTube premium, why am I getting adds. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250615050502/https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |archive-date=15 Jun 2025}}</ref> In one prominent case, a user in Germany received an email from support at YouTube which said, in essence: "Sometimes promotional ads may appear for specific partnerships or limited-time offers," thereby hinting at the possibility of factors like location, viewing history, or special marketing efforts that could influence the event.

In response to these reports, a YouTube spokesperson confirmed that Premium members should not see either pre-roll or mid-roll ads. They further stated that if subscribers do, they should reach out to support immediately. YouTube also said that Premium members may have access to different rewards with trusted partners, which they outline on their benefits page, but those shouldn't show up as ads within the video itself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=13 Nov 2024 |title=Some YouTube Premium users are seeing ads, but YouTube says they shouldn’t be |url=https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[9to5google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250801232117/https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ |archive-date=1 Aug 2025}}</ref> A fix for this is also shown in [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/why-youtube-premium-users-may-still-see-ads/story this guide].

==Further Reading==

*[[Stellantis in car advertisements]]
*[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]
*[[Ad block]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Theme]]

Whoop

2026-03-12T15:36:15Z

Reform: shortened

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2012
|Industry=Health, Technology
|Logo=Whoop Logo.webp
|Type=Inc
|Website=https://www.whoop.com/,https://shop.whoop.com/fr/fr/,https://shop.whoop.com/gb/en/
|Description=Whoop, Inc. (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
}}'''[[wikipedia:Whoop_(company)|Whoop, Inc]].''' (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=2021-08-31 |title=Whoop raises another $200M for its athlete-focused fitness wearable |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112201714/https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=Whoop Terms of Use |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |at=24. CONTACT Contact Us. If you have any questions regarding the Services, please contact Membership Services via support.whoop.com or call 1-833-948-0566. Our mailing address is Whoop, Inc., One Kenmore Square #601 Boston, MA 02215. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224100650/https://www.whoop.com/us/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> Its principal product is a health tracking wristband that measures strain, recovery, and sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=2017-03-06 |title=MLB approves device to measure biometrics of players |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=ESPN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207154914/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Willgress |first=Lydia |date=2021-04-14 |title=We put Whoop's fitness tracker strap and membership experience to the test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Indepentdent |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251006230411/https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |archive-date=6 Oct 2025}}</ref> The device is best known for its use by athletes, and requires a subscription in order to process the data it gathers from the user's body.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle |date=2016-07-29 |title=Wearable apps help Olympic athletes train at their best |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240703142549/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2024 |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindemann |first=Hannah |date=2021-03-31 |title=Whoop Strap im Test |url=https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007143255/https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Runner's World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hüber |first=Frank |date=2021-04-20 |title=Whoop Strap 3.0 im Test: Dauerdatenlieferant für Fitness, Schlaf und Erholung |url=https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250117224052/https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbase}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsen |first=Janina |date=2025-05-14 |title=Whoop 5.0 im Praxis-Test: Der aktuell teuerste Fitnesstracker |url=https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208133831/https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |archive-date=8 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbild}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=Memberships made for you |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907171446/https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref> Whoop, Inc. also sells wearable biceps bands and various other items like colorful straps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=4.0 Bands |url=https://shop.whoop.com/de/en/collections/band/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

====Planned obsolescence====
No basic tracking capabilities of the Whoop wearable device are available to users without a subscription, because it will not sync the data with the app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Austin |first=Max |date=12 Mar 2026 |title=Can You Use Whoop Without Membership? Here’s the Truth |url=https://wearald.com/whoop-without-membership/#Can_You_Use_Whoop_Without_Membership |url-status=live |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=Wearald}}</ref> The device is designed to be useless when there is no active subscription, effectively creating [[planned obsolescence]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Randall |first=Nick |date=13 Jul 2023 |title=Whoop Without Membership: our Guide to Fitness Tracking |url=https://thewearify.com/whoop-without-membership/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=Thewearify}}</ref>

====Forced app download====
Whoop offers a limited set of information in the web experience, while the mobile app provides "comprehensive insights including Strain, Recovery, Sleep tracking, WHOOP Coach, and other health metrics with a rich, interactive interface designed for one-the-go use." This forces the user to use the mobile app in order to get full access to the features they paid for.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benger |first=Liv |date=Oct 2025 |title=Whoop APP complete desktop web version |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/whoop-app-complete-desktop-web-version/9478 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=WHOOP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlotterbeck |first=Noor |date=Nov 2025 |title=WHOOP coach on browser or desktop app |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/whoop-coach-on-browser-or-desktop-app/11211 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=WHOOP}}</ref>

====Lengthy cancellation process====
As of March 11th 2026, the process to cancel a Whoop subscription involves navigating ~11 different pages.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=noooor |date=2025-12-01 |title=How do I cancel a membership? |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213152531/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370|archive-date=2026-02-13|access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-10-06 |title=Canceling Your Membership |url=https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250728215100/https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |archive-date=28 Jul 2025}}</ref> An average cancellation might take around 15 minutes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Bella |date=2 Feb 2026 |title=How To Cancel Your Whoop Subscription (2026) |url=https://www.joinchargeback.com/cancels/how-to-cancel-whoop |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2026 |website=Chargeback}}</ref>

Starting from the Membership menu, the customer is required to find "Cancel your Membership" button at the bottom (Step 1). Then within a page that presents retention offers, click "Take survey to cancel" and avoid those retention offers. To complete the cancellation, a survey must be taken on why they want to cancel their subscription.<ref name=":0" />

The "Cancel my Subscription" button is at the bottom of the "memberships" page. A big "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button is displayed above it. This button is stylized and red. Below it there is the "Cancel my Membership" text. This text is underscored and doesn't look like a button. To access this "Cancel my Membership" text one has to scroll down and then look specifically for this text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

Once the user clicks on the "Cancel my Membership" text they will be greeted by a huge red "Remain a member" button. Below this button is an underscored "Take survey to cancel" text. This almost looks like a "get back to the previous page" text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}
<gallery>
File:Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process.png|Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Picture 1.png|Step 2 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
</gallery>
On the next page it will tell you to pause your membership instead. It then shows you the benefits from pausing your membership. It lists the following benefits with this headline:

Headline: "take a break and use your remaining months later" & "pausing your membership will allow you to:"

#Use the remaining 352 days of your membership later
#Save your existing data until you’re ready to come back
#Pause billing and data uploads, you can unpause at any time

This time instead of the "REMAIN A MEMBER" button there is a red "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button in all caps. Just below is a "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text which isn't highlighted in any color. If you click the "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text the user will see the following: "Cancelling your WHOOP membership disables the ability to upload new data to your strap." It will ask you the following question: "What’s the primary reason you decided to cancel your WHOOP membership?".
[[File:Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
It lists various answers:

#I misplaced the sensor and don’t want to pay for a replacement
#Didn’t provide features I expected
#Unhappy wearing the strap (fit, comfort, durability, etc.)
#I had a life change that made it difficult to use the product (pregnancy, injury, work schedule, etc.)
#I’m not confident in the pace of innovation
#Didn’t trust the accuracy of the data
#The sensor was not working properly
#I can no longer afford the subscription
#Didn’t help me meet my personal goals
#Customer service issues
#Other

[[File:Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
If the user doesn't want to answer any of these questions they can click on "Other". This will show a little box where the user can enter their reason and click on "Next" afterwards. It will then show a "GIVE FEEDBACK" page with a sub-headline that states "Feedback helps WHOOP improve." It asks you "When did you decide you would not renew?" and gives four answers.

#1 WEEK BEFORE RENEWAL
#1 MONTH BEFORE RENEWAL
#3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL
#OVER 3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL

[[File:Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The user cannot skip the questions. Once the user clicks on an answer they will be asked the following question: "Are you planning to switch to another device? If yes, which device?". It lists various competitors' devices. The user cannot skip over this question.

#Apple Watch Ultra
#Google Pixel Watch
#Ultrahuman Ring
#Fitbit
#Samsung Galaxy Watch
#Oura Ring
#Samsung Galaxy Ring
#Garmin
#Apple Watch
#I'm not switching to a new device
#Other

[[File:Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The "other" button will show a box where the user can enter their reason and click on next. This takes at least two clicks to do as with the previous "Other" button. After this question the user will be asked "Which of the following best describes why you decided to switch to this device?". It offers multiple answers again.

#The product was certified by a scientific organization
#I liked the device form factor the most (e.g., ring, wrist-based)
#The brand resonated with me
#I followed a recommendation from a friend or family member
#I saw value after completing a free trial
#The offering was easy to understand
#I trusted a review
#The product had the best feature set
#I saw the product in-store
#The product was well-priced
#The device is the most accurate
#Other
<gallery>
File:Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Screenshot of a successfull Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Screenshot of a successful Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Whoop Subscription Cancelation E-Mail.png|Whoop Subscription Cancellation E-Mail
</gallery>
Clicking on the "Other" button prompts you to put in a custom answer again. Then the user can click on "Next". On the next page the user is greeted by a red "CLAIM OFFER" headline and a red button that says "YES, CLAIM 10% OFF". Below that button is a non-highlighted "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" button. Once you click on that the new page says "CANCEL MEMBERSHIP".{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

====Removal of payment method====
There is no button to remove the payment method.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Benger |first=Liv |date=2025-11-01 |title=Payment card to be removed |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217005607/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=WHOOP}}</ref> The user can update the payment method. Whoop will charge the payment method with 1$ to verify functionality. The user has no assurance that their payment method won't be charged if they can't remove it.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

==Incidents==

==See also==

*[[Dark pattern]]
*[[Planned obsolescence]]
*[[Forced app download]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Whoop

2026-03-12T15:35:06Z

Reform: Small word adjustment

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2012
|Industry=Health, Technology
|Logo=Whoop Logo.webp
|Type=Inc
|Website=https://www.whoop.com/,https://shop.whoop.com/fr/fr/,https://shop.whoop.com/gb/en/
|Description=Whoop, Inc. (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
}}'''[[wikipedia:Whoop_(company)|Whoop, Inc]].''' (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=2021-08-31 |title=Whoop raises another $200M for its athlete-focused fitness wearable |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112201714/https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=Whoop Terms of Use |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |at=24. CONTACT Contact Us. If you have any questions regarding the Services, please contact Membership Services via support.whoop.com or call 1-833-948-0566. Our mailing address is Whoop, Inc., One Kenmore Square #601 Boston, MA 02215. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224100650/https://www.whoop.com/us/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> Its principal product is a health tracking wristband that measures strain, recovery, and sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=2017-03-06 |title=MLB approves device to measure biometrics of players |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=ESPN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207154914/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Willgress |first=Lydia |date=2021-04-14 |title=We put Whoop's fitness tracker strap and membership experience to the test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Indepentdent |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251006230411/https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |archive-date=6 Oct 2025}}</ref> The device is best known for its use by athletes, and requires a subscription in order to process the data it gathers from the user's body.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle |date=2016-07-29 |title=Wearable apps help Olympic athletes train at their best |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240703142549/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2024 |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindemann |first=Hannah |date=2021-03-31 |title=Whoop Strap im Test |url=https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007143255/https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Runner's World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hüber |first=Frank |date=2021-04-20 |title=Whoop Strap 3.0 im Test: Dauerdatenlieferant für Fitness, Schlaf und Erholung |url=https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250117224052/https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbase}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsen |first=Janina |date=2025-05-14 |title=Whoop 5.0 im Praxis-Test: Der aktuell teuerste Fitnesstracker |url=https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208133831/https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |archive-date=8 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbild}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=Memberships made for you |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907171446/https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref> Whoop, Inc. also sells wearable biceps bands and various other items like colorful straps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=4.0 Bands |url=https://shop.whoop.com/de/en/collections/band/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

====Planned obsolescence====
No basic tracking capabilities of the Whoop wearable device are available to users without a subscription, because it will not sync the data with the app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Austin |first=Max |date=12 Mar 2026 |title=Can You Use Whoop Without Membership? Here’s the Truth |url=https://wearald.com/whoop-without-membership/#Can_You_Use_Whoop_Without_Membership |url-status=live |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=Wearald}}</ref> The device is designed to be useless when there is no active subscription, effectively creating [[planned obsolescence]] with the planned time being when the user cancels their subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Randall |first=Nick |date=13 Jul 2023 |title=Whoop Without Membership: our Guide to Fitness Tracking |url=https://thewearify.com/whoop-without-membership/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=Thewearify}}</ref>

====Forced app download====
Whoop offers a limited set of information in the web experience, while the mobile app provides "comprehensive insights including Strain, Recovery, Sleep tracking, WHOOP Coach, and other health metrics with a rich, interactive interface designed for one-the-go use." This forces the user to use the mobile app in order to get full access to the features they paid for.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benger |first=Liv |date=Oct 2025 |title=Whoop APP complete desktop web version |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/whoop-app-complete-desktop-web-version/9478 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=WHOOP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlotterbeck |first=Noor |date=Nov 2025 |title=WHOOP coach on browser or desktop app |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/whoop-coach-on-browser-or-desktop-app/11211 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=WHOOP}}</ref>

====Lengthy cancellation process====
As of March 11th 2026, the process to cancel a Whoop subscription involves navigating ~11 different pages.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=noooor |date=2025-12-01 |title=How do I cancel a membership? |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213152531/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370|archive-date=2026-02-13|access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-10-06 |title=Canceling Your Membership |url=https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250728215100/https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |archive-date=28 Jul 2025}}</ref> An average cancellation might take around 15 minutes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Bella |date=2 Feb 2026 |title=How To Cancel Your Whoop Subscription (2026) |url=https://www.joinchargeback.com/cancels/how-to-cancel-whoop |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2026 |website=Chargeback}}</ref>

Starting from the Membership menu, the customer is required to find "Cancel your Membership" button at the bottom (Step 1). Then within a page that presents retention offers, click "Take survey to cancel" and avoid those retention offers. To complete the cancellation, a survey must be taken on why they want to cancel their subscription.<ref name=":0" />

The "Cancel my Subscription" button is at the bottom of the "memberships" page. A big "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button is displayed above it. This button is stylized and red. Below it there is the "Cancel my Membership" text. This text is underscored and doesn't look like a button. To access this "Cancel my Membership" text one has to scroll down and then look specifically for this text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

Once the user clicks on the "Cancel my Membership" text they will be greeted by a huge red "Remain a member" button. Below this button is an underscored "Take survey to cancel" text. This almost looks like a "get back to the previous page" text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}
<gallery>
File:Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process.png|Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Picture 1.png|Step 2 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
</gallery>
On the next page it will tell you to pause your membership instead. It then shows you the benefits from pausing your membership. It lists the following benefits with this headline:

Headline: "take a break and use your remaining months later" & "pausing your membership will allow you to:"

#Use the remaining 352 days of your membership later
#Save your existing data until you’re ready to come back
#Pause billing and data uploads, you can unpause at any time

This time instead of the "REMAIN A MEMBER" button there is a red "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button in all caps. Just below is a "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text which isn't highlighted in any color. If you click the "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text the user will see the following: "Cancelling your WHOOP membership disables the ability to upload new data to your strap." It will ask you the following question: "What’s the primary reason you decided to cancel your WHOOP membership?".
[[File:Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
It lists various answers:

#I misplaced the sensor and don’t want to pay for a replacement
#Didn’t provide features I expected
#Unhappy wearing the strap (fit, comfort, durability, etc.)
#I had a life change that made it difficult to use the product (pregnancy, injury, work schedule, etc.)
#I’m not confident in the pace of innovation
#Didn’t trust the accuracy of the data
#The sensor was not working properly
#I can no longer afford the subscription
#Didn’t help me meet my personal goals
#Customer service issues
#Other

[[File:Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
If the user doesn't want to answer any of these questions they can click on "Other". This will show a little box where the user can enter their reason and click on "Next" afterwards. It will then show a "GIVE FEEDBACK" page with a sub-headline that states "Feedback helps WHOOP improve." It asks you "When did you decide you would not renew?" and gives four answers.

#1 WEEK BEFORE RENEWAL
#1 MONTH BEFORE RENEWAL
#3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL
#OVER 3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL

[[File:Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The user cannot skip the questions. Once the user clicks on an answer they will be asked the following question: "Are you planning to switch to another device? If yes, which device?". It lists various competitors' devices. The user cannot skip over this question.

#Apple Watch Ultra
#Google Pixel Watch
#Ultrahuman Ring
#Fitbit
#Samsung Galaxy Watch
#Oura Ring
#Samsung Galaxy Ring
#Garmin
#Apple Watch
#I'm not switching to a new device
#Other

[[File:Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The "other" button will show a box where the user can enter their reason and click on next. This takes at least two clicks to do as with the previous "Other" button. After this question the user will be asked "Which of the following best describes why you decided to switch to this device?". It offers multiple answers again.

#The product was certified by a scientific organization
#I liked the device form factor the most (e.g., ring, wrist-based)
#The brand resonated with me
#I followed a recommendation from a friend or family member
#I saw value after completing a free trial
#The offering was easy to understand
#I trusted a review
#The product had the best feature set
#I saw the product in-store
#The product was well-priced
#The device is the most accurate
#Other
<gallery>
File:Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Screenshot of a successfull Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Screenshot of a successful Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Whoop Subscription Cancelation E-Mail.png|Whoop Subscription Cancellation E-Mail
</gallery>
Clicking on the "Other" button prompts you to put in a custom answer again. Then the user can click on "Next". On the next page the user is greeted by a red "CLAIM OFFER" headline and a red button that says "YES, CLAIM 10% OFF". Below that button is a non-highlighted "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" button. Once you click on that the new page says "CANCEL MEMBERSHIP".{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

====Removal of payment method====
There is no button to remove the payment method.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Benger |first=Liv |date=2025-11-01 |title=Payment card to be removed |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217005607/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=WHOOP}}</ref> The user can update the payment method. Whoop will charge the payment method with 1$ to verify functionality. The user has no assurance that their payment method won't be charged if they can't remove it.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

==Incidents==

==See also==

*[[Dark pattern]]
*[[Planned obsolescence]]
*[[Forced app download]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Whoop

2026-03-12T15:15:27Z

Reform: Simpler wording and directness

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2012
|Industry=Health, Technology
|Logo=Whoop Logo.webp
|Type=Inc
|Website=https://www.whoop.com/,https://shop.whoop.com/fr/fr/,https://shop.whoop.com/gb/en/
|Description=Whoop, Inc. (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
}}'''[[wikipedia:Whoop_(company)|Whoop, Inc]].''' (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=2021-08-31 |title=Whoop raises another $200M for its athlete-focused fitness wearable |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112201714/https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=Whoop Terms of Use |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |at=24. CONTACT Contact Us. If you have any questions regarding the Services, please contact Membership Services via support.whoop.com or call 1-833-948-0566. Our mailing address is Whoop, Inc., One Kenmore Square #601 Boston, MA 02215. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224100650/https://www.whoop.com/us/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> Its principal product is a health tracking wristband that measures strain, recovery, and sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=2017-03-06 |title=MLB approves device to measure biometrics of players |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=ESPN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207154914/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Willgress |first=Lydia |date=2021-04-14 |title=We put Whoop's fitness tracker strap and membership experience to the test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Indepentdent |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251006230411/https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |archive-date=6 Oct 2025}}</ref> The device is best known for its use by athletes, and requires a subscription in order to process the data it gathers from the user's body.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle |date=2016-07-29 |title=Wearable apps help Olympic athletes train at their best |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240703142549/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2024 |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindemann |first=Hannah |date=2021-03-31 |title=Whoop Strap im Test |url=https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007143255/https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Runner's World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hüber |first=Frank |date=2021-04-20 |title=Whoop Strap 3.0 im Test: Dauerdatenlieferant für Fitness, Schlaf und Erholung |url=https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250117224052/https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbase}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsen |first=Janina |date=2025-05-14 |title=Whoop 5.0 im Praxis-Test: Der aktuell teuerste Fitnesstracker |url=https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208133831/https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |archive-date=8 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbild}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=Memberships made for you |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907171446/https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref> Whoop, Inc. also sells wearable biceps bands and various other items like colorful straps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=4.0 Bands |url=https://shop.whoop.com/de/en/collections/band/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

====Planned obsolescence====
No basic tracking capabilities of the Whoop wearable device are available to users without a subscription, because it doesn't sync the data with the app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Austin |first=Max |date=12 Mar 2026 |title=Can You Use Whoop Without Membership? Here’s the Truth |url=https://wearald.com/whoop-without-membership/#Can_You_Use_Whoop_Without_Membership |url-status=live |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=Wearald}}</ref> The device is designed to be useless when there is no active subscription, effectively creating [[planned obsolescence]] with the planned time being when the user cancels their subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Randall |first=Nick |date=13 Jul 2023 |title=Whoop Without Membership: our Guide to Fitness Tracking |url=https://thewearify.com/whoop-without-membership/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=Thewearify}}</ref>

====Forced app download====
Whoop offers a limited set of information in the web experience, while the mobile app provides "comprehensive insights including Strain, Recovery, Sleep tracking, WHOOP Coach, and other health metrics with a rich, interactive interface designed for one-the-go use." This forces the user to use the mobile app in order to get full access to the features they paid for.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benger |first=Liv |date=Oct 2025 |title=Whoop APP complete desktop web version |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/whoop-app-complete-desktop-web-version/9478 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=WHOOP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlotterbeck |first=Noor |date=Nov 2025 |title=WHOOP coach on browser or desktop app |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/whoop-coach-on-browser-or-desktop-app/11211 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=WHOOP}}</ref>

====Lengthy cancellation process====
As of March 11th 2026, the process to cancel a Whoop subscription involves navigating ~11 different pages.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=noooor |date=2025-12-01 |title=How do I cancel a membership? |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213152531/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370|archive-date=2026-02-13|access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-10-06 |title=Canceling Your Membership |url=https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250728215100/https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |archive-date=28 Jul 2025}}</ref> An average cancellation might take around 15 minutes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Bella |date=2 Feb 2026 |title=How To Cancel Your Whoop Subscription (2026) |url=https://www.joinchargeback.com/cancels/how-to-cancel-whoop |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2026 |website=Chargeback}}</ref>

Starting from the Membership menu, the customer is required to find "Cancel your Membership" button at the bottom (Step 1). Then within a page that presents retention offers, click "Take survey to cancel" and avoid those retention offers. To complete the cancellation, a survey must be taken on why they want to cancel their subscription.<ref name=":0" />

The "Cancel my Subscription" button is at the bottom of the "memberships" page. A big "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button is displayed above it. This button is stylized and red. Below it there is the "Cancel my Membership" text. This text is underscored and doesn't look like a button. To access this "Cancel my Membership" text one has to scroll down and then look specifically for this text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

Once the user clicks on the "Cancel my Membership" text they will be greeted by a huge red "Remain a member" button. Below this button is an underscored "Take survey to cancel" text. This almost looks like a "get back to the previous page" text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}
<gallery>
File:Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process.png|Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Picture 1.png|Step 2 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
</gallery>
On the next page it will tell you to pause your membership instead. It then shows you the benefits from pausing your membership. It lists the following benefits with this headline:

Headline: "take a break and use your remaining months later" & "pausing your membership will allow you to:"

#Use the remaining 352 days of your membership later
#Save your existing data until you’re ready to come back
#Pause billing and data uploads, you can unpause at any time

This time instead of the "REMAIN A MEMBER" button there is a red "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button in all caps. Just below is a "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text which isn't highlighted in any color. If you click the "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text the user will see the following: "Cancelling your WHOOP membership disables the ability to upload new data to your strap." It will ask you the following question: "What’s the primary reason you decided to cancel your WHOOP membership?".
[[File:Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
It lists various answers:

#I misplaced the sensor and don’t want to pay for a replacement
#Didn’t provide features I expected
#Unhappy wearing the strap (fit, comfort, durability, etc.)
#I had a life change that made it difficult to use the product (pregnancy, injury, work schedule, etc.)
#I’m not confident in the pace of innovation
#Didn’t trust the accuracy of the data
#The sensor was not working properly
#I can no longer afford the subscription
#Didn’t help me meet my personal goals
#Customer service issues
#Other

[[File:Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
If the user doesn't want to answer any of these questions they can click on "Other". This will show a little box where the user can enter their reason and click on "Next" afterwards. It will then show a "GIVE FEEDBACK" page with a sub-headline that states "Feedback helps WHOOP improve." It asks you "When did you decide you would not renew?" and gives four answers.

#1 WEEK BEFORE RENEWAL
#1 MONTH BEFORE RENEWAL
#3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL
#OVER 3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL

[[File:Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The user cannot skip the questions. Once the user clicks on an answer they will be asked the following question: "Are you planning to switch to another device? If yes, which device?". It lists various competitors' devices. The user cannot skip over this question.

#Apple Watch Ultra
#Google Pixel Watch
#Ultrahuman Ring
#Fitbit
#Samsung Galaxy Watch
#Oura Ring
#Samsung Galaxy Ring
#Garmin
#Apple Watch
#I'm not switching to a new device
#Other

[[File:Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The "other" button will show a box where the user can enter their reason and click on next. This takes at least two clicks to do as with the previous "Other" button. After this question the user will be asked "Which of the following best describes why you decided to switch to this device?". It offers multiple answers again.

#The product was certified by a scientific organization
#I liked the device form factor the most (e.g., ring, wrist-based)
#The brand resonated with me
#I followed a recommendation from a friend or family member
#I saw value after completing a free trial
#The offering was easy to understand
#I trusted a review
#The product had the best feature set
#I saw the product in-store
#The product was well-priced
#The device is the most accurate
#Other
<gallery>
File:Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Screenshot of a successfull Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Screenshot of a successful Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Whoop Subscription Cancelation E-Mail.png|Whoop Subscription Cancellation E-Mail
</gallery>
Clicking on the "Other" button prompts you to put in a custom answer again. Then the user can click on "Next". On the next page the user is greeted by a red "CLAIM OFFER" headline and a red button that says "YES, CLAIM 10% OFF". Below that button is a non-highlighted "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" button. Once you click on that the new page says "CANCEL MEMBERSHIP".{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

====Removal of payment method====
There is no button to remove the payment method.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Benger |first=Liv |date=2025-11-01 |title=Payment card to be removed |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217005607/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=WHOOP}}</ref> The user can update the payment method. Whoop will charge the payment method with 1$ to verify functionality. The user has no assurance that their payment method won't be charged if they can't remove it.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

==Incidents==

==See also==

*[[Dark pattern]]
*[[Planned obsolescence]]
*[[Forced app download]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Whoop

2026-03-12T15:12:36Z

Reform: An overhaul to align it closer with a company article and 2 sections in the impact summary have been added

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2012
|Industry=Health, Technology
|Logo=Whoop Logo.webp
|Type=Inc
|Website=https://www.whoop.com/,https://shop.whoop.com/fr/fr/,https://shop.whoop.com/gb/en/
|Description=Whoop, Inc. (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
}}'''[[wikipedia:Whoop_(company)|Whoop, Inc]].''' (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=2021-08-31 |title=Whoop raises another $200M for its athlete-focused fitness wearable |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112201714/https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=Whoop Terms of Use |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |at=24. CONTACT Contact Us. If you have any questions regarding the Services, please contact Membership Services via support.whoop.com or call 1-833-948-0566. Our mailing address is Whoop, Inc., One Kenmore Square #601 Boston, MA 02215. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224100650/https://www.whoop.com/us/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> Its principal product is a health tracking wristband that measures strain, recovery, and sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=2017-03-06 |title=MLB approves device to measure biometrics of players |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=ESPN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207154914/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Willgress |first=Lydia |date=2021-04-14 |title=We put Whoop's fitness tracker strap and membership experience to the test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Indepentdent |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251006230411/https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |archive-date=6 Oct 2025}}</ref> The device is best known for its use by athletes, and requires a subscription in order to process the data it gathers from the user's body.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle |date=2016-07-29 |title=Wearable apps help Olympic athletes train at their best |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240703142549/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2024 |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindemann |first=Hannah |date=2021-03-31 |title=Whoop Strap im Test |url=https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007143255/https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Runner's World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hüber |first=Frank |date=2021-04-20 |title=Whoop Strap 3.0 im Test: Dauerdatenlieferant für Fitness, Schlaf und Erholung |url=https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250117224052/https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbase}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsen |first=Janina |date=2025-05-14 |title=Whoop 5.0 im Praxis-Test: Der aktuell teuerste Fitnesstracker |url=https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208133831/https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |archive-date=8 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbild}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=Memberships made for you |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907171446/https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref> Whoop, Inc. also sells wearable biceps bands and various other items like colorful straps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=4.0 Bands |url=https://shop.whoop.com/de/en/collections/band/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

==== Planned obsolescence ====
No basic tracking capabilities of the Whoop wearable device are available to users without a subscription, because it doesn't sync the data with the app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Austin |first=Max |date=12 Mar 2026 |title=Can You Use Whoop Without Membership? Here’s the Truth |url=https://wearald.com/whoop-without-membership/#Can_You_Use_Whoop_Without_Membership |url-status=live |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=Wearald}}</ref> The device is designed to stop being useful when there is no active subscription, effectively creating [[planned obsolescence]] with the planned time being when the user cancels their subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Randall |first=Nick |date=13 Jul 2023 |title=Whoop Without Membership: our Guide to Fitness Tracking |url=https://thewearify.com/whoop-without-membership/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=Thewearify}}</ref>

==== Forced app download ====
Whoop offers a limited set of information in the web experience, while the mobile app provides "comprehensive insights including Strain, Recovery, Sleep tracking, WHOOP Coach, and other health metrics with a rich, interactive interface designed for one-the-go use." This forces the user to use the mobile app in order to get full access to the features they paid for.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benger |first=Liv |date=Oct 2025 |title=Whoop APP complete desktop web version |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/whoop-app-complete-desktop-web-version/9478 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=WHOOP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlotterbeck |first=Noor |date=Nov 2025 |title=WHOOP coach on browser or desktop app |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/whoop-coach-on-browser-or-desktop-app/11211 |access-date=12 Mar 2026 |website=WHOOP}}</ref>

==== Lengthy cancellation process ====
As of March 11th 2026, the process to cancel a Whoop subscription involves navigating ~11 different pages.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=noooor |date=2025-12-01 |title=How do I cancel a membership? |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213152531/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370|archive-date=2026-02-13|access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-10-06 |title=Canceling Your Membership |url=https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250728215100/https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |archive-date=28 Jul 2025}}</ref> An average cancellation might take around 15 minutes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Bella |date=2 Feb 2026 |title=How To Cancel Your Whoop Subscription (2026) |url=https://www.joinchargeback.com/cancels/how-to-cancel-whoop |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2026 |website=Chargeback}}</ref>

Starting from the Membership menu, the customer is required to find "Cancel your Membership" button at the bottom (Step 1). Then within a page that presents retention offers, click "Take survey to cancel" and avoid those retention offers. To complete the cancellation, a survey must be taken on why they want to cancel their subscription.<ref name=":0" />

The "Cancel my Subscription" button is at the bottom of the "memberships" page. A big "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button is displayed above it. This button is stylized and red. Below it there is the "Cancel my Membership" text. This text is underscored and doesn't look like a button. To access this "Cancel my Membership" text one has to scroll down and then look specifically for this text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

Once the user clicks on the "Cancel my Membership" text they will be greeted by a huge red "Remain a member" button. Below this button is an underscored "Take survey to cancel" text. This almost looks like a "get back to the previous page" text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}
<gallery>
File:Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process.png|Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Picture 1.png|Step 2 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
</gallery>
On the next page it will tell you to pause your membership instead. It then shows you the benefits from pausing your membership. It lists the following benefits with this headline:

Headline: "take a break and use your remaining months later" & "pausing your membership will allow you to:"

#Use the remaining 352 days of your membership later
#Save your existing data until you’re ready to come back
#Pause billing and data uploads, you can unpause at any time

This time instead of the "REMAIN A MEMBER" button there is a red "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button in all caps. Just below is a "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text which isn't highlighted in any color. If you click the "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text the user will see the following: "Cancelling your WHOOP membership disables the ability to upload new data to your strap." It will ask you the following question: "What’s the primary reason you decided to cancel your WHOOP membership?".
[[File:Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
It lists various answers:

#I misplaced the sensor and don’t want to pay for a replacement
#Didn’t provide features I expected
#Unhappy wearing the strap (fit, comfort, durability, etc.)
#I had a life change that made it difficult to use the product (pregnancy, injury, work schedule, etc.)
#I’m not confident in the pace of innovation
#Didn’t trust the accuracy of the data
#The sensor was not working properly
#I can no longer afford the subscription
#Didn’t help me meet my personal goals
#Customer service issues
#Other

[[File:Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
If the user doesn't want to answer any of these questions they can click on "Other". This will show a little box where the user can enter their reason and click on "Next" afterwards. It will then show a "GIVE FEEDBACK" page with a sub-headline that states "Feedback helps WHOOP improve." It asks you "When did you decide you would not renew?" and gives four answers.

#1 WEEK BEFORE RENEWAL
#1 MONTH BEFORE RENEWAL
#3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL
#OVER 3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL

[[File:Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The user cannot skip the questions. Once the user clicks on an answer they will be asked the following question: "Are you planning to switch to another device? If yes, which device?". It lists various competitors' devices. The user cannot skip over this question.

#Apple Watch Ultra
#Google Pixel Watch
#Ultrahuman Ring
#Fitbit
#Samsung Galaxy Watch
#Oura Ring
#Samsung Galaxy Ring
#Garmin
#Apple Watch
#I'm not switching to a new device
#Other

[[File:Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The "other" button will show a box where the user can enter their reason and click on next. This takes at least two clicks to do as with the previous "Other" button. After this question the user will be asked "Which of the following best describes why you decided to switch to this device?". It offers multiple answers again.

#The product was certified by a scientific organization
#I liked the device form factor the most (e.g., ring, wrist-based)
#The brand resonated with me
#I followed a recommendation from a friend or family member
#I saw value after completing a free trial
#The offering was easy to understand
#I trusted a review
#The product had the best feature set
#I saw the product in-store
#The product was well-priced
#The device is the most accurate
#Other
<gallery>
File:Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Screenshot of a successfull Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Screenshot of a successful Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Whoop Subscription Cancelation E-Mail.png|Whoop Subscription Cancellation E-Mail
</gallery>
Clicking on the "Other" button prompts you to put in a custom answer again. Then the user can click on "Next". On the next page the user is greeted by a red "CLAIM OFFER" headline and a red button that says "YES, CLAIM 10% OFF". Below that button is a non-highlighted "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" button. Once you click on that the new page says "CANCEL MEMBERSHIP".{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

====Removal of payment method====
There is no button to remove the payment method.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Benger |first=Liv |date=2025-11-01 |title=Payment card to be removed |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217005607/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=WHOOP}}</ref> The user can update the payment method. Whoop will charge the payment method with 1$ to verify functionality. The user has no assurance that their payment method won't be charged if they can't remove it.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

== Incidents ==

==See also==

*[[Dark pattern]]
*[[Planned obsolescence]]
*[[Forced app download]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Bootloader unlocking

2026-03-12T12:30:58Z

Reform: Citation needed markers have been added

{{Incomplete}}{{ToneWarning}}

The bootloader is a special program on a device that loads the operating system when the device is turned on. Bootloaders are typically established by the manufacturer and shipped to retailers and consumers in a "locked" state, where the bootloader can only load the operating system (OS) delivered by the manufacturer. [[wikipedia:Bootloader_unlocking|Unlocking a bootloader]] disables the checks that force the use of a particular operating system, granting the ability to run third-party operating systems such as Linux or [[Android]] without [[Google]] software.

==Background==
Unlocking the bootloader of a smartphone enables the user to install an alternative operating system on the device, also known as a custom ROM.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 Aug 2025 |title=Android ROM |url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241223222958/https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom |archive-date=23 Dec 2024 |website=PCMag}}</ref>

'''Difference from Rooting'''

Rooting a device allows users to bypass restrictions from within the OS, while it is running. Conversely, bootloader unlocking allows rewriting the storage drive where the OS is installed, but does not grant any further abilities after the OS is loaded. Bootloader unlocking does, however, allow users to enable root access, by either manually editing the loaded operating system or using an app to do so automatically.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}

See [[Jailbreak]] for more info.

==Benefits of unlocked bootloaders==

==='''Better Privacy'''===
Most custom ROMs do not contain any components that send data to manufacturers, Google, or their partner companies.<ref name=":0" /> In some cases, they even contain components that prevent individual apps from doing so, such as:

*[https://doc.e.foundation/support-topics/advanced_privacy_main.html /e/'s Advanced Privacy]
*[https://calyxos.org/docs/tech/datura-details/ CalyxOS's Datura Firewall]
*[https://github.com/iodeOS/ota iodéOS's blocker]

====Workaround Google Play Services====
Default Android systems deeply integrate with [[wikipedia:Google_Play_Services|Google Play Services]] (and [[Google Mobile Services]] (GMS)). This is a system process that requires access to files, contacts, storage, call logs, SMS messages, location, camera, and microphone. Without this process running, many apps will not function.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aragon |first=Jonah |date=21 Jul 2024 |title=Android |url=https://www.privacyguides.org/en/android/#install-a-custom-distribution |url-status=live |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Privacy Guides |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260131014956/https://www.privacyguides.org/en/android/ |archive-date=31 Jan 2026}}</ref> Alternative systems avoid this process entirely, or use a privacy-preserving workaround such as:

*[https://grapheneos.org/features#sandboxed-google-play GrapheneOS's Sandboxed Google Play]
*[https://github.com/microg/GmsCore/wiki MicroG]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Arielle |date=7 Jun 2019 |title=The Open Source Project That Keeps Google's Hands Off Your Android Data |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-open-source-project-that-keeps-googles-hands-off-your-android-data/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250630130025/https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-open-source-project-that-keeps-googles-hands-off-your-android-data/ |archive-date=30 Jun 2025 |access-date=19 Aug 2025 |website=Vice}}</ref>
*[https://unifiedpush.org/ Unified Push]

==='''Extending device lifespan'''===
Most custom ROMs do not contain [[bloatware]] and can thus be used to extend the longevity of phones that have become unusable due to later updates requiring more performance and storage. Especially on low-end phones, these updates often exhaust the built-in storage after as little as two years.{{Citation needed}} This renders the device slow and unstable, without room for user data. Custom ROMs are typically much smaller than the manufacturer's software.{{Citation needed}} Consequently, many old phones can run even faster with a custom ROM than they did when new, extending their useful lifespan.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026|reason=Low verifiability}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=By how much do custom roms really extend Phone lifespans? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/comment/fpj11ay/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Reddit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033349/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/gdq2rc/by_how_much_do_custom_roms_really_extend_phone/fpj11ay/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-10 |title=Xiaomi Redmi 8a - olivelite with Dual Sim |url=https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=/e/OS Community |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907145946/https://community.e.foundation/t/xiaomi-redmi-8a-olivelite-with-dual-sim/29192/12 |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===='''Updates after the manufacturer abandons the device'''====
Low-end devices usually receive only a few years or even months of security updates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Android Update Matrix |url=https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Android Update Tracker |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206020040/https://www.androidupdatetracker.com/update-matrix |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Since most custom ROMs are built by the open-source community, installing one of these custom ROMs allows users to receive security updates for the Android system and default components, such as web browser engines and PDF readers, for as long as custom ROMs are developed. Popular custom ROMs such as LineageOS and GrapheneOS have lasted over 10 years, and are open source, allowing anyone to maintain them and continue their development. <ref>{{Cite web |first=ciwrl |date=2016/12/24 |title=A fork in the road |url=https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225091051/https://www.cyanogenmod.org/blog/a-fork-in-the-road |archive-date=2016-12-25 |access-date=2026/2/26 |website=Cyanogen Mod}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Feb 2026 |title=History |url=https://grapheneos.org/history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225034058/https://grapheneos.org/history/ |archive-date=26 Feb 2026 |access-date=26 Feb 2026 |website=GrapheneOS}}</ref>
==='''Control'''===
Some applications cannot be removed easily with the default OS. A custom ROM gives users complete control over what is in their operating system, such as preinstalled apps and system themes. <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230615024140/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/k2320l/cant_delete_certain_apps_on_android_only_disable/ Archived])</ref>{{Citation needed}}
==Why most bootloaders are locked==

===Security===
A locked bootloader protects the device from an [[wikipedia:Evil_maid_attack|Evil Maid Attack]]. This attack occurs when a person with physical access to a device manipulates the operating system, typically when the device is left unattended or when handed over for inspection by authorities. Locking the bootloader ensures that the operating system remains intact and cannot be altered from the state in which the manufacturer released it.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}

===DRM and ecosystem control===
Some devices hold [[Digital_rights_management|DRM]] keys, which are deleted when the bootloader is unlocked. Other devices go so far as to wipe proprietary drivers. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony wipes TA/ partition |url=https://github.com/melontini/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1#L23 |url-status=live |website=GitHub |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223033412/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/4ca762b08e77034db2a5ceb78703ac4789349ed0/brands/sony/README.md?plain=1 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This allows manufacturers to force the use of their software and maintain control over devices, preventing unsupported devices from receiving updates, the removal of some apps and services, and the bypassing of other DRM such as the iPhone's component DRM.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}

===Locks from mobile carriers===
Some mobile carriers have completely restricted the unlocking of bootloaders on specific models of cellphones that they sell to prevent bypassing carrier restrictions.{{Citation needed}}

==Availability==
Unlocking the bootloader is [[Phones that do not allow bootloader unlock|possible on some, but not all, Android devices]].

Apple products such as iPhones do not support unlocking the bootloader, utilizing digital signatures to verify the authenticity of the firmware and bootloader, making bootloader unlocking difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Feb 2026 |title=Apple |url=https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/apple/README.md |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260114112736/https://github.com/zenfyrdev/bootloader-unlock-wall-of-shame/blob/main/brands/apple/README.md |archive-date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=26 Feb 2026 |website=Github}}</ref> Instead, People jailbreak their iPhones using 3rd party software.<ref>https://www.quora.com/Can-you-install-a-different-operating-system-on-your-iPhone-if-it-was-not-sold-with-one-built-in-from-Apple</ref><ref>https://youtu.be/O0_Aou3eZl8 ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=O0_Aou3eZl8 Archived])</ref>

==Alternative Android-based Operating Systems==
These include, but are not limited to:

*[https://grapheneos.org/ GrapheneOS]
*[https://iode.tech/iodeos/ IodéOS]
*[https://e.foundation/e-os/ /e/OS]
*[https://lineageos.org/ LineageOS]
*[https://calyxos.org/ CalyxOS]

*[https://source.android.com/ AOSP (Android Open Source Project)] , also known as "stock" Android.<ref>https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115003706/https://eylenburg.github.io/android_comparison.htm Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Pratham |date=20 Feb 2024 |title=5 De-Googled Android-based Operating Systems to Free Your Smartphone from Google and other Big Tech |url=https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707220149/https://itsfoss.com/android-distributions-roms/ |archive-date=7 Jul 2025 |access-date=19 Aug 2025 |website=It's FOSS}}</ref>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Common terms]]

Jailbreak

2026-03-12T12:25:20Z

Reform: The introduction has been made more complete, legible/understandable and some part of the definition has been corrected.

{{Stub}}
'''[[wikipedia:Privilege_escalation#Jailbreaking|Jailbreaking]]''' is a term for making changes to a piece of technology to run modified software, in a way that is unintended by the company or person that produced it. The term is often coined when the device is manufactured by Apple.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Mar 2026 |title=jailbreak |url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/jailbreak |url-status=live |access-date=12 March 2026 |website=Cambridge Dictionary}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=JAILBREAK Definition & Meaning {{!}} Dictionary.com |url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/jailbreak |url-status=live}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251111213840/https://www.dictionary.com/browse/jailbreak Archived])</ref> When it comes to Android, it is more often referred to as '''[[wikipedia:Rooting_(Android)|rooting]]'''. It consists of gaining access to the same permissions as the [[wikipedia:Superuser|superuser]] account of the system, and does not make changes to the hardware.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}

==Reasons to jailbreak==

Jailbreaking enables users to install unsigned applications and tweak functionality of the OS, being able to have complete control of the owned device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-24 |title=FAQ {{!}} iOS Guide |url=https://ios.cfw.guide/faq/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251226030710/https://ios.cfw.guide/faq/ |archive-date=2025-12-26 |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=cfw}}</ref>

==Legality==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!
!Country
!Legal?
!Details and Source
|-
|🇩🇪
|Germany
|Yes
|Legal if you are not downloading pirated software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aschermann |first=Tim |date=2018-09-07 |title=iPhone/iPad Jailbreak - legal oder illegal? |url=https://praxistipps.chip.de/iphoneipad-jailbreak-legal-oder-illegal_46467 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811232138/https://praxistipps.chip.de/iphoneipad-jailbreak-legal-oder-illegal_46467 |archive-date=2025-08-11 |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=CHIP}}</ref>
|-
|🇵🇱
|Poland
|Yes
|Legal if you are not downloading pirated software<ref>{{Cite web |last=Różańska |first=Joanna |date=2022-12-20 |title=Co to jest jailbreak? |url=https://nordvpn.com/pl/blog/co-to-jest-jailbreak/#czy-jailbreak-jest-legalny |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=NordVPN}}</ref>
|-
|🇺🇸
|United States of America
|Yes
|Jailbreaking was declared exempt from the[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act | DMCA]] in 2010<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kravets |first=David |date=July 26, 2010 |title=U.S. Declares iPhone Jailbreaking Legal, Over Apple’s Objections |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/07/feds-ok-iphone-jailbreaking/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251231125132/https://www.wired.com/2010/07/feds-ok-iphone-jailbreaking/ |archive-date=2025-12-31 |access-date=2026-01-11 |work=WIRED}}</ref>
|-
|🇬🇧
|United Kingdom
|Yes
|Legal if you are not downloading pirated software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elmore |first=John |date=2025-01-27 |title=Unlocking the Truth: Is Jailbreaking Legal in the UK? |url=https://thetechylife.com/is-jailbreaking-legal-uk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260111223720/https://thetechylife.com/is-jailbreaking-legal-uk/ |archive-date=2026-01-11 |access-date=2026-01-11 |website=TheTechyLife}}</ref>
|}

==Further reading==

*[[Apps deliberately refusing to work on modded devices]]
*[[Battery firmware lockout]]
*[[Phones that do not allow bootloader unlock]]
*[[Sideloading]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Common terms]]

Whoop

2026-03-11T14:12:03Z

Reform: Added a small bit of info so that it is more futureproof

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2012
|Industry=Health, Technology
|Logo=Whoop Logo.webp
|Type=Inc
|Website=https://www.whoop.com/,https://shop.whoop.com/fr/fr/,https://shop.whoop.com/gb/en/
|Description=Whoop, Inc. (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
}}
'''Whoop, Inc.''' (stylized as '''WHOOP''') is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=2021-08-31 |title=Whoop raises another $200M for its athlete-focused fitness wearable |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112201714/https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=Whoop Terms of Use |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |at=24. CONTACT Contact Us. If you have any questions regarding the Services, please contact Membership Services via support.whoop.com or call 1-833-948-0566. Our mailing address is Whoop, Inc., One Kenmore Square #601 Boston, MA 02215. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224100650/https://www.whoop.com/us/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> Its principal product is a health tracker that measures strain, recovery, and sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=2017-03-06 |title=MLB approves device to measure biometrics of players |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=ESPN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207154914/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Willgress |first=Lydia |date=2021-04-14 |title=We put Whoop's fitness tracker strap and membership experience to the test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Indepentdent |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251006230411/https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |archive-date=6 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |date=2015-10-02 |title=Tech Talk: A wearable for elite athletes like LeBron James and Michael Phelps |url=https://www.si.com/edge/2015/10/02/tech-talk-wearable-fitness-tracker-whoop-lebron-james-michael-phelps |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=Sports Illustrated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112021326/https://www.si.com/edge/2015/10/02/tech-talk-wearable-fitness-tracker-whoop-lebron-james-michael-phelps |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle |date=2016-07-29 |title=Wearable apps help Olympic athletes train at their best |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=USA Today |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240703142549/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindemann |first=Hannah |date=2021-03-31 |title=Whoop Strap im Test |url=https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Runner's World |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007143255/https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hüber |first=Frank |date=2021-04-20 |title=Whoop Strap 3.0 im Test: Dauerdatenlieferant für Fitness, Schlaf und Erholung |url=https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbase |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250117224052/https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsen |first=Janina |date=2025-05-14 |title=Whoop 5.0 im Praxis-Test: Der aktuell teuerste Fitnesstracker |url=https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbild |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208133831/https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Business model==
Whoop, Inc. sells a wearable wristband that requires a subscription in order to process the data it gathers from the user's body. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=Memberships made for you |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907171446/https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref> Additionally, Whoop, Inc. sells wearable biceps bands and various other items like colorful straps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=4.0 Bands |url=https://shop.whoop.com/de/en/collections/band/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

====Subscription cancellation====
As of March 11th 2026, the process to cancel a subscription involves going through ~11 different pages.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=noooor |date=2025-12-01 |title=How do I cancel a membership? |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213152531/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370|archive-date=2026-02-13|access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-10-06 |title=Canceling Your Membership |url=https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250728215100/https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |archive-date=28 Jul 2025}}</ref> Some of those steps allegedly involve [[Dark pattern|dark patterns]] that manipulate the customer to do something they didn't want.

Starting from the Membership menu, the customer is required to find "Cancel your Membership" button at the bottom. Then within a page that presents retention offers, click "Take survey to cancel" and avoid those retention offers. To complete the cancellation, a survey must be taken on why they want to cancel their subscription.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Bella |date=2 Feb 2026 |title=How To Cancel Your Whoop Subscription (2026) |url=https://www.joinchargeback.com/cancels/how-to-cancel-whoop |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2026 |website=Chargeback}}</ref> When all the steps are taken with a decent pace, approximately 15 minutes have passed.<ref name=":0" />

'''Dark pattern design'''

The "Cancel my Subscription" button is at the bottom of the "memberships" page. A big "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button is displayed above it. This button is stylized and red. Below it there is the "Cancel my Membership" text. This text is underscored and doesn't look like a button. To access this "Cancel my Membership" text one has to scroll down and then look specifically for this text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

Once the user clicks on the "Cancel my Membership" text they will be greeted by a huge red "Remain a member" button. Below this button is an underscored "Take survey to cancel" text. This almost looks like a "get back to the previous page" text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}
<gallery>
File:Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process.png|Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Picture 1.png|Step 2 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
</gallery>
On the next page it will tell you to pause your membership instead. It then shows you the benefits from pausing your membership. It lists the following benefits with this headline:

Headline: "take a break and use your remaining months later" & "pausing your membership will allow you to:"

#Use the remaining 352 days of your membership later
#Save your existing data until you’re ready to come back
#Pause billing and data uploads, you can unpause at any time

This time instead of the "REMAIN A MEMBER" button there is a red "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button in all caps. Just below is a "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text which isn't highlighted in any color. If you click the "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text the user will see the following: "Cancelling your WHOOP membership disables the ability to upload new data to your strap." It will ask you the following question: "What’s the primary reason you decided to cancel your WHOOP membership?".
[[File:Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
It lists various answers:

#I misplaced the sensor and don’t want to pay for a replacement
#Didn’t provide features I expected
#Unhappy wearing the strap (fit, comfort, durability, etc.)
#I had a life change that made it difficult to use the product (pregnancy, injury, work schedule, etc.)
#I’m not confident in the pace of innovation
#Didn’t trust the accuracy of the data
#The sensor was not working properly
#I can no longer afford the subscription
#Didn’t help me meet my personal goals
#Customer service issues
#Other

[[File:Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
If the user doesn't want to answer any of these questions they can click on "Other". This will show a little box where the user can enter their reason and click on "Next" afterwards. It will then show a "GIVE FEEDBACK" page with a sub-headline that states "Feedback helps WHOOP improve." It asks you "When did you decide you would not renew?" and gives four answers.

#1 WEEK BEFORE RENEWAL
#1 MONTH BEFORE RENEWAL
#3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL
#OVER 3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL

[[File:Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The user cannot skip the questions. Once the user clicks on an answer they will be asked the following question: "Are you planning to switch to another device? If yes, which device?". It lists various competitors' devices. The user cannot skip over this question.

#Apple Watch Ultra
#Google Pixel Watch
#Ultrahuman Ring
#Fitbit
#Samsung Galaxy Watch
#Oura Ring
#Samsung Galaxy Ring
#Garmin
#Apple Watch
#I'm not switching to a new device
#Other

[[File:Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The "other" button will show a box where the user can enter their reason and click on next. This takes at least two clicks to do as with the previous "Other" button. After this question the user will be asked "Which of the following best describes why you decided to switch to this device?". It offers multiple answers again.

#The product was certified by a scientific organization
#I liked the device form factor the most (e.g., ring, wrist-based)
#The brand resonated with me
#I followed a recommendation from a friend or family member
#I saw value after completing a free trial
#The offering was easy to understand
#I trusted a review
#The product had the best feature set
#I saw the product in-store
#The product was well-priced
#The device is the most accurate
#Other
<gallery>
File:Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Screenshot of a successfull Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Screenshot of a successful Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Whoop Subscription Cancelation E-Mail.png|Whoop Subscription Cancellation E-Mail
</gallery>
Clicking on the "Other" button prompts you to put in a custom answer again. Then the user can click on "Next". On the next page the user is greeted by a red "CLAIM OFFER" headline and a red button that says "YES, CLAIM 10% OFF". Below that button is a non-highlighted "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" button. Once you click on that the new page says "CANCEL MEMBERSHIP".{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

====Removal of Payment Method====
There is no button to remove the payment method.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Liv |date=2025-11-01 |title=Payment card to be removed |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217005607/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> The user can update the payment method. Whoop will charge the payment method with 1$ to verify functionality. The user has no assurance that their payment method won't be charged if they can't remove it.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Whoop

2026-03-11T14:09:46Z

Reform: Removed bold within paragraph because it doesn't align with style guide

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2012
|Industry=Health, Technology
|Logo=Whoop Logo.webp
|Type=Inc
|Website=https://www.whoop.com/,https://shop.whoop.com/fr/fr/,https://shop.whoop.com/gb/en/
|Description=Whoop, Inc. (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
}}
'''Whoop, Inc.''' (stylized as '''WHOOP''') is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=2021-08-31 |title=Whoop raises another $200M for its athlete-focused fitness wearable |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112201714/https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=Whoop Terms of Use |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |at=24. CONTACT Contact Us. If you have any questions regarding the Services, please contact Membership Services via support.whoop.com or call 1-833-948-0566. Our mailing address is Whoop, Inc., One Kenmore Square #601 Boston, MA 02215. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224100650/https://www.whoop.com/us/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> Its principal product is a health tracker that measures strain, recovery, and sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=2017-03-06 |title=MLB approves device to measure biometrics of players |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=ESPN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207154914/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Willgress |first=Lydia |date=2021-04-14 |title=We put Whoop's fitness tracker strap and membership experience to the test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Indepentdent |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251006230411/https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |archive-date=6 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |date=2015-10-02 |title=Tech Talk: A wearable for elite athletes like LeBron James and Michael Phelps |url=https://www.si.com/edge/2015/10/02/tech-talk-wearable-fitness-tracker-whoop-lebron-james-michael-phelps |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=Sports Illustrated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112021326/https://www.si.com/edge/2015/10/02/tech-talk-wearable-fitness-tracker-whoop-lebron-james-michael-phelps |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle |date=2016-07-29 |title=Wearable apps help Olympic athletes train at their best |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=USA Today |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240703142549/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindemann |first=Hannah |date=2021-03-31 |title=Whoop Strap im Test |url=https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Runner's World |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007143255/https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hüber |first=Frank |date=2021-04-20 |title=Whoop Strap 3.0 im Test: Dauerdatenlieferant für Fitness, Schlaf und Erholung |url=https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbase |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250117224052/https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsen |first=Janina |date=2025-05-14 |title=Whoop 5.0 im Praxis-Test: Der aktuell teuerste Fitnesstracker |url=https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbild |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208133831/https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Business model==
Whoop, Inc. sells a wearable wristband that requires a subscription in order to process the data it gathers from the user's body. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=Memberships made for you |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907171446/https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref> Additionally, Whoop, Inc. sells wearable biceps bands and various other items like colorful straps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=4.0 Bands |url=https://shop.whoop.com/de/en/collections/band/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

====Subscription cancellation====
The process to cancel a subscription involves going through ~11 different pages.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=noooor |date=2025-12-01 |title=How do I cancel a membership? |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213152531/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370|archive-date=2026-02-13|access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-10-06 |title=Canceling Your Membership |url=https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250728215100/https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |archive-date=28 Jul 2025}}</ref> Some of those steps allegedly involve [[Dark pattern|dark patterns]] that manipulate the customer to do something they didn't want.

Starting from the Membership menu, the customer is required to find "Cancel your Membership" button at the bottom. Then within a page that presents retention offers, click "Take survey to cancel" and avoid those retention offers. To complete the cancellation, a survey must be taken on why they want to cancel their subscription.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Bella |date=2 Feb 2026 |title=How To Cancel Your Whoop Subscription (2026) |url=https://www.joinchargeback.com/cancels/how-to-cancel-whoop |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2026 |website=Chargeback}}</ref> When all the steps are taken with a decent pace, approximately 15 minutes have passed.<ref name=":0" />

'''Dark pattern design'''

The "Cancel my Subscription" button is at the bottom of the "memberships" page. A big "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button is displayed above it. This button is stylized and red. Below it there is the "Cancel my Membership" text. This text is underscored and doesn't look like a button. To access this "Cancel my Membership" text one has to scroll down and then look specifically for this text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

Once the user clicks on the "Cancel my Membership" text they will be greeted by a huge red "Remain a member" button. Below this button is an underscored "Take survey to cancel" text. This almost looks like a "get back to the previous page" text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}
<gallery>
File:Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process.png|Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Picture 1.png|Step 2 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
</gallery>
On the next page it will tell you to pause your membership instead. It then shows you the benefits from pausing your membership. It lists the following benefits with this headline:

Headline: "take a break and use your remaining months later" & "pausing your membership will allow you to:"

#Use the remaining 352 days of your membership later
#Save your existing data until you’re ready to come back
#Pause billing and data uploads, you can unpause at any time

This time instead of the "REMAIN A MEMBER" button there is a red "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button in all caps. Just below is a "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text which isn't highlighted in any color. If you click the "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text the user will see the following: "Cancelling your WHOOP membership disables the ability to upload new data to your strap." It will ask you the following question: "What’s the primary reason you decided to cancel your WHOOP membership?".
[[File:Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
It lists various answers:

#I misplaced the sensor and don’t want to pay for a replacement
#Didn’t provide features I expected
#Unhappy wearing the strap (fit, comfort, durability, etc.)
#I had a life change that made it difficult to use the product (pregnancy, injury, work schedule, etc.)
#I’m not confident in the pace of innovation
#Didn’t trust the accuracy of the data
#The sensor was not working properly
#I can no longer afford the subscription
#Didn’t help me meet my personal goals
#Customer service issues
#Other

[[File:Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
If the user doesn't want to answer any of these questions they can click on "Other". This will show a little box where the user can enter their reason and click on "Next" afterwards. It will then show a "GIVE FEEDBACK" page with a sub-headline that states "Feedback helps WHOOP improve." It asks you "When did you decide you would not renew?" and gives four answers.

#1 WEEK BEFORE RENEWAL
#1 MONTH BEFORE RENEWAL
#3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL
#OVER 3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL

[[File:Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The user cannot skip the questions. Once the user clicks on an answer they will be asked the following question: "Are you planning to switch to another device? If yes, which device?". It lists various competitors' devices. The user cannot skip over this question.

#Apple Watch Ultra
#Google Pixel Watch
#Ultrahuman Ring
#Fitbit
#Samsung Galaxy Watch
#Oura Ring
#Samsung Galaxy Ring
#Garmin
#Apple Watch
#I'm not switching to a new device
#Other

[[File:Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The "other" button will show a box where the user can enter their reason and click on next. This takes at least two clicks to do as with the previous "Other" button. After this question the user will be asked "Which of the following best describes why you decided to switch to this device?". It offers multiple answers again.

#The product was certified by a scientific organization
#I liked the device form factor the most (e.g., ring, wrist-based)
#The brand resonated with me
#I followed a recommendation from a friend or family member
#I saw value after completing a free trial
#The offering was easy to understand
#I trusted a review
#The product had the best feature set
#I saw the product in-store
#The product was well-priced
#The device is the most accurate
#Other
<gallery>
File:Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Screenshot of a successfull Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Screenshot of a successful Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Whoop Subscription Cancelation E-Mail.png|Whoop Subscription Cancellation E-Mail
</gallery>
Clicking on the "Other" button prompts you to put in a custom answer again. Then the user can click on "Next". On the next page the user is greeted by a red "CLAIM OFFER" headline and a red button that says "YES, CLAIM 10% OFF". Below that button is a non-highlighted "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" button. Once you click on that the new page says "CANCEL MEMBERSHIP".{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

====Removal of Payment Method====
There is no button to remove the payment method.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Liv |date=2025-11-01 |title=Payment card to be removed |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217005607/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> The user can update the payment method. Whoop will charge the payment method with 1$ to verify functionality. The user has no assurance that their payment method won't be charged if they can't remove it.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Whoop

2026-03-11T14:08:04Z

Reform: Made it more NPOV and added a clearer paragraph and sentence structure to the consumer impact summary section

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2012
|Industry=Health, Technology
|Logo=Whoop Logo.webp
|Type=Inc
|Website=https://www.whoop.com/,https://shop.whoop.com/fr/fr/,https://shop.whoop.com/gb/en/
|Description=Whoop, Inc. (stylized as WHOOP) is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
}}
'''Whoop, Inc.''' (stylized as '''WHOOP''') is an American wearable technology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=2021-08-31 |title=Whoop raises another $200M for its athlete-focused fitness wearable |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112201714/https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/31/whoop-raises-another-200m-for-its-athlete-focused-fitness-wearable/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-09 |title=Whoop Terms of Use |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |at=24. CONTACT Contact Us. If you have any questions regarding the Services, please contact Membership Services via support.whoop.com or call 1-833-948-0566. Our mailing address is Whoop, Inc., One Kenmore Square #601 Boston, MA 02215. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224100650/https://www.whoop.com/us/en/whoop-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> Its principal product is a health tracker that measures strain, recovery, and sleep.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rovell |first=Darren |date=2017-03-06 |title=MLB approves device to measure biometrics of players |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=ESPN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207154914/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/18835843/mlb-approves-field-biometric-monitoring-device |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Willgress |first=Lydia |date=2021-04-14 |title=We put Whoop's fitness tracker strap and membership experience to the test |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |url-status=dead |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=The Indepentdent |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251006230411/https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/outdoor-activity/sports-equipment-accessories/whoop-strap-review-band-tracker-b1830575.html |archive-date=6 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |date=2015-10-02 |title=Tech Talk: A wearable for elite athletes like LeBron James and Michael Phelps |url=https://www.si.com/edge/2015/10/02/tech-talk-wearable-fitness-tracker-whoop-lebron-james-michael-phelps |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=Sports Illustrated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112021326/https://www.si.com/edge/2015/10/02/tech-talk-wearable-fitness-tracker-whoop-lebron-james-michael-phelps |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Michelle |date=2016-07-29 |title=Wearable apps help Olympic athletes train at their best |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-10-14 |website=USA Today |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240703142549/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/rio-2016/2016/07/29/wearable-apps-whoop-olympic-athletes-train/87698488/ |archive-date=3 Jul 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindemann |first=Hannah |date=2021-03-31 |title=Whoop Strap im Test |url=https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Runner's World |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007143255/https://www.runnersworld.de/laufuhren/whoop/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hüber |first=Frank |date=2021-04-20 |title=Whoop Strap 3.0 im Test: Dauerdatenlieferant für Fitness, Schlaf und Erholung |url=https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbase |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250117224052/https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/wearables/whoop-strap-3-0-fitness-test.76173/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carlsen |first=Janina |date=2025-05-14 |title=Whoop 5.0 im Praxis-Test: Der aktuell teuerste Fitnesstracker |url=https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Computerbild |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208133831/https://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cb-Tests-Wearables-Whoop-5.0-Praxis-Test-Fitnesstracker-39679161.html |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Business model==
Whoop, Inc. sells a wearable wristband that requires a subscription in order to process the data it gathers from the user's body. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=Memberships made for you |url=https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907171446/https://www.whoop.com/de/en/membership/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref> Additionally, Whoop, Inc. sells wearable biceps bands and various other items like colorful straps.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-13 |title=4.0 Bands |url=https://shop.whoop.com/de/en/collections/band/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

==== Subscription cancellation ====
The process to cancel a subscription involves going through ~11 different pages.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |author=noooor |date=2025-12-01 |title=How do I cancel a membership? |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213152531/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/how-do-i-cancel-a-membership/12370|archive-date=2026-02-13|access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-10-06 |title=Canceling Your Membership |url=https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Whoop |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250728215100/https://support.whoop.com/s/article/Canceling-Your-Membership?language=en_US |archive-date=28 Jul 2025}}</ref> Some of those steps allegedly involve [[Dark pattern|dark patterns]] that manipulate the customer to do something they didn't want.

Starting from the Membership menu, the customer is required to find "Cancel your Membership" button at the bottom. Then within a page that presents retention offers, click "Take survey to cancel" and avoid those retention offers. To complete the cancellation, a survey must be taken on why they want to cancel their subscription.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Bella |date=2 Feb 2026 |title=How To Cancel Your Whoop Subscription (2026) |url=https://www.joinchargeback.com/cancels/how-to-cancel-whoop |url-status=live |access-date=11 March 2026 |website=Chargeback}}</ref> When all the steps are taken with a decent pace, approximately 15 minutes have passed.<ref name=":0" />

'''Dark pattern design'''

The "Cancel my Subscription" button is at the bottom of the "memberships" page. A big "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button is displayed above it. This button is stylized and red. Below it there is the "Cancel my Membership" text. This text is underscored and doesn't look like a button. To access this "Cancel my Membership" text one has to scroll down and then look specifically for this text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

Once the user clicks on the "Cancel my Membership" text they will be greeted by a huge red "Remain a member" button. Below this button is an underscored "Take survey to cancel" text. This almost looks like a "get back to the previous page" text.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}
<gallery>
File:Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process.png|Step 1 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Picture 1.png|Step 2 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 3 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
</gallery>
On the next page it will tell you to pause your membership instead. It then shows you the benefits from pausing your membership. It lists the following benefits with this headline:

Headline: "'''take a break and use your remaining months later" & "pausing your membership will allow you to:"'''

#'''Use the remaining 352 days of your membership later'''
#'''Save your existing data until you’re ready to come back'''
#'''Pause billing and data uploads, you can unpause at any time'''

This time instead of the "REMAIN A MEMBER" button there is a red "PAUSE MEMBERSHIP" button in all caps. Just below is a "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text which isn't highlighted in any color. If you click the "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" text the user will see the following: "Cancelling your WHOOP membership disables the ability to upload new data to your strap." It will ask you the following question: "What’s the primary reason you decided to cancel your WHOOP membership?".
[[File:Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 4 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
It lists various answers:

#I misplaced the sensor and don’t want to pay for a replacement
#Didn’t provide features I expected
#Unhappy wearing the strap (fit, comfort, durability, etc.)
#I had a life change that made it difficult to use the product (pregnancy, injury, work schedule, etc.)
#I’m not confident in the pace of innovation
#Didn’t trust the accuracy of the data
#The sensor was not working properly
#I can no longer afford the subscription
#Didn’t help me meet my personal goals
#Customer service issues
#Other

[[File:Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 5 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
If the user doesn't want to answer any of these questions they can click on "Other". This will show a little box where the user can enter their reason and click on "Next" afterwards. It will then show a "GIVE FEEDBACK" page with a sub-headline that states "Feedback helps WHOOP improve." It asks you "When did you decide you would not renew?" and gives four answers.

#1 WEEK BEFORE RENEWAL
#1 MONTH BEFORE RENEWAL
#3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL
#OVER 3 MONTHS BEFORE RENEWAL

[[File:Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 6 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The user cannot skip the questions. Once the user clicks on an answer they will be asked the following question: "Are you planning to switch to another device? If yes, which device?". It lists various competitors' devices. The user cannot skip over this question.

#Apple Watch Ultra
#Google Pixel Watch
#Ultrahuman Ring
#Fitbit
#Samsung Galaxy Watch
#Oura Ring
#Samsung Galaxy Ring
#Garmin
#Apple Watch
#I'm not switching to a new device
#Other

[[File:Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|150px|alt=Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process|thumb|Step 7 & 8 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process]]
The "other" button will show a box where the user can enter their reason and click on next. This takes at least two clicks to do as with the previous "Other" button. After this question the user will be asked "Which of the following best describes why you decided to switch to this device?". It offers multiple answers again.

#The product was certified by a scientific organization
#I liked the device form factor the most (e.g., ring, wrist-based)
#The brand resonated with me
#I followed a recommendation from a friend or family member
#I saw value after completing a free trial
#The offering was easy to understand
#I trusted a review
#The product had the best feature set
#I saw the product in-store
#The product was well-priced
#The device is the most accurate
#Other
<gallery>
File:Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 11 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Step 12 of the Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Screenshot of a successfull Whoop subscription cancelation process.png|Screenshot of a successful Whoop subscription cancellation process
File:Whoop Subscription Cancelation E-Mail.png|Whoop Subscription Cancellation E-Mail
</gallery>
Clicking on the "Other" button prompts you to put in a custom answer again. Then the user can click on "Next". On the next page the user is greeted by a red "CLAIM OFFER" headline and a red button that says "YES, CLAIM 10% OFF". Below that button is a non-highlighted "NO THANKS, STILL CANCEL" button. Once you click on that the new page says "CANCEL MEMBERSHIP".{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

====Removal of Payment Method====
There is no button to remove the payment method.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Liv |date=2025-11-01 |title=Payment card to be removed |url=https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-13 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217005607/https://www.community.whoop.com/t/payment-card-to-be-removed/11799 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> The user can update the payment method. Whoop will charge the payment method with 1$ to verify functionality. The user has no assurance that their payment method won't be charged if they can't remove it.{{Citation needed|date=11 Mar 2026}}

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Template talk:Cleanup

2026-03-11T13:05:10Z

Reform: Edited my discussion post to update people that it has been done

==Choosing a color for better legibility on light mode==

The light neon blue as the outline for this template is in my opinion not looking legible enough against a white background. Is it okay if I change it to a darker color? Edit: I did it [[User:Reform|Reform]] ([[User talk:Reform|talk]]) 15:05, 28 January 2026 (UTC)

:I don't see why not. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 06:21, 22 February 2026 (UTC)

== Reason field ==

Would it be possible to add a reason field for display, like what [[:Template:DeletionRequest]] does? It'd save editors from having to give it in the edit summary instead, and people are not as likely to look there first. — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 01:48, 26 February 2026 (UTC)

Category:Collective Shout

2026-01-30T13:04:37Z

Reform: A deletion request has been added, with the reason of there being no contents

[[Category:Organizations]]
{{DeletionRequest|No category contents}}

Category:Activist organizations

2026-01-30T13:03:36Z

Reform: Category "Organizations" has been added

[[Category:Organizations]]

Collective Shout

2026-01-30T13:02:38Z

Reform: A category named "Activist organizations" has been added to replace {{PAGENAME}}

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=2009
|Industry=Activism, Lobbying
|Logo=Collective-shout-logo.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.collectiveshout.org/
}}
'''{{wplink|Collective Shout}}''' is an Australian activist group founded in 2009 by its current director, {{Wplink|Melinda Tankard Reist}}. It identifies itself as: "''A grassroots movement challenging the objectification of women and sexualization of girls in media, advertising and popular culture''".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Collective Shout |url=https://www.collectiveshout.org/faq |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250720102043/https://www.collectiveshout.org/faq |archive-date=20 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Aug 2025 |work=Collective Shout}}</ref>

The group became prominent in 2025 after their campaign against payment processors caused online gaming platforms [[Steam]] and [[Itch.io]] to de-list hundreds of games that are believed to victimize women.<ref>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Taylor|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/mastercard-visa-backlash-adult-games-removed-online-stores-steam-itchio-ntwnfb|title=Mastercard and Visa face backlash after hundreds of adult games removed from online stores Steam and Itch.io|website=The Guardian|date=2025-07-28}}</ref> While the advocacy is based in Australia, their movement has had an impact on other countries. {{Citation needed}}

Some media outlets have expressed concern that the organization's censorship of adult content in the video game industry negatively impacts creative freedom.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=30 Jul 2025 |title=Gamers Are Furious About the Censorship of NSFW Games—and They’re Fighting Back |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823055403/https://www.wired.com/story/gamers-are-furious-about-the-censorship-of-nsfw-games-and-theyre-fighting-back |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823055403/https://www.wired.com/story/gamers-are-furious-about-the-censorship-of-nsfw-games-and-theyre-fighting-back/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=WIRED}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dodds |first=Io |date=18 Aug 2025 |title=‘Financial companies shouldn’t be in this position’: How more than 20,000 NSFW video games fell under censorship |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/video-game-censorship-visa-mastercard-b2809867.html |website=The Independent}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Marley |date=2 Aug 2025 |title=This Advocacy Group is Threatening Video Games as We Know It |url=https://www.cbr.com/collective-shout-video-game-censorship/ |website=CBR}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Protest against Grand Theft Auto V (''2014'')===
In 2014, the group started a petition against ''{{Wplink|Grand Theft Auto V}}'' it read, "It's a game that encourages players to murder women for entertainment. The incentive is to commit sexual violence against women, then abuse or kill them to proceed or get 'health' points." <ref name=":0" /> The video game was banned from two Australian department stores later that year.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30328314|title='Sexually violent' GTA 5 banned from Australian stores|website=BBC|date=4 Dec 2014}}</ref>

===Lobbyist campaign against payment processors (''2025-07'')===
{{Main|Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam|Valve complying with ISPs and payment processors}}

In July 2025, Collective Shout launched a public campaign "demanding credit card companies and PayPal block payments" for games on Steam and Itch.io.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Bita |first=Natasha |date=15 Jul 2025 |title=Child safety group finds 500 online 'games' role-playing rape and incest |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/education/child-safety-group-finds-500-online-games-roleplaying-rape-and-incest/news-story/b30c59f85ff22934844269cb3beff538 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/koDk8 |archive-date=18 Jul 2025 |access-date=18 Jul 2025 |work=The Australian}}</ref><ref name="RPSCS">{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=22 Jul 2025 |title=Anti-porn group who tried to ban GTA 5 claim credit for Steam's sex game crackdown |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/anti-porn-group-who-tried-to-ban-gta-5-claim-credit-for-steams-sex-game-crackdown |access-date=23 Jul 2025 |work=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref> Itch.io responded by de-indexing games with explicit content on July 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content|title=Update on NSFW content|website=Itch.io|date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> On July 31, they re-indexed free games with explicit content.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itch.io/t/5149036/reindexing-adult-nsfw-content|title=Reindexing adult NSFW content|website=Itch.io|date=31 Jul 2025}}</ref>

De-indexing continued on August 10th, this time of games with explicit content and of LGBTQ+ games without explicit content.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lazine |first=Mira |title='I feel violated' - Queer Creators Lose Livelihoods in Itch.io Bans |url=https://transnews.network/p/i-feel-violated-queer-creators-lose-livelihoods-in-itch-io-bans |website=Trans News Network |date=9 Aug 2025 |access-date=24 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819013331/https://transnews.network/p/i-feel-violated-queer-creators-lose-livelihoods-in-itch-io-bans |archive-date=19 Aug 2025}}</ref>

The group claims to have lobbied payment processors after sending 3,000 emails to Steam and receiving no response.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam at Collective Shout |url=https://www.collectiveshout.org/tags/steam |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250720103220/https://www.collectiveshout.org/tags/steam |archive-date=20 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Aug 2025 |website=Collective Shout}}</ref><ref name="CBCCards">{{Cite news |last=Ore |first=Jonathan |date=31 Jul 2025 |title=How an anti-porn lobby on payment processors censored thousands of video games |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/steam-itch-takedowns-credit-cards-1.7597563 |access-date=1 Aug 2025 |work=CBC}}</ref>

Alongside explicit content, the group also expressed a desire to have ''{{Wplink|Detroit: Become Human}}'' de-listed from gaming platforms for purported depictions of physical abuse against women and children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barbe |first=Rebecca |date=6 Dec 2017 |title=Stop video game Detroit: Become Human, depicting child abuse being sold in Australia |url=https://www.change.org/p/the-hon-christian-porter-mp-stop-video-game-depicting-child-abuse-being-sold-in-australia |url-status=live |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=change.org}}</ref>

The owner of the journalism website ''{{Wplink|Vice (magazine)|Vice}}'' allegedly instructed certain articles related to Collective Shout to be removed from their website due to "controversial subject matter." The author of the articles and several of her co-workers resigned soon afterwards in protest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/After-payment-processors-prompt-removal-of-Steam-games-journalists-investigating-the-censorship-resign.1063259.0.html|title=After payment processors prompt removal of Steam games, journalists investigating the censorship resign|website=notebookcheck.net|date=16 Aug 2025}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Steam]]
*[[Itch.io]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Activist organizations]]

Category:Anti Consumer Practices

2026-01-30T12:32:42Z

Reform: Removed double redirect

#REDIRECT [[:Category:Anti-consumer practices]]

YouTube

2026-01-29T16:08:42Z

Reform: Redid a portion of Anti-features and dark pattern paragraph and added citations

{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = YouTube
| Release Year = 2005
| Product Type = Video sharing and streaming
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://youtube.com
| Logo = YouTube.png
}}

'''{{Wplink|YouTube}}''', founded in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, is a global video-sharing platform and one of the most visited websites in the world. Acquired by [[Google]] in 2006, YouTube has since become the dominant platform for sharing videos on the internet.

YouTube's business model is built around advertising revenue, with creators earning money through ad views, subscriptions, and other monetization options. The platform hosts a wide range of content, including music videos, tutorials, news, vlogs, and live streams. YouTube has also begun offering subscription services, such as YouTube Premium and YouTube TV, for ad-free experiences, exclusive content, and live television.<ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201032636/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube |archive-date=1 Feb 2025 |access-date=30 Jan 2025 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref>

YouTube has faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny on multiple fronts. Concerns have been raised about content moderation policies, the platform's role in the spread of misinformation, and its impact on user privacy, particularly in relation to data collection practices. Additionally, YouTube has been under fire for its algorithms, which some argue promote harmful or divisive content to maximize engagement.

==Consumer Impact Summary==

*'''User Freedom''': Questionable; rampant bots and [[Elsagate]] suggest negligent moderation.
*'''User Privacy''': Poor; Since August 2025, accessing mature content without identification is a gamble. User data is also sold to advertisers and the site is owned by [[Google]].
*'''Business Model''': [[Advertising overload|Excessive advertising]], YouTube Premium, YouTube Premium Lite
*'''Market Competition''': Despite several platforms that follow its niche, such as Odysee, PeerTube, and DailyMotion, they provide no significant competition.

==Incidents==

===Restricting users that don't share their personal information===
{{Main|Youtube age verification}}

On July 30, 2025, in response to the [[UK Online Safety Act]], YouTube announced a verification update that asks for either a government-issued ID, a photo, or credit card, otherwise they could not access content.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingram |first=Michael |date=30 Jul 2025 |title=YouTube is Rolling Out A New Controversial Feature |url=https://gamerant.com/youtube-new-age-verification-feature-id-recognition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730234131/https://gamerant.com/youtube-new-age-verification-feature-id-recognition/ |archive-date=30 Jul 2025 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=GameRant}}</ref>

YouTube will estimate the age of a user from various sources, including the videos watched, and will ask for previously mentioned personal information when it believes that the user falls below 18.

===Advertising overload on YouTube===
{{Main|Advertising overload}}

Advertisements are YouTube's primary source of revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=How YouTube Works |url=https://www.youtube.com/howyoutubeworks/our-commitments/sharing-revenue/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101140008/https://www.youtube.com/howyoutubeworks/creator-economy/ |archive-date=1 Jan 2026 |access-date= |website=YouTube}}</ref> This has led to advertisements becoming more pervasive on the platform<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Jordan |date=20 Jan 2024 |title=Why YouTube Has So Many Ads (and Why There Will Probably Be More) |url=https://www.33rdsquare.com/software-app/why-youtube-has-so-many-ads-and-why-there-will-probably-be-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/0x7Q3 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=33rd Square}}</ref> such as an increasing number of spaces for static ads, longer ad breaks (which some users have documented being longer than the videos they watch,<ref>{{Cite web |first=Aamir |last=Siddiqui |title=Frustrated YouTube viewers seek explanation for hour-long unskippable ads (Updated: Clarification) |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-long-unskippable-ads-problem-3519957/ |website=Android Authority |date=27 Jan 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128162022/https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-long-unskippable-ads-problem-3519957/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Hans-Christian |last=Dirscherl |first2=Joel |last2=Lee |title=Hours-long unskippable ads spotted on YouTube. What’s going on? |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2590352/hours-long-unskippable-ads-spotted-on-youtube-whats-going-on.html |website=PCWorld |date=28 Jan 2025 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129183554/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2590352/hours-long-unskippable-ads-spotted-on-youtube-whats-going-on.html |archive-date=29 Jan 2025}}</ref> and most prevalent on YouTube TV, <ref>{{Cite web |last=Adegbola |first=Anu |date=16 Aug 2024 |title=YouTube tests longer CTV ad breaks |url=https://searchengineland.com/youtube-tests-longer-ad-breaks-ctv-445248#:~:text=YouTube%20is%20increasing%20the%20duration,ads%20over%20shorter%2C%20dispersed%20slots. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816143812/https://searchengineland.com/youtube-tests-longer-ad-breaks-ctv-445248 |archive-date=16 Aug 2024 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=Search Engine Land}}</ref>) increased ad frequency in videos,<ref>{{Cite web |first=Arol |last=Wright |title=YouTube is Adding Even More Ads |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/youtube-is-adding-even-more-ads/ |website=How-To-Geek |date=26 Apr 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426192258/https://www.howtogeek.com/youtube-is-adding-even-more-ads/ |archive-date=26 Apr 2024}}</ref> and poorer quality ads.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |author=@T3rr0r |date=17 Oct 2021 |title=BAD Mobile Game Ads |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjGn54O4Zg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=dRjGn54O4Zg |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |first=Max |last=Knoblauch |title=Why are mobile game ads so weird and bad? |url=https://sherwood.news/business/mobile-game-ads-industry-fake-misleading/ |website=Sherwood News |date=14 Jun 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614151756/https://sherwood.news/business/mobile-game-ads-industry-fake-misleading/ |archive-date=14 Jun 2024}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |author=@Saberspark |date=18 Sep 2021 |title=The DISGUSTING State of Mobile Game Ads (and why YouTube LOVES IT) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsKlfN9phAs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=KsKlfN9phAs |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Practices are also put into place in order to force non-paying users into seeing these ads as well, such as subscription-gating playing videos in the background.<ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube Premium |url=https://www.youtube.com/premium?ybp=Sg0IBhIJdW5saW1pdGVk4AEC |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Furthermore, even if a user pays for YouTube premium, they do not necessarily receive an ad-free experience<ref>{{Cite web |author=CaptainMystery_123 |title=I have YouTube premium, why am I getting adds. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=18 Dec 2023 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219183511/https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |archive-date=19 Dec 2023
}}</ref> — they may still see ads within the video they watch, such as sponsored segments.{{Citation needed}} YouTube has added a "skip" feature, but it has been reported that this does not work consistently.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Anurag |last=Singh |title=YouTube now lets you skip sponsored segments — but you’ll have to pay for it |url=https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/youtube-now-lets-you-skip-sponsored-segments-but-youll-have-to-pay-for-it-2872784/ |website=Dexerto |date=22 Aug 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822211151/https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/youtube-now-lets-you-skip-sponsored-segments-but-youll-have-to-pay-for-it-2872784/ |archive-date=22 Aug 2024}}</ref>

====Refusal to handle malicious ads====
A common phenomenon on YouTube's advertisements is content that is mature and/or malicious in nature.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Beyond The Internet |date=22 Feb 2025 |title=YouTube Ads are a Disgrace… |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B2KdIoRVo8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=_B2KdIoRVo8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |first=Adamya |last=Sharma |title=Explicit ads are plaguing YouTube, and it’s only getting worse |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-explicit-ads-problem-3520285/ |website=Android Authority |date=27 Jan 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127062033/https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-explicit-ads-problem-3520285/ |archive-date=27 Jan 2025}}</ref> The content of these advertisements include pornography,<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Saberspark |date=31 Mar 2025 |title=YouTube's Ads Have Hit A New Low...(it's literally p*rn) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW4On_gWAvI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=cW4On_gWAvI |archive-date=2 Apr 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":8" /> false advertising,<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /> scams,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Jakob_G |title=YouTube doesn't want to take down scam ads |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18gjiqy/youtube_doesnt_want_to_take_down_scam_ads/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=12 Dec 2023 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217144248/https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18gjiqy/youtube_doesnt_want_to_take_down_scam_ads/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=@JerryRigEverything |date=9 Mar 2023 |title=I CAUGHT THE YOUTUBE SCAMMER - $1000 dollars EVERY DAY?! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iROF9Dd7FXA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=iROF9Dd7FXA |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|author=LoganAH |title=Why does YouTube run blatant scams as advertisements? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18osjs6/why_does_youtube_run_blatant_scams_as/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=22 Dec 2023 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250713054442/https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18osjs6/why_does_youtube_run_blatant_scams_as/  |archive-date=13 Jul 2025}}</ref> and far more. Rather than working towards clearing these ads, or acknowledging this advertising content that has been harming consumers on the platform, YouTube moderation has only cut the revenue for these videos that attempt to call out these ads,<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Deep Humor |date=24 Feb 2025 |title=Watch This Before YouTube Deletes It. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRpECEQ0-hg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=QRpECEQ0-hg |archive-date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> which has been known to make said videos be less-showcased.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |author=@Sealow |date=29 Nov 2017 |title=Extensive evidence of algorithm censorship of demonetised videos |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3H8D2LrLHc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=n3H8D2LrLHc |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author=Karlaplan |title=Monetisation analysis / research |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/155yNpfR7dGKuN-4rbrvbJLcJkhGa_HqvVuyPK7UEfPo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jou9rc5d49jl
|website=[[Google]] |date=20 Nov 2017 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319182149/https://docs.google.com/document/d/155yNpfR7dGKuN-4rbrvbJLcJkhGa_HqvVuyPK7UEfPo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jou9rc5d49jl  |archive-date=19 Mar 2025}}</ref>

===Demonetization and censorship===
Since at least 2016, YouTube has had an extensive record of censoring content that is demonetized.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1" /> Within understandable circumstances, legitimately malicious or offensive videos would be demonetized and should not be shown on the platform; however, how videos are considered to be demonetized has had a harmful impact upon both viewers and content creators. Transgender creators on YouTube, for example, have experienced unfair censorship via demonetization since 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Malia |last=Disney |title=Trans YouTubers Say They Are Being Censored. Is It The Algorithm? |url=https://archive.yr.media/journalism/outloud/trans-youtubers-say-they-are-being-censored-and-an-algorithm-may-be-to-blame/ |website=archive.yr.media |date=4 May 2018 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130035845/https://archive.yr.media/journalism/outloud/trans-youtubers-say-they-are-being-censored-and-an-algorithm-may-be-to-blame/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2023}}</ref> Content creators affected by this unfairly balanced moderation via algorithms<ref>{{Cite web |first=Randy |last=Cantz |title=Adpocalypse: How YouTube Demonetization Imperils the Future of Free Speech |url=https://bpr.studentorg.berkeley.edu/2018/05/01/adpocalypse-how-youtube-demonetization-imperils-the-future-of-free-speech/ |website=Berkeley Political Review |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424095310/https://bpr.studentorg.berkeley.edu/2018/05/01/adpocalypse-how-youtube-demonetization-imperils-the-future-of-free-speech/ |archive-date=24 Apr 2024}}</ref> have dubbed these events as "adpocalypses".<ref>{{Cite web |first=Julia |last=Alexander |title=YouTubers fear looming ‘adpocalypse’ after child exploitation controversy |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/20/18231561/youtube-child-exploitation-predators-controversy-creators-adpocalypse |website=The Verge |date=20 Feb 2019 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220205927/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/20/18231561/youtube-child-exploitation-predators-controversy-creators-adpocalypse |archive-date=20 Feb 2019}}</ref>

====Irresponsibly automated moderation====
When YouTube integrated the ability to take down videos via the [[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]] (DMCA), they decided to often handle take-down requests in an automated manner.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first=Chuck |last=Jines |title=ABUSE – How DMCA automated takedown notices violate free speech |url=https://www.chuckjines.com/abuse-dmac-automated-takedown-notices-and-free-speech/ |website=Chuck Jines |date=4 Mar 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303201747/https://www.chuckjines.com/abuse-dmac-automated-takedown-notices-and-free-speech/ |archive-date=3 Mar 2025}}</ref> This automation has led to an excess in fraudulent DMCA take-downs of content,<ref>{{Cite web |author=itanshi |title=I'd like to talk about the problem with anonymous DMCA take down notices. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/5zzr9c/id_like_to_talk_about_the_problem_with_anonymous/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=27 Mar 2017 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606184354/https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/5zzr9c/id_like_to_talk_about_the_problem_with_anonymous/ |archive-date=6 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=@The Last Civil Rights Lawyer |title=“Lackluster” Gets a Fraudulent Copyright Strike for Dashcam Footage and Now We Sue |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPqtT88PT9Y |website=[[YouTube]] |date=21 Jul 2021 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> even going so far as to have [[Bungie]] call out YouTube in a legal case for their negligence.<ref>{{Cite web |first=John |last= Brodkin |title=Bungie slams YouTube’s DMCA system in lawsuit against ''Destiny'' takedown fraudsters |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/03/bungie-slams-youtubes-dmca-system-in-lawsuit-against-destiny-takedown-fraudsters/ |website=Ars Technica |date=28 Mar 2022 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329203809/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/03/bungie-slams-youtubes-dmca-system-in-lawsuit-against-destiny-takedown-fraudsters/ |archive-date=29 Mar 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Andy |last=Maxwell
|title=Digital Trails: How Bungie Identified a Mass Sender of Fake DMCA Notices |url=https://torrentfreak.com/digital-trails-how-bungie-identified-a-mass-sender-of-fake-dmca-notices-220624/ |website=TorrentFreak |date=24 Jun 2022 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624070824/https://torrentfreak.com/digital-trails-how-bungie-identified-a-mass-sender-of-fake-dmca-notices-220624/ |archive-date=24 Jun 2022}}</ref> These take-down requests have ranged from users impersonating corporations, to users impersonating other users.<ref name=":3" />

===Crackdown against ad-blockers===
The prevalence of advertising on the platform, coupled with the repeated appearance of harmful and deceptive ads within YouTube's advertising system, has led a significant number of users to employ ad-blocking tools to facilitate their viewing experience.

In response, Google has initiated technical countermeasures to limit the functionality of these tools. This has resulted in an ongoing cycle where ad-blocker developers adapt to new restrictions, and the platform subsequently implements further detection methods. A key strategy in this effort involves the implementation of advanced code integrity checks designed to ensure ad content is delivered to viewers.

However, these measures typically exhibit limited efficacy before ad-blocking tools develop new methods of circumvention,<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Flaherty |first=Kate |date=20 Jun 2024 |title=YouTube’s Ad Blocker Ban Just Got Even Bigger |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2024/06/20/youtubes-ad-blocker-ban-just-got-even-bigger/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620123932/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2024/06/20/youtubes-ad-blocker-ban-just-got-even-bigger/ |archive-date=20 Jun 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Scharon |last=Harding |title=YouTube’s ad blocker crackdown escalates, aggravating users |url=https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/11/youtube-tries-to-kill-ad-blockers-in-push-for-ad-dollars-premium-subs/ |website=Ars Technica |date=1 Nov 2023 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101170643/https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/11/youtube-tries-to-kill-ad-blockers-in-push-for-ad-dollars-premium-subs/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2023}}</ref><ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMaFH4KzOVg YouTube blocks adblockers; will this be their downfall?]</ref> a dynamic that some analysts suggest exemplifies the<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brave no longer blocking youtube ads as of March 27, 2024 |url=https://community.brave.com/t/brave-no-longer-blocking-youtube-ads-as-of-march-27-2024/540032 |website=Brave |date=27 May 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801101510/https://community.brave.com/t/brave-no-longer-blocking-youtube-ads-as-of-march-27-2024/540032 |archive-date=1 Aug 2024}}</ref><nowiki> </nowiki>{{Wplink|Streisand effect}}.<ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GARcKCaUfI YouTube's adblock war is backfiring in the worst way possible 🤣]</ref>

Additional strategies have involved the integration of advertisements directly into video streams. This approach has impaired the functionality of certain browser extensions, including SponsorBlock, a community-driven tool designed to skip sponsored segments within videos. The extension relies on user-submitted timestamps to identify these segments; its effectiveness is significantly reduced when personalized advertisements, which vary in duration and placement for each viewer, are embedded into the stream itself.<ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weP62wPEjRw Youtube is dedicated to making this website worse; destroys sponsorblock with ad injection changes]</ref>

Google has publicly acknowledged implementing code that degrades the user experience for individuals using ad blockers. This includes introducing artificial latency, which has been documented to slow page load times, a measure that also affected users of the Firefox browser.<ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMLMQRS3Krk Youtube confirms intentional slowdown of adblock users 🤦‍♂️]</ref><ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x7NSw0Irc0 Is Youtube making firefox load slow on purpose?]</ref>
Further viewing:
<ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://youtube.com/watch?v=fcXTlobPCQw Youtube goes to war with ad blockers - how companies die]</ref><ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://youtube.com/watch?v=ALvky_4mJpM Youtube adblocker gives Google the finger on their own platform]</ref><ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://youtube.com/watch?v=PTmZv7-eMrE Youtube's war on adblockers continues, sends cease & desist to invidious.io - you know what to do 😉]</ref>

====Offline video DRM====
The YouTube Mobile application permits users with a YouTube Premium subscription to download videos for offline viewing. However, the downloaded content is protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) that requires the application to establish an online connection with YouTube's servers at least once every 48 hours to maintain playback functionality. This requirement is not prominently featured on the primary YouTube Premium marketing page and is detailed instead within the platform's support documentation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/premium |title=YouTube Premium |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in selected countries and regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719175650/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |archive-date=19 Jul 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=[[Google]]}}</ref>

Saved videos are forcibly deleted after 29 days. [[Data_lock-in#Videos_downloaded_inside_the_YouTube_app|Data lock-in and proprietary encoding]] prevents the user from making permanent copies of videos, even those licensed under Creative Commons.<ref>[https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3383/warning-youtube-premium-downloads-arent-mp4-files Warning: Youtube Premium "Downloads" aren't MP4 Files - Virtual Curiosities]</ref><ref>[https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/L1S0SiBuJN8 Google is Locking Down Android - Mental Outlaw], 07:20</ref>

====Universal DRM testing and violation of Creative Commons licences====
YouTube on TV is an HTML5 web interface from Google to allow supported devices — such as game consoles which do not have a native YouTube app — to view content via YouTube. An A/B experiment has begun which protects all video and audio content regardless of bitrate or format via the YouTube on TV platform with DRM.<ref>{{Cite web |author=coletdjnz |title=[YouTube] DRM on ALL videos with tv (TVHTML5) client #12563 |url=https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/issues/12563 |website=GitHub |date=8 Mar 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330031529/https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/issues/12563 |archive-date=30 Mar 2025}}</ref> One {{Wplink|Xbox 360}} user reported that the YouTube on TV functionality stopped working as a result of the DRM implementation{{Citation needed|date=18 Aug 2025}}. A number of content creators license their work uploaded to YouTube via the {{Wplink|Creative Commons}} licenses. The universal implementation of DRM to restrict a users ability to exercise their rights granted by the license is a violation of the aforementioned licenses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=License Versions
|url=https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/License_Versions#Application_of_effective_technological_measures_by_users_of_CC-licensed_works_prohibited |website=Creative Commons |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101062938/https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/License_Versions#Application_of_effective_technological_measures_by_users_of_CC-licensed_works_prohibited |archive-date=1 Jan 2025}}</ref>

===Paywalling standard browser features===
Another premium feature of the YouTube mobile app is the ability to play videos in the background.<ref name=":0" /> Without a premium subscription, neither the app nor a web browser will play YouTube videos in the background. However, the default HTML5 video player supports this with no extra effort needed from the developer.{{Citation needed}}

===Removal of the dislike count on videos===
On 10 November 2021, YouTube removed the public dislike count from all of its videos. Creators are still be able to view dislike counts on their videos through the YouTube Studio website and app.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=An update to dislikes on YouTube |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/update-to-youtube/ |website=YouTube Official Blog |date=10 Nov 2021 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173333/https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/update-to-youtube/ |archive-date=10 Nov 2021}}</ref>

According to YouTube, this was implemented after user testing revealed that users were less likely to feel incentivized to actively try and manipulate the dislike count on videos if the dislike count was not visible to them.<ref name=":2" /> This spurred the creation of "Return YouTube Dislike" by Dmitry Selivanov, a third-party web browser extension to expose the dislike count again. YouTube discontinued the related API, upon which the extension relied, on 13 December 2021. From thereon "Return YouTube Dislike" switched "to using a combination of archived dislike stats, estimates extrapolated from extension user data and estimates based on view/like ratios for videos whose dislikes weren't archived and for outdated dislike archives."<ref>{{Cite web |first=Michael |last=Can |title=Browser Extension Brings Back Dislike Count to YouTube Videos |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/browser-extension-brings-back-dislike-count-to-youtube-videos
|website=PC Mag |date=29 Nov 2021 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130001311/https://www.pcmag.com/news/browser-extension-brings-back-dislike-count-to-youtube-videos |archive-date=30 Nov 2021}}</ref>
===Anti-features and dark patterns to trick the user into staying longer===
YouTube's algorithm was engineered to make the user watch more videos than they intended, to earn more ad revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicas |first=Jack |date=7 Feb 2018 |title=How YouTube Drives People to the Internet’s Darkest Corners |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-youtube-drives-viewers-to-the-internets-darkest-corners-1518020478 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208091112/https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-youtube-drives-viewers-to-the-internets-darkest-corners-1518020478 |archive-date=8 Dec 2018 |access-date=29 Jan 2026 |website=The Wall Street Journal |quote=YouTube engineered its algorithm several years ago to make the site “sticky”—to recommend videos that keep users staying to watch still more, said current and former YouTube engineers who helped build it. The site earns money selling ads that run before and during videos.}}</ref> On top of a feature called Autoplay, which queues another video (chosen by Youtube's algorithm) and plays that automatically after a short delay so you keep watching more. Especially children will through this mechanism have their attention extracted for several hours.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2 Nov 2018 |others=NPR/TED Staff |title=James Bridle: What Do Kids' Videos on YouTube Reveal About the Internet's Dark Side? |url=https://www.npr.org/transcripts/662612151 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250620234159/https://www.npr.org/transcripts/662612151 |archive-date=20 Jun 2025 |access-date=29 Jan 2026 |website=NPR |quote="And also, on the other side of the screen, there still are these little kids watching this stuff - right? - their full attention grabbed by these weird mechanisms. And so there's autoplay, where it just keeps playing these videos over and over and over on a loop, endlessly, for hours and hours at a time. And there's so much weirdness in the system now that autoplay takes you to some pretty strange places. This is how within, like, a dozen steps, you can go from a cute video of a counting train to masturbating Mickey Mouse."}}</ref>

<blockquote>This is how within, like, a dozen steps, you can go from a cute video of a counting train to masturbating Mickey Mouse — James Bridle<ref name=":9" /></blockquote>By default, this feature is enabled.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Apr 2025 |title=Autoplay videos - YouTube Help |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6327615?hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401080124/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6327615?hl=en |archive-date=1 Apr 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=[[Google]]}}</ref> Another feature like this is the inclusion of irrelevant videos in search results, which are marked as "related".{{Citation needed}} If the user searches for something and scrolls down the list too far, the likelihood of them finding what they were looking for decreases since results are generally sorted by what the platform deems relevant to the search query. Hence, if the user scrolls down too far, it is likely that they give up and leave the site. Therefore YouTube started to add random videos out of its recommendation list for the user into the search results, increasing the probability that they see something they will click and watch.{{Citation needed}} This makes it much harder and more inconvenient to find relevant search results since the user has to scroll past all the noise that is designed to distract them. Since unrelated videos are promoted in search in its place, it means that a low engagement video that is actually relevant is less likely to be discovered.{{Citation needed}}

===High number of bots===
Upon the initial publication of a video, the comment section is frequently targeted by coordinated automated accounts.{{Citation needed}} These accounts often engage in disruptive activities, including attempts to direct users to external scams or artificially inflate engagement.{{Citation needed}}

These accounts commonly employ identifiable tactics, such as:

*Utilizing profile pictures of popular public figures or suggestive imagery.
*Reposting highly-liked comments from the same video, sometimes with minor edits if the comment gains significant traction.
*Posting generic comments that are irrelevant to the video's content or the channel's focus.

Despite consistent feedback from content creators and the broader community, effective platform-level measures to automatically detect and mitigate this activity appear limited.{{Citation needed}} Consequently, content creators and their moderation teams are often required to manually review and remove these comments on a per-video basis to maintain the quality and safety of their community interactions.{{Citation needed}}

===Crackdown against third-party front-ends===
Since the beginning of 2025, users have been reporting issues with 3rd-party frontends accessing the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Feb 2025 |title=Youtube changed something, again! |url=https://nadeko.net/announcements/invidious-02-20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816014757/https://nadeko.net/announcements/invidious-02-20/ |archive-date=16 Aug 2025 |access-date=16 Aug 2025}}</ref> For FreeTube, there has been a heightened amount of people receiving [[wikipedia:HTTP_403|403 errors]] associated with IP blocks when attempting to view videos via this frontend.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gevaarlijk |date=Jan 31, 2025 |title=[Bug]: [BAD_HTTP_STATUS: 403] Potential causes: IP block or streaming URL deciphering failed #6701 |url=https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube/issues/6701 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cPHsx |archive-date=21 Feb 2025 |access-date=Aug 30, 2025 |website=[[GitHub]]}}</ref>

===AI filtering without consent===
YouTube is testing an experiment on Shorts content that enhances a video's detail without the creator's consent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reisner |first=Alex |date=August 22, 2025 |title=YouTube’s Sneaky AI ‘Experiment’ |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/08/youtube-shorts-ai-upscaling/683946/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250822194955/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/08/youtube-shorts-ai-upscaling/683946/ |archive-date=22 Aug 2025 |access-date=August 26, 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref> The resulting output tends to look plastic. This change has been observed as early as June 27, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ulincsys |date=June 27, 2025 |title=YouTube Shorts are almost certainly being AI upscaled |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1lllnse/youtube_shorts_are_almost_certainly_being_ai/ |access-date=August 26, 2025}}</ref> and affects creators who especially intend the video to be viewed in a certain way, such as the "VHS look".<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2025 |title=YouTube Shorts are becoming AI upscaled without consent from creators |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1m5y7zu/youtube_shorts_are_becoming_ai_upscaled_without/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/i2Ej3 |archive-date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=August 26, 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Rhett Shull, in his video, opines such a change "will inevitably erode viewers trust in my content [...] or any of the other creators on this platform that we all watch and we all follow" due to implications that the creator may be using AI, and "also erodes my trust in the platform."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shull |first=Rhett |date=2025-08-14 |title=YouTube Is Using AI to Alter Content (and not telling us) |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=86nhP8tvbLY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=86nhP8tvbLY |archive-date=16 Aug 2025 |access-date=August 26, 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

Artist Sam Yang uploaded a video on the August 30th, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Sam |date=30 Aug 2025 |title=Youtube is Using AI on Your Shorts Without Consent.. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjnQ-s7LW-g |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=tjnQ-s7LW-g |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |website=Youtube}}</ref> following up on the issue using his own work for comparison, testing the claims that this is merely compression scaling, adding an artist's eye and commentary to the issue.

Users complained about a dangerous flickering that happens under some videos. Some forwarded this issue to YouTube scientist Anton Petrov, to which he replicated the issue and showed it under a video uploaded October 25, 2025, noting it happens on one of his devices, more specifically a mobile phone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petrov |first=Anton |date=2025-10-25 |title=YouTube AI Filter Is Making My Videos Dangerous To Watch |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HY-nREvVu4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=2HY-nREvVu4 |archive-date=26 Oct 2025 |access-date=October 30, 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

===2025 channel terminations wave===
On November 2025, multiple YouTube channels, including Enderman, Scratchit Gaming, and 4096 are reportedly terminated in a massive banwave under false reasons, such as association with a Japanese-language channel "椛のスターレイル遊び" which translates roughly as "Momiji plays Honkai: Star Rail Adventures," a reference to a Japanese role-playing game. Some have blamed the banwave on the malfunctions of YouTube's AI-powered moderation system.<ref>https://sea.mashable.com/tech/40513/big-youtube-channels-are-being-banned-youtubers-are-blaming-ai</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Relevant Rossmann Videos===
<references group="Rossmann Video" />

[[Category:YouTube]]

Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency

2026-01-29T13:41:58Z

Reform: Sentences that contained just hearsay and opinions have been removed. Several citation needed templates have been added, and most sentences have been adjusted for NPOV.

{{ToneWarning}}

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Soundwide
|StartDate=2026-01-28
|EndDate=2026
|Status=Pending Resolution
|ProductLine=Kontakt, Reaktor, Komplete
|Product=All
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Abandonware, Preliminary Insolvency
|Description=Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency, and a court‑appointed administrator will handle its restructuring and may sell the company's assets
}}
{{OngoingEvent}}
Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency proceedings, a preliminary insolvency administrator has been appointed, who will take responsibility for restructuring the company and any sale of existing assets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirn |first=Peter |date=27 Jan 2026 |title=Native Instruments GmbH is in preliminary insolvency |url=https://cdm.link/ni-insolvency/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jan 2026 |website=CDM}}</ref>

==Background==
In April 2022 Native instruments briefly{{Clarify|how long}} became a subsidiary brand of Soundwide, a parent company created with the backing of Francisco Partners and EMH Partners.{{Citation needed|date=29 Jan 2026}} They shipped negatively received updates that decreased plugin performance and increased advertisements.{{Citation needed|date=29 Jan 2026}} They kept buying companies, which correlated with their decreased success.{{Citation needed|date=29 Jan 2026}}

==Brands Acquisition==
Native Instruments has acquired two significant brands iZotope and Plugin Alliance.{{Citation needed|date=29 Jan 2026}} The brands were initially merged under an umbrella brand named Soundwide, and shortly later under the Native Instruments brand name. Native Instruments got fined for this, which made them bankrupt and sell all of their products.{{Citation needed|date=29 Jan 2026}}

==Lawsuit==
==Consumer response==
==References==

#https://musictech.com/news/industry/native-instruments-preliminary-insolvency/
#https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/native-instruments-has-been-placed-in-preliminary-insolvency
#https://audionewsroom.net/2026/01/native-instruments-insolvency-what-does-it-mean-and-what-happens-now.html
#https://www.engadget.com/audio/native-instruments-enters-into-insolvency-proceedings-leaving-its-future-uncertain-183206826.html
[[Category:Incidents]]
<references />

Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency

2026-01-29T13:30:34Z

Reform: The relatively trusted source described in my earlier contribution has now actually been added.

{{ToneWarning}}

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Soundwide
|StartDate=2026-01-28
|EndDate=2026
|Status=Pending Resolution
|ProductLine=Kontakt, Reaktor, Komplete
|Product=All
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Abandonware, Preliminary Insolvency
|Description=Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency, and a court‑appointed administrator will handle its restructuring and may sell the company's assets
}}
{{OngoingEvent}}
Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency proceedings, a preliminary insolvency administrator has been appointed, who will take responsibility for restructuring the company and any sale of existing assets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirn |first=Peter |date=27 Jan 2026 |title=Native Instruments GmbH is in preliminary insolvency |url=https://cdm.link/ni-insolvency/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jan 2026 |website=CDM}}</ref>

==Background==
So it all started in April 2022, when Native instruments briefly became a subsidiary brand of Soundwide, a parent company created with the backing of Francisco Partners and EMH Partners

From there it all went downhill, bad updates, poor performance, ads everywhere, basically doing everything to please their investors

Worse, they kept buying companies, seemed like they were thriving to the outsider, big shark eating "small" companies

But it doesn't really seem like it from all of these recent events

==Acquisition==
Native Instruments has acquired two significant brands iZotope and Plugin Alliance

The brands were initially merged under an umbrella brand named Soundwide, before all being brought under the Native Instruments brand name

All of that it seems led to big fines, which made the company go bankrupt and sell all of their products

That's what happens when you get owned by a private equity

==Lawsuit==

I'm hoping there would be one
==Consumer response==

A LOT of backlash
==References==

#https://musictech.com/news/industry/native-instruments-preliminary-insolvency/
#https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/native-instruments-has-been-placed-in-preliminary-insolvency
#https://audionewsroom.net/2026/01/native-instruments-insolvency-what-does-it-mean-and-what-happens-now.html
#https://www.engadget.com/audio/native-instruments-enters-into-insolvency-proceedings-leaving-its-future-uncertain-183206826.html
[[Category:Incidents]]

Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency

2026-01-29T13:28:39Z

Reform: A relatively trusted source that reports on the original court documents has been added, and an Ongoing Event template has been added. Lastly, an incident category has been added.

{{ToneWarning}}

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Soundwide
|StartDate=2026-01-28
|EndDate=2026
|Status=Pending Resolution
|ProductLine=Kontakt, Reaktor, Komplete
|Product=All
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Abandonware, Preliminary Insolvency
|Description=Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency, and a court‑appointed administrator will handle its restructuring and may sell the company's assets
}}
{{OngoingEvent}}
Native Instruments is in preliminary insolvency proceedings, a preliminary insolvency administrator has been appointed, who will take responsibility for restructuring the company and any sale of existing assets.

==Background==
So it all started in April 2022, when Native instruments briefly became a subsidiary brand of Soundwide, a parent company created with the backing of Francisco Partners and EMH Partners

From there it all went downhill, bad updates, poor performance, ads everywhere, basically doing everything to please their investors

Worse, they kept buying companies, seemed like they were thriving to the outsider, big shark eating "small" companies

But it doesn't really seem like it from all of these recent events

==Acquisition==
Native Instruments has acquired two significant brands iZotope and Plugin Alliance

The brands were initially merged under an umbrella brand named Soundwide, before all being brought under the Native Instruments brand name

All of that it seems led to big fines, which made the company go bankrupt and sell all of their products

That's what happens when you get owned by a private equity

==Lawsuit==

I'm hoping there would be one
==Consumer response==

A LOT of backlash
==References==

#https://musictech.com/news/industry/native-instruments-preliminary-insolvency/
#https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/native-instruments-has-been-placed-in-preliminary-insolvency
#https://audionewsroom.net/2026/01/native-instruments-insolvency-what-does-it-mean-and-what-happens-now.html
#https://www.engadget.com/audio/native-instruments-enters-into-insolvency-proceedings-leaving-its-future-uncertain-183206826.html
[[Category:Incidents]]

Steam

2026-01-28T19:00:32Z

Reform: Added text link to DRM page on this wiki

{{ProductCargo
|Company=Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Epic Games
|ReleaseYear=2003
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Digital storefront, Video games
|Logo=Steam.png
|Website=https://store.steampowered.com
|Description=Online storefront for PC games. Users who "purchase" games own a revocable license, which in return mislead buyers. Data breaches and lawsuits follow.
}}

'''{{wplink|Steam (service)|Steam}}''' is a digital storefront and service for video-game distribution, operated by [[Valve|Valve Corporation]]. Launched in 2003, it has grown to become the largest digital-distribution platform for PC gaming, with over 130 million monthly active users as of 2024. The platform offers services for [[digital rights management]] (DRM), server hosting, video streaming, and social networking.<ref>[https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/about "At Valve we make games, Steam, and hardware."] ''Valve Corporation''. 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
====Privacy====
*Collects extensive personal data, including email, location, payment details, and device information<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://store.steampowered.com/privacy_agreement/ "Privacy Policy Agreement."] ''Steam''. February 14, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>
*Records and stores all user communications through platform features<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Keeps specific user data indefinitely for "gameplay consistency" even after account deletion<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Tracks gaming behavior, including preferences, progress, playtime, and device usage<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Shares user data with game developers and third-party service providers<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Makes user profile data publicly available through Steamworks API<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Uses cookies and similar technologies for tracking across websites<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Retains transaction data for up to 10 years after account closure<ref name="privacy-policy" />

====Freedom====
*Users do not own purchased games; they only receive limited licenses.<ref name="subscriber-agreement">[https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement "Steam Subscriber Agreement."] ''Steam''. September 26, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref> Although some games work without [[Digital rights management|DRM]], information about this is hidden to users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Jan 2026 |title=The big list of DRM-free games on Steam |url=https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/The_big_list_of_DRM-free_games_on_Steam |url-status=live |access-date=28 Jan 2026 |website=PCGamingWiki}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Apr 2022 |title=Post newly-discovered games here |url=https://steamcommunity.com/groups/drm-free-and-client-free-games/discussions/0/5456682769561852541 |url-status=live |access-date=28 Jan 2026 |website=Steam}}</ref>
*Can terminate access to paid content at Valve's discretion<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*No right to transfer or resell purchased games<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Imposes regional restrictions on game activation and playing via IP address geolocation<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Can unilaterally modify terms with 30-day notice<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Mandatory client updates (sometimes over 100MB){{Citation needed|reason=Personal account}} required to launch Steam & access library<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Users must accept all changes to maintain access to purchased content<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Steam prevents users with non steam copies of games from installing certain workshop mods
====Transparency====
*Provides a clear refund policy for games (any game played for less than 2 hours within 14 days)<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*It will mainly reference instances where the product prevents inspection or is intentionally confusing.
*Maintains detailed system requirements information for all games (developer-submitted)<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Offers a comprehensive privacy policy in an accessible language<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Unclear processes for account termination and data removal<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Limited transparency about content moderation decisions<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Vague about specific data retention time-frames<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*No clear disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors<ref name="privacy-policy" />
====Business model====
Steam makes money from every purchase of games on the platform, with 30% of the sale going to them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/that-lawsuit-against-steams-30-cut-of-game-sales-is-now-a-class-action-meaning-many-other-developers-could-benefit|title=That lawsuit against Steam’s 30% cut of game sales is now a class action, meaning many other developers could benefit|first=Edwin|last=Evans-Thirlwell|date=2024-11-28|work=Rock Paper Shotgun|access-date=2025-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725042630/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/that-lawsuit-against-steams-30-cut-of-game-sales-is-now-a-class-action-meaning-many-other-developers-could-benefit|archive-date=2025-07-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

Steam also offers a community market where players can buy and sell different types of items, like in-game skins or trading cards, for a fee of 5% (with a minimum fee of $0.01). Any profits made from the market are added to the user's Steam Wallet and can't be withdrawn. This serves as another essential source of revenue for Steam.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam Community Market |url=https://steamcommunity.com/market/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Steam}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Community Market FAQ |url=https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/61F0-72B7-9A18-C70B |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Steam}}</ref>

====Market control====
As of 2021, Steam has over 132 million players utilizing the service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/group/4145017/view/3133946090937137590|title=Steam - 2021 Year in Review|work=Steam|date=2022-03-08|access-date=2025-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816161655/https://store.steampowered.com/news/group/4145017/view/3133946090937137590|archive-date=2022-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Incidents:==
===Antitrust ruling: Geo-blocking (''2021.01'')===
On January 20, 2021, the European Commission fined Valve, owner of Steam, €1.6 million for breaching EU antitrust rules by engaging in geo-blocking practices through Steam within the European Economic Area (EEA). Five PC video game publishers have also been fined for engaging with Valve through Steam in geo-blocking practices by "requesting Valve to set up geographical restrictions and to provide geo-blocked Steam activation keys"(EU Commission, 2021). The fines for the publishers were reduced due to the cooperation of the five publishers with the Commission. Valve did not cooperate with the Commission.<ref>Antitrust: Commission fines Valve and five publishers of PC video games € 7.8 million for “geo-blocking” practices. (2021, Jan, 20). ec.europa.eu. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_170</ref>
===Customer database hack (''2011''.10)===
In October 2011, Valve temporarily closed the Steam Community forums following security-breach concerns. The company later confirmed that hackers had compromised one of its customer databases. The compromised database contained user information, including encrypted credit-card numbers, billing addresses, purchase histories, email addresses, and encrypted passwords for Steam accounts.<ref>Johnson, Casey (November 10, 2011). [https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/11/valve-confirms-steam-hack-credit-cards-personal-info-may-be-stolen/ "Valve confirms Steam hack: credit cards, personal info may be stolen"]. ''Ars Technica''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>

At the time of disclosure, Valve stated they had no evidence that the encrypted credit-card numbers or personally identifying information had been taken, nor was there evidence that the encryption on the credit-card numbers or passwords had been cracked. Nevertheless, they advised users to monitor their credit-card activity and statements as a precautionary measure.

===Modification to terms-of-service (''2024''.09)===
{{Main|Valve removes arbitration requirement from Steam Subscriber Agreement}}
In September 2024, Steam implemented significant changes to its subscriber agreement that altered user rights and game-ownership terms. Additionally, it removed [[forced arbitration]] from the Steam Subscriber Agreement.<ref>Carpenter, Nicole (September 27, 2024). [https://www.polygon.com/explained/457557/valve-arbitration-steam-subscriber-agreements "Valve removes arbitration from its Steam agreements — here's what that means for you"]. ''Polygon''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref><ref>Rossmann, Louis (September 27, 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f81qXxggo8 "Steam altered the terms of the sale; you'll be happy they altered it further!"] ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref> Key changes included:
*Enhanced ability to terminate accounts for violations
*Additional data collection and sharing provisions
*Modified dispute resolution procedures

===Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam (''2025''.07)===
{{Main|Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam}}
In an update for Steam's Rules and Guidelines for developers,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steamworks Documentation - Onboarding |url=https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/gettingstarted/onboarding |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719092925/https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/gettingstarted/onboarding |archive-date=Jul 19, 2025 |access-date=Jul 19, 2025 |website=Steamworks Documentation}}</ref> a new rule was added within the section detailing what content can not be included on Steam:<blockquote>15. Content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors, related card networks, banks, or internet network providers. In particular, certain kinds of adult-only content are used.</blockquote>This addition was made with pressure from payment processors such as [[Visa]], [[Mastercard]], and [[PayPal]]. Most, if not all, content taken down from the platform was adult in nature <ref>{{Cite news |last=Bonk |first=Lawrence |date=Jul 16, 2025 |title=Steam now bans games that violate the 'rules and standards' of payment processors and banks |url=https://www.engadget.com/gaming/steam-now-bans-games-that-violate-the-rules-and-standards-of-payment-processors-and-banks-164222173.html |access-date=Jul 19, 2025 |work=Engadget}}</ref>however, allowing both payment processors and ISPs to judge whether or not content on the platform can be taken down puts consumer choice at risk. Reportedly, Japanese developers creating "adult-oriented" games were also refused payment via their banks just after this rule change.<ref>{{Cite news |date=Jan 30, 2025 |title=Adult game devs in Japan can’t receive revenue from Steam as Japanese banks reportedly make the “comprehensive decision” to block transfers |url=https://peoplic.com/adult-game-devs-in-japan-cant-receive-revenue-from-steam-as-japanese-banks-reportedly-make-the-comprehensive-decision-to-block-transfers/ |access-date=Jul 19, 2025 |work=peoplic}}</ref>

In addition, game developers and consumers have noticed that some content was removed or delisted despite not being 18+ while having LGBT tags or themes. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Gossling |first=Cedric |date=2025-08-01 |title=Steam and Itch.io Delist LGBTQ+ and NSFW Content Following Payment Pressure |url=https://www.gameshub.com/news/news/steam-itchio-delist-lgbtq-nsfw-games-2790936/ |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=Gameshub}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[itch.io]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Services]]
[[Category:Valve Corporation]]

Steam

2026-01-28T18:59:18Z

Reform: Added clarification about DRM and added a citation needed notice

{{ProductCargo
|Company=Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Epic Games
|ReleaseYear=2003
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Digital storefront, Video games
|Logo=Steam.png
|Website=https://store.steampowered.com
|Description=Online storefront for PC games. Users who "purchase" games own a revocable license, which in return mislead buyers. Data breaches and lawsuits follow.
}}

'''{{wplink|Steam (service)|Steam}}''' is a digital storefront and service for video-game distribution, operated by [[Valve|Valve Corporation]]. Launched in 2003, it has grown to become the largest digital-distribution platform for PC gaming, with over 130 million monthly active users as of 2024. The platform offers services for [[digital rights management]] (DRM), server hosting, video streaming, and social networking.<ref>[https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/about "At Valve we make games, Steam, and hardware."] ''Valve Corporation''. 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
====Privacy====
*Collects extensive personal data, including email, location, payment details, and device information<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://store.steampowered.com/privacy_agreement/ "Privacy Policy Agreement."] ''Steam''. February 14, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>
*Records and stores all user communications through platform features<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Keeps specific user data indefinitely for "gameplay consistency" even after account deletion<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Tracks gaming behavior, including preferences, progress, playtime, and device usage<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Shares user data with game developers and third-party service providers<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Makes user profile data publicly available through Steamworks API<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Uses cookies and similar technologies for tracking across websites<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Retains transaction data for up to 10 years after account closure<ref name="privacy-policy" />

====Freedom====
*Users do not own purchased games; they only receive limited licenses.<ref name="subscriber-agreement">[https://store.steampowered.com/subscriber_agreement "Steam Subscriber Agreement."] ''Steam''. September 26, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref> Although some games work without DRM, information about this is hidden to users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Jan 2026 |title=The big list of DRM-free games on Steam |url=https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/The_big_list_of_DRM-free_games_on_Steam |url-status=live |access-date=28 Jan 2026 |website=PCGamingWiki}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Apr 2022 |title=Post newly-discovered games here |url=https://steamcommunity.com/groups/drm-free-and-client-free-games/discussions/0/5456682769561852541 |url-status=live |access-date=28 Jan 2026 |website=Steam}}</ref>
*Can terminate access to paid content at Valve's discretion<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*No right to transfer or resell purchased games<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Imposes regional restrictions on game activation and playing via IP address geolocation<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Can unilaterally modify terms with 30-day notice<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Mandatory client updates (sometimes over 100MB){{Citation needed|reason=Personal account}} required to launch Steam & access library<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Users must accept all changes to maintain access to purchased content<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Steam prevents users with non steam copies of games from installing certain workshop mods
====Transparency====
*Provides a clear refund policy for games (any game played for less than 2 hours within 14 days)<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*It will mainly reference instances where the product prevents inspection or is intentionally confusing.
*Maintains detailed system requirements information for all games (developer-submitted)<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Offers a comprehensive privacy policy in an accessible language<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Unclear processes for account termination and data removal<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Limited transparency about content moderation decisions<ref name="subscriber-agreement" />
*Vague about specific data retention time-frames<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*No clear disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors<ref name="privacy-policy" />
====Business model====
Steam makes money from every purchase of games on the platform, with 30% of the sale going to them.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/that-lawsuit-against-steams-30-cut-of-game-sales-is-now-a-class-action-meaning-many-other-developers-could-benefit|title=That lawsuit against Steam’s 30% cut of game sales is now a class action, meaning many other developers could benefit|first=Edwin|last=Evans-Thirlwell|date=2024-11-28|work=Rock Paper Shotgun|access-date=2025-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725042630/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/that-lawsuit-against-steams-30-cut-of-game-sales-is-now-a-class-action-meaning-many-other-developers-could-benefit|archive-date=2025-07-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

Steam also offers a community market where players can buy and sell different types of items, like in-game skins or trading cards, for a fee of 5% (with a minimum fee of $0.01). Any profits made from the market are added to the user's Steam Wallet and can't be withdrawn. This serves as another essential source of revenue for Steam.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam Community Market |url=https://steamcommunity.com/market/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Steam}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Community Market FAQ |url=https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/61F0-72B7-9A18-C70B |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Steam}}</ref>

====Market control====
As of 2021, Steam has over 132 million players utilizing the service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/group/4145017/view/3133946090937137590|title=Steam - 2021 Year in Review|work=Steam|date=2022-03-08|access-date=2025-08-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816161655/https://store.steampowered.com/news/group/4145017/view/3133946090937137590|archive-date=2022-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Incidents:==
===Antitrust ruling: Geo-blocking (''2021.01'')===
On January 20, 2021, the European Commission fined Valve, owner of Steam, €1.6 million for breaching EU antitrust rules by engaging in geo-blocking practices through Steam within the European Economic Area (EEA). Five PC video game publishers have also been fined for engaging with Valve through Steam in geo-blocking practices by "requesting Valve to set up geographical restrictions and to provide geo-blocked Steam activation keys"(EU Commission, 2021). The fines for the publishers were reduced due to the cooperation of the five publishers with the Commission. Valve did not cooperate with the Commission.<ref>Antitrust: Commission fines Valve and five publishers of PC video games € 7.8 million for “geo-blocking” practices. (2021, Jan, 20). ec.europa.eu. Retrieved May 26, 2025, from https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_170</ref>
===Customer database hack (''2011''.10)===
In October 2011, Valve temporarily closed the Steam Community forums following security-breach concerns. The company later confirmed that hackers had compromised one of its customer databases. The compromised database contained user information, including encrypted credit-card numbers, billing addresses, purchase histories, email addresses, and encrypted passwords for Steam accounts.<ref>Johnson, Casey (November 10, 2011). [https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/11/valve-confirms-steam-hack-credit-cards-personal-info-may-be-stolen/ "Valve confirms Steam hack: credit cards, personal info may be stolen"]. ''Ars Technica''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref>

At the time of disclosure, Valve stated they had no evidence that the encrypted credit-card numbers or personally identifying information had been taken, nor was there evidence that the encryption on the credit-card numbers or passwords had been cracked. Nevertheless, they advised users to monitor their credit-card activity and statements as a precautionary measure.

===Modification to terms-of-service (''2024''.09)===
{{Main|Valve removes arbitration requirement from Steam Subscriber Agreement}}
In September 2024, Steam implemented significant changes to its subscriber agreement that altered user rights and game-ownership terms. Additionally, it removed [[forced arbitration]] from the Steam Subscriber Agreement.<ref>Carpenter, Nicole (September 27, 2024). [https://www.polygon.com/explained/457557/valve-arbitration-steam-subscriber-agreements "Valve removes arbitration from its Steam agreements — here's what that means for you"]. ''Polygon''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref><ref>Rossmann, Louis (September 27, 2024). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f81qXxggo8 "Steam altered the terms of the sale; you'll be happy they altered it further!"] ''YouTube''. Retrieved January 17, 2025.</ref> Key changes included:
*Enhanced ability to terminate accounts for violations
*Additional data collection and sharing provisions
*Modified dispute resolution procedures

===Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam (''2025''.07)===
{{Main|Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam}}
In an update for Steam's Rules and Guidelines for developers,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steamworks Documentation - Onboarding |url=https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/gettingstarted/onboarding |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719092925/https://partner.steamgames.com/doc/gettingstarted/onboarding |archive-date=Jul 19, 2025 |access-date=Jul 19, 2025 |website=Steamworks Documentation}}</ref> a new rule was added within the section detailing what content can not be included on Steam:<blockquote>15. Content that may violate the rules and standards set forth by Steam’s payment processors, related card networks, banks, or internet network providers. In particular, certain kinds of adult-only content are used.</blockquote>This addition was made with pressure from payment processors such as [[Visa]], [[Mastercard]], and [[PayPal]]. Most, if not all, content taken down from the platform was adult in nature <ref>{{Cite news |last=Bonk |first=Lawrence |date=Jul 16, 2025 |title=Steam now bans games that violate the 'rules and standards' of payment processors and banks |url=https://www.engadget.com/gaming/steam-now-bans-games-that-violate-the-rules-and-standards-of-payment-processors-and-banks-164222173.html |access-date=Jul 19, 2025 |work=Engadget}}</ref>however, allowing both payment processors and ISPs to judge whether or not content on the platform can be taken down puts consumer choice at risk. Reportedly, Japanese developers creating "adult-oriented" games were also refused payment via their banks just after this rule change.<ref>{{Cite news |date=Jan 30, 2025 |title=Adult game devs in Japan can’t receive revenue from Steam as Japanese banks reportedly make the “comprehensive decision” to block transfers |url=https://peoplic.com/adult-game-devs-in-japan-cant-receive-revenue-from-steam-as-japanese-banks-reportedly-make-the-comprehensive-decision-to-block-transfers/ |access-date=Jul 19, 2025 |work=peoplic}}</ref>

In addition, game developers and consumers have noticed that some content was removed or delisted despite not being 18+ while having LGBT tags or themes. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Gossling |first=Cedric |date=2025-08-01 |title=Steam and Itch.io Delist LGBTQ+ and NSFW Content Following Payment Pressure |url=https://www.gameshub.com/news/news/steam-itchio-delist-lgbtq-nsfw-games-2790936/ |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=Gameshub}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[itch.io]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Services]]
[[Category:Valve Corporation]]

AirPods

2026-01-28T15:41:09Z

Reform: grammar v3

{{StubNotice}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{ProductLineCargo
| ReleaseYear = 2016-12-13
| Website = https://apple.com/airpods
| Logo = AirPods logo.svg
|ArticleType=ProductLine|Category=Wireless earbuds|Company=Apple|InProduction=Yes}}

'''AirPods''' are wireless earbuds designed by [[Apple]]. They first debuted on September 07, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7, and were released on December 13, 2016.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Sep 2016 |title=Apple reinvents the wireless headphone with AirPods |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044455/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
AirPods are designed in a way that makes them unrepairable, leading to customers having to buy a new pair after a few years of use. Apple can replace them, but won't repair them or help you do it yourself. According to an expert from iFixit:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Dalvin |date=20 Apr 2023 |title=Apple Doesn’t Repair AirPods. Here’s Why. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omMPJEoZGJE |url-status=live |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Youtube |publisher=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><blockquote>If you want to take this apart, non-destructively, to replace the batteries, as far as I know, that's impossible.</blockquote>The rechargeable batteries in AirPods can see fast-tracked degradation at a certain number of battery cycles,<ref name=":1" /> with two-year-old sets lasting for less than half of the advertised five hours.{{Citation needed}}

Up until September 22, 2023, Apple used their proprietary Lightning connector on the AirPods' charging case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borresen |first=Jennifer |date=22 Sep 2023 |title=iPhone 15 pro uses USB-C charger: An exploration of how Apple got here |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044745/https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

Apple has a program to service batteries and purchase replacement individual AirPods and charging cases. The replacement of one or both AirPods or the charging case has a lower price with AppleCare+ than without. Apple offers battery servicing for free with AppleCare+ and for a fee without.{{Citation needed}}

===User Freedom===
The features that Airpods are marketed with restrict interoperability, because the customer can only get them within the Apple ecosystem. When used with non-Apple products the functionality is on par with a basic wireless headphone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Christian |date=2025-03-26 |title=Don't use AirPods with Android |url=https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407044828/https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=SOUNDGUYS}}</ref> However there have been projects attempting to regain marketed features of Airpods with non-apple products, such as LibrePods.<ref>https://github.com/cysgodi/librepods</ref><ref>https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/21/librepods-unlocks-airpods-features-android/</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product line. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
{{Placeholder box|Replace the placeholder text in the sections below with the incidents that affect this product line and a short summary. Also replace the link so it point to the right company article.}}

===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}} {{Placeholder box|Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).}}

===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

Incidents affecting all of the company's products can be found in the company article: [[Company article]]

==Products==

*AirPods (1st generation) (December 13, 2016<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 March 2025 |title=Every Apple AirPods Generation: A Full History of Release Dates - IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044220/https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-date=2026-01-04 |website=IGN}}</ref>)
*AirPods (2nd generation) (March 20, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro (1st generation) (October 30, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Max (December 15, 2020<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods (3rd generation) (October 26, 2021<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro 2 (previously 2nd generation) (September 23, 2022<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods 4/ANC (September 20, 2024<ref name=":0" />)
==See also==
*[[Apple]]
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Airpods]]
[[Category:Apple]]

AirPods

2026-01-28T15:40:28Z

Reform: Grammar v2

{{StubNotice}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{ProductLineCargo
| ReleaseYear = 2016-12-13
| Website = https://apple.com/airpods
| Logo = AirPods logo.svg
|ArticleType=ProductLine|Category=Wireless earbuds|Company=Apple|InProduction=Yes}}

'''AirPods''' are wireless earbuds designed by [[Apple]]. They first debuted on September 07, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7, and were released on December 13, 2016.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Sep 2016 |title=Apple reinvents the wireless headphone with AirPods |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044455/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
AirPods are designed in a way that makes them unrepairable, leading to customers having to buy a new pair after a few years of use. Apple can replace them, but won't repair them or help you do it yourself. According to an expert from iFixit:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Dalvin |date=20 Apr 2023 |title=Apple Doesn’t Repair AirPods. Here’s Why. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omMPJEoZGJE |url-status=live |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Youtube |publisher=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><blockquote>If you want to take this apart, non-destructively, to replace the batteries, as far as I know, that's impossible.</blockquote>The rechargeable batteries in AirPods can see fast-tracked degradation at a certain number of battery cycles,<ref name=":1" /> with two-year-old sets lasting for less than half of the advertised five hours.{{Citation needed}}

Up until September 22, 2023, Apple used their proprietary Lightning connector on the AirPods' charging case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borresen |first=Jennifer |date=22 Sep 2023 |title=iPhone 15 pro uses USB-C charger: An exploration of how Apple got here |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044745/https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

Apple has a program to service batteries and purchase replacement individual AirPods and charging cases. The replacement of one or both AirPods or the charging case has a lower price with AppleCare+ than without. Apple offers battery servicing for free with AppleCare+ and for a fee without.{{Citation needed}}

===User Freedom===
The features that Airpods are marketed with restrict interoperability, because the customer can only get them within the Apple ecosystem. When used with non-Apple products the functionality is as on par with a basic wireless headphone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Christian |date=2025-03-26 |title=Don't use AirPods with Android |url=https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407044828/https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=SOUNDGUYS}}</ref> However there have been projects attempting to regain marketed features of Airpods with non-apple products, such as LibrePods.<ref>https://github.com/cysgodi/librepods</ref><ref>https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/21/librepods-unlocks-airpods-features-android/</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product line. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
{{Placeholder box|Replace the placeholder text in the sections below with the incidents that affect this product line and a short summary. Also replace the link so it point to the right company article.}}

===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}} {{Placeholder box|Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).}}

===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

Incidents affecting all of the company's products can be found in the company article: [[Company article]]

==Products==

*AirPods (1st generation) (December 13, 2016<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 March 2025 |title=Every Apple AirPods Generation: A Full History of Release Dates - IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044220/https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-date=2026-01-04 |website=IGN}}</ref>)
*AirPods (2nd generation) (March 20, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro (1st generation) (October 30, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Max (December 15, 2020<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods (3rd generation) (October 26, 2021<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro 2 (previously 2nd generation) (September 23, 2022<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods 4/ANC (September 20, 2024<ref name=":0" />)
==See also==
*[[Apple]]
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Airpods]]
[[Category:Apple]]

AirPods

2026-01-28T15:38:52Z

Reform: grammar

{{StubNotice}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{ProductLineCargo
| ReleaseYear = 2016-12-13
| Website = https://apple.com/airpods
| Logo = AirPods logo.svg
|ArticleType=ProductLine|Category=Wireless earbuds|Company=Apple|InProduction=Yes}}

'''AirPods''' are wireless earbuds designed by [[Apple]]. They first debuted on September 07, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7, and were released on December 13, 2016.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Sep 2016 |title=Apple reinvents the wireless headphone with AirPods |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044455/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
AirPods are designed in a way that makes them unrepairable, leading to customers having to buy a new pair after a few years of use. Apple can replace them, but won't repair them or help you do it yourself. According to an expert from iFixit:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Dalvin |date=20 Apr 2023 |title=Apple Doesn’t Repair AirPods. Here’s Why. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omMPJEoZGJE |url-status=live |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Youtube |publisher=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><blockquote>If you want to take this apart, non-destructively, to replace the batteries, as far as I know, that's impossible.</blockquote>The rechargeable batteries in AirPods can see fast-tracked degradation at a certain number of battery cycles,<ref name=":1" /> with two-year-old sets lasting for less than half of the advertised five hours.{{Citation needed}}

Up until September 22, 2023, Apple used their proprietary Lightning connector on the AirPods' charging case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borresen |first=Jennifer |date=22 Sep 2023 |title=iPhone 15 pro uses USB-C charger: An exploration of how Apple got here |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044745/https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

Apple has a program to service batteries and purchase replacement individual AirPods and charging cases. The replacement of one or both AirPods or the charging case has a lower price with AppleCare+ than without. Apple offers battery servicing for free with AppleCare+ and for a fee without.{{Citation needed}}

===User Freedom===
The features that Airpods markets itself with restrict interoperability, because the customer can only get them within the Apple ecosystem. When used with non-Apple products the functionality is as on par with a basic wireless headphone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Christian |date=2025-03-26 |title=Don't use AirPods with Android |url=https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407044828/https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=SOUNDGUYS}}</ref> However there have been projects attempting to regain marketed features of Airpods with non-apple products, such as LibrePods.<ref>https://github.com/cysgodi/librepods</ref><ref>https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/21/librepods-unlocks-airpods-features-android/</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product line. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
{{Placeholder box|Replace the placeholder text in the sections below with the incidents that affect this product line and a short summary. Also replace the link so it point to the right company article.}}

===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}} {{Placeholder box|Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).}}

===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

Incidents affecting all of the company's products can be found in the company article: [[Company article]]

==Products==

*AirPods (1st generation) (December 13, 2016<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 March 2025 |title=Every Apple AirPods Generation: A Full History of Release Dates - IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044220/https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-date=2026-01-04 |website=IGN}}</ref>)
*AirPods (2nd generation) (March 20, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro (1st generation) (October 30, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Max (December 15, 2020<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods (3rd generation) (October 26, 2021<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro 2 (previously 2nd generation) (September 23, 2022<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods 4/ANC (September 20, 2024<ref name=":0" />)
==See also==
*[[Apple]]
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Airpods]]
[[Category:Apple]]

AirPods

2026-01-28T15:38:11Z

Reform: Did a small rewrite of User Freedom section, and removed the comment requesting it

{{StubNotice}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{ProductLineCargo
| ReleaseYear = 2016-12-13
| Website = https://apple.com/airpods
| Logo = AirPods logo.svg
|ArticleType=ProductLine|Category=Wireless earbuds|Company=Apple|InProduction=Yes}}

'''AirPods''' are wireless earbuds designed by [[Apple]]. They first debuted on September 07, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7, and were released on December 13, 2016.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Sep 2016 |title=Apple reinvents the wireless headphone with AirPods |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044455/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
AirPods are designed in a way that makes them unrepairable, leading to customers having to buy a new pair after a few years of use. Apple can replace them, but won't repair them or help you do it yourself. According to an expert from iFixit:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Dalvin |date=20 Apr 2023 |title=Apple Doesn’t Repair AirPods. Here’s Why. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omMPJEoZGJE |url-status=live |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Youtube |publisher=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><blockquote>If you want to take this apart, non-destructively, to replace the batteries, as far as I know, that's impossible.</blockquote>The rechargeable batteries in AirPods can see fast-tracked degradation at a certain number of battery cycles,<ref name=":1" /> with two-year-old sets lasting for less than half of the advertised five hours.{{Citation needed}}

Up until September 22, 2023, Apple used their proprietary Lightning connector on the AirPods' charging case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borresen |first=Jennifer |date=22 Sep 2023 |title=iPhone 15 pro uses USB-C charger: An exploration of how Apple got here |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044745/https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

Apple has a program to service batteries and purchase replacement individual AirPods and charging cases. The replacement of one or both AirPods or the charging case has a lower price with AppleCare+ than without. Apple offers battery servicing for free with AppleCare+ and for a fee without.{{Citation needed}}

===User Freedom===
The features that Airpods markets itself with restricts interoperability, because the customer can only get them within the Apple ecosystem. When used with non-Apple products the functionality is as on par with a basic wireless headphone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Christian |date=2025-03-26 |title=Don't use AirPods with Android |url=https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407044828/https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=SOUNDGUYS}}</ref> However there have been projects attempting to regain marketed features of Airpods with non-apple products, such as LibrePods.<ref>https://github.com/cysgodi/librepods</ref><ref>https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/21/librepods-unlocks-airpods-features-android/</ref>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product line. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
{{Placeholder box|Replace the placeholder text in the sections below with the incidents that affect this product line and a short summary. Also replace the link so it point to the right company article.}}

===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}} {{Placeholder box|Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).}}

===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

Incidents affecting all of the company's products can be found in the company article: [[Company article]]

==Products==

*AirPods (1st generation) (December 13, 2016<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 March 2025 |title=Every Apple AirPods Generation: A Full History of Release Dates - IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044220/https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-date=2026-01-04 |website=IGN}}</ref>)
*AirPods (2nd generation) (March 20, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro (1st generation) (October 30, 2019<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Max (December 15, 2020<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods (3rd generation) (October 26, 2021<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods Pro 2 (previously 2nd generation) (September 23, 2022<ref name=":0" />)
*AirPods 4/ANC (September 20, 2024<ref name=":0" />)
==See also==
*[[Apple]]
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Airpods]]
[[Category:Apple]]

Template:Cleanup

2026-01-28T15:07:29Z

Reform: An attempt to make the outline of the template slightly darker for better legibility on light mode

<noinclude>
== Usage ==
Simply add <pre><nowiki>{{Cleanup}}</nowiki></pre> in the beginning of the article to add this notice:
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</noinclude>

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<span style="margin-right:8px;">🧽🫧</span>'''Article Status Notice: This Article needs to be cleaned up '''
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----
This article contains sources and content, but is lacking proper format and needs more development to meet the wiki's [[Moderator Guidelines|Content Guidelines]] and provide a high quality and consistent experience for readers.
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Issues may include:
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* Copy and paste the layout from the aforementioned preload templates (depending on the article's topic)
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Template talk:Cleanup

2026-01-28T15:05:55Z

Reform: /* Choosing a color for better legibility on light mode */ new section

Ancestry.com

2026-01-27T17:49:05Z

Reform: An extra in-line citation for an existing source has been added for clarity.

{{incomplete|Issue 1=This need work to fit the [[Template:CompanyPreload|company article format]]|Issue 2= The section regarding the data leak is empty}}

{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = Ancestry.com
| Release Year = 1996
| Product Type = Genealogy
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://ancestry.com/
| Logo = Ancestry.svg
}}

[[wikipedia:Ancestry.com|'''Ancestry.com''']], owned by [[wikipedia:Blackstone_Inc.|The Blackstone Group]], is a genealogy company based in the US, known for its DNA testing and family trees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 Jan 2026 |title=Our Story |url=https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/about-ancestry/our-story |url-status=live |access-date=27 Jan 2026 |website=Ancestry Corporate}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

====Strict cancellation and renewal policy====
Their business model centers around subscription plans which have the following restrictions.

*Predefined cancellation fees (e.g., up to $25, $50, or the remaining balance).{{Citation needed|date=27 Jan 2026}}
*Consumers need to cancel two days before the renewal date or trial expiration.{{Citation needed|date=27 Jan 2026}}
*Limited to narrow, front-loaded refund windows.{{Clarify|how}}
*Only long-term commitments, such as 6-month and 12-month plans.{{Citation needed|date=27 Jan 2026}}

===Privacy===
Their Privacy Policies regarding consumer data are subject to change. This can leave many consumers unaware of potential updates to the terms that govern how their data is handled, an especially concerning issue given that genetic data is unique, sensitive, and carries significant implications for consumers’ relatives.{{Citation needed|date=27 Jan 2026}}

====Data breach====
Ancestry.com was involved in a data breach where about 300,000 email addresses, usernames, and plaintext passwords were exposed. The breach happened in 2015, but it wasn’t until late 2017 when it was finally discovered and confirmed.<ref name=":0" />

==Anti-consumer practices==

===Cancellation policy===
Ancestry.com may charge a cancellation fee for "Subscriptions Longer than a Month, Billed Monthly" if users do not cancel within the first 14 days.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 Dec 2025 |title=Ancestry Renewal and Cancellation Terms |url=https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/renewal-cancellation-terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251011193700/https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/renewal-cancellation-terms |archive-date=11 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Ancestry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Cancelation fee ? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AncestryDNA/comments/14jqeu9/cancelation_fee/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cUe64 |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit |via=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

<blockquote>
Where offered, some subscriptions longer than a month may be eligible for monthly billing. Even though you will be billed monthly, you are committing to the entire length of your subscription (e.g. 6 months or 12 months).

…

(1) cancel immediately for a full refund of the first month’s fee and immediate loss of access, or (2) cancel effective at the end of the first month, subject to a cancellation fee. If you change from this type of subscription to a different type of subscription before the end of your subscription term, you will receive a prorated refund for the remainder of the current paid month, and you may be charged a cancellation fee. For subscriptions purchased on www.ancestry.com, cancellation fees are the lesser of (i) $25 USD for 6-month subscriptions or $50 USD for 12-month subscriptions (plus any applicable taxes) or (ii) the remaining cost of your subscription
</blockquote>
Ancestry's older price pages showed an offer which followed these cancellation terms, along with a citation showing the commitment, but this offer has since been removed from the page.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 Dec 2025 |title=Become a member |url=https://www.ancestry.com/offers/subscribe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824032751/https://www.ancestry.com/offers/subscribe |archive-date=2024-08-24 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=Ancestry}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Data Breach (2015)===
RootsWeb, an Ancestry service, suffered a significant data breach. A file containing the access data of approximately 297.8 thousand users was publicly accessible on its server from November 2015 to December 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ancestry |url=https://haveibeenpwned.com/breach/Ancestry |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/mgqKd |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=haveibeenpwned.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Feb 2024 |title=What happened in the Ancestry data breach? |url=https://www.twingate.com/blog/tips/ancestry-data-breach |archive-url=https://archive.ph/pxd1Y |archive-date=10 Nov 2024 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Twingate}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Spring |first=Tom |date=27 Dec 2017 |title=Leaky RootsWeb Server Exposes Some Ancestry.com User Data |url=https://threatpost.com/leaky-rootsweb-server-exposes-some-ancestry-com-user-data/129248/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/XP0Ch |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=threatpost}}</ref> The company published a security update on its official website, which is now unavailable, stating that it temporarily shut down RootsWeb and locked all compromised Ancestry accounts, requiring users to change their passwords.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blackham |first=Tony |date=23 Dec 2017 |title=RootsWeb Security Update |url=https://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2017/12/23/rootsweb-security-update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227232406/https://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2017/12/23/rootsweb-security-update/ |archive-date=27 Dec 2017 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Ancestry}}</ref> Below is part of the full statement:<blockquote>We want to share an important security update with you.

Last Wednesday, December 20, Ancestry’s Information Security Team received a message from a security researcher indicating that he had found a file containing email addresses/username and password combinations as well as user names from a RootsWeb.com server. Our Information Security Team reviewed the details of this file, and confirmed that it contains information related to users of Rootsweb’s surname list information, a service we retired earlier this year. For those of you who are unfamiliar, RootsWeb is a free community-driven collection of tools that are used by some people to host and share genealogical information. Ancestry has been hosting dedicated RootsWeb servers as a favor to the community since 2000. Importantly, RootsWeb does not host sensitive information like credit card numbers or social security numbers, and is not supported by the same infrastructure as Ancestry’s other brands. We are in the process of informing all impacted customers and will also be working with regulators and law enforcement as appropriate.

We also reviewed the RootsWeb file to see if any of the account information overlapped with existing accounts on Ancestry sites. We did confirm that a very small number of accounts – less than one percent of our total customer group – used the same account credentials on both Rootsweb and an Ancestry commercial site. We are currently contacting these customers.

In all cases, any user whose account had its associated email/username and password included on the file has had their accounts locked and will need to create a new password the next time they visit.

'''What We’ve Done'''

As a result of this discovery, we have taken two immediate corrective actions.

First, for the approximately 55,000 customers who used the same credentials at RootsWeb’s surname list and Ancestry – whether currently active or not – we have locked their Ancestry accounts and will require that they create a new password the next time they visit. We have also sent them emails to alert them to the situation. Though we have seen no activity that indicates these accounts have been compromised, we believe taking this additional measure is the right step to ensure the security of these customers. If you have not received an email or a notice requiring you to change your password, you have not been affected. Again, this issue involves less than one percent of our users, so there is a very good chance your account wasn’t involved.

Second, we have temporarily taken RootsWeb offline, and are working to ensure that all data is saved and preserved to the best of our ability. As RootsWeb is a free and open community that has been largely built by its users, we may not be able to salvage everything as we work to resolve this issue and enhance the RootsWeb infrastructure.

'''What You Should Do'''

If you are a customer whose account was impacted, you will receive an email telling you that you need to change your password. In that case, you will be required to create a new password the next time you visit Ancestry.

For the vast majority of customers who are not impacted by this, there is nothing you need to do as a result of this incident. However, we always recommend that you take the time to evaluate your own security settings. Please, never use the same username and password for multiple services or sites. And it’s generally good practice to use longer passwords and to change them regularly.</blockquote>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Blackstone]]

Ancestry.com

2026-01-27T17:41:02Z

Reform: Empty subheaders have been removed, but preserved through a comment. Several citation needed templates have been added, and some sentences have been adjusted for clarity and NPOV. At last, a citation for the company description has been added.

{{incomplete|Issue 1=This need work to fit the [[Template:CompanyPreload|company article format]]|Issue 2= The section regarding the data leak is empty}}

{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = Ancestry.com
| Release Year = 1996
| Product Type = Genealogy
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://ancestry.com/
| Logo = Ancestry.svg
}}

[[wikipedia:Ancestry.com|'''Ancestry.com''']], owned by [[wikipedia:Blackstone_Inc.|The Blackstone Group]], is a genealogy company based in the US, known for its DNA testing and family trees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 Jan 2026 |title=Our Story |url=https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/about-ancestry/our-story |url-status=live |access-date=27 Jan 2026 |website=Ancestry Corporate}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

==== Strict cancellation and renewal policy ====
Their business model centers around subscription plans which have the following restrictions.

*Predefined cancellation fees (e.g., up to $25, $50, or the remaining balance).{{Citation needed|date=27 Jan 2026}}
*Consumers need to cancel two days before the renewal date or trial expiration.{{Citation needed|date=27 Jan 2026}}
*Limited to narrow, front-loaded refund windows.{{Clarify|how}}
*Only long-term commitments, such as 6-month and 12-month plans.{{Citation needed|date=27 Jan 2026}}

===Privacy===
Their Privacy Policies regarding consumer data are subject to change. This can leave many consumers unaware of potential updates to the terms that govern how their data is handled, an especially concerning issue given that genetic data is unique, sensitive, and carries significant implications for consumers’ relatives.{{Citation needed|date=27 Jan 2026}}

==== Data breach ====
Ancestry.com was involved in a data breach where about 300,000 email addresses, usernames, and plaintext passwords were exposed. The breach happened in 2015, but it wasn’t until late 2017 when it was finally discovered and confirmed.

==Anti-consumer practices==

===Cancellation policy===
Ancestry.com may charge a cancellation fee for "Subscriptions Longer than a Month, Billed Monthly" if users do not cancel within the first 14 days.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 Dec 2025 |title=Ancestry Renewal and Cancellation Terms |url=https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/renewal-cancellation-terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251011193700/https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/renewal-cancellation-terms |archive-date=11 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Ancestry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Cancelation fee ? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AncestryDNA/comments/14jqeu9/cancelation_fee/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cUe64 |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit |via=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

<blockquote>
Where offered, some subscriptions longer than a month may be eligible for monthly billing. Even though you will be billed monthly, you are committing to the entire length of your subscription (e.g. 6 months or 12 months).

…

(1) cancel immediately for a full refund of the first month’s fee and immediate loss of access, or (2) cancel effective at the end of the first month, subject to a cancellation fee. If you change from this type of subscription to a different type of subscription before the end of your subscription term, you will receive a prorated refund for the remainder of the current paid month, and you may be charged a cancellation fee. For subscriptions purchased on www.ancestry.com, cancellation fees are the lesser of (i) $25 USD for 6-month subscriptions or $50 USD for 12-month subscriptions (plus any applicable taxes) or (ii) the remaining cost of your subscription
</blockquote>
Ancestry's older price pages showed an offer which followed these cancellation terms, along with a citation showing the commitment, but this offer has since been removed from the page.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 Dec 2025 |title=Become a member |url=https://www.ancestry.com/offers/subscribe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824032751/https://www.ancestry.com/offers/subscribe |archive-date=2024-08-24 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=Ancestry}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Data Breach (2015)===
RootsWeb, an Ancestry service, suffered a significant data breach. A file containing the access data of approximately 297.8 thousand users was publicly accessible on its server from November 2015 to December 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ancestry |url=https://haveibeenpwned.com/breach/Ancestry |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/mgqKd |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=haveibeenpwned.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Feb 2024 |title=What happened in the Ancestry data breach? |url=https://www.twingate.com/blog/tips/ancestry-data-breach |archive-url=https://archive.ph/pxd1Y |archive-date=10 Nov 2024 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Twingate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spring |first=Tom |date=27 Dec 2017 |title=Leaky RootsWeb Server Exposes Some Ancestry.com User Data |url=https://threatpost.com/leaky-rootsweb-server-exposes-some-ancestry-com-user-data/129248/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/XP0Ch |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=threatpost}}</ref> The company published a security update on its official website, which is now unavailable, stating that it temporarily shut down RootsWeb and locked all compromised Ancestry accounts, requiring users to change their passwords.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blackham |first=Tony |date=23 Dec 2017 |title=RootsWeb Security Update |url=https://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2017/12/23/rootsweb-security-update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227232406/https://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2017/12/23/rootsweb-security-update/ |archive-date=27 Dec 2017 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Ancestry}}</ref> Below is part of the full statement:<blockquote>We want to share an important security update with you.

Last Wednesday, December 20, Ancestry’s Information Security Team received a message from a security researcher indicating that he had found a file containing email addresses/username and password combinations as well as user names from a RootsWeb.com server. Our Information Security Team reviewed the details of this file, and confirmed that it contains information related to users of Rootsweb’s surname list information, a service we retired earlier this year. For those of you who are unfamiliar, RootsWeb is a free community-driven collection of tools that are used by some people to host and share genealogical information. Ancestry has been hosting dedicated RootsWeb servers as a favor to the community since 2000. Importantly, RootsWeb does not host sensitive information like credit card numbers or social security numbers, and is not supported by the same infrastructure as Ancestry’s other brands. We are in the process of informing all impacted customers and will also be working with regulators and law enforcement as appropriate.

We also reviewed the RootsWeb file to see if any of the account information overlapped with existing accounts on Ancestry sites. We did confirm that a very small number of accounts – less than one percent of our total customer group – used the same account credentials on both Rootsweb and an Ancestry commercial site. We are currently contacting these customers.

In all cases, any user whose account had its associated email/username and password included on the file has had their accounts locked and will need to create a new password the next time they visit.

'''What We’ve Done'''

As a result of this discovery, we have taken two immediate corrective actions.

First, for the approximately 55,000 customers who used the same credentials at RootsWeb’s surname list and Ancestry – whether currently active or not – we have locked their Ancestry accounts and will require that they create a new password the next time they visit. We have also sent them emails to alert them to the situation. Though we have seen no activity that indicates these accounts have been compromised, we believe taking this additional measure is the right step to ensure the security of these customers. If you have not received an email or a notice requiring you to change your password, you have not been affected. Again, this issue involves less than one percent of our users, so there is a very good chance your account wasn’t involved.

Second, we have temporarily taken RootsWeb offline, and are working to ensure that all data is saved and preserved to the best of our ability. As RootsWeb is a free and open community that has been largely built by its users, we may not be able to salvage everything as we work to resolve this issue and enhance the RootsWeb infrastructure.

'''What You Should Do'''

If you are a customer whose account was impacted, you will receive an email telling you that you need to change your password. In that case, you will be required to create a new password the next time you visit Ancestry.

For the vast majority of customers who are not impacted by this, there is nothing you need to do as a result of this incident. However, we always recommend that you take the time to evaluate your own security settings. Please, never use the same username and password for multiple services or sites. And it’s generally good practice to use longer passwords and to change them regularly.</blockquote>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Blackstone]]

Intel

2025-12-08T12:27:48Z

Reform: The PNG logo was changed to the SVG version. And a Louis Rossmann video link has been converted to a citation instead.

{{StubNotice}}{{InfoboxCompany
| Company = Intel Corporation
| Name = Intel
| Type = Public
| Founded = 1968-07-18
| Industry = Semiconductors, Computer hardware
| Official Website = https://intel.com/
| Logo = Intel-logo.svg
}}
[[wikipedia:Intel|'''Intel Corporation''']] is an American tech company that designs, manufactures and sells computer components and related products. It was founded on July 18, 1968 by Gordon Moore (of [[wikipedia:Moore's law|Moore's law]]), Robert Noyce, and investor Arthur Rock. The company is one of the world's largest semiconductor chip manufacturers.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==Incidents==

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Incident
!Year
!Background Info
!Aftermath
!Related Article
!Related Video(s)
|-
|Intel CPU Oxidation
|2022
|A manufacturing defect that caused instability and crashing in Intel's Raptor Lake CPUs.
|Issue acknowledged, warranties extended.
|[[Intel CPUs stability issue]]
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=14 Aug 2024 |title=How Intel's oxidation scandal screws everyone |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvfT0K9t5zQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|}

==Products==

===CPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core Intel Core] (desktop lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Xeon Xeon] (workstation and server lineup)

===GPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Arc Intel Arc] (consumer lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Arc Intel Arc Pro] (workstation lineup)

==See also==

*[[AMD]]
*[[Nvidia]]
*[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Intel]]

Android

2025-12-03T11:15:24Z

Reform: Cargo Table for Project Cargo-complete has been added, PNG logo has been changed to SVG logo, and an incident paragraph has been moved for ordered chronology.

{{StubNotice}}
{{ProductLineCargo
|ArticleType= Product
|Category= Software
|Company= Google
|Description= Android is the world's most widely used mobile operating system, with over 3.5 billion active users. Android devices collect extensive user data, often without clear opt-out options. Google's Android System SafetyCore was installed silently on all devices in 2025. Many manufacturers lock bootloaders, making it difficult for users to modify their software. Starting in 2026, third-party apps will face restrictions in several regions. Google's Chromecast protocol limits casting to Google-signed receivers. Google delayed the AOSP 16 QPR1 update without explanation.

|InProduction= Yes
|Logo= Android Logo.svg
|ReleaseYear= 2008
|Website= https://android.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Android_(operating_system)|'''Android''']] is an operating system which started in 2003, got acquired by '''[[Google]]''' in 2005<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elgin |first=Ben |date=2005-08-17 |title=Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227182929/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |archive-date=2011-02-27 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Bloomberg Businessweek}}</ref>, and made its first official release (Android 1.0) in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-23 |title=Announcing the Android 1.0 SDK, release 1 |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/09/announcing-android-10-sdk-release-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/tW5WL |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref> It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen-based mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but is also used in smart TVs, cameras, in-car infotainment systems, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Why Android? |url=https://www.android.com/why-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/DZ17U |archive-date=2025-07-12 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
With over 3.5 billion active users, open-source flexibility, affordability, and extensive device ecosystems continue to shape consumer behavior, regional adoption, and technological advancements.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=G |first=Nick |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Android Market Share in 2025: Global Dominance and Key Insights|url=https://techjury.net/industry-analysis/android-market-share |website=TechJury |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250629102621/https://techjury.net/industry-analysis/android-market-share/ |archive-date=June 29, 2025 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Trend of Newly Released Android |url=https://www.accio.com/business/trend-of-newly-released-android |website= |archive-url= |archive-date= }}</ref> Android’s global reach, affordability, and device diversity make it the preferred OS for billions, particularly in emerging economies. It remains the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, but its dominance has been accompanied by controversies from security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns to accusations of anti-competitive behavior and declining open-source commitments.

===Global market share===
Android remains the world’s dominant mobile operating system (OS) as of 2025, holding a 72.23% global market share compared to iOS with 27.39%.<ref name=":0"></ref>
*Asia & Africa: Android dominates with 95.16% in India, 86.8% in Indonesia, and 80.88% in Africa due to affordability and device variety.<ref name=":0"></ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last1=Qadir |first1=Salam |last2=Shaikh |first2=Sohaib |date=April 20, 2025 |title=Android vs iOS Statistics 2025: Users, Revenue, and Global Trends |url=https://www.tekrevol.com/blogs/android-vs-ios-statistics/ |website=Tekrevol |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515022542/https://www.tekrevol.com/blogs/android-vs-ios-statistics/ |archive-date=May 15, 2025 }}</ref>
*North America: Android holds 45% market share, trailing iOS (57.68%) in the U.S.<ref name=":0"></ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Howarth |first=Josh |date=April 24, 2025 |title=iPhone vs Android User Stats (2025 Data) |url=https://explodingtopics.com/blog/iphone-android-users |website=ExplodingTopics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709235506/https://explodingtopics.com/blog/iphone-android-users |archive-date=July 9, 2025 }}</ref>
*Europe: Android leads with 65% market share, though iOS is strong in the UK (52.29%).<ref name=":0"></ref><ref name=":3"></ref>
*Affordability: Android devices range from $100 budget phones to premium flagships, making them accessible in emerging markets.<ref name=":0"></ref><ref name=":2"></ref>
*Device Variety: Multiple manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO) offer diverse options, unlike Apple’s closed ecosystem.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Frąckiewicz |first=Marcin |date=May 16, 2025 |title=Smartphone Wars 2025: Inside the Global Market Shake-Up, Trends, and Future Tech Disruptions |url=https://ts2.tech/en/smartphone-wars-2025-inside-the-global-market-shake-up-trends-and-future-tech-disruptions/ |website=Ts2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720045846/https://ts2.tech/en/smartphone-wars-2025-inside-the-global-market-shake-up-trends-and-future-tech-disruptions/ |archive-date=July 20, 2025}}</ref>

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

===Blocking third-party programs (2026-2027)===
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}}
Starting at September 2026, third-party apps will no longer be able to install on a unmodified Android in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand without "verified identities"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitwam |first=Ryan |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826032858/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=ArsTechnica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google's plan to end sideloading on Android |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/googles-plan-to-end-sideloading-on-android.4756353/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826161809/https://xdaforums.com/t/googles-plan-to-end-sideloading-on-android.4756353/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=XdaForums}}</ref>. The affected regions will expand globally in 2027. Devices without Google Mobile Service (GMS) or running a third-party ROM won't be affected. However it's hard for users to bypass/spoof [[Google Play Integrity API|Google Play Integrity]] to hide their ROM or root status to use utility apps such as most of banking apps<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 Apr 2022 |title=[Discussion] The root-and-mod-hiding/fingerprint-spoofing/keybox-stealing cat-and-mouse game |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/discussion-the-root-and-mod-hiding-fingerprint-spoofing-keybox-stealing-cat-and-mouse-game.4425939/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823095950/https://xdaforums.com/t/discussion-the-root-and-mod-hiding-fingerprint-spoofing-keybox-stealing-cat-and-mouse-game.4425939/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=XdaForums}}</ref>.

===Data collection===
{{Main|Android Data Collection}}
Android mobile devices, even when minimally configured, collect and share extensive user data with Google and provide few options for opting-out, raising privacy concerns. Settings for opting-out of sharing data with Google are generally hard to find, requiring users to search the device's settings and Google's settings to locate and toggle the settings on/off. The data shared with Google is sensitive user data including call logs, messages, data recorded from the device's microphone and camera, and more. This data is used by Google to improve the targeting of personalized advertisements and as training data for [[Google Gemini]].

===Android System Safety Core silent install===
{{Main|Android System SafetyCore}}
On January 22, 2025, Google quietly rolled out Android System SafetyCore to all Android devices. The installation of the program neither informed consumers that it was installed, nor did it request consumers to install it onto their devices.

===OEM Locked Bootloaders===
{{Main|Motorola}}
In North America, many Android devices like phones or tablets will not allow consumers to unlock and do what they want to modify the software. Therefore, it has been incredibly difficult and nearly impossible to root and install custom ROMs on the device unless an exploit has been found. Some OEMs like Samsung are now completely blocking bootloader unlocking on their phones regardless of region.

===Android Cast restricted to Google -signed receivers===
In Android, streaming over network is referred as "Casting". In Android 4.4 Miracast support was introduced. Miracast is an open standard by the Wi-Fi -alliance which makes it possible to stream screen contents as well as high quality multichannel audio over wireless networks.

In Android 9, Miracast was fully replaced with proprietrary Chromecast -protocol. Chromecast protocol includes signing key verification of both the Cast source and receiver device, meaning that since Android 9 it is no longer possible to cast high quality content to receivers which aren't signed by Google. This means that unlike AirPlay on Apple devices, there's no way to stream multichannel Hi-Fi audio on Android unless the receiver has a valid vendor signature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weiske |first=Christian |date=2025-08-31 |title=Android/Lineage OS and Screen mirroring ("Cast") |url=https://p.cweiske.de/669 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250831142415/https://p.cweiske.de/669 |archive-date=2025-08-31 |access-date=2025-08-31}}</ref>

==='''Google delaying AOSP 16 QPR1 update without proper explanation'''===
Google is releasing Android 16 QPR1 update for Pixel devices on September 3, 2025, normally AOSP will get QPR1 update in 24-48 hours after Pixel devices. But until now, there still no QPR1 update for AOSP. Google later told Android Authority said they will release the source code “in the coming weeks.” But they doesn't explain why they delaying QPR1 update for AOSP 16<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mishaal |first=Rahman |date=September 10, 2025 |title=Android 16 QPR1’s source code is nowhere to be found, but Google swears it’s coming |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-source-code-delay-3596650/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911142548/https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-source-code-delay-3596650/ |archive-date=September 11, 2025 |access-date=October 18, 2025 |work=Android Authority}}</ref>

Update : Google is now releasing QPR1 update for AOSP 16 after 2 months delay<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishaal |first=Rahman |date=12 Nov 2025 |title=The wait is over: Android 16 QPR1's source code is now available on AOSP |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-source-code-available-3614853/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112032612/https://www.androidauthority.com/android-16-qpr1-source-code-available-3614853/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025 |access-date=12 Nov 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

File:Android Logo.svg

2025-12-03T10:37:54Z

Reform: 2023 version of Android logo

== Summary ==
2023 version of Android logo

Ancestry.com

2025-12-02T20:02:23Z

Reform: Citations have been upgraded

{{incomplete|Issue 1=This need work to fit the [[Template:CompanyPreload|company article format]]|Issue 2= The section regarding the data leak is empty}}

{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = Ancestry.com
| Release Year = 1996
| Product Type = Genealogy
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://ancestry.com/
| Logo = Ancestry.svg
}}

[[wikipedia:Ancestry.com|'''Ancestry.com''']], owned by [[wikipedia:Blackstone_Inc.|The Blackstone Group]], is a genealogy company based in the US, known for its DNA testing and family trees.

==Consumer impact summary==

===Business Practices===
'''Strict cancellation rules:'''

14-day window to avoid cancellation fees ($25–$50).

===Privacy===
'''2-year data breach (2015–2017):'''

Credentials leaked via RootsWeb; some of them reused on Ancestry. Exposed data remained public for years.

==Anti-consumer practices==

===Cancellation policy===
Ancestry.com may charge a cancellation fee for "Subscriptions Longer than a Month, Billed Monthly" if users do not cancel within the first 14 days.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 Dec 2025 |title=Ancestry Renewal and Cancellation Terms |url=https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/renewal-cancellation-terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251011193700/https://www.ancestry.com/c/legal/renewal-cancellation-terms |archive-date=11 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-02-05 |website=Ancestry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Cancelation fee ? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AncestryDNA/comments/14jqeu9/cancelation_fee/ |url-status=live |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit |via=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

<blockquote>
Where offered, some subscriptions longer than a month may be eligible for monthly billing. Even though you will be billed monthly, you are committing to the entire length of your subscription (e.g. 6 months or 12 months).

…

(1) cancel immediately for a full refund of the first month’s fee and immediate loss of access, or (2) cancel effective at the end of the first month, subject to a cancellation fee. If you change from this type of subscription to a different type of subscription before the end of your subscription term, you will receive a prorated refund for the remainder of the current paid month, and you may be charged a cancellation fee. For subscriptions purchased on www.ancestry.com, cancellation fees are the lesser of (i) $25 USD for 6-month subscriptions or $50 USD for 12-month subscriptions (plus any applicable taxes) or (ii) the remaining cost of your subscription
</blockquote>
Ancestry's older price pages showed an offer which followed these cancellation terms, along with a citation showing the commitment, but this offer has since been removed from the page.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 Dec 2025 |title=Become a member |url=https://www.ancestry.com/offers/subscribe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824032751/https://www.ancestry.com/offers/subscribe |archive-date=2024-08-24 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=Ancestry}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Data Breach (2015)===
RootsWeb, an Ancestry service, suffered a significant data breach: a file containing the access data of 297.8 thousand users has been publicly accessible on their server from November 2015 to December 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ancestry |url=https://haveibeenpwned.com/breach/Ancestry |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=haveibeenpwned.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Feb 2024 |title=What happened in the Ancestry data breach? |url=https://www.twingate.com/blog/tips/ancestry-data-breach |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Twingate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spring |first=Tom |date=27 Dec 2017 |title=Leaky RootsWeb Server Exposes Some Ancestry.com User Data |url=https://threatpost.com/leaky-rootsweb-server-exposes-some-ancestry-com-user-data/129248/ |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=threatpost}}</ref> The company published a security update on the official website, now unavailable, stating that they temporarely shut down RootsWeb and locked all the compromised Ancestry accounts, requiring users to change their passwords.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blackham |first=Tony |date=23 Dec 2017 |title=RootsWeb Security Update |url=https://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2017/12/23/rootsweb-security-update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227232406/https://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/2017/12/23/rootsweb-security-update/ |archive-date=27 Dec 2017 |access-date=9 Aug 2025 |website=Ancestry}}</ref> Below is part of the full statement:<blockquote>We want to share an important security update with you.

Last Wednesday, December 20, Ancestry’s Information Security Team received a message from a security researcher indicating that he had found a file containing email addresses/username and password combinations as well as user names from a RootsWeb.com server. Our Information Security Team reviewed the details of this file, and confirmed that it contains information related to users of Rootsweb’s surname list information, a service we retired earlier this year. For those of you who are unfamiliar, RootsWeb is a free community-driven collection of tools that are used by some people to host and share genealogical information. Ancestry has been hosting dedicated RootsWeb servers as a favor to the community since 2000. Importantly, RootsWeb does not host sensitive information like credit card numbers or social security numbers, and is not supported by the same infrastructure as Ancestry’s other brands. We are in the process of informing all impacted customers and will also be working with regulators and law enforcement as appropriate.

We also reviewed the RootsWeb file to see if any of the account information overlapped with existing accounts on Ancestry sites. We did confirm that a very small number of accounts – less than one percent of our total customer group – used the same account credentials on both Rootsweb and an Ancestry commercial site. We are currently contacting these customers.

In all cases, any user whose account had its associated email/username and password included on the file has had their accounts locked and will need to create a new password the next time they visit.

'''What We’ve Done'''

As a result of this discovery, we have taken two immediate corrective actions.

First, for the approximately 55,000 customers who used the same credentials at RootsWeb’s surname list and Ancestry – whether currently active or not – we have locked their Ancestry accounts and will require that they create a new password the next time they visit. We have also sent them emails to alert them to the situation. Though we have seen no activity that indicates these accounts have been compromised, we believe taking this additional measure is the right step to ensure the security of these customers. If you have not received an email or a notice requiring you to change your password, you have not been affected. Again, this issue involves less than one percent of our users, so there is a very good chance your account wasn’t involved.

Second, we have temporarily taken RootsWeb offline, and are working to ensure that all data is saved and preserved to the best of our ability. As RootsWeb is a free and open community that has been largely built by its users, we may not be able to salvage everything as we work to resolve this issue and enhance the RootsWeb infrastructure.

'''What You Should Do'''

If you are a customer whose account was impacted, you will receive an email telling you that you need to change your password. In that case, you will be required to create a new password the next time you visit Ancestry.

For the vast majority of customers who are not impacted by this, there is nothing you need to do as a result of this incident. However, we always recommend that you take the time to evaluate your own security settings. Please, never use the same username and password for multiple services or sites. And it’s generally good practice to use longer passwords and to change them regularly.</blockquote>

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Blackstone]]

AMD

2025-12-02T18:51:14Z

Reform: A dot has been moved in front of a citation

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1969-05-01
|Industry=Semiconductors, Computer hardware
|Logo=AMD_logo.svg
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.amd.com/
|Description=Advanced Micro Devices or AMD is an American technology company that sells CPUs and GPUs for both commercial and enterprise use.
}}

''[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.]''' or '''AMD''' is an American technology company that designs and sells computer components such as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit central processing units] (CPUs), [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit graphics processing units] (GPUs) and related products for both commercial and enterprise use. It was founded on May 01, 1969, by Jerry Sanders and a group of his colleagues from [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Semiconductor Fairchild Semiconductor].{{Citation needed|date=2 Dec 2025}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==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]].

===Abandonment of the sTRX4 platform (2019)===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
On November 25, 2019, AMD released the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTRX4 sTRX4] socket alongside their [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper#Castle_Peak_(Threadripper_3000_series,_Zen_2_based) Threadripper 3000] series of HEDT (high-end desktop) processors with the promise of long term support for the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AMDOfficial |title=Performance Preview: 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Creators |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105206/https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Cal |date=2019-11-12 |title=AMD commits to 'long-term' support for sTRX4 CPU socket used with third-gen Threadripper |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105138/https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=TechSpot}}</ref> This along with the strong reputation of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM4 socket AM4] led many people to invest into the platform. Despite the promises made, AMD ultimately fell flat and only supported a total of one generation of CPUs before freezing the regular Ryzen Threadripper lineup till the release of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Ryzen_processors#Storm_Peak_desktop Threadripper 7000] on socket [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTR5 sTR5].

==="Bulldozer" CPU false advertisement lawsuit (2015-2019)===
AMD settled the lawsuit with a $12.1 million payout, which is estimated to have compensated up to $35 per applicant that could give a proof of purchase. The complaint was about the Bulldozer processors being marketed as the "first native 8-core desktop processor," while this was allegedly false advertising. The CPU has 4 modules with each 2 sub-processors that shared resources instead of 8 independent cores that could perform separately and simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dylan |date=27 Aug 2019 |title=AMD Reaches $12.1M Settlement In Bulldozer False Advertising Suit |url=https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810172133/https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |archive-date=10 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=CRN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=28 Aug 2019 |title=AMD settles Bulldozer class-action suit that could pay out up to $35 per chip |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003044413/https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=PCWorld}}</ref> And it was demonstrated that the alleged customer damages caused by the allegedly misleading claims can be measured on a class-wide basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2019 |title=Dickey v. Advanced Micro Devices |url=https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217004410/https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |archive-date=17 Feb 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

==Products==

===CPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyc Epyc] (server lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryzen Ryzen] (desktop lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper Ryzen Threadripper] (HEDT lineup)

===GPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon Radeon] (consumer lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon_Pro Radeon Pro] (workstation lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Instinct Radeon Instinct] (ML targeted workstation lineup)

==See also==
[[Intel]]

[[Nvidia]]

[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

AMD

2025-12-02T18:48:01Z

Reform: Okay last minor edit, changed the wordchoice "cores" (within the Buldozer CPU) to sub-processors which is how CRN described them

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1969-05-01
|Industry=Semiconductors, Computer hardware
|Logo=AMD_logo.svg
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.amd.com/
|Description=Advanced Micro Devices or AMD is an American technology company that sells CPUs and GPUs for both commercial and enterprise use.
}}

''[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.]''' or '''AMD''' is an American technology company that designs and sells computer components such as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit central processing units] (CPUs), [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit graphics processing units] (GPUs) and related products for both commercial and enterprise use. It was founded on May 01, 1969, by Jerry Sanders and a group of his colleagues from [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Semiconductor Fairchild Semiconductor].{{Citation needed|date=2 Dec 2025}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==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]].

===Abandonment of the sTRX4 platform (2019)===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
On November 25, 2019, AMD released the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTRX4 sTRX4] socket alongside their [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper#Castle_Peak_(Threadripper_3000_series,_Zen_2_based) Threadripper 3000] series of HEDT (high-end desktop) processors with the promise of long term support for the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AMDOfficial |title=Performance Preview: 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Creators |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105206/https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Cal |date=2019-11-12 |title=AMD commits to 'long-term' support for sTRX4 CPU socket used with third-gen Threadripper |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105138/https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=TechSpot}}</ref> This along with the strong reputation of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM4 socket AM4] led many people to invest into the platform. Despite the promises made, AMD ultimately fell flat and only supported a total of one generation of CPUs before freezing the regular Ryzen Threadripper lineup till the release of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Ryzen_processors#Storm_Peak_desktop Threadripper 7000] on socket [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTR5 sTR5].

==="Bulldozer" CPU false advertisement lawsuit (2015-2019)===
AMD settled the lawsuit with a $12.1 million payout, which is estimated to have compensated up to $35 per applicant that could give a proof of purchase. The complaint was about the Bulldozer processors being marketed as the "first native 8-core desktop processor," while this was allegedly false advertising. The CPU has 4 modules with each 2 sub-processors that shared resources instead of 8 independent cores that could perform separately and simultaneously<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dylan |date=27 Aug 2019 |title=AMD Reaches $12.1M Settlement In Bulldozer False Advertising Suit |url=https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810172133/https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |archive-date=10 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=CRN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=28 Aug 2019 |title=AMD settles Bulldozer class-action suit that could pay out up to $35 per chip |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003044413/https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=PCWorld}}</ref>. And it was demonstrated that the alleged customer damages caused by the allegedly misleading claims can be measured on a class-wide basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2019 |title=Dickey v. Advanced Micro Devices |url=https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217004410/https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |archive-date=17 Feb 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

==Products==

===CPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyc Epyc] (server lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryzen Ryzen] (desktop lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper Ryzen Threadripper] (HEDT lineup)

===GPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon Radeon] (consumer lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon_Pro Radeon Pro] (workstation lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Instinct Radeon Instinct] (ML targeted workstation lineup)

==See also==
[[Intel]]

[[Nvidia]]

[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

AMD

2025-12-02T18:44:42Z

Reform: Removed redundant phrasing for clarity

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1969-05-01
|Industry=Semiconductors, Computer hardware
|Logo=AMD_logo.svg
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.amd.com/
|Description=Advanced Micro Devices or AMD is an American technology company that sells CPUs and GPUs for both commercial and enterprise use.
}}

''[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.]''' or '''AMD''' is an American technology company that designs and sells computer components such as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit central processing units] (CPUs), [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit graphics processing units] (GPUs) and related products for both commercial and enterprise use. It was founded on May 01, 1969, by Jerry Sanders and a group of his colleagues from [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Semiconductor Fairchild Semiconductor].{{Citation needed|date=2 Dec 2025}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==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]].

===Abandonment of the sTRX4 platform (2019)===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
On November 25, 2019, AMD released the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTRX4 sTRX4] socket alongside their [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper#Castle_Peak_(Threadripper_3000_series,_Zen_2_based) Threadripper 3000] series of HEDT (high-end desktop) processors with the promise of long term support for the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AMDOfficial |title=Performance Preview: 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Creators |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105206/https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Cal |date=2019-11-12 |title=AMD commits to 'long-term' support for sTRX4 CPU socket used with third-gen Threadripper |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105138/https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=TechSpot}}</ref> This along with the strong reputation of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM4 socket AM4] led many people to invest into the platform. Despite the promises made, AMD ultimately fell flat and only supported a total of one generation of CPUs before freezing the regular Ryzen Threadripper lineup till the release of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Ryzen_processors#Storm_Peak_desktop Threadripper 7000] on socket [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTR5 sTR5].

==="Bulldozer" CPU false advertisement lawsuit (2015-2019)===
AMD settled the lawsuit with a $12.1 million payout, which is estimated to have compensated up to $35 per applicant that could give a proof of purchase. The complaint was about the Bulldozer processors being marketed as the "first native 8-core desktop processor," while this was allegedly false advertising. The CPU has 4 modules with each 2 cores that shared resources instead of 8 independent cores that could perform separately and simultaneously<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dylan |date=27 Aug 2019 |title=AMD Reaches $12.1M Settlement In Bulldozer False Advertising Suit |url=https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810172133/https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |archive-date=10 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=CRN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=28 Aug 2019 |title=AMD settles Bulldozer class-action suit that could pay out up to $35 per chip |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003044413/https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=PCWorld}}</ref> And it was demonstrated that the alleged customer damages caused by the allegedly misleading claims can be measured on a class-wide basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2019 |title=Dickey v. Advanced Micro Devices |url=https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217004410/https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |archive-date=17 Feb 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

==Products==

===CPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyc Epyc] (server lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryzen Ryzen] (desktop lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper Ryzen Threadripper] (HEDT lineup)

===GPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon Radeon] (consumer lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon_Pro Radeon Pro] (workstation lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Instinct Radeon Instinct] (ML targeted workstation lineup)

==See also==
[[Intel]]

[[Nvidia]]

[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

AMD

2025-12-02T18:43:37Z

Reform: Minor style adjustment

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1969-05-01
|Industry=Semiconductors, Computer hardware
|Logo=AMD_logo.svg
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.amd.com/
|Description=Advanced Micro Devices or AMD is an American technology company that sells CPUs and GPUs for both commercial and enterprise use.
}}

''[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.]''' or '''AMD''' is an American technology company that designs and sells computer components such as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit central processing units] (CPUs), [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit graphics processing units] (GPUs) and related products for both commercial and enterprise use. It was founded on May 01, 1969, by Jerry Sanders and a group of his colleagues from [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Semiconductor Fairchild Semiconductor].{{Citation needed|date=2 Dec 2025}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==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]].

===Abandonment of the sTRX4 platform (2019)===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
On November 25, 2019, AMD released the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTRX4 sTRX4] socket alongside their [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper#Castle_Peak_(Threadripper_3000_series,_Zen_2_based) Threadripper 3000] series of HEDT (high-end desktop) processors with the promise of long term support for the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AMDOfficial |title=Performance Preview: 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Creators |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105206/https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Cal |date=2019-11-12 |title=AMD commits to 'long-term' support for sTRX4 CPU socket used with third-gen Threadripper |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105138/https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=TechSpot}}</ref> This along with the strong reputation of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM4 socket AM4] led many people to invest into the platform. Despite the promises made, AMD ultimately fell flat and only supported a total of one generation of CPUs before freezing the regular Ryzen Threadripper lineup till the release of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Ryzen_processors#Storm_Peak_desktop Threadripper 7000] on socket [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTR5 sTR5].

==="Bulldozer" CPU false advertisement lawsuit (2015-2019)===
AMD settled the lawsuit with a $12.1 million payout to customers with a Bulldozer CPU, which is estimated to have compensated up to $35 per applicant that could give a proof of purchase. The complaint was about the Bulldozer processors being marketed as the "first native 8-core desktop processor," while this was allegedly false advertising. The CPU has 4 modules with each 2 cores that shared resources instead of 8 independent cores that could perform separately and simultaneously<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dylan |date=27 Aug 2019 |title=AMD Reaches $12.1M Settlement In Bulldozer False Advertising Suit |url=https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810172133/https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |archive-date=10 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=CRN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=28 Aug 2019 |title=AMD settles Bulldozer class-action suit that could pay out up to $35 per chip |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003044413/https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=PCWorld}}</ref> And it was demonstrated that the alleged customer damages caused by the allegedly misleading claims can be measured on a class-wide basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2019 |title=Dickey v. Advanced Micro Devices |url=https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217004410/https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |archive-date=17 Feb 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

==Products==

===CPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyc Epyc] (server lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryzen Ryzen] (desktop lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper Ryzen Threadripper] (HEDT lineup)

===GPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon Radeon] (consumer lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon_Pro Radeon Pro] (workstation lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Instinct Radeon Instinct] (ML targeted workstation lineup)

==See also==
[[Intel]]

[[Nvidia]]

[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

AMD

2025-12-02T18:40:17Z

Reform: (it's broken for some reason so I removed the "Main article: link to main article" template)

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1969-05-01
|Industry=Semiconductors, Computer hardware
|Logo=AMD_logo.svg
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.amd.com/
|Description=Advanced Micro Devices or AMD is an American technology company that sells CPUs and GPUs for both commercial and enterprise use.
}}

''[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.]''' or '''AMD''' is an American technology company that designs and sells computer components such as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit central processing units] (CPUs), [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit graphics processing units] (GPUs) and related products for both commercial and enterprise use. It was founded on May 01, 1969, by Jerry Sanders and a group of his colleagues from [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Semiconductor Fairchild Semiconductor].{{Citation needed|date=2 Dec 2025}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==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]].

===Abandonment of the sTRX4 platform (2019)===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
On November 25, 2019, AMD released the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTRX4 sTRX4] socket alongside their [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper#Castle_Peak_(Threadripper_3000_series,_Zen_2_based) Threadripper 3000] series of HEDT (high-end desktop) processors with the promise of long term support for the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AMDOfficial |title=Performance Preview: 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Creators |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105206/https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Cal |date=2019-11-12 |title=AMD commits to 'long-term' support for sTRX4 CPU socket used with third-gen Threadripper |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105138/https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=TechSpot}}</ref> This along with the strong reputation of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM4 socket AM4] led many people to invest into the platform. Despite the promises made, AMD ultimately fell flat and only supported a total of one generation of CPUs before freezing the regular Ryzen Threadripper lineup till the release of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Ryzen_processors#Storm_Peak_desktop Threadripper 7000] on socket [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTR5 sTR5].

==="Bulldozer" CPU false advertisement lawsuit (2015-2019)===
AMD settled the lawsuit with a $12.1 million fine paid to customers who bought a Bulldozer CPU, which is estimated to have compensated up to $35 per proven applicant. The complaint was about the Bulldozer processors being marketed as the "first native 8-core desktop processor", while this was allegedly false advertising. The CPU has 4 modules with each 2 cores that shared resources instead of 8 independent cores that could perform separately and simultaneously<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dylan |date=27 Aug 2019 |title=AMD Reaches $12.1M Settlement In Bulldozer False Advertising Suit |url=https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810172133/https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |archive-date=10 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=CRN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=28 Aug 2019 |title=AMD settles Bulldozer class-action suit that could pay out up to $35 per chip |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003044413/https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=PCWorld}}</ref> And it was demonstrated that the alleged customer damages caused by the allegedly misleading claims can be measured on a class-wide basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2019 |title=Dickey v. Advanced Micro Devices |url=https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217004410/https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |archive-date=17 Feb 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

==Products==

===CPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyc Epyc] (server lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryzen Ryzen] (desktop lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper Ryzen Threadripper] (HEDT lineup)

===GPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon Radeon] (consumer lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon_Pro Radeon Pro] (workstation lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Instinct Radeon Instinct] (ML targeted workstation lineup)

==See also==
[[Intel]]

[[Nvidia]]

[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

AMD

2025-12-02T18:39:02Z

Reform: Fixed template mixing up with paragraph

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1969-05-01
|Industry=Semiconductors, Computer hardware
|Logo=AMD_logo.svg
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.amd.com/
|Description=Advanced Micro Devices or AMD is an American technology company that sells CPUs and GPUs for both commercial and enterprise use.
}}

''[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.]''' or '''AMD''' is an American technology company that designs and sells computer components such as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit central processing units] (CPUs), [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit graphics processing units] (GPUs) and related products for both commercial and enterprise use. It was founded on May 01, 1969, by Jerry Sanders and a group of his colleagues from [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Semiconductor Fairchild Semiconductor].{{Citation needed|date=2 Dec 2025}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==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]].

===Abandonment of the sTRX4 platform (2019)===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
On November 25, 2019, AMD released the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTRX4 sTRX4] socket alongside their [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper#Castle_Peak_(Threadripper_3000_series,_Zen_2_based) Threadripper 3000] series of HEDT (high-end desktop) processors with the promise of long term support for the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AMDOfficial |title=Performance Preview: 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Creators |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105206/https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Cal |date=2019-11-12 |title=AMD commits to 'long-term' support for sTRX4 CPU socket used with third-gen Threadripper |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105138/https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=TechSpot}}</ref> This along with the strong reputation of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM4 socket AM4] led many people to invest into the platform. Despite the promises made, AMD ultimately fell flat and only supported a total of one generation of CPUs before freezing the regular Ryzen Threadripper lineup till the release of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Ryzen_processors#Storm_Peak_desktop Threadripper 7000] on socket [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTR5 sTR5].

==="Bulldozer" CPU false advertisement lawsuit (2015-2019)===
{{Main|link to the main article}}AMD settled the lawsuit with a $12.1 million fine paid to customers who bought a Bulldozer CPU, which is estimated to have compensated up to $35 per proven applicant. The complaint was about the Bulldozer processors being marketed as the "first native 8-core desktop processor", while this was allegedly false advertising. The CPU has 4 modules with each 2 cores that shared resources instead of 8 independent cores that could perform separately and simultaneously<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dylan |date=27 Aug 2019 |title=AMD Reaches $12.1M Settlement In Bulldozer False Advertising Suit |url=https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810172133/https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |archive-date=10 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=CRN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=28 Aug 2019 |title=AMD settles Bulldozer class-action suit that could pay out up to $35 per chip |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003044413/https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=PCWorld}}</ref> And it was demonstrated that the alleged customer damages caused by the allegedly misleading claims can be measured on a class-wide basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2019 |title=Dickey v. Advanced Micro Devices |url=https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217004410/https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |archive-date=17 Feb 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

==Products==

===CPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyc Epyc] (server lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryzen Ryzen] (desktop lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper Ryzen Threadripper] (HEDT lineup)

===GPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon Radeon] (consumer lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon_Pro Radeon Pro] (workstation lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Instinct Radeon Instinct] (ML targeted workstation lineup)

==See also==
[[Intel]]

[[Nvidia]]

[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

AMD

2025-12-02T18:37:41Z

Reform: Another incident was added, and a Citation needed marker in the summary was inserted.

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1969-05-01
|Industry=Semiconductors, Computer hardware
|Logo=AMD_logo.svg
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.amd.com/
|Description=Advanced Micro Devices or AMD is an American technology company that sells CPUs and GPUs for both commercial and enterprise use.
}}

''[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.]''' or '''AMD''' is an American technology company that designs and sells computer components such as [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit central processing units] (CPUs), [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit graphics processing units] (GPUs) and related products for both commercial and enterprise use. It was founded on May 01, 1969, by Jerry Sanders and a group of his colleagues from [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Semiconductor Fairchild Semiconductor].{{Citation needed|date=2 Dec 2025}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

==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]].

===Abandonment of the sTRX4 platform (2019)===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
On November 25, 2019, AMD released the [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTRX4 sTRX4] socket alongside their [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper#Castle_Peak_(Threadripper_3000_series,_Zen_2_based) Threadripper 3000] series of HEDT (high-end desktop) processors with the promise of long term support for the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=AMDOfficial |title=Performance Preview: 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen Threadripper Processors for Creators |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105206/https://old.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/dsy4kw/performance_preview_3rd_gen_amd_ryzen/ |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jeffrey |first=Cal |date=2019-11-12 |title=AMD commits to 'long-term' support for sTRX4 CPU socket used with third-gen Threadripper |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802105138/https://www.techspot.com/news/82734-amd-commits-long-term-support-strx4-cpu-socket.html |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=TechSpot}}</ref> This along with the strong reputation of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM4 socket AM4] led many people to invest into the platform. Despite the promises made, AMD ultimately fell flat and only supported a total of one generation of CPUs before freezing the regular Ryzen Threadripper lineup till the release of [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Ryzen_processors#Storm_Peak_desktop Threadripper 7000] on socket [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_sTR5 sTR5].

=== "Bulldozer" CPU false advertisement lawsuit (2015-2019) ===
{{Main|link to the main article}}AMD settled the lawsuit with a $12.1 million fine paid to customers who bought a Bulldozer CPU, which is estimated to have compensated up to $35 per proven applicant. The complaint was about the Bulldozer processors being marketed as the "first native 8-core desktop processor", while this was allegedly false advertising. The CPU has 4 modules with each 2 cores that shared resources instead of 8 independent cores that could perform separately and simultaneously<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Dylan |date=27 Aug 2019 |title=AMD Reaches $12.1M Settlement In Bulldozer False Advertising Suit |url=https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810172133/https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/amd-reaches-12-1m-settlement-for-bulldozer-false-advertising-suit |archive-date=10 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=CRN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=28 Aug 2019 |title=AMD settles Bulldozer class-action suit that could pay out up to $35 per chip |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003044413/https://www.pcworld.com/article/397954/amd-settles-bulldozer-class-action-suit-that-could-pay-out-up-to-35-per-chip.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=PCWorld}}</ref> And it was demonstrated that the alleged customer damages caused by the allegedly misleading claims can be measured on a class-wide basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2019 |title=Dickey v. Advanced Micro Devices |url=https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217004410/https://regmedia.co.uk/2019/01/22/amd-core-class-action.pdf |archive-date=17 Feb 2024 |access-date=2 Dec 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

==Products==

===CPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Epyc Epyc] (server lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryzen Ryzen] (desktop lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Threadripper Ryzen Threadripper] (HEDT lineup)

===GPUs:===

*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon Radeon] (consumer lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Radeon_Pro Radeon Pro] (workstation lineup)
*[https://wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_Instinct Radeon Instinct] (ML targeted workstation lineup)

==See also==
[[Intel]]

[[Nvidia]]

[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Amazon to charge non-Prime consumers to use Alexa

2025-12-01T11:47:48Z

Reform: All citations have been upgraded, 2 new citations have been added, and 1 low verifiability citation has been removed. Neutral POV has Wiki Policy has been more strictly applied and 2 unused templates have been removed for cleanup. At last, 2 categories have been added.

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=about half finished}}

[[Amazon]] has introduced Alexa Plus (Alexa+), an upgrade to the Alexa voice assistant that uses generative artificial intelligence.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Panay |first=Panos |date=26 Feb 2025 |title=Introducing Alexa+, the next generation of Alexa |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-alexa-generative-artificial-intelligence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/W01wc |archive-date=27 Feb 2025 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Amazon}}</ref> The Alexa voice assistant is also available on Amazon's range of smart speakers, such as the [[wikipedia:Amazon_Echo|Amazon Echo]].

==Background==
Until 2025, Amazon Alexa had been using a revenue model centered around the sale of [[Internet of things|Internet of Things]], with over half a billion units sold.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garfinkle |first=Alexandra |date=2023-05-17 |title=Amazon has sold more than 500 million Alexa-enabled devices, drops 4 new Echo products |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-has-sold-more-than-500-million-alexa-enabled-devices-drops-4-new-echo-products-140013808.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724093539/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-has-sold-more-than-500-million-alexa-enabled-devices-drops-4-new-echo-products-140013808.html |archive-date=24 Jul 2025 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Yahoo! Finance}}</ref> In March of 2025 they introduced an Alexa+ subscription model to mitigate the $25 billion USD loss from Alexa devices over four years (2017-2021).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=2024-07-23 |title=Alexa had “no profit timeline,” cost Amazon $25 billion in 4 years |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/07/alexa-had-no-profit-timeline-cost-amazon-25-billion-in-4-years/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/BKxPR |archive-date=24 Jul 2025 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Sharon |date=26 Sep 2024 |title=Amazon wants to charge a subscription fee for Alexa eventually |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/09/amazon-wants-to-charge-a-subscription-fee-for-alexa-eventually/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/DJ3Fx |archive-date=26 Sep 2024 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> In March of 2025, Amazon Echo [[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage|changed the terms]] of voice usage, removing the "Do Not Send Voice" feature at the same time as Alexa's capabilities were expanded with generative AI features.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arntz |first=Pieter |date=18 Mar 2025 |title=Amazon disables privacy option, will send your Echo voice recordings to the cloud |url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/03/amazon-disables-option-to-store-echo-voice-recordings-on-your-device |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/9PdPU |archive-date=6 Oct 2025 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Malwarebytes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Sharon |date=17 Mar 2025 |title=Everything You Say to Your Echo Will Soon Be Sent to Amazon, and You Can’t Opt Out |url=https://www.wired.com/story/everything-you-say-to-your-echo-will-be-sent-to-amazon-starting-march-28/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325015954/https://www.wired.com/story/everything-you-say-to-your-echo-will-be-sent-to-amazon-starting-march-28/ |archive-date=25 March 2025 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Wired}}</ref>

==Adding a subscription cost==
Amazon has rolled out it's "Alexa+" subscription model, costing non-Prime users $19.99USD per month to access and use their Alexa devices, in comparison to the $14.99USD monthly cost of an Amazon Prime subscription.{{Citation needed|date=1 Dec 2025}}

This change comes at a time where many companies are [[List of products and services with post-purchase license change|adding a subscription fee, retroactive to user purchases]], to access certain features.

== Amazon's Response ==
{{Update needed|date={{subst:December}} {{subst:2025}}}}

==Consumer Response==
Consumer and analyst sentiment around has been mixed.{{Citation needed|date=1 Dec 2025}}

===Analyst Reactions===

*Tom Forte of Maxim Group sees Alexa+ as Amazon's shot at challenging ChatGPT rather than improving Alexa. If executed well, “maybe we’re talking less about OpenAI vs. Anthropic and more of Alexa vs. ChatGPT” <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-26 |title=Amazon Unveils AI-Driven Alexa+ to Compete with ChatGPT |url=https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2716607/amazon-unveils-aidriven-alexa-to-compete-with-chatgpt |url-status=live |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=GuruFocus}}</ref> .

*MarketWatch & TheVerge states that the Alexa+ model is bolstering Amazons' ability to monetize a platform they have lost billions on via subscription tiers and targeted ads, recognizes that there could be a larger play here to make Amazon a big game contributor to the AI/LLM arms race. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuohy |first=Jennifer Pattison |date=2025-08-01 |title=Amazon eyes ads and upcharges for Alexa Plus |url=https://www.theverge.com/analysis/717763/amazon-alexa-plus-ai-ads-revenue-subscription-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802232240/https://www.theverge.com/analysis/717763/amazon-alexa-plus-ai-ads-revenue-subscription-plans |archive-date=2 Aug 2025 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

*Business Insider suggests Amazon’s multi-year Alexa restructuring and layoffs set the stage for a premium tier. Premium Alexa could unlock significant new revenue if a fraction of users subscribe. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-24 |title=Buy Rating on Amazon: Anticipating Revenue Growth from Premium Alexa Subscription and Margin Improvement |url=https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/buy-rating-on-amazon-anticipating-revenue-growth-from-premium-alexa-subscription-and-margin-improvement-1033500019?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201105724/https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/buy-rating-on-amazon-anticipating-revenue-growth-from-premium-alexa-subscription-and-margin-improvement-1033500019 |archive-date=1 Dec 2025 |access-date=1 Dec 2025 |website=Business Insider}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]
*[[Amazon]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Articles requiring expansion]]
[[Category:Incidents]]

Amazon

2025-11-30T22:51:25Z

Reform: Fixed the category link

{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 1994
| Industry = Technology
| Logo = Amazon.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Public
| Website = https://amazon.com/
| Description =
}}

[[wikipedia:Amazon_(company)|'''Amazon.com, Inc.''']] is a global leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital streaming founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Originally launched as an online bookstore, Amazon quickly expanded into a marketplace offering a wide range of products, including - but not limited to - electronics, clothing, household goods, and groceries. Today, it is one of the largest companies in the world, with a dominant presence in retail, technology, and logistics.

In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon is a major player in cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides cloud infrastructure and services to businesses globally. The company also offers a variety of digital services, such as Amazon Prime - which provides streaming video and music - and Alexa; its voice-activated virtual assistant. Amazon has also developed consumer products like the Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, and Echo smart speakers.

Amazon has faced significant scrutiny and criticism, particularly concerning its treatment of workers, marketplace practices, data privacy issues, and its impact on small businesses. It has been involved in various regulatory and legal challenges related to anti-competitive behavior, safety, and consumer protection, with calls for increased oversight on its business operations.

==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}}

====Business Model====
Amazon gets a majority of its revenue from seller fees and Amazon Prime memberships. In addition, Amazon has a "subscribe and save" option for some products. With this, the page to manage these subscriptions is obfuscated for the user, intentional or not.

<gallery>
File:Amazon Subscribe and Save Example.jpg|No "subscribe and save" option available
File:Amazon Subscribe and Save Example (1).jpg|The option appears in the "buy again" section.
</gallery>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this company. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:Amazon|Amazon category]].
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Controversy
!Year
!Background info
!Aftermath
!Related article
!Related video(s)
|-
|Amazon removing kindle books from old devices.
|2025
|As of May 26, 2025 Kindle for Android app versions released prior to March 2022 (v8.51 or earlier) no longer support Kindle content downloads.
|Old android devices (such as Galaxy Tab 4) that are not compatible with Android OS v.9.0+ are no longer able to download Kindle ebooks. Furthermore, Amazon 'forcibly' removed any ebooks downloaded to the kindle app on those devices the next time they connected to the internet, without warning that this would occur.
|https://www.androidauthority.com/kindle-app-drm-loophole-3554844/
|
|-
|Amazon removing ability to download Kindle books
|2025
|Starting on February 26, 2025, Amazon removed a feature from its website allowing users to download purchased books to a computer and then copy them manually to a Kindle over USB.
|Starting February 26, 2025, the ‘Download & Transfer via USB’ option will no longer be available.
|[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMoCzeGnIss '''Amazon are changing the way you own your Kindle books - you have 10 days to react''']
<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Feb 2025 |title=Amazon revokes the concept of owning books, can edit books you already bought; PIRACY IS THE ANSWER! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XfcoUdWCB9M |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon sells lethal litterboxes
|2024
|Amazon sold knockoffs of Whisker brand "Litter-Robot" litterboxes that were designed in a unsafe way that led to the deaths of multiple cats, and posed a danger to young children.
|The responsible knockoff product was delisted, yet many other variants of the same product exist on the site.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=10 Sep 2024 |title=Amazon litterbox fatally harms cat; this is the sad end result of what I've talked about all year :( |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=p6Y19nSPvC4 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon adds ads to premium subscription
|2023 – Present
|Amazon added advertisements to previously ad free subscriptions for Prime Video and Echo Show frames.
|Continues to occur.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Aug 2024 |title=Amazon charges extra to avoid ads, says "lol jk" & adds them anyway |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=RSi6g5-xUaY |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2 May 2024 |title=Amazon Hikes Profits by Forcing Ads on PAID Prime Subscribers |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=ua_QL9YysHQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=28 Dec 2023 |title=Ads on Amazon Prime Video: Paying More for Less? 😒 |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=VLFpU9aqtXc |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon allows fraudulent listings
|2014 – Present
|
|Fraudulent listings continue to be added, some removed.
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=5 Aug 2024 |title=Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review! Deep dive on Amazon's support of scams |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=qZCMislL6_I |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=14 Jan 2024 |title=Amazon's Reckless Bet: Hazardous Items Unfazed by Viral Scare |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=7trdHLtsFKM |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Fake Electrical Fuses |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=B90_SNNbcoU |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=21 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon's Illusion of Quality: How Dangerous Products Get Top Ratings! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=DiKflg8Uko4 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=16 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Dangerous Electrical Crimps |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=y83BS_mK9GE |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=5 Aug 2023 |title=Amazon sells EOL devices as new after banning independents for quality control 🤣 |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rhb0ID9z4aE |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=24 Feb 2022 |title=Amazon has a credibility problem brewing |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XZNn2mO3dNQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=24 Apr 2014 |title=Group Vertical eBay/Amazon Macbook screens are garbage; see for yourself! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=C0YNLWdj9sQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon allows sellers to bribe customers for better ratings
|2016 – Present
|Amazon sellers give customers gift cards in exchange for positive product reviews; Amazon does nothing to stop this.
|Continues to occur.
|[[Amazon's history of seller bribery]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=16 Jul 2024 |title=Amazon sellers bribe customers for good reviews; Amazon does nothing |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=eS698R-bxuc |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon has bad marketplace algorithms
|2023 – Present
|
|Algorithms still seem to be nonbeneficial.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=4 Jan 2024 |title=Beyond Algorithms: Why Amazon's Automated Systems Fail Sellers & Customers |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=tAaSXz8CBMc |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon trashes refurbished market
|2022–2023
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Jul 2023 |title=Apple & Amazon pay a fine for trashing the refurbished market |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=h3qgbvq2SWs |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=8 Sep 2022 |title=eBay follows amazon's lead, consolidating & destroying the refurbished marketplace |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=qzUXmeaZsIQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon cancels associate account after recent negative media coverage, with a different reason
|2023
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=22 Jun 2023 |title=Amazon cancelled my account after exposing their wrongful lockout of a paying customer |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kcohq313q00 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon wrongfully suspends account of home owner
|2023
|A home owner was locked out of their Amazon account for nearly a week, after a delivery driver from Amazon misheard an automated message from their Eufy doorbell.
|Account reinstated.
|[[Amazon locks home owner out of Amazon account over allegation by Amazon delivery driver|Amazon locks home owner out of amazon account over allegation by amazon delivery driver]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Jun 2023 |title=Man locked out of amazon account over his doorbell gets account back, but no apology |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=SyEgD-5GK9c |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=12 Jun 2023 |title=Amazon accuses customer of racism & shuts down their smart home - enough cloud junk |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=NfiIXooD77s |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon engages in anticompetitive behavior
|2021–2022
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Sep 2022 |title=Amazon forces sellers to keep prices high on other platforms |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=YBJoSGWdP0Y |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Oct 2021 |title=Amazon copying products/rigging search results |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XCLx4mVJ4gk |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon sells fake electrical fuses
|2023
|Fuses are being sold that do not blow when supplied more power than it is intended to handle, which is a major safety risk.
|These fuses are still being sold to this day.
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review! Deep dive on Amazons support of scams]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Fake Electrical Fuses |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=B90_SNNbcoU |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation
|2024
|
|Since September 2024, it is no longer possible to use the Amazon Echo Show 8 as a digital frame without advertisements.
|[[Amazon PhotosPlus Discontinuation]]
|
|-
|Amazon uses [[dark patterns]] for its premium subscription
|2023 – Present
|Systematically designing the cancelling steps to be complicated and long; using tricks to kidnap users into the subscription.<ref>{{cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=FTC Takes Action Against Amazon for Enrolling Consumers in Amazon Prime Without Consent and Sabotaging Their Attempts to Cancel |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-takes-action-against-amazon-enrolling-consumers-amazon-prime-without-consent-sabotaging-their |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129015417/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-takes-action-against-amazon-enrolling-consumers-amazon-prime-without-consent-sabotaging-their |archive-date=2025-01-29 |website=Federal Trade Commission |url-status=live}}</ref> See "Project Illiad".
|Continues to occur.
|
|
|-
|Amazon removes option to lend Kindle e-books
|2022
|E-books marked with "lending enabled" could be lent to other Kindle users for a period of time during which the title is unavailable to the sender.
|Since August 2022, it is not possible to borrow Kindle books.
|
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAvFmnuZZMI '''Amazon Discontinues Lending Kindle e-Books''']
|-
|Amazon removes option not to send voice recordings from Echo devices
|2025
|In March 2025, Echo customers with the option "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" enabled received an e-mail that local processing will no longer be supported on their device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-18 |title=TechLinked – Microsoft’s Big Oopsie – Echo voice recordings, Gemini watermarks |url=https://youtu.be/DhXH83O6pXc?t=268 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=YouTube – TechLinked}}</ref>
|
|[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]
|
|-
|Amazon discontinues Appstore for Android devices
|2025
|On August 20, 2025, Amazon will remove Android devices' access to the Amazon Appstore.
|Android apps downloaded through the Amazon Appstore will cease to function.
|[[Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices|Amazon pulls the plug on its Android app store that you never used anyway]]
|
|-
|Amazon fights against unionization
|1994 - Present
|Ever since its creation, Amazon has demonstrated anti-union efforts. This has even gone to the point of being in the training videos for employees, invoking fear in any who resist this corporate hold.
|
|
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRpwVwFxyk4 Amazon trains against unionizing]
[https://newlaborforum.cuny.edu/2021/11/15/crushing-unions-by-any-means-necessary-how-amazons-blistering-anti-union-campaign-won-in-bessemer-alabama/ Article on Anti-unionism of Amazon]
|-
|Amazon removes kindle books from user libraries.
|2009
|In 2009, Amazon removed 2 illegally published books, Animal Farm and 1984, from sale and user libraries, along with any notes and annotations made by the reader. Others have also reported missing books from their libraries.
|Those affected have been given refunds and there haven't been any further documented cases of books being removed from readers' libraries, although user reports are still prevalent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=A |first=Georgie |date=13 Nov 2022 |title=Bought books removed by Amazon. |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000ALx14HSQR/bought-books-removed-by-amazon |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Amazon}}</ref>
|[https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/technology/companies/18amazon.html Amazon Erases Orwell Books From Kindle]
|
|-
|Amazon purposely delays assisting customers with lost packages
|2025
|Amazon has been found delaying assistance to customers who contact customer service to report issues with a order (i.e., a missing package). Amazon states they are unable to take any action until a certain date, delaying the resolution process further in hopes the customer will not contact them again to request a refund.
|Unknown
|
|
|-
|Amazon adds ads on the lockscreen's of Amazon Fire Tablets & Amazon Kindle
|2012 - Present
|Amazon shows ads on both the Kindle & Fire Tablets lockscreen's to get money out of your purchases makes you pay a fee to remove them. This only applies to the cheaper models.
|This practice still occurs, but is very easy to remove through a quick search.
|[https://xdaforums.com/t/windows-linux-tool-fire-toolbox-v42-1.3889604/ Fire Toolbox]
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=T70xcAGUDQ4cR5PwPR Learn More About Ads On Kindle Fire and Fire Tablet - Amazon]
|
|}

==Products==

===Amazon Kindle (2007–Present)===
Amazon has progressively removed options for products purchased through the Kindle, effectively changing the meaning of purchases and ownership. It first removed the ability of users to lend e-books to one another, and later removed the ability to download purchased e-books to a computer.

===Amazon PhotosPlus (2023–2024)===
Amazon sold physical devices that could displaying photos stored in its Amazon Photos cloud storage through its PhotosPlus service. Less than one year later, it cancelled the service, which [[Retroactively amended purchase|changed the functionality]] of the devices, including showing advertisements every few hours.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=21 Aug 2024 |title=Amazon cancels the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition’s main feature — focusing on photos |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/21/24225149/amazon-end-photosplus-subscription-echo-show-8-photos-edition |url-status=live |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

===Amazon Prime (2005–Present)===
Amazon uses [[dark patterns]] for its subscription services, including tricking users into subscribing and making it very complicated to cancel. Moreover, some features of the service, such as free deliveries, are region locked to where you initially subscribed, forcing you to buy another subscription to be able to use the service.{{CitationNeeded}}

===Amazon Appstore (2011–Present)===
Amazon Appstore is the primary app store for Amazon's Fire devices, and is also available on other Android devices. On August 20, 2025, Amazon has removed access to the app store for all non-Fire devices. Apps installed on non-Fire devices from the Amazon Appstore have ceased to function but Fire devices are still to be able to access the Amazon Appstore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doffman |first=Zak |date=17 Aug 2025 |title=Amazon’s App Store Deadline—Stop Using Your Apps In 48 Hours |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/08/17/amazons-app-store-decision-48-hours-to-delete-your-apps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/CRmel |archive-date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=30 Nov 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravi |first=Nandika |date=20 Feb 2025 |title=Amazon will suspend support for its Appstore on Android |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/amazon-will-suspend-support-for-its-appstore-on-android |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/1sEqt |archive-date=20 Feb 2025 |access-date=30 Nov 2025 |website=Android Central}}</ref> There was no restitution for non-Fire users who may have purchased paid apps through the Amazon Appstore.{{Citation needed|date=30 Nov 2025}}

===Amazon Echo (2014–Present)===

===Amazon Alexa (2013–Present)===
On July 1st 2024, Amazon removed 3rd party list support from the Alexa service, resulting in only lists hosted by Amazon being supported<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Deprecated Features |website=Amazon Developer Documentation |url=https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/docs/alexa/ask-overviews/deprecated-features.html#shopping-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522134122/https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/docs/alexa/ask-overviews/deprecated-features.html#shopping-lists |archive-date=2025-05-22 }}</ref>. While it is still possible to manage lists via Alexa skills, these now require the skill activation phrase to be used (e.g. "Alexa, ask AnyList to add XYZ to my shopping list"). This followed from a [[Google#Google Assistant 3rd Party List Support|similar move by Google]] in 2023.

===All Louis Rossmann videos covering Amazon===
<references group="Video References" />

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]

Amazon

2025-11-30T22:49:27Z

Reform: Changed the Controversies header to Incidents and used the standard Incidents intro with link to Amazon category for consistency and the Wiki's NPOV policy. Also updated Amazon Appstore product paragraph and added citations.

{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 1994
| Industry = Technology
| Logo = Amazon.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Public
| Website = https://amazon.com/
| Description =
}}

[[wikipedia:Amazon_(company)|'''Amazon.com, Inc.''']] is a global leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital streaming founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Originally launched as an online bookstore, Amazon quickly expanded into a marketplace offering a wide range of products, including - but not limited to - electronics, clothing, household goods, and groceries. Today, it is one of the largest companies in the world, with a dominant presence in retail, technology, and logistics.

In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon is a major player in cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides cloud infrastructure and services to businesses globally. The company also offers a variety of digital services, such as Amazon Prime - which provides streaming video and music - and Alexa; its voice-activated virtual assistant. Amazon has also developed consumer products like the Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, and Echo smart speakers.

Amazon has faced significant scrutiny and criticism, particularly concerning its treatment of workers, marketplace practices, data privacy issues, and its impact on small businesses. It has been involved in various regulatory and legal challenges related to anti-competitive behavior, safety, and consumer protection, with calls for increased oversight on its business operations.

==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}}

====Business Model====
Amazon gets a majority of its revenue from seller fees and Amazon Prime memberships. In addition, Amazon has a "subscribe and save" option for some products. With this, the page to manage these subscriptions is obfuscated for the user, intentional or not.

<gallery>
File:Amazon Subscribe and Save Example.jpg|No "subscribe and save" option available
File:Amazon Subscribe and Save Example (1).jpg|The option appears in the "buy again" section.
</gallery>

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this company. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [:Category:{{PAGENAME}} {{PAGENAME}} category]. 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Controversy
!Year
!Background info
!Aftermath
!Related article
!Related video(s)
|-
|Amazon removing kindle books from old devices.
|2025
|As of May 26, 2025 Kindle for Android app versions released prior to March 2022 (v8.51 or earlier) no longer support Kindle content downloads.
|Old android devices (such as Galaxy Tab 4) that are not compatible with Android OS v.9.0+ are no longer able to download Kindle ebooks. Furthermore, Amazon 'forcibly' removed any ebooks downloaded to the kindle app on those devices the next time they connected to the internet, without warning that this would occur.
|https://www.androidauthority.com/kindle-app-drm-loophole-3554844/
|
|-
|Amazon removing ability to download Kindle books
|2025
|Starting on February 26, 2025, Amazon removed a feature from its website allowing users to download purchased books to a computer and then copy them manually to a Kindle over USB.
|Starting February 26, 2025, the ‘Download & Transfer via USB’ option will no longer be available.
|[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMoCzeGnIss '''Amazon are changing the way you own your Kindle books - you have 10 days to react''']
<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Feb 2025 |title=Amazon revokes the concept of owning books, can edit books you already bought; PIRACY IS THE ANSWER! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XfcoUdWCB9M |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon sells lethal litterboxes
|2024
|Amazon sold knockoffs of Whisker brand "Litter-Robot" litterboxes that were designed in a unsafe way that led to the deaths of multiple cats, and posed a danger to young children.
|The responsible knockoff product was delisted, yet many other variants of the same product exist on the site.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=10 Sep 2024 |title=Amazon litterbox fatally harms cat; this is the sad end result of what I've talked about all year :( |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=p6Y19nSPvC4 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon adds ads to premium subscription
|2023 – Present
|Amazon added advertisements to previously ad free subscriptions for Prime Video and Echo Show frames.
|Continues to occur.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Aug 2024 |title=Amazon charges extra to avoid ads, says "lol jk" & adds them anyway |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=RSi6g5-xUaY |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2 May 2024 |title=Amazon Hikes Profits by Forcing Ads on PAID Prime Subscribers |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=ua_QL9YysHQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=28 Dec 2023 |title=Ads on Amazon Prime Video: Paying More for Less? 😒 |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=VLFpU9aqtXc |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon allows fraudulent listings
|2014 – Present
|
|Fraudulent listings continue to be added, some removed.
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=5 Aug 2024 |title=Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review! Deep dive on Amazon's support of scams |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=qZCMislL6_I |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=14 Jan 2024 |title=Amazon's Reckless Bet: Hazardous Items Unfazed by Viral Scare |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=7trdHLtsFKM |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Fake Electrical Fuses |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=B90_SNNbcoU |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=21 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon's Illusion of Quality: How Dangerous Products Get Top Ratings! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=DiKflg8Uko4 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=16 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Dangerous Electrical Crimps |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=y83BS_mK9GE |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=5 Aug 2023 |title=Amazon sells EOL devices as new after banning independents for quality control 🤣 |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rhb0ID9z4aE |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=24 Feb 2022 |title=Amazon has a credibility problem brewing |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XZNn2mO3dNQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=24 Apr 2014 |title=Group Vertical eBay/Amazon Macbook screens are garbage; see for yourself! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=C0YNLWdj9sQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon allows sellers to bribe customers for better ratings
|2016 – Present
|Amazon sellers give customers gift cards in exchange for positive product reviews; Amazon does nothing to stop this.
|Continues to occur.
|[[Amazon's history of seller bribery]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=16 Jul 2024 |title=Amazon sellers bribe customers for good reviews; Amazon does nothing |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=eS698R-bxuc |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon has bad marketplace algorithms
|2023 – Present
|
|Algorithms still seem to be nonbeneficial.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=4 Jan 2024 |title=Beyond Algorithms: Why Amazon's Automated Systems Fail Sellers & Customers |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=tAaSXz8CBMc |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon trashes refurbished market
|2022–2023
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Jul 2023 |title=Apple & Amazon pay a fine for trashing the refurbished market |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=h3qgbvq2SWs |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=8 Sep 2022 |title=eBay follows amazon's lead, consolidating & destroying the refurbished marketplace |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=qzUXmeaZsIQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon cancels associate account after recent negative media coverage, with a different reason
|2023
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=22 Jun 2023 |title=Amazon cancelled my account after exposing their wrongful lockout of a paying customer |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kcohq313q00 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon wrongfully suspends account of home owner
|2023
|A home owner was locked out of their Amazon account for nearly a week, after a delivery driver from Amazon misheard an automated message from their Eufy doorbell.
|Account reinstated.
|[[Amazon locks home owner out of Amazon account over allegation by Amazon delivery driver|Amazon locks home owner out of amazon account over allegation by amazon delivery driver]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Jun 2023 |title=Man locked out of amazon account over his doorbell gets account back, but no apology |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=SyEgD-5GK9c |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=12 Jun 2023 |title=Amazon accuses customer of racism & shuts down their smart home - enough cloud junk |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=NfiIXooD77s |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon engages in anticompetitive behavior
|2021–2022
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Sep 2022 |title=Amazon forces sellers to keep prices high on other platforms |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=YBJoSGWdP0Y |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Oct 2021 |title=Amazon copying products/rigging search results |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XCLx4mVJ4gk |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon sells fake electrical fuses
|2023
|Fuses are being sold that do not blow when supplied more power than it is intended to handle, which is a major safety risk.
|These fuses are still being sold to this day.
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review! Deep dive on Amazons support of scams]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Fake Electrical Fuses |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=B90_SNNbcoU |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation
|2024
|
|Since September 2024, it is no longer possible to use the Amazon Echo Show 8 as a digital frame without advertisements.
|[[Amazon PhotosPlus Discontinuation]]
|
|-
|Amazon uses [[dark patterns]] for its premium subscription
|2023 – Present
|Systematically designing the cancelling steps to be complicated and long; using tricks to kidnap users into the subscription.<ref>{{cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=FTC Takes Action Against Amazon for Enrolling Consumers in Amazon Prime Without Consent and Sabotaging Their Attempts to Cancel |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-takes-action-against-amazon-enrolling-consumers-amazon-prime-without-consent-sabotaging-their |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129015417/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-takes-action-against-amazon-enrolling-consumers-amazon-prime-without-consent-sabotaging-their |archive-date=2025-01-29 |website=Federal Trade Commission |url-status=live}}</ref> See "Project Illiad".
|Continues to occur.
|
|
|-
|Amazon removes option to lend Kindle e-books
|2022
|E-books marked with "lending enabled" could be lent to other Kindle users for a period of time during which the title is unavailable to the sender.
|Since August 2022, it is not possible to borrow Kindle books.
|
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAvFmnuZZMI '''Amazon Discontinues Lending Kindle e-Books''']
|-
|Amazon removes option not to send voice recordings from Echo devices
|2025
|In March 2025, Echo customers with the option "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" enabled received an e-mail that local processing will no longer be supported on their device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-18 |title=TechLinked – Microsoft’s Big Oopsie – Echo voice recordings, Gemini watermarks |url=https://youtu.be/DhXH83O6pXc?t=268 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=YouTube – TechLinked}}</ref>
|
|[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]
|
|-
|Amazon discontinues Appstore for Android devices
|2025
|On August 20, 2025, Amazon will remove Android devices' access to the Amazon Appstore.
|Android apps downloaded through the Amazon Appstore will cease to function.
|[[Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices|Amazon pulls the plug on its Android app store that you never used anyway]]
|
|-
|Amazon fights against unionization
|1994 - Present
|Ever since its creation, Amazon has demonstrated anti-union efforts. This has even gone to the point of being in the training videos for employees, invoking fear in any who resist this corporate hold.
|
|
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRpwVwFxyk4 Amazon trains against unionizing]
[https://newlaborforum.cuny.edu/2021/11/15/crushing-unions-by-any-means-necessary-how-amazons-blistering-anti-union-campaign-won-in-bessemer-alabama/ Article on Anti-unionism of Amazon]
|-
|Amazon removes kindle books from user libraries.
|2009
|In 2009, Amazon removed 2 illegally published books, Animal Farm and 1984, from sale and user libraries, along with any notes and annotations made by the reader. Others have also reported missing books from their libraries.
|Those affected have been given refunds and there haven't been any further documented cases of books being removed from readers' libraries, although user reports are still prevalent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=A |first=Georgie |date=13 Nov 2022 |title=Bought books removed by Amazon. |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000ALx14HSQR/bought-books-removed-by-amazon |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Amazon}}</ref>
|[https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/technology/companies/18amazon.html Amazon Erases Orwell Books From Kindle]
|
|-
|Amazon purposely delays assisting customers with lost packages
|2025
|Amazon has been found delaying assistance to customers who contact customer service to report issues with a order (i.e., a missing package). Amazon states they are unable to take any action until a certain date, delaying the resolution process further in hopes the customer will not contact them again to request a refund.
|Unknown
|
|
|-
|Amazon adds ads on the lockscreen's of Amazon Fire Tablets & Amazon Kindle
|2012 - Present
|Amazon shows ads on both the Kindle & Fire Tablets lockscreen's to get money out of your purchases makes you pay a fee to remove them. This only applies to the cheaper models.
|This practice still occurs, but is very easy to remove through a quick search.
|[https://xdaforums.com/t/windows-linux-tool-fire-toolbox-v42-1.3889604/ Fire Toolbox]
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=T70xcAGUDQ4cR5PwPR Learn More About Ads On Kindle Fire and Fire Tablet - Amazon]
|
|}

==Products==

===Amazon Kindle (2007–Present)===
Amazon has progressively removed options for products purchased through the Kindle, effectively changing the meaning of purchases and ownership. It first removed the ability of users to lend e-books to one another, and later removed the ability to download purchased e-books to a computer.

===Amazon PhotosPlus (2023–2024)===
Amazon sold physical devices that could displaying photos stored in its Amazon Photos cloud storage through its PhotosPlus service. Less than one year later, it cancelled the service, which [[Retroactively amended purchase|changed the functionality]] of the devices, including showing advertisements every few hours.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=21 Aug 2024 |title=Amazon cancels the Echo Show 8 Photos Edition’s main feature — focusing on photos |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/21/24225149/amazon-end-photosplus-subscription-echo-show-8-photos-edition |url-status=live |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

===Amazon Prime (2005–Present)===
Amazon uses [[dark patterns]] for its subscription services, including tricking users into subscribing and making it very complicated to cancel. Moreover, some features of the service, such as free deliveries, are region locked to where you initially subscribed, forcing you to buy another subscription to be able to use the service.{{CitationNeeded}}

===Amazon Appstore (2011–Present)===
Amazon Appstore is the primary app store for Amazon's Fire devices, and is also available on other Android devices. On August 20, 2025, Amazon has removed access to the app store for all non-Fire devices. Apps installed on non-Fire devices from the Amazon Appstore have ceased to function but Fire devices are still to be able to access the Amazon Appstore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doffman |first=Zak |date=17 Aug 2025 |title=Amazon’s App Store Deadline—Stop Using Your Apps In 48 Hours |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/08/17/amazons-app-store-decision-48-hours-to-delete-your-apps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/CRmel |archive-date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=30 Nov 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravi |first=Nandika |date=20 Feb 2025 |title=Amazon will suspend support for its Appstore on Android |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/amazon-will-suspend-support-for-its-appstore-on-android |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/1sEqt |archive-date=20 Feb 2025 |access-date=30 Nov 2025 |website=Android Central}}</ref> There was no restitution for non-Fire users who may have purchased paid apps through the Amazon Appstore.{{Citation needed|date=30 Nov 2025}}

===Amazon Echo (2014–Present)===

===Amazon Alexa (2013–Present)===
On July 1st 2024, Amazon removed 3rd party list support from the Alexa service, resulting in only lists hosted by Amazon being supported<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Deprecated Features |website=Amazon Developer Documentation |url=https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/docs/alexa/ask-overviews/deprecated-features.html#shopping-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522134122/https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/docs/alexa/ask-overviews/deprecated-features.html#shopping-lists |archive-date=2025-05-22 }}</ref>. While it is still possible to manage lists via Alexa skills, these now require the skill activation phrase to be used (e.g. "Alexa, ask AnyList to add XYZ to my shopping list"). This followed from a [[Google#Google Assistant 3rd Party List Support|similar move by Google]] in 2023.

===All Louis Rossmann videos covering Amazon===
<references group="Video References" />

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]

Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent

2025-11-30T22:37:57Z

Reform: Grammar fix and adding Amazon category

{{ToneWarning}}{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon, Audible
|StartDate=2024
|EndDate=2025
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Audible membership
|Product=Amazon Prime
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Service Termination
|Description=Audible enrolled Amazon customers in Audible memberships without their knowledge or consent
}}'''[[Audible]]''', a subsidiary of [[Amazon]], has two pending class action lawsuits against them for enrolling Amazon customers into the Audible membership and charging them the $14.95/month subscription fee without the customers' consent.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Sherk |first=Grace |date=11 Mar 2025 |title=Sherk v. Audible, Inc |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/sherk-v-audible-inc-complaint_1.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=18 Sep 2025 |website=Class Action}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Stutland |first=Donielle |date=10 Jan 2025 |title=ADVERTISING—W.D. Wash.: Amazon and Audible can’t escape class action over auto-enrollment, (Jan 10, 2025) |url=https://www.vitallaw.com/news/advertising-w-d-wash-amazon-and-audible-can-t-escape-class-action-over-auto-enrollment/ald01d087b56ebb9f46a4a141a2e6b95e6cdd |url-status=live |access-date=18 Sep 2025 |website=Vital Law}}</ref>

==Background==
In Sherk v. Audible, the plaintiff alleges Audible enrolled existing Amazon account holders into Audible’s monthly subscription (“membership”) without their knowledge or consent.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-04-23 |title=Amazon Audible faces class action over unauthorized subscriptions |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826232032/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/amazon-audible-faces-class-action-over-unauthorized-subscriptions/ |archive-date=2025-08-26 |access-date=2025-08-26 |work=Top Class Actions}}</ref> The complaint claims Audible used payment information already on file with Amazon, charged monthly membership fees, and made it difficult for users to find out about, cancel, or get refunds for these subscriptions.

In Heck v. Amazon, the plaintiff used Amazon’s “FREE No-Rush Shipping” option, which came with a “digital reward.”<ref name=":2" /> She later discovered that redeeming this reward resulted in her personal and payment information being passed to Audible. The lawsuit alleges Audible then enrolled her in a 30-day trial that automatically converted into a paid subscription unless affirmatively canceled. The plaintiff alleged she never received notice, confirmation, or cancellation information and was billed for several months without knowledge.

==Incident==
The plaintiff states that the victims of Amazon's enrollment to Audible had a difficult time cancelling the subscription service, which may be due to the company's failure to enact [[click-to-cancel]]<ref name=":0" /> that can result in customers continuing to be charged for the service during the time it takes them to cancel.

A different, similar lawsuit was filed in January 10th, 2025, claiming Amazon would pass consumer information to Audible and Audible would sign up consumers for a free trial.<ref name=":2" /> After the free trial expired, the consumer would be transitioned to a paid subscription, without notifying the consumer.

===Corporate response===
Amazon and Audible responded to Heck’s claims by arguing that they had no duty to disclose any link between "No-Rush Shipping" rewards and Audible enrollment, since the rewards were marketed as digital credits and any Audible trial was separate, voluntary, and disclosed.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Chun |first=John |date=8 Jan 2025 |title=ORDER DENYING MOTION TO DISMISS |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/heck-v-amazon-ucsd-western-washington-opinion.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=18 Sep 2025 |website=courthousenews.com}}</ref> They contended that Heck failed to show reliance or causation, as her choice of "No-Rush Shipping" was motivated by free shipping rather than Audible. They further claimed compliance with the California Auto-Renewal Law by providing clear terms, obtaining consent, and sending acknowledgment emails, suggesting Heck either ignored or forgot these notices. Drawing on ''Viveros v. Audible'', they insisted the signups were transparent and optional, meaning Heck must have consented. Finally, they questioned whether she suffered any real injury, noting she received both rewards and the Audible trial and could have canceled before charges accrued, making her losses the result of her own inaction rather than deception.

The court rejected most of these arguments at the dismissal stage.<ref name=":3" /> It found that Heck plausibly alleged non-disclosure, lack of consent, and ARL violations, which are sufficient to proceed. Importantly, the court said the situation was unlike Viveros, since Heck alleged she was enrolled in Audible without realizing it, whereas Viveros involved consumers knowingly signing up.

==Lawsuit==
In ''Sherk v. Audible'', the plaintiffs claim that customers were enrolled in Audible memberships without their consent, often without realizing they had been signed up at all.<ref name=":1" /> Audible allegedly used personal and billing information already stored in Amazon accounts to facilitate these enrollments and failed to provide clear written confirmation or conspicuous notice of recurring charges. Many customers only discovered their membership after unexpected billing and, according to the complaint, Audible made cancellation difficult, with some users continuing to be charged even after attempting to cancel. The lawsuit further alleges that many of these “nonconsensual enrollees” never used Audible’s services and that Audible either knew or should have known about the widespread problem, given numerous complaints on public forums and consumer watchdog sites. Despite this knowledge, Audible is accused of failing to correct the practice because it generated revenue. Additionally, Audible allegedly restricted refunds, making it difficult for customers to recover payments, and was therefore unjustly enriched by retaining subscription fees from customers who had never agreed to join. The plaintiffs seek restitution and disgorgement of these funds as relief.

In ''Heck v. Amazon.com Inc.'', the plaintiff alleges that Amazon and its subsidiary Audible automatically enrolled her in an Audible membership without her knowledge or consent after she selected the “No-Rush Shipping” option for Amazon Prime orders, which provided digital rewards.<ref name=":2" /> Heck claims that she was never informed that redeeming these rewards would result in an Audible trial that would automatically convert into a paid subscription, nor did she receive clear communications about the terms, cancellation policy, or how to opt out. She further alleges that Amazon had exclusive knowledge of this enrollment process and failed to disclose it, creating a situation in which she was charged $14.95 per month for services she did not knowingly subscribe to. The lawsuit asserts violations of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), and the Auto-Renewal Law (ARL), focusing on non-disclosure, lack of affirmative consent, and the economic harm caused by these automatic charges. Relief sought includes damages and restitution for the unauthorized subscription fees, emphasizing the alleged deceptive practices and failure to obtain informed consent before billing.

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

The below link includes the original Heck v Audible lawsuit:

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/63576669/1/2/heck-v-amazoncom-inc/

The original lawsuit has some consumer responses that should be pulled and quoted here.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Audible]]
[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Articles requiring change in tone]]

Amazon Kindle

2025-11-30T22:14:18Z

Reform: Amazon category and 2 Citation needed markers have been added

{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = Amazon Kindle
| Release Year = 2007
| Product Type = E-reader
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://amazon.com/kindle
| Logo = Amazon kindle logo.png
}}

'''Amazon Kindle''' is a product line of e-readers made by '''[[Amazon]]'''.

==Controversies==
While EPUB has been the widely adopted format for digital books,<ref>{{Cite web |title=EPUB 3.3 |url=https://www.w3.org/TR/epub-33/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[w3.org]]}}</ref> the Kindle e-readers do not support this format natively. That means that it is not possible to load these files directly to the e-reader (which is called {{Wplink|sideloading}}), but have to be converted first to one of the proprietary formats the Kindle uses. Books directly purchased through Amazon come with [[DRM]] restrictions.

Around 2022 it was announced that there would be an option to read these files,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schroeder |first=Stan |date=3 May 2022 |title=Amazon's Kindle will finally support epub files |url=https://mashable.com/article/amazon-kindle-epub |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2022 |website=[[Mashable]]}}</ref> which was not through native support but via their e-mail service or dedicated app for the Kindle. Both send the file to the Kindle Cloud Library, and process the file on Amazon servers to the proprietary format.

As for the sideloading itself, newer firmware versions of Kindle e-readers only work with {{Wplink|Media Transfer Protocol|MTP}},<ref>{{Cite web |author=Nathan |date=20 Oct 2024 |title=Amazon Removed Download and Transfer Option for New Kindles |url=https://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2024/10/20/amazon-removed-download-and-transfer-option-for-new-kindles/ |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Ebook Reader]]}}</ref> which led to controversy among {{Wplink|power user}}s as it disrupted existing workflow, which is to be expected. Book management software like Calibre<ref>[https://calibre-ebook.com/ Calibre]</ref> addresses this issue, and can do the conversion of file formats locally. The recent firmware updates have caused other issues, like faster battery drain than before and a slower user experience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kozlowski |first=Micheal |date=20 Aug 2024 |title=The Amazon Kindle is in a state of decline |url=https://goodereader.com/blog/kindle/the-amazon-kindle-is-in-a-state-of-decline |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Good EReader]]}}</ref>

===Anti-repair and anti-ownership practices===
Kindle devices regularly receive bad scores in repair reviews.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frauenheim |first=Carsten |title=Kindle 11 Repair |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Device/Kindle_11 |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[iFixit]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Kris |title=Kindle Paperwhite 5 (11th Generation) Repair |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Device/Kindle_Paperwhite_11th_Generation |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[iFixit]]}}</ref> The baseline model has a replaceable battery, but provides no official replacement parts or repair instructions, and solders the power button and usb-c port to the motherboard.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">[https://www.ifixit.com/repairability/e-reader-repairability-scores e-reader repairability scores]</ref> The paper-white model uses excessive amounts of adhesive for the battery and motherboard, which make it harder to replace the battery.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Most of the components of the device, most importantly the e-ink screen, are not available to the general market. Any stock for e-ink displays for these devices can rarely be found, and they usually approach the cost of the device itself, making repair uneconomical.

Kindle devices run a Linux distribution, however the bootloader is locked down and users have had trouble accessing debug ports on newer hardware.{{Citation needed|reason=Personal account}} Adding to this, Amazon relies on proprietary software and drivers which make it difficult to port a standard mainline Linux kernel onto their devices.{{Citation needed|date=30 Nov 2025}}

==See also==
*[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Amazon Kindle]]
[[Category:Amazon]]

Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices

2025-11-30T22:00:03Z

Reform: Small adjustment from present to past tense

{{StubNotice}}{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon
|StartDate=2025-08
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Amazon App Store
|Product=Amazon App Store
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Ownership, Digital restrictions, Forced Migration, Service Termination
|Description=Amazon revoked access to the Amazon App Store on all non-Amazon Android devices. Users must now use Amazon hardware to download their paid content.
}}In August of 2025, Amazon revoked access to the Amazon App Store on all non-Amazon Android devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doffman |first=Zak |date=17 Aug 2025 |title=Amazon’s App Store Deadline—Stop Using Your Apps In 48 Hours |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/08/17/amazons-app-store-decision-48-hours-to-delete-your-apps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/CRmel |archive-date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=30 Nov 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Customers will now be required to purchase Amazon hardware<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Nov 2025 |title=Amazon Appstore on Android has been discontinued |url=https://www.amazon.com/b?node=210942225011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827133307/https://www.amazon.com/b?node=210942225011 |archive-date=27 Aug 2025 |access-date=24 Oct 2025 |website=Amazon}}</ref>, such as Fire TV or Fire Tablet, if they wish to use the applications they own.

==Background==
{{Ph-I-B}}

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

==Amazon's response==
A spokesperson from Amazon said they took this step to look inwards and focusing their efforts "on the Appstore experience on our own devices, as that’s where the overwhelming majority of our customers currently engage with it.” They also stated that only a small amount of customers use the app store outside Amazon devices, and that made them decide to take this step.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravi |first=Nandika |date=20 Feb 2025 |title=Amazon will suspend support for its Appstore on Android |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/amazon-will-suspend-support-for-its-appstore-on-android |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/1sEqt |archive-date=20 Feb 2025 |access-date=30 Nov 2025 |website=Android Central}}</ref>

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

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Incidents]]

Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices

2025-11-30T21:56:59Z

Reform: Added more citations, and added a company response paragraph.

{{StubNotice}}{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon
|StartDate=2025-08
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Amazon App Store
|Product=Amazon App Store
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Ownership, Digital restrictions, Forced Migration, Service Termination
|Description=Amazon revoked access to the Amazon App Store on all non-Amazon Android devices. Users must now use Amazon hardware to download their paid content.
}}In August of 2025, Amazon revoked access to the Amazon App Store on all non-Amazon Android devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doffman |first=Zak |date=17 Aug 2025 |title=Amazon’s App Store Deadline—Stop Using Your Apps In 48 Hours |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/08/17/amazons-app-store-decision-48-hours-to-delete-your-apps/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/CRmel |archive-date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=30 Nov 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Customers will now be required to purchase Amazon hardware<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Nov 2025 |title=Amazon Appstore on Android has been discontinued |url=https://www.amazon.com/b?node=210942225011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827133307/https://www.amazon.com/b?node=210942225011 |archive-date=27 Aug 2025 |access-date=24 Oct 2025 |website=Amazon}}</ref>, such as Fire TV or Fire Tablet, if they wish to use the applications they own.

==Background==
{{Ph-I-B}}

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

== Amazon's response ==
A spokesperson from Amazon said they are taking this step to look inwards and focusing their efforts "on the Appstore experience on our own devices, as that’s where the overwhelming majority of our customers currently engage with it.” They also stated that only a small amount of customers use the app store outside Amazon devices, and that made them decide to take this step.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravi |first=Nandika |date=20 Feb 2025 |title=Amazon will suspend support for its Appstore on Android |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/amazon-will-suspend-support-for-its-appstore-on-android |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/1sEqt |archive-date=20 Feb 2025 |access-date=30 Nov 2025 |website=Android Central}}</ref>

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

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Incidents]]

Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review

2025-11-30T21:33:28Z

Reform: Citation needed markers and Articles in need of additional work category have been added

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Article does not follow a clear structure. See Discussion tab}}

Sellers on Amazon can list products, gather reviews for them, and then modify the listings to sell entirely different items while retaining the reviews from the previously sold products. Additionally, Amazon continues to allow the sale of products that fail to deliver on the promises advertised.{{Citation needed|date=30 Nov 2025}}

These practices create significant challenges for customers, making it difficult to rely on reviews when making informed purchasing decisions on Amazon's platform.

===Removing Reviews (Including Verified Reviews)===
When Amazon removed reviews—presumably{{Clarify|how}} to eliminate those for unrelated products{{Citation needed|date=30 Nov 2025}}—they also deleted reviews from customers who had purchased the product currently being sold, including those marked as 'Verified Purchase' by Amazon. The removal of legitimate reviews makes it harder for potential buyers to determine whether a product is fraudulent or not. This is because reviews from verified purchases of the currently listed product, which could have alerted buyers to potential issues, were also removed.{{Citation needed|date=30 Nov 2025}}

====Examples Of Such and Related Incidents====

=====Portable Air Conditioner=====
Amazon sells a portable air conditioner<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Portable Air ConditionerS Portable AC Unit for Large Room |url=https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Conditioners-Control-Dehumidifier-Included/dp/B0CY85TKPF/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706183221/https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Conditioners-Control-Dehumidifier-Included/dp/B0CY85TKPF/ |archive-date=6 Jul 2024 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon]]}}</ref> for which the aforementioned removing of reviews took place. This listing contained reviews for digital picture frames, desks, shower heads and balloons, adding to the number of positive reviews displayed for the portable air conditioner being sold.

The listing in questions has been available on Amazon since at least July of 2024<ref name=":0" /> and is currently still being listed in January 2025<ref name=":0" />.

=====Electrical Fuses=====
Electrical fuses are used to break an electrical circuit if too much current is flowing through them. This is essential to prevent circuits from operating and failing in an unsafe manner.

Amazon hosts listings for many such fuses. When purchasing and testing highly rated fuses from three different sellers on Amazon<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nilight - 50019R 272pcs Standard & Mini & Low Profile Mini Blade Fuse Assortment, 2A 5A 10A 15A 20A 25A 30A 35A Replacement Fuses for Car Boat Truck SUV Automotive |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D3R1BRY |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=140 Pcs Fuses Automotive Kit - Blade Auto Fuse Assortment Standard and Mini Car Fuse for Marine, RV, Camper, Boat, Truck (5A 7.5A 10A 15A 20A 25A 30AMP/ATC/ATO) |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0899WR671?th=1 |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CrocSee 250 Pieces - Car Fuses Assortment Kit, Blade-Type Automotive Fuses - Standard & Mini Size (2A/3A/5A/7.5A/10A/15A/ 20A/25A/30A/35A/40A), Replacement Fuses for Car/RV/Truck/Motorcycle/Boat |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0895PV8S2?th=1 |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon]]}}</ref>, it was found<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Fake Electrical Fuses |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B90_SNNbcoU |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> that the fuses did not perform as specified. Testing revealed that the fuses only failed after being subjected to multiple times their rated current. As a result, they did not break the connection as advertised, which could pose a significant safety risk if used in electrical circuits.

The fuses tested had and still have many reviews with a very high total rating. The fuses mentioned here, have been listed on Amazon since at least December of 2023 and are all still available for purchase. Due to the issues outlined above, a potential buyer relying on Amazon's reviews may have difficulties making an informed purchasing decision.

====Amazon on How They Keep Reviews Trustworthy and Useful====
Amazon themselves describes what they do to keep their reviews trustworthy and useful as follows:<blockquote>Our automated and human checks stop millions of suspicious reviews before customers ever see them. We also take legal action against groups that pay customers to post fake reviews. See our anti-manipulation policy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Understanding Customer Reviews and Ratings |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G8UYX7LALQC8V9KA |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon]]}}</ref></blockquote>

===The CPSC on Hazardous Products Sold by Third-Party Sellers on Amazon.com===
In July of 2024, the United States' Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found Amazon responsible for hazardous products<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=30 Jul 2024 |title=CPSC Finds Amazon Responsible Under Federal Safety Law for Hazardous Products Sold by Third-Party Sellers on Amazon.com |url=https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2024/CPSC-Finds-Amazon-Responsible-Under-Federal-Safety-Law-for-Hazardous-Products-Sold-by-Third-Party-Sellers-on-Amazon-com |url-status=live |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[CPSC]]}}</ref> sold by third-party sellers on amazon.com. In particular, they stated the following:<blockquote>Amazon was a “distributor” of products that are defective or fail to meet federal consumer product safety standards, and therefore bears legal responsibility for their recall. More than 400,000 products are subject to this order: specifically, faulty carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, hairdryers without electrocution protection, and children’s sleepwear that violated federal flammability standards.<ref name=":1" /></blockquote><blockquote>The Commission determined that these products, listed on Amazon.com and sold by third-party sellers using the Fulfilled by Amazon program, pose a “substantial product hazard” under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA).<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Articles in need of citations]]

Amazon

2025-11-30T21:18:04Z

Reform: The PNG logo was changed to the SVG version. This is the updated version that Amazon uses on their aboutamazon.com website.

{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 1994
| Industry = Technology
| Logo = Amazon.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Public
| Website = https://amazon.com/
| Description =
}}

[[wikipedia:Amazon_(company)|'''Amazon.com, Inc.''']] is a global leader in e-commerce, cloud computing, and digital streaming founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos. Originally launched as an online bookstore, Amazon quickly expanded into a marketplace offering a wide range of products, including - but not limited to - electronics, clothing, household goods, and groceries. Today, it is one of the largest companies in the world, with a dominant presence in retail, technology, and logistics.

In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon is a major player in cloud computing through Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides cloud infrastructure and services to businesses globally. The company also offers a variety of digital services, such as Amazon Prime - which provides streaming video and music - and Alexa; its voice-activated virtual assistant. Amazon has also developed consumer products like the Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, and Echo smart speakers.

Amazon has faced significant scrutiny and criticism, particularly concerning its treatment of workers, marketplace practices, data privacy issues, and its impact on small businesses. It has been involved in various regulatory and legal challenges related to anti-competitive behavior, safety, and consumer protection, with calls for increased oversight on its business operations.

==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}}

====Business Model====
Amazon gets a majority of its revenue from seller fees and Amazon Prime memberships. In addition, Amazon has a "subscribe and save" option for some products. With this, the page to manage these subscriptions is obfuscated for the user, intentional or not.

<gallery>
File:Amazon Subscribe and Save Example.jpg|No "subscribe and save" option available
File:Amazon Subscribe and Save Example (1).jpg|The option appears in the "buy again" section.
</gallery>

==Controversies==
Amazon has been involved in numerous controversies, from dangerous products to anti-competitive practices. Below is a comprehensive listing of every relevant controversy documented here on this wiki: 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Controversy
!Year
!Background info
!Aftermath
!Related article
!Related video(s)
|-
|Amazon removing kindle books from old devices.
|2025
|As of May 26, 2025 Kindle for Android app versions released prior to March 2022 (v8.51 or earlier) no longer support Kindle content downloads.
|Old android devices (such as Galaxy Tab 4) that are not compatible with Android OS v.9.0+ are no longer able to download Kindle ebooks. Furthermore, Amazon 'forcibly' removed any ebooks downloaded to the kindle app on those devices the next time they connected to the internet, without warning that this would occur.
|https://www.androidauthority.com/kindle-app-drm-loophole-3554844/
|
|-
|Amazon removing ability to download Kindle books
|2025
|Starting on February 26, 2025, Amazon removed a feature from its website allowing users to download purchased books to a computer and then copy them manually to a Kindle over USB.
|Starting February 26, 2025, the ‘Download & Transfer via USB’ option will no longer be available.
|[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMoCzeGnIss '''Amazon are changing the way you own your Kindle books - you have 10 days to react''']
<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Feb 2025 |title=Amazon revokes the concept of owning books, can edit books you already bought; PIRACY IS THE ANSWER! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XfcoUdWCB9M |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon sells lethal litterboxes
|2024
|Amazon sold knockoffs of Whisker brand "Litter-Robot" litterboxes that were designed in a unsafe way that led to the deaths of multiple cats, and posed a danger to young children.
|The responsible knockoff product was delisted, yet many other variants of the same product exist on the site.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=10 Sep 2024 |title=Amazon litterbox fatally harms cat; this is the sad end result of what I've talked about all year :( |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=p6Y19nSPvC4 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon adds ads to premium subscription
|2023 – Present
|Amazon added advertisements to previously ad free subscriptions for Prime Video and Echo Show frames.
|Continues to occur.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Aug 2024 |title=Amazon charges extra to avoid ads, says "lol jk" & adds them anyway |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=RSi6g5-xUaY |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2 May 2024 |title=Amazon Hikes Profits by Forcing Ads on PAID Prime Subscribers |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=ua_QL9YysHQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=28 Dec 2023 |title=Ads on Amazon Prime Video: Paying More for Less? 😒 |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=VLFpU9aqtXc |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon allows fraudulent listings
|2014 – Present
|
|Fraudulent listings continue to be added, some removed.
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=5 Aug 2024 |title=Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review! Deep dive on Amazon's support of scams |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=qZCMislL6_I |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=14 Jan 2024 |title=Amazon's Reckless Bet: Hazardous Items Unfazed by Viral Scare |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=7trdHLtsFKM |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Fake Electrical Fuses |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=B90_SNNbcoU |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=21 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon's Illusion of Quality: How Dangerous Products Get Top Ratings! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=DiKflg8Uko4 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=16 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Dangerous Electrical Crimps |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=y83BS_mK9GE |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=5 Aug 2023 |title=Amazon sells EOL devices as new after banning independents for quality control 🤣 |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rhb0ID9z4aE |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=24 Feb 2022 |title=Amazon has a credibility problem brewing |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XZNn2mO3dNQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=24 Apr 2014 |title=Group Vertical eBay/Amazon Macbook screens are garbage; see for yourself! |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=C0YNLWdj9sQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon allows sellers to bribe customers for better ratings
|2016 – Present
|Amazon sellers give customers gift cards in exchange for positive product reviews; Amazon does nothing to stop this.
|Continues to occur.
|[[Amazon's history of seller bribery]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=16 Jul 2024 |title=Amazon sellers bribe customers for good reviews; Amazon does nothing |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=eS698R-bxuc |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon has bad marketplace algorithms
|2023 – Present
|
|Algorithms still seem to be nonbeneficial.
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=4 Jan 2024 |title=Beyond Algorithms: Why Amazon's Automated Systems Fail Sellers & Customers |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=tAaSXz8CBMc |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon trashes refurbished market
|2022–2023
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Jul 2023 |title=Apple & Amazon pay a fine for trashing the refurbished market |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=h3qgbvq2SWs |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=8 Sep 2022 |title=eBay follows amazon's lead, consolidating & destroying the refurbished marketplace |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=qzUXmeaZsIQ |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon cancels associate account after recent negative media coverage, with a different reason
|2023
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=22 Jun 2023 |title=Amazon cancelled my account after exposing their wrongful lockout of a paying customer |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kcohq313q00 |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon wrongfully suspends account of home owner
|2023
|A home owner was locked out of their Amazon account for nearly a week, after a delivery driver from Amazon misheard an automated message from their Eufy doorbell.
|Account reinstated.
|[[Amazon locks home owner out of Amazon account over allegation by Amazon delivery driver|Amazon locks home owner out of amazon account over allegation by amazon delivery driver]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Jun 2023 |title=Man locked out of amazon account over his doorbell gets account back, but no apology |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=SyEgD-5GK9c |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=12 Jun 2023 |title=Amazon accuses customer of racism & shuts down their smart home - enough cloud junk |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=NfiIXooD77s |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon engages in anticompetitive behavior
|2021–2022
|
|Unknown
|
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Sep 2022 |title=Amazon forces sellers to keep prices high on other platforms |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=YBJoSGWdP0Y |website=Youtube}}</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Oct 2021 |title=Amazon copying products/rigging search results |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=XCLx4mVJ4gk |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon sells fake electrical fuses
|2023
|Fuses are being sold that do not blow when supplied more power than it is intended to handle, which is a major safety risk.
|These fuses are still being sold to this day.
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review! Deep dive on Amazons support of scams]]
|<ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=30 Dec 2023 |title=Amazon Sells Fake Electrical Fuses |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=B90_SNNbcoU |url-status=live |website=Youtube}}</ref>
|-
|Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation
|2024
|
|Since September 2024, it is no longer possible to use the Amazon Echo Show 8 as a digital frame without advertisements.
|[[Amazon PhotosPlus Discontinuation]]
|
|-
|Amazon uses [[dark patterns]] for its premium subscription
|2023 – Present
|Systematically designing the cancelling steps to be complicated and long; using tricks to kidnap users into the subscription.<ref>{{cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=FTC Takes Action Against Amazon for Enrolling Consumers in Amazon Prime Without Consent and Sabotaging Their Attempts to Cancel |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-takes-action-against-amazon-enrolling-consumers-amazon-prime-without-consent-sabotaging-their |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129015417/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/06/ftc-takes-action-against-amazon-enrolling-consumers-amazon-prime-without-consent-sabotaging-their |archive-date=2025-01-29 |website=Federal Trade Commission |url-status=live}}</ref> See "Project Illiad".
|Continues to occur.
|
|
|-
|Amazon removes option to lend Kindle e-books
|2022
|E-books marked with "lending enabled" could be lent to other Kindle users for a period of time during which the title is unavailable to the sender.
|Since August 2022, it is not possible to borrow Kindle books.
|
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAvFmnuZZMI '''Amazon Discontinues Lending Kindle e-Books''']
|-
|Amazon removes option not to send voice recordings from Echo devices
|2025
|In March 2025, Echo customers with the option "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" enabled received an e-mail that local processing will no longer be supported on their device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-18 |title=TechLinked – Microsoft’s Big Oopsie – Echo voice recordings, Gemini watermarks |url=https://youtu.be/DhXH83O6pXc?t=268 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=YouTube – TechLinked}}</ref>
|
|[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]
|
|-
|Amazon discontinues Appstore for Android devices
|2025
|On August 20, 2025, Amazon will remove Android devices' access to the Amazon Appstore.
|Android apps downloaded through the Amazon Appstore will cease to function.
|[https://www.androidauthority.com/amazon-shuts-down-android-app-store-3528170/ Amazon pulls the plug on its Android app store that you never used anyway]
|
|-
|Amazon fights against unionization
|1994 - Present
|Ever since its creation, Amazon has demonstrated anti-union efforts. This has even gone to the point of being in the training videos for employees, invoking fear in any who resist this corporate hold.
|
|
|[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRpwVwFxyk4 Amazon trains against unionizing]
[https://newlaborforum.cuny.edu/2021/11/15/crushing-unions-by-any-means-necessary-how-amazons-blistering-anti-union-campaign-won-in-bessemer-alabama/ Article on Anti-unionism of Amazon]
|-
|Amazon removes kindle books from user libraries.
|2009
|In 2009, Amazon removed 2 illegally published books, Animal Farm and 1984, from sale and user libraries, along with any notes and annotations made by the reader. Others have also reported missing books from their libraries.
|Those affected have been given refunds and there haven't been any further documented cases of books being removed from readers' libraries, although user reports are still prevalent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=A |first=Georgie |date=13 Nov 2022 |title=Bought books removed by Amazon. |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000ALx14HSQR/bought-books-removed-by-amazon |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Amazon}}</ref>
|[https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/technology/companies/18amazon.html Amazon Erases Orwell Books From Kindle]
|
|-
|Amazon purposely delays assisting customers with lost packages
|2025
|Amazon has been found delaying assistance to customers who contact customer service to report issues with a order (i.e., a missing package). Amazon states they are unable to take any action until a certain date, delaying the resolution process further in hopes the customer will not contact them again to request a refund.
|Unknown
|
|
|-
|Amazon adds ads on the lockscreen's of Amazon Fire Tablets & Amazon Kindle
|2012 - Present
|Amazon shows ads on both the Kindle & Fire Tablets lockscreen's to get money out of your purchases makes you pay a fee to remove them. This only applies to the cheaper models.
|This practice still occurs, but is very easy to remove through a quick search.
|[https://xdaforums.com/t/windows-linux-tool-fire-toolbox-v42-1.3889604/ Fire Toolbox]
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=T70xcAGUDQ4cR5PwPR Learn More About Ads On Kindle Fire and Fire Tablet - Amazon]
|
|}

==Products==

===Amazon Kindle (2007–Present)===
Amazon has progressively removed options for products purchased through the Kindle, effectively changing the meaning of purchases and ownership. It first removed the ability of users to lend e-books to one another, and later removed the ability to download purchased e-books to a computer.

===Amazon PhotosPlus (2023–2024)===
Amazon sold physical devices that could displaying photos stored in its Amazon Photos cloud storage through its PhotosPlus service. Less than one year later, it cancelled the service, which [[Retroactively amended purchase|changed the functionality]] of the devices, including showing advertisements every few hours.

===Amazon Prime (2005–Present)===
Amazon uses [[dark patterns]] for its subscription services, including tricking users into subscribing and making it very complicated to cancel. Moreover, some features of the service, such as free deliveries, are region locked to where you initially subcribed, forcing you to buy another subscription to be able to use the service.{{CitationNeeded}}

===Amazon Appstore (2011–Present)===
Amazon Appstore is the primary app store for Amazon's Fire devices, and is also available on other Android devices. On August 20, 2025, Amazon will remove access to the app store for all non-Fire devices. All apps installed from the Amazon Appstore will cease to function. Fire devices will continue to be able to access the Amazon Appstore. As of July 2025, there has been no mention of restitution for users who may have purchased paid apps through the Amazon Appstore.

===Amazon Echo (2014–Present)===

===Amazon Alexa (2013–Present)===
On July 1st 2024, Amazon removed 3rd party list support from the Alexa service, resulting in only lists hosted by Amazon being supported<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Deprecated Features |website=Amazon Developer Documentation |url=https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/docs/alexa/ask-overviews/deprecated-features.html#shopping-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522134122/https://developer.amazon.com/en-US/docs/alexa/ask-overviews/deprecated-features.html#shopping-lists |archive-date=2025-05-22 }}</ref>. While it is still possible to manage lists via Alexa skills, these now require the skill activation phrase to be used (e.g. "Alexa, ask AnyList to add XYZ to my shopping list"). This followed from a [[Google#Google Assistant 3rd Party List Support|similar move by Google]] in 2023.

===All Louis Rossmann videos covering Amazon===
<references group="Video References" />

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]