https://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=TrinityConsumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]2026-05-19T15:29:21ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.44.0https://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Whistle_pet_tracker_shutdown_IoT_fail&diff=39541Whistle pet tracker shutdown IoT fail2026-02-24T18:04:03Z<p>Trinity: Changed archive.today links to other archives</p>
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<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Tractive, Mars Petcare, Whistle Labs<br />
|StartDate=2025-07-28<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=Whistle Pet Trackers<br />
|ArticleType=Incident<br />
|Type=Planned Obsolescence, Service Termination<br />
|Description=Whistle pet trackers will cease functioning on 31 August 2025, following Tractive's acquisition of the company from Mars Petcare.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Whistle pet trackers will cease functioning on August 31 2025, following Tractive's acquisition of the company from Mars Petcare.<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
Whistle Labs was founded in 2012 as a developer of GPS-enabled pet tracking and health monitoring devices.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Welcome |url=https://www.whistle.com |website=Whistle |date= |access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609030101/http://www.whistle.com/ <!-- Oldest working archive on IA. --> |archive-date=9 Jun 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Whistle - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees, Headquarters Locations |url=https://www.cbinsights.com/company/whistle-labs |website=CB Insights |date= |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216024905/https://www.cbinsights.com/company/whistle-labs |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> The company marketed its products as ''"Fitbit for dogs,"'' offering activity tracking, GPS location services, and health monitoring ability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roof |first=Katie |title=Whistle's 'Fitbit for dogs' acquired by Mars Petcare |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/03/31/whistle-acquired-by-mars/ |website=TechCrunch |date=31 Mar 2016 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241227153306/https://techcrunch.com/2016/03/31/whistle-acquired-by-mars/ |archive-date=27 Dec 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
Mars Petcare, a subsidiary of Mars Inc., acquired Whistle in April 2016 for approximately $117 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaleski |first=Olivia |title=Pet Food Maker Mars Spends $117 Million to Acquire Whistle's 'Fitbit for Dogs' |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-01/mars-said-to-spend-117m-to-acquire-whistle-s-fitbit-for-dogs |website=Bloomberg |date=1 Apr 2016 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210730150736/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-01/mars-said-to-spend-117m-to-acquire-whistle-s-fitbit-for-dogs |archive-date=30 Jul 2021}}</ref> Under Mars ownership, Whistle expanded its product line to include models such as the GO, GO Explore, Switch, FIT, and Health trackers, with retail prices ranging from $100 to $199.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Whistle Pet Tracker 2024: Products Description |url=https://aorkuler.com/blogs/blog/whistle-pet-tracker-2024-product-description |website=Aorkuler |date=2024 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250917150120/https://aorkuler.com/blogs/blog/whistle-pet-tracker-2024-product-description |archive-date=17 Sep 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
Tractive, an Austrian company founded in 2012, operates as a competitor in the pet GPS tracking market, offering similar location and health monitoring services across 175 countries.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author= |title=Tractive Acquires Whistle from Mars Petcare to Accelerate Leadership in Global Pet Tech Market |url=https://tractive.com/blog/en/press/tractive-acquires-whistle |website=Tractive |date=28 Jul 2025 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811053133/https://tractive.com/blog/en/press/tractive-acquires-whistle |archive-date=11 Aug 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Acquisition and shutdown announcement==<br />
On 28 July 2025, Tractive announced its acquisition of Whistle from Mars Petcare.<ref name=":1" /> Financial terms were not disclosed.<br />
<br />
Alongside the acquisition announcement, Tractive said that all Whistle devices would permanently stop working on 31 August 2025, giving users 33 days notice.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author=<br />
|title=Whistle joins the Tractive Family |url=https://www.whistle.com/blogs/news/whistle-joins-the-tractive-family |website=Whistle |date=28 Jul 2025 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729085120/https://www.whistle.com/blogs/news/whistle-joins-the-tractive-family |archive-date=29 Jul 2025}}</ref> The shutdown affects all Whistle product models and will result in:<br />
<br />
*Complete loss of GPS tracking functionality<br />
*Inability to access the Whistle mobile application<br />
*Permanent loss of all historical pet health and activity data<br />
*Obsolescence of all Whistle hardware accessories and chargers<br />
<br />
Users have been informed that pet health data collected over years "will not be transferred to the replacement Tractive devices" due to what the company describes as "different algorithms that would not be compatible with Tractive's systems."<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
===Tractive's response===<br />
Tractive has offered a replacement program providing free GPS tracker devices to affected Whistle customers. The program includes:<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
*One free Tractive GPS tracker (valued at $49.99-$99.00) per Whistle device<br />
*Transfer of remaining subscription time to Tractive service<br />
*Two months free service for non-subscribers who purchase a new plan<br />
*Deadline of 30 September 2025, to claim replacements<br />
<br />
The company justified the shutdown by stating that ''"maintaining and developing two separate ecosystems—devices, apps, and software—doubles the complexity and could limit the quality of service and innovation."''<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
Tractive CEO Michael Hurnaus characterized the acquisition as enabling the company to ''"deliver new features and improvements faster, more reliably, and with greater impact for all users—including former Whistle customers."''<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact==<br />
Both Whistle and Tractive devices require active subscriptions to function. The subscription fees cover cellular data costs necessary for GPS tracking.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Whistle GPS Pet Tracker |url=https://www.amazon.com/Whistle-100-00500-00-GPS-Pet-Tracker/dp/B015DV0O9C |website=[[Amazon]] |date= |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221201175811/https://www.amazon.com/Whistle-100-00500-00-GPS-Pet-Tracker/dp/B015DV0O9C |archive-date=1 Dec 2022}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |author= |title=Tractive Subscription - what does it cover? |url=https://tractive.com/en/c/plans |website=Tractive |date= |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815191740/https://tractive.com/en/c/plans |archive-date=15 Aug 2025}}</ref> Without an active subscription, neither device can perform location tracking or health monitoring functions.<br />
<br />
===Subscription cost comparison===<br />
Prior to the shutdown, Whistle subscription plans cost:<br />
*Monthly: $9.95 per month<br />
*Yearly: $8.25 per month when paid annually (approximately $99 per year)<br />
*Some older plans: As low as $6.95 per month<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Whistle 3 Dog & Cat GPS Tracker |url=https://www.chewy.com/whistle-3-dog-cat-gps-tracker/dp/138368 |website=Chewy |date= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216010107/https://www.chewy.com/whistle-3-dog-cat-gps-tracker/dp/138368 |archive-date=16 Dec 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
Tractive subscription plans cost:<br />
*Monthly: $10-12 per month (availability varies by country)<br />
*Yearly: $5-9 per month when paid annually ($60-108 per year)<br />
*Multi-year plans: As low as $5 per month<ref name=":2" /><br />
<br />
'''Subscription costs are comparable.'''<br />
<br />
===Non-financial consumer impacts===<br />
Despite Tractive providing free replacement devices and similar subscription pricing, there are several areas of harm caused by the [[Discontinuation bricking|bricking]] of older devices:<br />
<br />
'''Data loss:''' All historical pet health data collected over years '''cannot be transferred to Tractive's platform''', affecting users who rely on this information for veterinary care decisions, particularly for pets with chronic conditions.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
'''Feature reduction:''' Whistle's specialized behavioral monitoring capabilities for tracking licking, scratching, and sleep quality are not available on Tractive devices, potentially affecting early detection of health issues.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |date= |title=Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracking Device |url=https://www.walmart.com/ip/Whistle-Go-Explore-Dog-GPS-Tracking-Device-and-Pet-Health-Monitoring-System-Grey-Fits-Most-Collars/2542522231 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://consumerrights.wiki/w/File:Whistle_Go_Explore_Dog_GPS_Tracking_Device._Walmart.png |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=[[Walmart]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''Significantly reduced battery life:''' Users report Whistle devices lasting 10 to 15 days per charge compared to Tractive's 2 to 7 days.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Whistle Go Explore Review |url=https://www.rover.com/blog/whistle-go-explore-review/ |website=Rover |date=3 Sep 2024 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524033259/https://www.rover.com/blog/whistle-go-explore-review/ |archive-date=24 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=James |title=Tractive Dog GPS Tracker 2025 Review<br />
|url=https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/tractive-dog-gps-tracker-review |website=Dogster |date=7 Jan 2025 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421025253/https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/tractive-dog-gps-tracker-review |archive-date=21 Apr 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''Accessory obsolescence:''' All Whistle-specific hardware including chargers, collar attachments, and accessories become unusable, requiring additional replacement purchases beyond the tracker itself.<br />
<br />
'''Inadequate transition period:''' The 33-day notice period has been criticized as insufficient for users to research alternatives, claim replacements, and adapt to new systems, particularly affecting elderly users and households with multiple pets.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Ian Carlos |title=Whistle pet trackers are shutting down next month |url=https://www.engadget.com/wearables/whistle-pet-trackers-are-shutting-down-next-month-212828325.html |website=Engadget |date=30 Jul 2025 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729220640/https://www.engadget.com/wearables/whistle-pet-trackers-are-shutting-down-next-month-212828325.html |archive-date=29 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
'''Choice elimination:''' The acquisition removes a major competitor from the pet tracking market, reducing consumer options and innovation pressure.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |title=Acquisition sends thousands of Whistle pet trackers to IoT graveyard |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/acquisition-sends-thousands-of-whistle-pet-trackers-to-iot-graveyard/ |website=Ars Technica |date=29 Jul 2025 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729180324/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/07/acquisition-sends-thousands-of-whistle-pet-trackers-to-iot-graveyard/ |archive-date=29 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
Consumer reactions have been documented across multiple platforms:<br />
<br />
*Trustpilot reviews for Whistle average 2.4 out of 5 stars across 2,579 reviews, with recent complaints focusing on the shutdown announcement.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Whistle Reviews<br />
|url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/whistle.com |website=Trustpilot |date= |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217034117/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/whistle.com |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> Reviews of the company and the product were consistently poor prior to the shutdown announcement.<br />
*Better Business Bureau records show patterns of complaints regarding subscription issues and warranty concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Whistle Labs BBB Complaint |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/find-a-pet/whistle-labs-1116-534049/complaints |website=Better Business Bureau |date= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260106174733/https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/find-a-pet/whistle-labs-1116-534049/complaints |archive-date=6 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
*[[Reddit]] users have expressed frustration about losing years of pet health data when it comes to animals with medical conditions that require long-term monitoring.<ref name=":3" /> One user stated that the loss of behavioral monitoring features was "very handy, so to lose that sucks" when describing how they used the device to track their dog's seasonal allergies.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |author=InglebrapHumperdink |date=28 Jul 2025 |title=Whistle question |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/tractivegps/comments/1mbflhn/whistle_question/n5lwr0u/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/Y3M6Y |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><br />
[[File:Reddit user discussing whistle device bricking.png|thumb|Whistle user discussing device bricking on Reddit. <ref name=":4" />]]<br />
<br />
==Institutional response==<br />
The Whistle shutdown contributes to what the US PIRG Education Fund describes as an ''"Electronic Waste Graveyard"'' of over 100 tech products, which have stopped working after manufacturers dropped support.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gutterman |first=Lucas |title=Electronic Waste Graveyard |url=https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/electronic-waste-graveyard/ |website=US PIRG Education Fund |date=10 Apr 2025 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118104709/https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/electronic-waste-graveyard/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref> The organization estimates that expired software and canceled cloud services have created ''"a minimum of 130 million pounds of electronic waste"'' since 2014.<ref name=":3" /><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Discontinuation bricking]]<br />
*[[Wink]]'s 2020 demand for mandatory subscriptions with one week notice<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wroclawski |first=Daniel |title=Wink Tells Users: Pay $5 a Month or We'll Disable Your Smart Home Hub |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/smart-home/wink-tells-users-pay-up-or-we-will-disable-smart-home-hub/ |website=Consumer Reports |date=6 May 2020 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715132527/https://www.consumerreports.org/smart-home/wink-tells-users-pay-up-or-we-will-disable-smart-home-hub/ |archive-date=15 Jul 2020}}</ref><br />
*[[Best Buy discontinuation of Insignia Connect|Best Buy's shutdown of Insignia smart home products]] in 2019<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kozuch |first=Kate |title=Best Buy Is Dumbing Down Its Smart Home Devices |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/news/best-buy-is-dumbing-down-its-smart-home-devices |website=Tom's Guide |date=5 Nov 2019 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120111848/https://www.tomsguide.com/news/best-buy-is-dumbing-down-its-smart-home-devices |archive-date=20 Nov 2019}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Discontinued products]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=File:Whistle_Go_Explore_Dog_GPS_Tracking_Device._Walmart.png&diff=39540File:Whistle Go Explore Dog GPS Tracking Device. Walmart.png2026-02-24T18:00:10Z<p>Trinity: </p>
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<div></div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Wikipedia&diff=39538Wikipedia2026-02-24T17:34:43Z<p>Trinity: Changed archive.today links to other archives</p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductCargo<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Category=Education<br />
|Company=Wikimedia Foundation<br />
|Description=Internet encyclopedia following the "wiki" philosophy of collaborative editing.<br />
|InProduction=Yes<br />
|Logo=Wikipedia.svg<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|ReleaseYear=2001<br />
|Website=https://wikipedia.org/<br />
}}<br />
'''Wikipedia''' is a digital encyclopedic platform which was founded in 2001 and is currently operated by American non-profit organization Wikimedia Foundation.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
The encyclopedia is a major destination for readers to access information about any given topics, ranging from natural sciences to political fields. Theoretically, the encyclopedia is open for editing by anyone, meaning that readers can become producers and editors at any time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGrady |first=Ryan |title=What Attacks on Wikipedia Reveal about Free Expression |url=https://www.techpolicy.press/what-attacks-on-wikipedia-reveal-about-free-expression/ |website=Tech Policy Press |date=14 May 2025 |access-date=21 November 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514214522/https://www.techpolicy.press/what-attacks-on-wikipedia-reveal-about-free-expression/ |archive-date=14 May 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Monopoly===<br />
Although Wikipedia formally enshrines the right to fork contents from them in order to start a new encyclopedia, it has been reported that Wikipedia effectively operated as a ''de facto'' monopoly among online encyclopedias for a long time, and Wikipedia had received privileged positions by various search engines such as [[Google]] on their search results. Social media service [[TikTok]] included similar information from Wikipedia in their search results. Besides that, Wikipedia is one of the top sources for AI chatbots.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Wikipedia:Content forks |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:PROJFORK |website=Wikipedia |date=16 October 2025 |access-date=21 November 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251019182549/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Content_forks#Project-level_content_forks |archive-date=19 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tezuka |first=Shuichi |title=Introducing Justapedia |url=https://quillette.com/2023/12/11/introducing-justapedia/ |website=Quillette |date=11 December 2023 |access-date=21 November 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114054827/https://quillette.com/2023/12/11/introducing-justapedia/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sato |first=Mia |title=TikTok has quietly been inserting Wikipedia snippets into search results |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/13/23871880/tiktok-search-engine-wikipedia-snippets-google |website=The Verge |date=13 Sep 2023 |access-date=21 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260101232819/https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/13/23871880/tiktok-search-engine-wikipedia-snippets-google |archive-date=1 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Schaul |first1=Kevin |last2=Chen |first2=Szu Yu |last3=Tiku |first3=Nitasha |title=Inside the secret list of websites that make AI like ChatGPT sound smart |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/interactive/2023/ai-chatbot-learning/ |website=The Washington Post |date=19 Apr 2023 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419120558/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/interactive/2023/ai-chatbot-learning/ |archive-date=19 Apr 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
Consequently, Wikipedia's monopoly had generated significant downstream effects where Wikipedia had played crucial roles in shaping medical decisions, economic outcomes, scientific publications, and perhaps judicial rulings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beck |first=Julie |title=Doctors’ #1 Source for Healthcare Information: Wikipedia |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/03/doctors-1-source-for-healthcare-information-wikipedia/284206/ |website=The Atlantic |date=5 Mar 2014 |access-date=21 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202220730/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/03/doctors-1-source-for-healthcare-information-wikipedia/284206/ |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hinnosaar |first1=Marit |last2=Hinnosaar |first2=Toomas |last3=Kummer |first3=Michael |last4=Slivko |first4=Olga |title=Wikipedia matters |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jems.12421 |url-access=limited |website=Journal of Economics & Management Strategy |date=10 Mar 2021 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709001458/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jems.12421 |archive-date=9 Jul 2024 |pages=657–669 |doi=10.1111/jems.12421 |format=PDF<br />
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Neil |first1=Thompson |last2=Douglas |first2=Hanley |title=Science Is Shaped by Wikipedia: Evidence From a Randomized Control Trial |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3039505 |website=Social Science Research Network |date=13 Feb 2018 |access-date=21 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601232442/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3039505 |archive-date=1 Jun 2018 |doi=10.2139/ssrn.3039505}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Neil |last2=Flanagan |first2=Brian |last3=Richardson |first3=Edana |last4=McKenzie |first4=Brian |last5=Luo |first5=Xueyun |display-authors=2 |title=Trial by Internet: A Randomized Field Experiment on Wikipedia’s Influence on Judges’ Legal Reasoning |url=https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4174200 |website=Social Science Research Network |date=1 Aug 2022 |access-date=21 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251120010359/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4174200 |archive-date=20 Nov 2025}}</ref> Wikipedia is even included among long-termist knowledge preservation initiatives such as the Arch Mission's The LEO (Low Earth Orbit) library, The Lunar Library I on the failed Beresheet lunar lander, The Lunar Library II on the failed Astrobotic Peregrine lander, The Galactic Legacy Archive on a successful Intuitive Machines moon lander mission, and The Pyramid Library on the successful Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander mission.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=The LEO Library: Constellation 1 |url=https://www.archmission.org/leo-library-1 |website=Arch Mission Foundation |date= |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250930044527/https://www.archmission.org/leo-library-1 |archive-date=30 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=The Lunar Library: Genesis |url=https://www.archmission.org/spaceil |website=Arch Mission Foundation |date= |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215212645/https://www.archmission.org/spaceil |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Lunar Library II |url=https://www.archmission.org/lunar-library-2 |website=Arch Mission Foundation |date= |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224161609/https://www.archmission.org/lunar-library-2 |archive-date=24 Dec 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Galactic Legacy Archive |url=https://www.archmission.org/galactic-legacy-archive |website=Arch Mission Foundation |date= |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217175117/https://www.archmission.org/galactic-legacy-archive |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Galactic Legacy Archive |url=https://www.archmission.org/galactic-legacy-archive |website=Arch Mission Foundation |date= |access-date=21 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113231855/https://www.archmission.org/galactic-legacy-archive |archive-date=13 Jan 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
This is a list of all incidents, especially those related to consumer protection, that this platform is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].<br />
<br />
===Orangemoody scandal===<br />
In September 2015, Wikipedia was hit by the Orangemoody blackmail scandal, as it came to light that hundreds of businesses and minor celebrities had faced demands for payment from rogue editors to publish, protect or update Wikipedia articles on them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Merrill |first=Jamie |last2=Owen |first2=Jonathan |title=Wikipedia rocked by 'rogue editors' blackmail scam targeting small businesses and celebrities |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/wikipedia-rocked-by-rogue-editors-blackmail-scam-targeting-small-businesses-and-celebrities-10481993.html |website=The Independent |date=2 Sep 2015 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913220528/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/wikipedia-rocked-by-rogue-editors-blackmail-scam-targeting-small-businesses-and-celebrities-10481993.html |archive-date=13 Sep 2015}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Scots Wikipedia scandal===<br />
In August 2020, a [[Reddit]] user publicized that a prolific Scots Wikipedia administrator did not speak the Scots language; tens of thousands of articles were in fact English with eye dialect spellings to suggest a Scottish accent, or word-by-word machine translations of articles from the English Wikipedia. Wikimedia users debated recruiting fluent speakers of Scots to repair the articles, reverting all edits from the administrator in question, or — as the latter would entail removing nearly half the articles in the encyclopedia — even deleting and restarting Scots Wikipedia afresh. ''The Guardian'' attributed the problem to systemic issues in Wikipedia culture, suggesting that some administrators are afforded effectively unchecked power based on sheer volume of edits (rather than the quality of their work). Robyn Speer, chief scientist at Luminoso, expressed concern that artificial intelligence corpora which used Wikipedia for language-training data had been corrupted by the pseudo-Scots.<ref name="inews">{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Karl |title=Scots Wikipedia taken over by American teenager who wrote thousands of 'very odd' articles without learning language |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/scotland/scots-wikipedia-language-articles-native-speaker-mistakes-610689 |website=The i Paper |date=26 Aug 2020 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826132225/https://inews.co.uk/news/scotland/scots-wikipedia-language-articles-native-speaker-mistakes-610689 |archive-date=26 Aug 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Brooks |first1=Libby |last2=Hern |first2=Alex |date=26 Aug 2020 |title=Shock an aw: US teenager wrote huge slice of Scots Wikipedia <!-- sic. --> |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/aug/26/shock-an-aw-us-teenager-wrote-huge-slice-of-scots-wikipedia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826163024/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/aug/26/shock-an-aw-us-teenager-wrote-huge-slice-of-scots-wikipedia |archive-date=26 Aug 2020 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Kieren |title=Um, almost the entire Scots Wikipedia was written by someone with no idea of the language – 10,000s of articles |url=https://www.theregister.com/2020/08/26/scots_wikipedia_fake/ |website=The Register |date=26 Aug 2020 |access-date=15 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211102214/https://www.theregister.com/2020/08/26/scots_wikipedia_fake/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Xbox&diff=39533Xbox2026-02-24T17:02:24Z<p>Trinity: Changed archive.today links to other archives</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Founded=15 November 2001<br />
|Industry=Video game<br />
|Logo=xbox.png<br />
|ParentCompany=Microsoft<br />
|Type=Subsidiary<br />
|Website=https://www.xbox.com<br />
|Description=Xbox is a gaming company created in 2001 by Microsoft for a line of gaming consoles.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Xbox''' is a series of gaming consoles created by [[Microsoft]] since 15 November 2001.<br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
*'''User Freedom:''' Online features require paying for an [[Xbox Network]] membership<br />
<br />
*'''User privacy:''' Collects user data, including [insert examples here],<!-- I would recommend reading through their data collection practices --> to sell to advertisers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=October 2025 |title=Microsoft Privacy Statement |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/privacy/privacystatement |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128183121/https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/privacy/privacystatement |archive-date=28 Jan 2026|access-date=Nov 7, 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
*'''Business model:''' Game sales via the [[Microsoft Store]], [[Xbox Network]] (formerly Xbox Live)/[[Xbox Game Pass|Game Pass]] memberships, selling user data to advertisers.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
*'''Market control:''' Primarily competing against [[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation]], additionally competing against [[Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo]]'s [[Nintendo Switch|Switch]] and [[Valve]]'s [[Steam Deck]]<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
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]].<br />
===Mandatory part pairing<!-- HEY! THIS ARTICLE IS NOT YET WRITTEN! IT IS ONLY BLUELINKED SO I COULD GET THE DISCUSSION TAB MADE! -->===<br />
{{Main|Xbox mandatory part pairing}}<br />
<br />
===Advertisements===<br />
{{Incomplete section}}<br />
<br />
===Dashboard ads===<br />
{{Main|Advertising overload}}<br />
Since the Xbox 360's third major dashboard redesign, the dashboards featured advertisements for various products to the user,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |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 |website=Kotaku |date=26 Jul 2023 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726182627/https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |archive-date=26 Jul 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Michaels |first=Steve |title=Xbox Gamers Not Happy About Full-Screen Ads |url=https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |website=GameRant |date=22 Jan 2024 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124235209/https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |archive-date=24 Jan 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |date=2021 |title=Xbox One Dashboard Ads |url=https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/pictures-2023/xbox-one-dashboard-ads |url-status=live |archive-url=https://consumerrights.wiki/w/File:Xbox_One_Dashboard_Ads_-_inspiredpencil.png |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |website=inspired pencil}}</ref><!-- Ref 4 - May need a higher-quality archive! --> regardless of if they were paying for a subscription on the console. The Xbox 360 dashboard received an update in June 2025, which added advertisements for the Xbox Series models.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Fraser |title=Xbox 360 Dashboard Gets Significant Update For First Time In Ages |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/06/xbox-360-dashboard-gets-significant-update-for-first-time-in-ages |website=PureXbox |date=25 Jun 2025 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251114093529/https://www.purexbox.com/news/2025/06/xbox-360-dashboard-gets-significant-update-for-first-time-in-ages |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref><gallery><br />
File:Xbox One Dashboard.jpg|The Xbox One dashboard since 2022<br />
File:Xbox 360 Dashboards.png|Various versions of the 360 dashboard; the final version features advertisements<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
====Advertising in subsidiary products====<br />
{{Incomplete section}}<br />
<br />
===Deprecating hardware===<br />
There are various peripherals that have been released under the Xbox brand, which were deprecated and left unable to be used or retrofitted by the end user to prolong its usage. <br />
<br />
====Xbox One Kinect<!-- Please use this article for reference when making revisions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinect#Kinect_for_Xbox_One_and_decline -->====<br />
{{Main|Xbox One Kinect}}<br />
When the Xbox One line initially released on 22 November 2013, it came with a Kinect model that is only compatible with the Xbox One due to using an archaic custom cable standard. The device was additionally mandatory on older OS versions for the console.<ref name="kotaku.com">{{Cite web |last=Schreier |first=Jason |title=Kinect No Longer Mandatory For Xbox One (But Will Still Come With It) [UPDATE] |url=http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-wont-actually-need-kinect-plugged-in-microso-1113142909 |website=Kotaku |date=12 Aug 2013 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906231830/http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-wont-actually-need-kinect-plugged-in-microso-1113142909 |archive-date=6 Sep 2013}}</ref><ref name="ext-onekinect">{{Cite web |last=Anthony |first=Sebastian |title=Xbox One no longer requires Kinect, but it'll still come in the box, and you'll still pay $500 |url=http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/163796-xbox-one-no-longer-requires-kinect-but-itll-still-come-in-the-box-and-youll-still-pay-500 |website=ExtremeTech |date=13 Aug 2013 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910080625/http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/163796-xbox-one-no-longer-requires-kinect-but-itll-still-come-in-the-box-and-youll-still-pay-500 |archive-date=10 Sep 2013}}</ref> Due to a lack of support from third-party developers, coupled with a lack of viable home-brew development for the hardware, [[Microsoft]] deprecated the Xbox One Kinect in 2016.<ref name="poly rise fall">{{Cite web |last=Hester |first=Blake |title=All the money in the world couldn't make Kinect happen |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/14/21064608/microsoft-kinect-history-rise-and-fall |website=Polygon |date=14 Jan 2020 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115234540/https://www.polygon.com/2020/1/14/21064608/microsoft-kinect-history-rise-and-fall |archive-date=15 Jan 2020}}</ref> The company would provide users with an adapter for the Kinect for roughly two years after the device stopped production, which would allow the end user to connect the Kinect to their Xbox One S<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |title=Xbox One S console has no Kinect port, requires USB adapter |url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/13/11927140/xbox-one-s-console-kinect-adapter |website=Polygon |date=13 Jun 2016 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115144744/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2016/6/13/11927140/xbox-one-s-console-kinect-adapter |archive-date=15 Jan 2020}}</ref> and X<ref name="kinect adapter terminated">{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |title=Microsoft has discontinued the Kinect Adapter for newer Xbox One consoles |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/1/2/16842738/microsoft-kinect-adapter-xbox-one-x-s-discontinued |website=The Verge |date=2 Jan 2018 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114173823/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/1/2/16842738/microsoft-kinect-adapter-xbox-one-x-s-discontinued |archive-date=14 Nov 2019}}</ref> models, however later models such as the Series X/S would be unable to interface with the Kinect regardless of the USB-A adapter.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Connect a Kinect sensor to an Xbox One S or Xbox One X console |url=https://support.xbox.com/en-CA/help/hardware-network/kinect/set-up-and-use-kinect-sensor-with-adapter |website=Xbox |date= |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711115029/https://support.xbox.com/en-CA/help/hardware-network/kinect/set-up-and-use-kinect-sensor-with-adapter |archive-date=11 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- The Wikipedia article I am referencing is lacking info on whether or not the Xbox One Kinect could still be used on Windows 10. Please find info on this, even if it is expected that the Kinect got the same treatment as the death of WMR in Win 11.<br />
<br />
So far, I can find this, but Azure Kinect info is crowding too much of the search feed to find info directly on MS killing older kinect support on Windows<br />
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-sg/answers/questions/473588/no-kinect-for-windows-v2-sensor-detected --><br />
<br />
====Xbox TV Tuner<!-- Use this for notes: https://unionvgf.com/index.php?threads/xbox-digital-tuner-europe-only.5292/ -->====<br />
Initially when the Xbox One released, it was designed to support standard television features and, for an additional charge, users could purchase a TV tuner peripheral to access free cable channels. In 2021, with the removal of OneGuide TV, this peripheral became incompatible with all Xbox One and Series consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=White |first=Lewis |title=Xbox abandons TV for good with OneGuide death |url=https://stealthoptional.com/article/xbox-abandons-tv-for-good-with-oneguide-death |website=Stealth Optional |date=11 Mar 2021 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008111713/https://stealthoptional.com/article/xbox-abandons-tv-for-good-with-oneguide-death |archive-date=8 Oct 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Blocking third-party accessories===<br />
On 12 November 2023, [[Microsoft]] disabled support for third-party accessories on Xbox One and Series consoles.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jake |title=These Accessories Will No Longer Work on Your Xbox Next Month |url=https://lifehacker.com/these-accessories-will-no-longer-work-on-your-xbox-next-1850972910 |website=LifeHacker |date=30 Oct 2023 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250407213941/https://lifehacker.com/these-accessories-will-no-longer-work-on-your-xbox-next-1850972910 |archive-date=7 Apr 2025}}</ref> Any accessories not deemed "authorized" by Microsoft when plugged into the console will give the user the following error message on their screen:<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |author= |title=Error 0x82d60002 occurs when you connect an unauthorized accessory to your Xbox console |url=https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/errors/error-code-0x82d60002 |website=Xbox |date= |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250805114722/https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/errors/error-code-0x82d60002 |archive-date=5 Aug 2025}}</ref><blockquote>A connected accessory is not authorized. Using unauthorized accessories compromises your gaming experience. For this reason, the unauthorized accessory will be blocked from use on 11/12/2023.<br />
<br />
For help returning it, check with the store it came from or contact the manufacturer. To see authorized accessories, go to<br />
<br />
www.xbox.com/accessories<br />
<br />
. (0x82d60002).</blockquote><br />
The intent of this ban was to stop individuals using third-party peripherals which would allow users to cheat in games,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |title=Microsoft issues system-level ban for “unauthorized” Xbox accessories |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/10/microsoft-issues-system-level-ban-for-unauthorized-xbox-accessories/ |website=Ars Technica |date=30 Oct 2023 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210000207/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/10/microsoft-issues-system-level-ban-for-unauthorized-xbox-accessories/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> however this blanket ban has resulted in legitimate consumer peripherals breaking for the console,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Brook Gaming |title=Brook Gaming on X |url=https://xcancel.com/brookgamingfans/status/1715337068401021284 <!-- This is in order to circumvent certain login and display restrictions. --> |website=[[X Corp]] |date=20 Oct 2023 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/7G4Ox |archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mallick |first=Abhishek |title=Xbox looking to nuke third-party accessories spells doom for the FGC, even if it becomes the “most uncheatable” device |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/xbox-looking-nuke-third-party-accessories-spells-doom-fgc-even-becomes-most-uncheatable-device |website=sportskeeda |date=30 Oct 2023 |access-date=13 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031012031/https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/xbox-looking-nuke-third-party-accessories-spells-doom-fgc-even-becomes-most-uncheatable-device |archive-date=31 Oct 2023}}</ref> as well as limiting peripheral competition on the Xbox One/Series models to the companies willing to pay [[Microsoft]] to have their hardware approved for the platform. Users of accessibility peripherals have notably shown backlash,<ref>{{Cite web |author=SightlessKombat |date=30 Oct 2023 |title=Xbox's new policy — say goodbye to unofficial accessories from November thanks to error '0x82d60002' |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/17jf35p/comment/k72lc8t/?context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/Fl70K |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=CustodialApathy |date=30 Oct 2023 |title=Xbox's new policy — say goodbye to unofficial accessories from November thanks to error '0x82d60002' |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/17jf35p/comment/k72tt77/?context=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/t8cKl |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> since this change locks down accessibility controller options solely to the Xbox Adaptive Controller.<br />
<br />
====Storage hardware lock-in<!-- Hardware lock-in for storage too??? https://www.sportskeeda.com/gaming-tech/a-list-licensed-authorized-third-party-xbox-controllers-accessories -->====<br />
Users expecting to expand the storage on Xbox Series X/S models have only two options — an external hard drive connected via {{Wplink|USB 3.0#3.2|USB 3.2}} or a proprietary storage expansion card.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Co |first=Alex |title=Xbox Series X Expandable Storage Requires Proprietary Cards for Series X Games |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-requires-proprietary-cards-to-expand/1100-6474802/ |website=GameSpot |date=17 Mar 2020 |access-date=15 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414075714/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-series-x-requires-proprietary-cards-to-expand/1100-6474802/ |archive-date=14 Apr 2020}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |author=Digital Foundry |title=DF Direct: Hands-On With Xbox Series X + Impressions + Xbox One X Size Comparisons! |url=https://youtu.be/4cmclCjS5jg |website=[[YouTube]] |date=16 Mar 2020 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=4cmclCjS5jg |archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref> Games for Xbox One and Xbox 360 can be run on the external hard drives for Series X/S, but any game meant for Xbox Series X can only be stored on external hard drives and cannot be run without being transferred to internal storage or an expansion card.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><br />
<br />
It is to be expected that due to the blocking of third-party accessories,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> any affordable alternatives will not release on the market.<br />
<br />
===Series S/X paired SSD===<br />
Storage in any XBOX and other devices will inevitably fail. With previous gen (XBOX ONE) consoles, this wasn't an issue. When such failure occured, you only had to purchase new 2,5" drive (HDD/SSD 500-1000GB) install the drive and perform offline system update ([https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/console/offline-system-update OSU] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260209104515/https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/console/offline-system-update Archived])) after which your console was fully functional again.<br />
<br />
This has changed with the new generation (Series S/X) consoles. where swappable nvme SSD's are used. The problem is, these SSD's contain hidden partition with encrypted hardware key marrying the SSD to the board.<ref name="Hidden Partiton">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQnsXR68Gb0 Hidden partition on Series S/X consoles]</ref><br />
<br />
It is possible, to clone the SSD and create a backup. However with each update the key is changed, and you'll have to create a new backup. If you don't create a backup, and the SSD fails, it can sometimes remain clonable, this is not a guarantee, and more often than not, the data is simply lost.<br />
<br />
No official tool is available to recreate said partition. Only XBOX themselves can repair your device. For out of warranty service by XBOX, you'll have to pay a [https://support.xbox.com/en-US/help/hardware-network/warranty-service/getting-your-product-serviced repair fee] wich costs as much as whole new working console.<br />
<br />
Failed SSD renders the console unusable, effectively making e-waste out of devices that would otherwise be perfectly functional.<br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
===Home consoles===<br />
*Xbox<br />
*Xbox 360<br />
**360 Elite<br />
**360 S<br />
**360 E ("Winchester")<br />
*Xbox One<br />
**One S<br />
**One X<br />
*Xbox Series<br />
**Series X<br />
**Series S<br />
<br />
===Portable gaming consoles===<br />
*ROG Xbox Ally<br />
**Ally X<br />
<br />
===Peripherals<!-- Please limit this to peripherals which will have consumer rights incidents! -->===<br />
*Kinect<br />
*Xbox Wireless Controller<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
;Companies<br />
*[[Nintendo]]<br />
*[[Sony]]<br />
*[[Microsoft]]<br />
<br />
;Consoles<br />
*[[PlayStation]]<br />
*[[Nintendo Switch]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]<br />
[[Category:Microsoft]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=File:Xbox_One_Dashboard_Ads_-_inspiredpencil.png&diff=39532File:Xbox One Dashboard Ads - inspiredpencil.png2026-02-24T17:01:38Z<p>Trinity: </p>
<hr />
<div></div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=YouTube&diff=39529YouTube2026-02-24T16:24:52Z<p>Trinity: Changed archive.today links to other archives</p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductLineCargo<br />
|ArticleType=Service<br />
|Category=Streaming, Video<br />
|Company=Google<br />
|Description=<br />
|InProduction=Yes<br />
|Logo=YouTube.png<br />
|ReleaseYear=2005<br />
|Website=https://youtube.com<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''{{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.<br />
<br />
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, video logs ("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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
*'''User freedom:''' Questionable; rampant bots and [[Elsagate]] suggest negligent moderation.<br />
*'''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]].<br />
*'''Business model:''' [[Advertising overload|Excessive advertising]], YouTube Premium, YouTube Premium Lite<br />
*'''Market competition:''' Despite several platforms that follow its niche, such as Odysee, [[PeerTube]], and [[DailyMotion]], they provide no significant competition.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Elsagate===<br />
{{Main|Elsagate}}<br />
<br />
The first "Elsagate" incident arose sometime during the mid-2010s on YouTube, though it was not discovered and named until 2016. It has since been used as a catch-all term for content that appears child-friendly at first glance but, in actuality, contains suggestive or outright illicit material targeted at minors. This is accomplished by using major intellectual properties for children, such as the Elsa character from the 2013 [[Disney]] film ''{{Wplink|Frozen (2013 film)|Frozen}}'' and [[Minecraft]].<br />
<br />
Although the problem is not unique to the YouTube platform, its dominance in the video sphere makes it an attractive target.<br />
<br />
===Restricting users that don't share their personal information===<br />
{{Main|YouTube age verification}}<br />
<br />
On 30 July 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 |title=YouTube is Rolling Out A New Controversial Feature |url=https://gamerant.com/youtube-new-age-verification-feature-id-recognition/ |website=GameRant |date=30 Jul 2025 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |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}}</ref><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
===Advertising overload on YouTube===<br />
{{Main|Advertising overload}}<br />
<br />
Advertisements are YouTube's primary source of revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=How YouTube Works |url=https://www.youtube.com/howyoutubeworks/our-commitments/sharing-revenue/ |website=YouTube |date= |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101140008/https://www.youtube.com/howyoutubeworks/creator-economy/ |archive-date=1 Jan 2026}}</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://ghostarchive.org/archive/GjC82 |archive-date=24 Feb 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 |last=Siddiqui |first=Aamir |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 |last=Dirscherl |first=Hans-Christian |last2=Lee |first2=Joel |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=11 Feb 2026 |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<br />
|title=YouTube tests longer CTV ad breaks |url=https://searchengineland.com/youtube-tests-longer-ad-breaks-ctv-445248 |website=Search Engine Land |date=16 Aug 2024 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |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}}</ref>), increased ad frequency in videos,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Arol |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 |title=BAD Mobile Game Ads |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjGn54O4Zg |website=YouTube |date=17 Oct 2021 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=dRjGn54O4Zg |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Knoblauch |first=Max |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 |title=The DISGUSTING State of Mobile Game Ads (and why YouTube LOVES IT) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsKlfN9phAs |website=YouTube |date=18 Sep 2021 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=KsKlfN9phAs |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</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 |author= |title=YouTube Premium |url=https://www.youtube.com/premium?ybp=Sg0IBhIJdW5saW1pdGVk4AEC |website=YouTube |date= |access-date=6 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206072120/https://www.youtube.com/premium?ybp=Sg0IBhIJdW5saW1pdGVk4AED |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
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://old.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<br />
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525154227/https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |archive-date=25 May 2025}}</ref> — they may still see ads within the video they watch, such as sponsored segments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Adamya |title=Can you still see ads if you have YouTube Premium? Here's what Google has to say |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/remove-youtube-premium-ads-3384953/ |website=Android Authority |date=10 May 2024 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211123241/https://www.androidauthority.com/remove-youtube-premium-ads-3384953/ |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref> YouTube has added a "skip" feature, but it has been reported that this does not work consistently.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Anurag |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><br />
<br />
====Refusal to handle malicious ads====<br />
A common phenomenon on YouTube's advertisements is content that is mature and/or malicious in nature.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Beyond The Internet |title=YouTube Ads are inappropriate... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B2KdIoRVo8 |website=YouTube |date=22 Feb 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=_B2KdIoRVo8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Adamya |title=Explicit ads are plaguing YouTube, and it’s only getting worse<br />
|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 |title=YouTube's Ads Have Hit A New Low...(it's literally p*rn) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW4On_gWAvI |website=YouTube |date=31 Mar 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=cW4On_gWAvI |archive-date=2 Apr 2025}}</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://old.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/20231217150604/https://old.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 |title=I CAUGHT THE YOUTUBE SCAMMER - $1000 dollars EVERY DAY?! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iROF9Dd7FXA |website=YouTube |date=9 Mar 2023 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=iROF9Dd7FXA |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=LoganAH |title=Why does YouTube run blatant scams as advertisements? |url=https://old.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 |title=Watch This Before YouTube Deletes It. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRpECEQ0-hg |website=YouTube |date=24 Feb 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=QRpECEQ0-hg |archive-date=26 Feb 2025}}</ref> which has been known to make said videos be less-showcased.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |author=Sealow |title=Extensive evidence of algorithm censorship of demonetised videos |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3H8D2LrLHc |website=YouTube |date=29 Nov 2017 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=n3H8D2LrLHc |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author=Karlaplan |title=Monetisation analysis / research<br />
|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://consumerrights.wiki/w/File:Karlaplan_Monetisation_analysis_research_.pdf |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Demonetization and censorship===<br />
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 |last=Disney |first=Malia |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=Youth Radio Media<br />
|date=4 May 2018 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |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 |last=Cantz |first=Randy |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=11 Feb 2026 |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 |last=Alexander |first=Julia |title=YouTubers fear looming ‘adpocalypse’ after child exploitation controversy<br />
|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><br />
<br />
====Irresponsibly automated moderation====<br />
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 |last=Jines |first=Chuck |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=11 Feb 2026 |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://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/5zzr9c/id_like_to_talk_about_the_problem_with_anonymous/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=27 Mar 2017 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |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=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=rPqtT88PT9Y |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref> even going so far as to have [[Bungie]] call out YouTube in a legal case for their negligence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brodkin<br />
|first=John |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 |last=Maxwell |first=Andy |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" /> <br />
<br />
===Crackdown against ad-blockers===<br />
<!-- Needs citations --><br />
The prevalence of advertising on the platform, coupled with the repeated appearance of harmful and deceptive ads within YouTube's advertising system, led a significant number of users to employ ad-blocking tools to facilitate their viewing experience.<br />
<br />
In response, Google 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.<br />
<br />
However, these measures typically exhibit limited efficacy before ad-blocking tools develop new methods of circumvention,<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Flaherty |first=Kate |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 |website=Forbes |date=20 Jun 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |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>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=YouTube blocks adblockers; will this be their downfall? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMaFH4KzOVg |website=YouTube |date=12 Oct 2023 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.preservetube.com/watch?v=DMaFH4KzOVg |archive-date=13 Oct 2023}}</ref> a dynamic that some analysts suggest exemplifies the {{Wplink|Streisand effect}}.<ref>{{Cite web |author=phub |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 Mar 2024 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |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><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=YouTube's adblock war is backfiring in the worst way possible 🤣 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GARcKCaUfI |website=YouTube |date=5 Nov 2023 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.preservetube.com/watch?v=_GARcKCaUfI |archive-date=5 Nov 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
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>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis<br />
|title=Youtube is dedicated to making this website worse; destroys sponsorblock with ad injection changes |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weP62wPEjRw |website=YouTube |date=18 Jun 2024<br />
|access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.preservetube.com/watch?v=weP62wPEjRw |archive-date=28 Jul 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
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>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=Youtube confirms intentional slowdown of adblock users 🤦♂️ |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMLMQRS3Krk |website=YouTube |date=23 Nov 2023 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.preservetube.com/watch?v=KMLMQRS3Krk |archive-date=23 Nov 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=Is Youtube making firefox load slow on purpose? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x7NSw0Irc0 |website=YouTube |date=21 Nov 2023 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.preservetube.com/watch?v=_x7NSw0Irc0 |archive-date=21 Nov 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Offline video DRM===<br />
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|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 |author= |date= |title=YouTube Premium |url=https://www.youtube.com/premium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111004845/https://www.youtube.com/premium |archive-date=11 Nov 2025 |access-date=2 Feb 2026 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in selected countries and regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |website=[[Google]] |date=13 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719175650/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |archive-date=19 Jul 2025}}</ref> <br />
<br />
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>{{Cite web |last=Santos |first=Noel |title=Warning: Youtube Premium "Downloads" aren't MP4 Files |url=https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3383/warning-youtube-premium-downloads-arent-mp4-files |website=Virtual Curiosities |date=7 Dec 2024 |access-date=2 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126100053/https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3383/warning-youtube-premium-downloads-arent-mp4-files |archive-date=26 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Mental Outlaw |title=Google is Locking Down Android |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1S0SiBuJN8 |website=YouTube |date=28 Aug 2025 |access-date=2 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=L1S0SiBuJN8 |archive-date=29 Aug 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Universal DRM testing and violation of Creative Commons licenses===<br />
YouTube on TV is an {{Wplink|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 {{Wplink|A/B testing|A/B experiment}} has begun which protects all video and audio content regardless of bit-rate 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=11 Feb 2026 |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> 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 user's ability to exercise their rights granted by the license is a violation of the aforementioned licenses.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |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 |date=13 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |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><br />
<br />
===Pay-walling standard browser features===<br />
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.<br />
<br />
On 7 February 2026, it was reported that YouTube Music was testing a feature that would paywall song lyrics, which were previously a free feature since 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hardwick |first=Tim |title=YouTube Music lyrics now require a Premium subscription |url=https://9to5google.com/2026/02/07/youtube-music-lyrics-premium/ |website=9TO5Google |date=7 Feb 2026 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260208225137/https://9to5google.com/2026/02/07/youtube-music-lyrics-premium/ |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Removal of the dislike count on videos===<br />
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 |author= |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><br />
<br />
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 {{Wplink|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 |last=Can |first=Michael |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 <br />
|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><br />
<br />
===Anti-features and dark patterns to trick the user into staying longer===<br />
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 |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-access=subscription |website=The Wall Street Journal. |date=7 Feb 2018 |access-date=29 Jan 2026 |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 |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> This is 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. Through this mechanism, children will especially have their attention extracted for several hours.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |author= |title=James Bridle: What Do Kids' Videos on YouTube Reveal About the Internet's Dark Side? |others=NPR/TED Staff |url=https://www.npr.org/transcripts/662612151 |website=NPR |date=2 Nov 2018 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250620234159/https://www.npr.org/transcripts/662612151 |archive-date=20 Jun 2025 |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><br />
<br />
By default, this feature is enabled.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Autoplay videos - YouTube Help |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6327615?hl=en |website=[[Google]] |date=4 Apr 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |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}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Crackdown against third-party front-ends===<br />
<!--Still want to include more examples of front-ends breaking--><br />
Since the beginning of 2025, users have been reporting issues with third-party front-ends accessing the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Fijxu |title=Youtube changed something, again! |url=https://nadeko.net/announcements/invidious-02-20/ |website=nadeko |date=16 Feb 2025 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816014757/https://nadeko.net/announcements/invidious-02-20/ |archive-date=16 Aug 2025}}</ref> For FreeTube, there has been a heightened amount of people receiving {{Wplink|HTTP 403|403 errors}} associated with IP blocks when attempting to view videos via this front-end.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Gevaarlijk |title=[Bug]: [BAD_HTTP_STATUS: 403] Potential causes: IP block or streaming URL deciphering failed #6701 |url=https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube/issues/6701 |website=GitHub |date=31 Jan 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260105144421/https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube/issues/6701 |archive-date=5 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===AI filtering without consent===<br />
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 |title=YouTube’s Sneaky AI ‘Experiment’<br />
|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/08/youtube-shorts-ai-upscaling/683946/ |website=The Atlantic |date=22 Aug 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |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}}</ref> The resulting output tends to look plastic. This change has been observed as early as 27 June 2025<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ulincsys |title=YouTube Shorts are almost certainly being AI upscaled |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1lllnse/youtube_shorts_are_almost_certainly_being_ai/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=27 Jun 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250827144146/https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1lllnse/youtube_shorts_are_almost_certainly_being_ai/ |archive-date=27 Aug 2025}}</ref> and affects creators who especially intend the video to be viewed in a certain way, such as the "{{Wplink|VHS}} look".<ref>{{Cite web |author=dolanbriese |title=YouTube Shorts are becoming AI upscaled without consent from creators |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1m5y7zu/youtube_shorts_are_becoming_ai_upscaled_without/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=21 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251003103832/https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1m5y7zu/youtube_shorts_are_becoming_ai_upscaled_without/ |archive-date=3 Oct 2025}}</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 |title=YouTube Is Using AI to Alter Content (and not telling us) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86nhP8tvbLY |website=YouTube |date=14 Aug 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.preservetube.com/watch?v=86nhP8tvbLY |archive-date=16 Aug 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
Artist Sam Yang uploaded a video on 30 August 2025, 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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Sam |title=Youtube is Using AI on Your Shorts Without Consent.. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjnQ-s7LW-g |website=YouTube |date=30 Aug 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.preservetube.com/watch?v=tjnQ-s7LW-g |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
Users also 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 25 October 2025, noting it happens on one of his devices, more specifically a mobile phone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petrov |first=Anton |title=YouTube AI Filter Is Making My Videos Dangerous To Watch |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HY-nREvVu4 |website=YouTube |date=25 Oct 2025 |access-date=11 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.preservetube.com/watch?v=2HY-nREvVu4 |archive-date=26 Oct 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Wave of channel terminations (''2025'')===<br />
In November 2025, multiple YouTube channels, including Enderman, Scratchit Gaming, and 4096 were reportedly terminated in a massive ban wave 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 ban wave on the malfunctions of YouTube's AI-powered moderation system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Binder |first=Matt |title=Big YouTube channels are being banned. YouTubers are blaming AI. |url=https://mashable.com/article/big-youtube-channels-terminated-creators-blame-ai |website=Mashable |date=4 Nov 2025 |access-date=2 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221125020/https://mashable.com/article/big-youtube-channels-terminated-creators-blame-ai |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===API restrictions===<br />
In June 2023, YouTube forced Matt Wright, maintainer of the YouTube Metadata tool, to remove the exporting feature which let people export YouTube metadata such as video descriptions into a file. This did not include the videos themselves. It can be assumed that this is the "tip of an iceberg" and YouTube made many such requests without them being publicly documented.<ref>[https://github.com/mattwright324/youtube-metadata/discussions/150 Export Feature? · mattwright324/youtube-metadata · Discussion #150 · GitHub] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251214094758/https://github.com/mattwright324/youtube-metadata/discussions/150 Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:YouTube]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Samsung_ads_in_refrigerators&diff=37356Samsung ads in refrigerators2026-02-17T18:13:02Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>[[File:Samsung-refrigerator-ads-update-changelog-scaled.jpg|frameless|right]]<br />
{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Samsung<br />
|StartDate=2025-09-16<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=Family Hub Refrigerators <br />
|Product=Family Hub Refrigerators <br />
|ArticleType=Incident<br />
|Type=Terms of Service, Advertising<br />
|Description=Samsung rolled out mandatory advertisements to Family Hub refrigerators through over-the-network software updates.<br />
}}<br />
[[Samsung]] Family Hub refrigerators are premium smart appliances featuring touchscreen displays integrated into refrigerator doors, with models ranging from $1,800 to $3,500 in the United States.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=2025-09-18 |title=Samsung confirms its $1,800+ fridges will start showing you ads |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918083307/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> These refrigerators run Samsung's Tizen operating system and offer features including SmartThings integration, internal cameras for remote food monitoring, calendar synchronization, weather displays, and streaming service access.<ref>{{cite web |title=Samsung Family Hub |url=https://www.samsung.com/us/explore/family-hub-refrigerator/overview/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250909051921/https://www.samsung.com/us/explore/family-hub-refrigerator/overview/ |archive-date=9 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Samsung}}</ref><br />
<br />
In April 2025, Jeong Seung Moon, Samsung's EVP and Head of R&D Team for Digital Appliances, stated to The Verge that Samsung had "no plans regarding the inclusion of advertisements on AI Home screens" when asked about potential advertising expansion beyond television products.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=2025-09-18 |title=Samsung Might Be Putting Ads On Their Smart Fridges After All |url=https://www.adexchanger.com/tv/samsung-might-be-putting-ads-on-their-smart-fridges-after-all/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250506194708/https://www.adexchanger.com/tv/samsung-might-be-putting-ads-on-their-smart-fridges-after-all/ |archive-date=6 May 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=AdExchanger}}</ref> This statement came in response to growing consumer concerns about Samsung's expanding advertising ecosystem across smart devices.<br />
<br />
==Incident==<br />
On September 16, 2025, [[Reddit]] user <code>u/angrycatmeowmeow</code> posted screenshots of a software update changelog for their Samsung Family Hub refrigerator that explicitly mentioned the addition of advertisements to the Cover Screen display.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-09-16 |title=Now ads are coming to your Samsung refrigerator |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250917212340/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |archive-date=17 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> The update was delivered through an over-the-network (OTN) software update that users could not decline without losing smart functionality.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-09-17 |title=Samsung Rolls Out Ads to Family Hub Fridges |url=https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251001012338/https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-date=1 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=The Spoon}}</ref><br />
<br />
The advertisements appear on the Cover Screen when the refrigerator display is idle, specifically affecting the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes.<ref name=":0" /> Users who select Art Mode or Gallery themes can currently avoid advertisements, though Samsung has not guaranteed these themes will remain ad-free.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
Affected models include all major Family Hub refrigerator lines sold in the United States, including:<ref>{{cite web |title=28 cu. ft. 3-Door French Door Refrigerator with Family Hub |url=https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/refrigerators/3-door-french-door/28-cu-ft-3-door-french-door-refrigerator-with-family-hub-in-stainless-steel-rf28t5f01sr-aa/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241031233645/https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/refrigerators/3-door-french-door/28-cu-ft-3-door-french-door-refrigerator-with-family-hub-in-stainless-steel-rf28t5f01sr-aa/ |archive-date=31 Oct 2024 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Samsung}}</ref><br />
*RF28T5F01 series (28 cu. ft. 3-Door French Door)<br />
*RF27T5501 series (26.5 cu. ft.)<br />
*RF22R7551 series (22 cu. ft. 4-Door)<br />
*RF29A9771 series (29 cu. ft. 4-Door Flex)<br />
*Bespoke AI Family Hub models<br />
*RS28A5F61 and RS22T5561 Side-by-Side models<br />
<br />
==Samsung's response==<br />
On September 18, 2025, Samsung confirmed the advertising program to Android Authority with an official statement:<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
<blockquote>Samsung is committed to innovation and enhancing every day value for our home appliance customers. As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen that value, we are conducting a pilot program to offer promotions and curated advertisements on certain Samsung Family Hub refrigerator models in the U.S. market.</blockquote><br />
<br />
Samsung's statement indicated that advertisements can be dismissed on individual basis but will reappear during campaign periods.<ref name=":0" /> The company confirmed there is no option to completely disable advertisements while maintaining smart features.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
In May 2025, Travis Scott Howe, Samsung's Global Head of New Product Solutions at Samsung Ads, had presented the company's vision at their NewsFronts presentation, stating they '''''"envision a world where Samsung Ads brings your brand message to every screen in the connected home and beyond."'''''<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==Technical implementation==<br />
The advertisements are delivered through Samsung's existing Tizen operating system infrastructure, utilizing domains including:<ref name=":2">{{cite web |date=2025-09-18 |title=Samsung Smart-TV Blocklist Adlist (for PiHole) |url=https://gist.github.com/wassname/b594c63222f9e4c83ea23c818440901b |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250922050455/https://gist.github.com/wassname/b594c63222f9e4c83ea23c818440901b |archive-date=22 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=GitHub}}</ref><br />
*<code>samsungads.com</code><br />
*<code>config.samsungads.com</code><br />
*<code>ads.samsungacr.com</code><br />
*<code>samsungcloudsolution.com</code><br />
*<code>events.samsungads.com</code><br />
*<code>log-config.samsungacr.com</code><br />
<br />
Users have reported that [[Pi-hole]] configurations can block advertisements by filtering these domains at the DNS level.<ref name=":2" /> However, blocking certain domains may disable features such as the internal camera functionality for viewing fridge contents remotely.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
Disconnecting the refrigerator from the internet eliminates advertisements but also disables:<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-09-17 |title=Your 'smart' Samsung refrigerator will soon display ads |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-refrigerator-ads-update-family-hub/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918205118/https://www.androidpolice.com/samsung-refrigerator-ads-update-family-hub/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Police}}</ref><br />
*SmartThings remote control<br />
*Weather information updates<br />
*Software updates including security patches<br />
*Voice assistant functionality (Bixby and Alexa)<br />
*Calendar synchronization<br />
*Streaming services<br />
*Remote camera access<br />
<br />
==Lawsuit==<br />
As of September 19, 2025, no class action lawsuits have been filed specifically regarding the refrigerator advertising program.<ref name=":0" /> However, legal experts have identified potential claims under the Federal Trade Commission Act Section 5 for deceptive practices, given Samsung's April 2025 denial of advertising plans followed by September implementation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Truth In Advertising |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250915004327/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising |archive-date=15 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref><br />
<br />
Samsung has faced previous litigation regarding its refrigerator products, including multiple class action lawsuits for ice maker defects affecting various models.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-01-05 |title=Class action over Samsung refrigerator defect dismissed |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/samsung-class-action-lawsuit-and-settlement-news/class-action-over-samsung-refrigerator-defect-dismissed/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206002457/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/samsung-class-action-lawsuit-and-settlement-news/class-action-over-samsung-refrigerator-defect-dismissed/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2024 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Top Class Actions}}</ref> The company faces over 30 class action lawsuits annually across all product categories in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=Samsung Refrigerator Class Action Lawsuit: Unraveling the Cold Facts |url=https://goultralaw.com/blog/samsung-refrigerator-class-action-lawsuit-unraveling-the-cold-facts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018235054/https://goultralaw.com/blog/samsung-refrigerator-class-action-lawsuit-unraveling-the-cold-facts/ |archive-date=18 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Ultra Law}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
Consumer reaction has been overwhelmingly negative across social media platforms and technology forums.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-09-18 |title=Samsung Brings Ads To US Fridges |url=https://slashdot.org/story/25/09/18/1335216/samsung-brings-ads-to-us-fridges |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250920160515/https://slashdot.org/story/25/09/18/1335216/samsung-brings-ads-to-us-fridges |archive-date=20 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Slashdot}}</ref> The original Reddit post triggered viral spread across technology communities, with users expressing particular anger about paying premium prices for appliances that now display advertisements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lemmy.ml/post/36322170 |title=Samsung brings ads to US fridges |website=Lemmy |date=2025-09-18 |access-date=2025-09-19}}</ref><br />
<br />
Gizmodo reported that consumer comments included suggestions to "install uBlock Origin" on refrigerators and declarations to boycott Samsung products entirely.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-09-18 |title=Nobody Wanted This: Samsung Fridges Are Getting Ads |url=https://gizmodo.com/nobody-wanted-this-samsung-fridges-are-getting-ads-2000660869 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918185351/https://gizmodo.com/nobody-wanted-this-samsung-fridges-are-getting-ads-2000660869 |archive-date=18 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Gizmodo}}</ref> One frequently cited comment stated "My workaround for this is to never buy Samsung products."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lemmy.ca/post/51830305 |title=Samsung brings ads to US fridges |website=Lemmy.ca |date=2025-09-18 |access-date=2025-09-19}}</ref><br />
<br />
Technical communities have shared various workarounds, including:<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-09-18 |title=How to stop adverts appearing on your Samsung TV |url=https://gist.github.com/peteryates/b44b70d19ccd52f62d66cdd4bcef1e52 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804231855/https://gist.github.com/peteryates/b44b70d19ccd52f62d66cdd4bcef1e52 |archive-date=4 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=GitHub}}</ref><br />
*Pi-hole DNS filtering configurations<br />
*Router-level domain blocking<br />
*Network isolation of affected appliances<br />
*Selective firewall rules to maintain functionality while blocking ad servers<br />
<br />
Consumer Reports rates Samsung French-door refrigerators' predicted reliability as "Fair," their lowest recommendation tier, with a 34% problem rate for water/ice dispensers compared to 15% median across brands.<ref>{{cite web |date=2022-01-27 |title=Samsung Refrigerators Under Investigation By Consumer Product Safety Commission |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/money/consumer-complaints/samsung-refrigerators-cited-in-consumer-complaints-to-cpsc-a1133459149/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815182612/https://www.consumerreports.org/money/consumer-complaints/samsung-refrigerators-cited-in-consumer-complaints-to-cpsc-a1133459149/ |archive-date=15 Aug 2023 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Consumer Reports}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Industry context==<br />
Samsung is currently the only major appliance manufacturer implementing refrigerator advertising.<ref name=":0" /> Competitors including LG, Whirlpool, GE, and Bosch maintain traditional hardware-focused business models without post-purchase advertising.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |date=2025-09-18 |title=Samsung turns smart fridges into a new home ad channel |url=https://www.emarketer.com/content/samsung-turns-smart-fridges-new-home-ad-channel |archive-url=https://archive.ph/lNcUh |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=eMarketer}}</ref><br />
<br />
Samsung's television advertising business provides context for the refrigerator program. Samsung TV Plus reached 88 million monthly active users globally, generating significant advertising revenue beyond hardware sales.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=Samsung TV Plus Hits 88 Million Monthly Active Users |url=https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-tv-plus-hits-88-million-monthly-active-users/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241028211148/https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-tv-plus-hits-88-million-monthly-active-users/ |archive-date=28 Oct 2024 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Samsung Global Newsroom}}</ref> Industry analysts suggest Samsung views appliance advertising as a natural extension of its successful television advertising model.<ref name=":3" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Samsung]]<br />
[[Category:Smart appliances]]<br />
[[Category:Consumer electronics]]<br />
[[Category:Advertising controversies]]<br />
[[Category:2025 incidents]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Samsung_self-repair_program_restrictions&diff=37355Samsung self-repair program restrictions2026-02-17T17:37:21Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Samsung<br />
|StartDate=2024<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=<br />
|ArticleType=Service, Product<br />
|Type=Privacy, Repairability, Third-party, Wolf in Sheep's Clothing<br />
|Description=Samsung gouges the price of parts sold to third party repair shops and requires data collection, complying with the word of the law but not the spirit.<br />
}}<br />
Major smartphone manufacturers' self-repair programs have started to emerge in response to the passage of [[right to repair]] legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIGHT TO REPAIR LEGISLATION |url=https://www.repair.org/legislation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118032507/http://repair.org/legislation/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2016 |website=repair.org}}</ref> While these are marketed as expanding repair options,<ref name=":0" /> they often contain contractual requirements, pricing structures, and procedural limitations that discourage repairs, restrict competition, & compromise consumer privacy.<ref name="404media" /> <br />
<br />
This aligns with a broader industry trend where manufacturers attempt to preempt right-to-repair legislation by implementing repair programs that are technically available but practically unviable for consumers.<br />
<br />
==Samsung data collection and reporting requirements==<br />
As documented in 2024, Samsung's independent repair shop contracts require repair providers to:<ref name="404media">{{cite web |author=Jason Koebler |date=May 23, 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405051144/https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |archive-date=5 Apr 2025 |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |publisher=404 Media}}</ref><br />
*Submit detailed customer personal information to Samsung, including names, addresses, and device identifiers.<br />
*Report customers who have used third-party parts to Samsung, creating a surveillance mechanism that discourages independent repair.<br />
*"Immediately disassemble" devices containing non-Samsung parts, essentially confiscating consumer property.<br />
*Upload repair details into Samsung's GSPN database on a daily basis, centralizing customer repair histories for potential use in warranty denials or other anti-consumer actions.<br />
<br />
==Economic barriers==<br />
The pricing structure of Samsung's self-repair program frequently makes repairs economically impractical. The high costs of official replacement parts, coupled with forced bundling of components<ref name=":0" />, mean that purchasing a single replacement part is often more expensive than buying a working used device. For example:<br />
<br />
*Samsung Galaxy S20 screen and battery assembly: $199.99 for parts only {{cite web|url=https://www.ifixit.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s20-5g-usa-screen-and-battery-genuine|title=Samsung Galaxy S20 5G Screen and Battery - Genuine|publisher=iFixit}}<br />
<br />
By comparison: <br />
<br />
*Used Samsung Galaxy S20 (in working condition): $140–$185 on eBay {{cite web|url=https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=galaxy+s20+&_sacat=0|title=Galaxy S20 for Sale - eBay|publisher=eBay}}<br />
<br />
Forcing consumers to purchase screens and batteries as a single unit rather than separately makes repair costs needlessly high<ref name="404media" />. This:<br />
#Artificially increases the cost of common repairs (e.g., battery replacements).<br />
#Discourages users from repairing their devices and subtly nudges them toward purchasing new hardware instead.<br />
#Incentivizes consumers to choose third-party parts, despite the manufacturer's attempt to suppress their use.<br />
<br />
==Restrictions on Independent Repair==<br />
Samsung's repair program imposes severe limitations on independent repair shops, effectively preventing them from providing cost-effective, high-quality repair options<ref name="404media" /> These restrictions include:<br />
*Prohibitions on board-level repairs – Many authorized programs forbid repair technicians from replacing inexpensive individual components, forcing full board replacements that are costlier and generate more electronic waste.<br />
*Mandates against using third-party parts, even when genuine parts are unavailable, discontinued, or excessively expensive.<br />
*Contractual obligations preventing repair providers from servicing older devices, accelerating planned obsolescence.<br />
*Extensive data collection requirements, forcing independent repair shops to act as corporate informants against their own customers.<br />
<br />
==Impact==<br />
The limitations imposed by Samsung's self-repair program result in:<br />
<br />
*Punitive measures against third-party repairs – Programs that report independent repairs act as de facto monopolies on repair services.<br />
*Mandatory data collection – The requirement that repair shops report customer information to manufacturers violates basic privacy principles & raises concerns about how this data will be used in the future.<br />
*Economic disincentives to repair – The artificially high cost of official parts makes repairing older devices less financially practical.<br />
<br />
These tactics contradict Samsung's public commitments to sustainability and consumer empowerment.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=2 Aug 2022 |title=Samsung Self-Repair Program Now Available for Galaxy Customers |url=https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-self-repair-program-now-available-galaxy-customers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802182306/https://news.samsung.com/us/samsung-self-repair-program-now-available-galaxy-customers/ |archive-date=2 Aug 2022 |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=[[Samsung]] |publisher=}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Samsung]]<br />
[[Category:Right to repair]]<br />
[[Category:Services]]<br />
[[Category:Consumer rights]]<br />
[[Category:Incidents]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sandisk_Wireless_Flash_Drives&diff=37354Sandisk Wireless Flash Drives2026-02-17T17:27:49Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference link</p>
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<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{ProductLineCargo<br />
|Company=SanDisk<br />
|ReleaseYear=2015<br />
|InProduction=No<br />
}}<br />
Sandisk Connect Wireless is a product line of flash drives with Wi-Fi capability, enabling them to be controlled & accessed over a network instead of relying on USB. <br />
<br />
'''SanDisk Wireless Drive''' and '''SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick''' are devices of these series, and they were produced by Wearable, Inc., which was acquired by [[Western Digital]] in June 2018. Both products were derived from Wearable Inc.'s AirStash wireless server platform.<br />
<br />
These devices broadcast a Wi-Fi access point, allowing connected devices to manage contents of the disk from Sandisk's mobile apps or, alternatively, visiting the web server locally hosted by the device.<br />
<br />
Sandisk announced 18 September 2020 that they would no longer support their Connect Wireless Flash Drive app in order to "migrate users to newer products, services, and apps", effective 18 March 2021.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Wireless Flash Drive End of Support |url=https://support-en.sandisk.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/48977 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250409183250/https://support-en.sandisk.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/48977 |archive-date=9 Apr 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
The devices are still usable to this day since they expose a local web server to manage the device over network and manage the files stored on the disk, however the full functionality was only available through Sandisk's now de-listed mobile apps.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
*'''Forced app download:''' In order to have full use of the products purchased, the buyer is [[Forced app download|required to download]] the company's mobile apps.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
On 18 March 2021, Sandisk removed the SanDisk Connect Wireless Flash Drive app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, and you can no longer download the app.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
Products affected:<br />
<br />
*'''Connect Wireless Stick (SDWS4-XXX)'''<br />
*'''Connect Wireless Flash Drive (SDWS2-XXX)'''<br />
*'''Connect Wireless Media Drive (SDWS1-XXX)'''<br />
*'''My Passport Wireless SSD'''<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Discontinuation bricking]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Sandisk]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sassy_Saints_review_copyright_claim&diff=37353Sassy Saints review copyright claim2026-02-17T17:24:07Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
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<div>{{Incomplete|Article could do with additional sources, and also needs to have a cargo table added}}<br />
{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Sassy Saints<br />
|StartDate=2025-02-06<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=<br />
|ArticleType=<br />
|Type=Censorship, Legal Intimidation<br />
|Description=<br />
}}<br />
On September 27 2024, YouTube creator [https://www.youtube.com/@lotsoflovecindy Lots of Love, Cindy] posted a video review of a nail kit made by the British company [https://www.sassysaints.com/ Sassy Saints], providing her opinion and experiences with the product.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lot of Love |first=Cindy |date=27 Sep 2024 |title=Sassy Saints Nail Kit - I Don't Know How To Feel |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89oiL5IBGn4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=89oiL5IBGn4 |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=21 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> <br />
<br />
On February 6th 2025, Sassy Saints issued a copyright strike against her channel, claiming unauthorized use of their copyrighted content.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Lot of Love |first=Cindy |date=2 Feb 2025 |title=Brand is Trying to SILENCE Me… Over a Nail Powder Review?! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJabGNfi9IE |url-status=live |access-date=21 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br />
==Background==<br />
Sassy Saints is a British company offering a range of beauty kits targeting the home market, with their stated mission being "to bring salon-quality treatments right to your home".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sassy Saints |url=https://www.sassysaints.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326020228/https://www.sassysaints.com/ |archive-date=26 Mar 2025 |access-date=21 Mar 2025}}</ref> Cindy purchased one of their nail manicure kits and produced a video review describing her experience with the kit. She talked about how the kit required some getting used to and provided viewers some tips on how to use the kit more effectively.<ref name=":0" /> She had a generally positive experience with the kit until she tried to remove the nail polish, in which she experienced a great level of difficulty. The amount of nail polish remover in the kit was found to be insufficient and store-bought alternatives failed to remove the polish.<br />
<br />
==Copyright claim==<br />
A few months after the review video was posted, Sassy Saints issued a copyright strike against Cindy's channel. When Cindy asked about this strike, the company said "Unauthorized use of our copyrighted content in your video is clearly against intellectual property laws".<ref name=":1" /> They claimed that showing their products and brand name in a video is copyright infringement. Cindy responded saying she believes her video to fall under fair use since her video is criticism and review, which is protected under fair use. Sassy Saints responded saying the claim of fair use is "not valid" and that it is "not authorized" to use their goods in her video. They then threatened legal action against Cindy.<br />
<br />
After discussing the incident online, Cindy issued a counter notification to YouTube and the video was restored to her channel.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lot of Love |first=Cindy |date=23 Feb 2025 |title=Update on Copyright Strike on My Product Review |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLHq2gv2AhY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227005332/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLHq2gv2AhY |archive-date=27 Feb 2025 |access-date=21 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Response==<br />
People on the internet have described the copyright strike as "bullying" and a "scare tactic" and have said that the video falls under fair use, since the video was a review of the product.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Copyright Strike I reviewed their product?? (no freedom of speech?) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/PartneredYoutube/comments/1iejpxc/copyright_strike_i_reviewed_their_product_no/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320015500/https://www.reddit.com/r/PartneredYoutube/comments/1iejpxc/copyright_strike_i_reviewed_their_product_no/ |archive-date=20 Mar 2025 |access-date=21 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Also, Louis Rossmann made a video about this incident, saying that it's absurd that companies think they can control products that people have bought.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Feb 2025 |title=Sassy Saints threatens to sue fashion youtuber over review of a nail kit; do they own it or do you? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dHbZiciLJM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=0dHbZiciLJM |archive-date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=21 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> This video drew a lot of attention to Cindy's video.<br />
<br />
Since then, Sassy Saints have emailed Cindy to clarify what had happened.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lot of Love |first=Cindy |date=28 Feb 2025 |title=THANK YOU + UPDATE |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm8f-N4RS-I |url-status=live |access-date=21 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> They say that Cindy received the copyright strike because they hired a 3rd party to help them with brand protection. They also said that their messaging "does not align with how we want to engage with our community" and have said they will "make sure this never happens again to another creator in the future". <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[Tom Evans Audio copyright strike]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Sassy Saints]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Seattle_Avionics&diff=37351Seattle Avionics2026-02-17T17:00:38Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=<br />
|Founded=2002<br />
|Industry=Software<br />
|Logo=Seattle Avionics.png<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Private<br />
|Website=https://www.seattleavionics.com/<br />
}}<br />
[[Wikipedia:Seattle Avionics|'''Seattle Avionics''']] is a company that specializes in providing software for general aviation aircraft.<ref name="about" /> FlyQ EFB was an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_flight_bag electronic flight bag] application available for iPad and iPhone which was primarily geared towards non-commercial (Part 91, general aviation) aircraft use. General Aviation pilots mostly favored other competing electronic flight bags, all of which required yearly subscriptions. <br />
<br />
==FlyQ EFB change to terms of service==<br />
Seattle Avionics offered lifetime subscriptions annually during Black Friday for many of its subscription-based products, including FlyQ EFB. Eventually, Seattle Avionics would stop offering deals for lifetime subscriptions. Around September 2020, Seattle Avionics was acquired by AFV Partners.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Sep 2020 |title=Seattle Avionics acquired by technology investor |url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/september/24/seattle-avionics-acquired-by-technology-investor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022161044/https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/september/24/seattle-avionics-acquired-by-technology-investor |archive-date=22 Oct 2020 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[AOPA]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
On July 19, 2024, Seattle Avionics sent an email to FlyQ EFB lifetime subscribers. This email began with announcing bug fixes, new features, and even a new version. Below this section was a section detailing a "change" to the lifetime program:<blockquote>In order to continue investing at this pace, starting today, we’re making the following changes to our Lifetime program:<br />
<br />
1. All Lifetime customers can use the new FlyQ+ EFB 7.0 and later releases for 30 days.<br />
<br />
2. During that period, Lifetime customers can upgrade to an annual subscription with a one-time 25% discount to continue to enjoy FlyQ+ EFB 7.0 and all other future releases.<br />
<br />
3. In 30 days, Lifetime customers who do not move to a new annual subscription can download a forthcoming new FlyQ EFB Legacy 6.9.1 and use it for a year, after which it will be sunset. As the version number implies, FlyQ EFB Legacy is the same as FlyQ EFB 6.9.1 released in May 2024 and does not include the features or fixes in FlyQ+ EFB 7.0.<br />
<br />
Once again, thank you so much for your support over the years. We’re excited to aggressively move FlyQ+ into the future with both defect fixes and industry-leading new features while retaining FlyQ’s famous ease of use! We look forward to you joining us on this exciting journey.<ref group="Full Email Communications">[[:File:FlyQ 1 19Jul2024.PNG]]</ref></blockquote>Pilots voiced dissatisfaction toward these policy changes on various general aviation forums including on Reddit,<ref>{{Cite web |title=FlyQ EFB Revokes Lifetime Subscription |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comments/1e7e6bu/flyq_efb_revokes_lifetime_subscription/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/ZPprQ |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Pilots of America,<ref>{{Cite web |last=@Revkurt |date=19 Jul 2024 |title=Seattle Avionics |url=https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/threads/seattle-avionics.148039/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806043209/https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/threads/seattle-avionics.148039/ |archive-date=6 Aug 2024 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Pilots of America]]}}</ref> and Mooney Space.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@DonMuncy |date=20 Jul 2024 |title=I guess I have 13 months to live (just kidding) |url=https://mooneyspace.com/topic/49042-i-guess-i-have-13-months-to-live-just-kidding/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120130119/https://mooneyspace.com/topic/49042-i-guess-i-have-13-months-to-live-just-kidding/ |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[MooneySpace]]}}</ref> AVWeb further wrote an article outlining this email.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Amelia |date=20 Jul 2024 |title=Seattle Avionics Ends Lifetime Subscription Memberships For FlyQ EFB |url=https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/seattle-avionics-ends-lifetime-subscription-memberships-for-flyq-efb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722175940/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/seattle-avionics-ends-lifetime-subscription-memberships-for-flyq-efb/ |archive-date=22 Jul 2024 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[AVweb]]}}</ref> The timing was directly before [https://www.eaa.org/airventure EAA Airventure] 2024, the world's largest event for general aviation where Seattle Avionics had their own booth. Shortly after, on July 31, Seattle Avionics sent a second email updating lifetime subscribers.<blockquote>We announced and released our new app FlyQ+ EFB 7.0 on Friday July 19, 2024. We also announced that we'll be releasing the FlyQ Legacy app for FlyQ Lifetime subscribers soon. Since that time, we received numerous emails from FlyQ Lifetime users, spoke to many people at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and reviewed posts on social media. Based on the feedback we received, we are making the following updates:<br />
<br />
*Lifetime users can continue to use FlyQ without any additional charge by downloading the FlyQ Legacy app, which we are releasing in the coming weeks. FlyQ Legacy will be version 6.9.2 to reflect that it’s based on FlyQ EFB 6.9.1 but also includes stability fixes added in FlyQ+ EFB 7.0.0 as well as fixes being added to forthcoming FlyQ+ EFB 7.0.2.<br />
<br />
*FlyQ Legacy will load your existing flight plans and aircraft / pilot profiles as well as continue to receive monthly ChartData updates.<br />
<br />
*We have no plans to update FlyQ Legacy after this release.<br />
<br />
*You can trial and use the new FlyQ+ EFB 7.0 app and later versions for 90 days without charge.<br />
<br />
*FlyQ Legacy and FlyQ+ EFB can both be loaded on the same iPad or iPhone so you can compare both apps and determine if FlyQ+ has the value you seek. If you decide to subscribe to FlyQ+, we are offering a 25% discount from current standard prices as acknowledgement of your Lifetime purchase. After your discount, a VFR subscription is $74.99 and an IFR+VFR subscription is $149.99. You’ll receive an email with purchase information shortly.<br />
<br />
*Seattle Avionics also sold Lifetime ChartData subscriptions for Aspen, Dynon, AFS, GRT, and Honeywell products. There are no changes to these subscriptions.<br />
<br />
Our goal is to increase the velocity of the development of FlyQ+ with more frequent releases that deliver high value and offer the best product to meet your flying requirements. Please continue to provide your feedback and help guide our road map. We will release more features over the next 90 days in FlyQ+ for you to evaluate and we look forward to your feedback.<ref group="Full Email Communications">[[:File:FlyQ 2 31Jul2024.PNG]]</ref></blockquote>While this did affirm that other Seattle Avionics products that also had lifetime subscriptions were not affected, the policy effectively did not change their revocation of the FlyQ EFB lifetime subscription. On October 2, Seattle Avionics sent a final update:<blockquote>In our effort to communicate critical changes to FlyQ, we’ve sent multiple emails describing the new FlyQ Lifetime subscription model. This change allows us to substantially accelerate investment in the product, both improving the app stability and adding multiple new features. The proof has been a half dozen releases already this calendar year.<br />
<br />
Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn’t note how the policy change was handled, and we sincerely apologize for the angst, confusion, and mistrust this has caused. Clearly, we’re better at writing software than policy statements. To that point, we’ve come up with a revised plan that we believe better portrays our commitment to the FlyQ community and allows us to continue the increased investment in FlyQ.<br />
<br />
(+) All FlyQ customers, lifetime and annual subscribers alike, will be able to use FlyQ+. No one will be asked to download a new app.<br />
<br />
(+) All FlyQ customers, lifetime and annual subscribers alike, will continue to get new ChartData updates and subsequent releases of FlyQ+ as they are released.<br />
<br />
(+) The only difference will be that new features, beyond what was in FlyQ EFB 6.9.1, will only be enabled for annual subscribers. To be clear, this means that all users will continue to receive bug fixes and new releases as iOS updates are produced but only annual subscribers will benefit from the new features added in FlyQ+ 7.0 and later.<ref group="Full Email Communications">[[:File:FlyQ 3 02Oct2024.PNG]]</ref></blockquote>This update gave lifetime customers continued access to the app and miscellaneous fixes, as the company was still active and actively developing the app, but would exclude lifetime subscribers from any additional features now included in the equivalent subscriptions today.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
===Email communications===<br />
<references group="Full Email Communications" /><br />
<br />
[[Category:Seattle Avionics]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=SecuROM&diff=37350SecuROM2026-02-17T16:45:21Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductLineCargo<br />
|ArticleType=<br />
|Category=Digital rights management<br />
|Company=Sony DADC<br />
|Description=<br />
|InProduction=No<br />
|Logo=SecuROMLogo.svg<br />
|ReleaseYear=1998<br />
|Website=https://securom.com<br />
}}<br />
[[wikipedia:SecuROM|'''SecuROM''']] is a [[digital rights management]] (DRM) system developed by [[Sony]] for PC games and first released in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SecuROM |url=https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/SecuROM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250502191929/https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/SecuROM |archive-date=2 May 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PCGamingWiki]]}}</ref> Historically, SecuROM is well known for being the most agitating form of DRM of the 2000s, and its inclusion within [[Electronic Arts]]' ''Spore'' has led to the game retaining its position as the most pirated game to-date.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Van der Sar |first=Ernesto |date=13 Sep 2008 |title=Spore: Most Pirated Game Ever Thanks to DRM |url=https://torrentfreak.com/spore-most-pirated-game-ever-thanks-to-drm-080913/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914020027/https://torrentfreak.com/spore-most-pirated-game-ever-thanks-to-drm-080913/ |archive-date=14 Sep 2008 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[torrentfreak]]}}</ref> SecuROM stopped being supported by Sony quietly some time after 2017, the release date of the last SecuROM-protected title, [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Onyx Onyx]. In 2014, SecuROM was succeeded by a newer DRM system, [[Denuvo]], through a management buyout of its developer.<br />
<br />
<!-- Can we fix the template to be for software at all? --><br />
<!-- Bonus sources to read for integrating more info to this page:<br />
https://web.archive.org/web/20191105161102/https://www.tweakguides.com/Piracy_9.html<br />
https://cracklab.team/PAunlock/ --><br />
<br />
==General problems==<br />
<br />
===Optical-drive bugs===<br />
Various releases of Secu-ROM have been known to sometimes struggle to even detect legitimate copies of games inside users' disc drives.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Copy Protection & DRM |url=https://www.tweakguides.com/Piracy_9.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105161102/https://www.tweakguides.com/Piracy_9.html |archive-date=5 Nov 2019 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[TweakGuides]]}}</ref> Additionally, some optical drive models were simply incompatible with SecuROM.<ref name=":1" /><!-- We should find more documentation than what has been provided by Wikipedia --><br />
<br />
===Explicit Congestion Notification===<br />
Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN), a feature seen on Windows Vista which helped users with still connecting online with large networks, was required to be turned off because of how SecuROM functioned.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Sep 2008 |title=Casual Friday: Why Spore Won't Work |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/150965/casual_friday_why_spore_wont_work.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926003605/http://www.pcworld.com/article/150965/casual_friday_why_spore_wont_work.html |archive-date=26 Sep 2008 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PCWorld]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Software conflicts===<br />
SecuROM also fought multiple other pieces of software,<ref name=":1" /> one of which being Process Explorer.<ref>http://forum.sysinternals.com/printer_friendly_posts.asp?TID=10337</ref><br />
<br />
===Installation limits===<br />
Users who owned SecuROM-protected games would often be allotted a limited number of times that they can install their games. [[EA]]'s ''[[Spore]]'' had a limit of 3 installs (raised to 5), ''Bioshock'' had 2 (raised to 5, before being removed) and would even limit installs per user on the same device,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Leo |date=5 Sep 2007 |title=One copy of BioShock per family (member)? |url=https://www.neoseeker.com/news/7091-one-copy-of-bioshock-per-family-member/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903190237/https://www.neoseeker.com/news/7091-one-copy-of-bioshock-per-family-member/ |archive-date=3 Sep 2014 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[NeoSeeker]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 Sep 2005 |title=2K: Tell your brother to buy his own Bioshock, you didn't buy it for the whole family |url=http://maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=20470 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013211034/http://maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=20470 |archive-date=13 Oct 2007 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[MaxConsole]]}}</ref> and Mass Effect had 3, but uninstallations would not increase the number of installs unlike other SecuROM titles.<br />
<br />
===Degradation===<br />
Because of the security features introduced by [[Microsoft]] to [[Windows]] 10 and later, many older SecuROM titles <!-- Mostly found through comparing data on older games on newer hardware. I believe SecuROM titles that released about 5 years before Win 10 can still be run, however I have yet to locate enough software with SecuROM to do a controlled sweep to be certain. ATM, I can run 2012's Crysis just fine on both my Win 10 laptop and Win 11 desktop.<br />
<br />
I am prepared to document EA's fuck-up on the wiki whenever secu-rom finally fails on my legitimate copy of Crysis. Oh, and C&C3. --> cannot function on modern hardware without cracking or other means of circumvention.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SecuROM |url=https://www.legoisland.org/wiki/SecuROM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305215810/https://www.legoisland.org/wiki/SecuROM |archive-date=5 Mar 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[LegoIsland]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Notable anti-consumer events<!-- Organize the list by release year! -->==<!-- Reference PC Gaming Wiki for other games to list here<br />
https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/SecuROM --><br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|+<br />
!Game<br />
!Release year<br />
!Notable effects<br />
!Relevant article<br />
|-<br />
|''BioShock''<br />
|2007<br />
|Users were limited to 2 installs of the game, and had to call in to be allowed further installs. It was raised soon to 5 after a misprint of a phone number in a manual<!-- Need sauce! -->, and eventually the limit discontinued in 2008, however it took much longer before editions of BioShock would be officially released without SecuROM.<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|''Mass Effect''<br />
|2007<br />
|''Mass Effect'' was the first SecuROM game known to not refund installations for users, and also required that the game installation to be verified every 10 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breckon |first=Nick |date=9 May 2008 |title=Electronic Arts Responds to Copy Protection Outcry, Removes 10-day SecuROM Check for the Troops |url=https://www.shacknews.com/shacknews/site/docroot/site.php?object=base&action=article&article_id=52618 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080614201655/http://www.shacknews.com/laryn.x?story=52618 |archive-date=14 Jun 2008 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[ShackNews]]}}</ref><br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|''[[Spore]]<!-- I want an article for Spore, the anticonsumer history behind it is insane, from SecuROM to EA blocking server access for Steam and GOG releases. -->''<br />
|2008<br />
|The application of SecuROM in ''Spore'' left the program trapped under always-online DRM<ref>{{Cite web |last=Modern Vintage Gamer |date=25 Nov 2019 |title=SecuROM - The PC CD-ROM DRM that broke games {{!}} MVG |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8ltfyqD3lM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=u8ltfyqD3lM |archive-date=17 Jan 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>, which in the 2000s was fatal for anyone's internet bills. The popularity of this game, mixed in with its preemptive cracking, and DRM led to the title holding the record as the most pirated video game.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, there were lawsuits that formed over the implementation of SecuROM inside ''Spore.''<ref>http://www.courthousenews.com/2008/09/23/Spore.pdf</ref><br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|''Tron: Evolution''<br />
|2010<br />
|Towards the tail-end of SecuROM's usage in 2019, [[Disney]] decided to terminate their license, thus leading to all legitimate copies of ''Tron: Evolution'' to be unplayable, and the game was subsequently pulled from digital software vendors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Geigner |first=Timothy |date=6 Dec 2019 |title=Disney's Decision Not To Renew SecuROM License Bricks 'Tron: Evolution' |url=https://www.techdirt.com/2019/12/06/disneys-decision-not-to-renew-securom-license-bricks-tron-evolution/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307202754/https://www.techdirt.com/2019/12/06/disneys-decision-not-to-renew-securom-license-bricks-tron-evolution/ |archive-date=7 Mar 2022 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[techdirt]]}}</ref> Disney claims to be currently updating the game to not have SecuROM, however after nearly six years since its termination, there has been no new updates upon whether the game will re-release<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|''Final Fantasy 7'' (PC, re-release)<br />
|2012<br />
|The distribution of the re-release of ''FF7'' for PCs caught users off guard when Square Enix distributed this version with SecuROM, and on release, servers were inaccessible, so users could not verify their licenses until much later.<ref>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/05/final-fantasy-vii-pc-released-early-then-pulled/</ref><br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Digital rights management]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=SecuRam_installs_backdoor_on_ProLogic_series_safe_locks&diff=37349SecuRam installs backdoor on ProLogic series safe locks2026-02-17T16:28:23Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=SecuRam, Liberty Safe<br />
|StartDate=2025-08-08<br />
|Status=Pending Resolution<br />
|ProductLine=ProLogic<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Type=Unprompted Risk to Users<br />
|Description=Researchers demonstrate that SecuRam ProLogic safe locks can be opened by unauthorized users with OEM installed backdoor.<br />
}}<br />
{{Stub}}<br />
Researchers found a way to open safes with SecuRam ProLogic safe locks without the passkey using [[backdoor]] codes installed by the manufacturer. <ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> SecuRam offers no path for vulnerable customers to protect themselves. They have declined to offer a firmware patch, and have not yet released new ProLogic locks that are not vulnerable to this attack.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
In 2023 news broke that Liberty Safe kept a master key for all safes that it sold.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Levenson |first=Michael |date=2023-09-08 |title=How a Company That Makes Gun Safes Angered Gun Owners |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/08/business/liberty-safe-codes.html |archive-url=https://archive.ph/RxHYq |archive-date=8 Sep 2023 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Security researcher Mark Omo and James Rowley attempted to discover vulnerabilities involving this master key. They were unsuccessful, but did discover two techniques for opening safes sold by Liberty Safe that were equipped with SecuRam ProLogic series locks.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Andy |date=2025-08-08 |title=Hackers Went Looking for a Backdoor in High-Security Safes—and Now Can Open Them in Seconds |url=https://www.wired.com/story/securam-prologic-safe-lock-backdoor-exploits/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250808202428/https://www.wired.com/story/securam-prologic-safe-lock-backdoor-exploits/ |archive-date=8 Aug 2025 |work=WIRED}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Discovery==<br />
On August 8th, 2025 while on-stage at DEF CON<ref name=":3">[https://media.defcon.org/DEF%20CON%2033/DEF%20CON%2033%20presentations/Mark%20Omo%20James%20Rowlery%20-%20Cash%2C%20Drugs%2C%20and%20Guns%20Why%20Your%20Safes%20Aren%27t%20Safe.pdf DEF CON Presentation] Slides by Mark Omo and James Rowley</ref><ref name=":2">[https://infocondb.org/con/def-con/def-con-33/cash-drugs-and-guns-why-your-safes-arent-safe Cash, Drugs, and Guns: Why Your Safes Aren't Safe] - DEF CON talk abstract by Mark Omo and James Rowley</ref> in Las Vegas, researchers Mark Omo and James Rowley demonstrated that SecuRam ProLogic safe locks can be opened by unauthorized users without the passkey using backdoors installed by the manufacturer. In the interest of public safety, they opted not to publicly reveal the techniques they discovered. They did however provide a live demonstration to journalist Andy Greenberg from WIRED.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-09-11 |title=We Digitally Cracked A High-Security Safe {{!}} Hacklab {{!}} WIRED |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upVzWfokDQc |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=upVzWfokDQc |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |website=Youtube}}</ref><br />
<br />
==SecuRam's Response==<br />
SecuRam's CEO Chunlei Zhou responded to the discoveries by saying that the vulnerabilities were already known by industry professionals. Zhou also added that SecuRam will not provide updated firmware for vulnerable locks, but will be releasing new ProLogic safe locks that are not vulnerable to the aforementioned backdoors by end of year 2025.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
<br />
On August 8th, 2025 in response to SecuRam CEO Chunlei Zhou's statements, researchers Mark Omo and James Rowley rebutted by saying that the vulnerabilities were not previously known to the public. Liberty Safe has also responded to Zhou's statements, claiming that the vulnerabilities were previously unknown to them.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:SecuRam installs backdoor on ProLogic series safe locks]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Self-hosting&diff=37010Self-hosting2026-02-14T15:54:41Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Self-hosting''' is the practice of implementing digital services with server applications under one's own control. This is opposed to relying on large public services or [[Cloud (service)|cloud services]].<br />
<br />
Self-hosting is typically done for several reasons, including to enable users to have more control over the services they use, or to allow the user to have more control over their privacy<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kehayias |first=John |date=2021-09-02 |title=Meet the Self-Hosters, Taking Back the Internet One Server at a Time |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/meet-the-self-hosters-taking-back-the-internet-one-server-at-a-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816174958/https://www.vice.com/en/article/meet-the-self-hosters-taking-back-the-internet-one-server-at-a-time/ |archive-date=16 Aug 2024 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=VICE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sholly |first=Ethan |date=2025-11-21 |title=2025 Self-Host User Survey Results |url=https://selfh.st/survey/2025-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251121125437/https://selfh.st/survey/2025-results/ |archive-date=21 Nov 2025 |website=selfh.st}}</ref>. As self-hosting gives the user more control over their data, it is often used by people to avoid companies from using their data in ways the user does not want or consent to.<br />
<br />
The term "server" has several popular definitions in computing. Throughout this article it will refer to "a computer program that controls or supplies information to several computers connected in a network"<ref>{{Cite web |title=server (noun) |url=https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/server |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424230254/https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/server |archive-date=24 Apr 2024 |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=Oxford Learner's Dictionaries}}</ref> and not comparably common "hosts that have software installed that enable them to provide information, like email or web pages, to other hosts on the network"<ref>{{Cite web |title=1.1.2.2 Clients and Servers |url=https://cisco.num.edu.mn/CCNA_R&S1/course/module1/1.1.2.2/1.1.2.2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407111300/https://cisco.num.edu.mn/CCNA_R&S1/course/module1/1.1.2.2/1.1.2.2.html |archive-date=2024-04-07 |website=Cisco Networking Academy}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
==Origin of the practice==<br />
Self-hosting typically refers to usage of digital services '''hosted''' by a person for just themselves (hence the '''self-''' prefix), but they're often made available also to a circle of family and friends, especially services that feature collaboration. Before self-hosting rose to prominence similar installations were typically limited to organizations and housed internal tools, such as company chats and internal knowledge bases.{{Citation needed}} This is still common in organizations, only partially supplanted by [[Software as a service|software-as-a-service (SaaS)]].<br />
<br />
Today, there are numerous free and open-source server applications available to everyone with an internet connection<ref>{{Cite web |title=Free software |url=https://awesome-selfhosted.net/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213070029/https://awesome-selfhosted.net/ |archive-date=13 Feb 2026 |website=Awesome-Selfhosted}}</ref>. Companies commonly employ dedicated system administrators to run such applications, due to some specialized knowledge required to set them up. But over the years the amount of knowledge required for this has been reducing, which has allowed more people to install such server applications by themselves.{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
Because both organizations and self-hosters largely use the same methods and software, most of the same risks and mistakes that companies have to deal with are present in some form in self-hosting as well. What can be configured poorly in a self-hosted setup can be configured poorly in professional installations as well.<br />
<br />
==Use cases==<br />
<br />
===Standalone digital services===<br />
Messaging (such as e-mail, social networks and instant messengers), publishing (blogs, wikis, etc.), [[software as a service]], most forms of continuous data synchronization between devices and remote access of other devices are examples of services that can provide value to users by themselves, with clients widely available or unnecessary.<br />
<br />
Self-hosting such services can be useful for privacy: for those that do not wish for their activity on these services to be transmitted to the internet at all to reduce the number of ways it can leak.<br />
<br />
Self-hosting can also provide additional resilience: the service can remain fully functional in a [[Local area network|local network]] where it's deployed — which is useful in case the [[internet service provider]] (ISP) has an outage or if an alternative public service falls under new legal restrictions (e. g. censorship) and becomes inaccessible.<br />
<br />
Self-hosting can also be a viable alternative when an existing service changes in an undesirable way (e. g. changes its [[terms of service]] in a controversial way, changes existing features, gets acquired or taken over), providing a baseline against which service providers could be forced to compete in serving the needs of their users.<br />
<br />
===Digital services for "connected" products===<br />
Various products in addition to (or instead of) autonomous functioning are increasingly relying on a service elsewhere for some of their features, often marketed as "smart" or "connected". For consumer products the way manufacturers commonly arrange this is through deployment of their own server for the product on their own infrastructure.<br />
<br />
Most of the time, product manufacturers do not provide controls for users that would allow them to use their own servers. In such cases manufacturers' infrastructure becomes integral to the product and often gives manufacturer complete access to the product post-purchase through software updates, allowing for a number of anti-consumer actions such as [[retroactively amended purchase]] (manufacturer changing the way the product functions) and [[discontinuation bricking]] (manufacturer shutting down their server, reducing functionality of the product or rendering it entirely inoperable). Self-hosting a server for the product makes these practices impossible; however, most of the time it's not officially supported.<br />
<br />
This isn't limited to just physical products, it affects software as well. For instance, [[games as a service]] typically require a server to fully function, and server software for such games is not made available to users, making self-hosting for such games impossible and requiring manufacturer's active involvement in order to maintain full game functionality. There are, however, many multiplayer games, especially older ones, that do support self-hosting of servers through dedicated server software<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dedicated Servers List |url=https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Dedicated_Servers_List |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116200846/https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Dedicated_Servers_List |archive-date=16 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=Valve Developer Community}}</ref>, proving that the technology for this already exists.<br />
<br />
==Typical arrangements==<br />
<br />
===Consumer-grade PC===<br />
A lot of server software is capable of running on "normal" (consumer-grade) computers as well. So it is common to start self-hosting by installing server software on an unused computer that can be run continuously or whenever access to its services may be needed.<br />
<br />
Because private servers are typically used by only a few users in practice, hardware requirements for some of the most popular services can be meager<ref>{{Cite web |title=System Requirements |url=https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/stable/admin_manual/installation/system_requirements.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251115134906/https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/stable/admin_manual/installation/system_requirements.html |archive-date=15 Nov 2025 |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=Nextcloud Administration Manual}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ - Docker Mailserver |url=https://docker-mailserver.github.io/docker-mailserver/latest/faq/#what-are-the-system-requirements |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251014171111/https://docker-mailserver.github.io/docker-mailserver/latest/faq/#what-are-the-system-requirements |archive-date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-10-12 |website=Docker-mailserver}}</ref> and can be satisfied by very old computers, which can be seen as a step towards [[circular economy]].<br />
<br />
Software-wise, depending on requirements and the level of technical expertise, one might opt for a generic server OS such as [https://www.debian.org/ Debian] or [https://ubuntu.com/server Ubuntu Server] for a more do-it-yourself experience, or an OS purpose-built for self-hosting such as [https://yunohost.org/ YunoHost] which guides its users through some of the complexities of the process.<br />
<br />
===Network-attached storage (NAS)===<br />
Companies such as [[Synology]], [[QNap|QNAP]], [[UGreen|UGREEN]] and others offer commercial hardware products called NAS (Network Attached Storage) that expose disks to a network for shared access to files on them<ref>{{Cite web |last=Susnjara |first=Stephanie |last2=Smalley |first2=Ian |title=What is network attached storage (NAS)? |url=https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/network-attached-storage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/WtS5x |archive-date=14 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=IBM |series=Think}}</ref> in form of a "network drive", "file share" or "shared folder". As an additional function, many such devices can also run server software, and may even offer user-friendly graphical interfaces for this out-of-the-box.<br />
<br />
Such devices are typically optimized for file management, and applications using the files stored by a NAS are expected to run on ''other'' devices on the same network (e. g. a PC running heavy video editing software utilizing video files stored on a NAS). As such, NAS devices, especially budget ones, often do not have much capacity for server applications. For a small number of users, however, as is common in self-hosting, they can be sufficient.<br />
<br />
A consumer NAS is typically more expensive than self-built solutions or second hand server-grade hardware, but due to better power management, the higher costs can be worth it in regions with high electricity prices.<br />
<br />
===Server hosting provider===<br />
Rather than purchasing, configuring, running and maintaining physical hardware, a user can instead delegate most "hardware" aspects of self-hosting to a server hosting provider, which provides almost complete control of a general-purpose computer to a user for a subscription fee.<br />
<br />
Control over not just the ''service'' but also the ''platform'' it runs on (the computer) provides the user with significantly more control over data that it processes compared to just using a service hosted by another party.<br />
<br />
===Specialized server hardware===<br />
An expensive high-end option that most closely resembles professional setups, with all the perks and downsides of professional setups: professional server hardware is designed to be more reliable and easily serviceable, but also can be very noisy, which may not matter much inside a proper server room or a data center, but for an apartment might be completely unacceptable.<br />
<br />
These are commonly set up for services with high hardware requirements or maintained as a hobby by those who'd like to practice business-grade system administration at home. For the vast majority of services this is unnecessary and is sometimes mocked as such<ref>{{Cite web |title=You are all a bunch of sick freaks : selfhosted |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/selfhosted/comments/1igr2l7/you_are_all_a_bunch_of_sick_freaks/ |archive-url=https://selfh.st/sick-freaks/ |archive-date=2025-02-03 |website=Reddit}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
==Self-hosted applications relevant to consumer rights==<br />
{{Incomplete section}}<br />
<br />
===[https://www.home-assistant.io/ Home Assistant]===<br />
One of the most prominent free & open source projects in self-hosted home automation space.<br />
<br />
Because it provides an unofficial self-hosted interface to and between "connected" products of many brands, it prominently announces anti-consumer actions by supported brands aimed at reducing or disabling that capability, bringing them to attention. Some vendors reconsider their plans afterwards, providing alternative solutions or entirely cancelling their plans for such changes, which Home Assistant reflects in their announcement posts as well.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-17 |title=Logitech Harmony removes local API |url=https://www.home-assistant.io/blog/2018/12/17/logitech-harmony-removes-local-api/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915093907/https://www.home-assistant.io/blog/2018/12/17/logitech-harmony-removes-local-api/ |archive-date=15 Sep 2019 |access-date= |website=Home Assistant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-23 |title=TP-Link offers way to add local API back |url=https://www.home-assistant.io/blog/2020/11/23/tplink-local-access/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124190144/https://www.home-assistant.io/blog/2020/11/23/tplink-local-access/ |archive-date=24 Nov 2020 |website=Home Assistant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-13 |title=Removal of Mazda Connected Services integration |url=https://www.home-assistant.io/blog/2023/10/13/removal-of-mazda-connected-services-integration/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013215225/https://www.home-assistant.io/blog/2023/10/13/removal-of-mazda-connected-services-integration/ |archive-date=13 Oct 2023 |access-date= |website=Home Assistant}}</ref><br />
<br />
Counters consumer rights issues such as [[discontinuation bricking]], [[retroactive policy enforcement]] and [[post-purchase EULA modification]], mostly in regards to "connected" devices and smart homes.<br />
<br />
===[https://nextcloud.com/ Nextcloud]===<br />
Provides remote file storage and sharing as a core function and numerous other functions available for easy installation: synchronization of contacts and calendars, a full-fledged browser-based editor for contacts and calendars, collaborative document editing, chat, video conferencing and more. Many of these are functions commonly seen as available only from large commercial providers, and Nextcloud serves as an example that disproves this notion.<br />
<br />
In addition to offering a comprehensive interface for the browser and a suite of first-party mobile apps, some third-party applications allow the use of Nextcloud for storing user data. Some such applications are:<br />
<br />
*[https://www.davx5.com/ DAVx⁵], a synchronization app for calendars, contacts and tasks on Android over the standard DAV protocols that Nextcloud implements<br />
*[https://www.onlyoffice.com/ OnlyOffice], an in-browser document editor within Nextcloud's interface and a desktop editor that connects to a Nextcloud account, both allowing access to files in Nextcloud and collaborative editing with other users<br />
*[https://floccus.org/ Floccus], a synchronization service for browser bookmarks and tabs, available across many browsers and as a mobile app, and synchronizing with a server chosen by the user, Nextcloud being only one of several supported options<br />
*[https://github.com/scubajeff/lespas Les Pas], a photo album Android app, automating photo uploads and browsing both local and remote photo albums<br />
*Apps that rely entirely on files for storage and can access Nextcloud through the operating system's interfaces and a Nextcloud client<br />
<br />
In numerous alternatives, particularly among mobile apps, similar functions are only provided by the app's developer or affiliated parties, and often for a fee, with no alternatives,{{Citation needed|reason=needs examples}} resulting in a [[vendor lock-in]].<br />
<br />
===Other useful tools===<br />
<br />
*[https://www.truenas.com/ TrueNAS], [https://www.openmediavault.org/ OpenMediaVault]: Stores files on a server computer and makes them available to multiple devices<br />
*[https://casaos.io/ CasaOS], [https://umbrel.com/umbrelos Umbrel], [https://yunohost.org/ YunoHost]: Systems that aim to make it easy for non-technical users to run their own home server and install services on it using a familiar app store paradigm<br />
*[https://www.proxmox.com/ Proxmox]: Allows advanced users to host multiple services isolated from each other on one server computer<br />
*[https://jitsi.org/jitsi-meet/ Jitsi Meet], [https://bigbluebutton.org/ BigBlueButton]: Video conferencing without relying on third party servers<br />
*[https://pi-hole.net/ PiHole], [https://adguard.com/en/adguard-home/overview.html AdGuard Home]: Ad blocking for devices on the network level<br />
<br />
==Further reading==<br />
<br />
*[[Cloud (service)]]<br />
*[[Local Area Network]]<br />
*[[Right to own]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sideloading&diff=36807Sideloading2026-02-12T17:53:31Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Stub}}<br />
'''Sideloading''' refers to the act of downloading and installing mobile apps without the restrictions of designated app stores.<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
[[Android]] is an open-source operating system that allows app downloads irrespective of the source of the app file. When Android was bought by [[Google]] in 2005, Google built a software repository, the [[Google Play Store]], on top of the android framework, leading to most app installations taking place via the Play Store.<br />
<br />
On the contrary, some operating systems, such as [[Apple]]'s iOS, do not allow installation of apps outside their official [[Apple App Store]], except for within the European Union, where regulations forced them to allow alternative app stores such as Altstore to run on their phones.<br />
<br />
The term ''sideloading'' denotes the practice of downloading external app files by means other than the official stores, though it assumes that the ecosystem lock-in is the standard protocol while alternative means are "unofficial."<br />
<br />
==Why it happens==<br />
Without meaningful competition, monopolistic providers often become complacent and lack incentive to maintain quality and innovation. A single store means another single point of failure for a platform. When a provider stops support, perfectly serviceable devices may be bricked. Many other platforms, like Windows and Linux have a variety of stores, repositories, and individual sites for getting software. Open platforms and choice allow devices to succeed, even when a particular manufacturer's software store is not well run. <br />
<br />
Therefore, the openness of Android has made it a good option for many developers and consumers to do with their devices as they see fit.<br />
<br />
==Related incidents==<br />
<br />
===Google announces plan to restrict app downloads===<br />
''Main article:'' [[Google plans to restrict sideloading of Android apps]]. <br />
<br />
Google claims that this will increase security, however they have a history of allowing unsafe and low quality content on their platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Lawrence |date=September 16, 2025 |title=Google nukes 224 Android malware apps behind massive ad fraud campaign |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916174433/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-nukes-224-android-malware-apps-behind-massive-ad-fraud-campaign/ |archive-date=16 Sep 2025}}</ref> <br />
<br />
It is unclear how moving to a single authority for trust would improve user experience on Android devices. For example, the [https://f-droid.org/ F-Droid] project, a repository of open source apps where, unlike in Google's store, volunteers actually inspect the source code of every single app to ensure that they are safe and tracking free, announced the announced changes would mean the end for them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=marcprux |date=2025-09-25 |title=F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree |url=https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250929015129/https://f-droid.org/en/2025/09/29/google-developer-registration-decree.html |archive-date=29 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=F-Droid}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Signal_cloud_backups&diff=36806Signal cloud backups2026-02-12T17:45:38Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Signal<br />
|StartDate=2020<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=<br />
|ArticleType=<br />
|Type=Cloud, Privacy<br />
|Description=<br />
}}<br />
Signal is a privacy-focused, open source encrypted messaging service. In 2020, the company was accused of collecting and storing sensitive user data on their cloud database without user consent. <br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
Signal states on their website that they can't "read your messages or listen to your calls, and no one else can either."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Signal |url=https://signal.org/}}</ref><blockquote>"We’ve designed the Signal service to minimize the data we retain about Signal users, so the only information we can produce in response to a request like this is the date and time a user registered with Signal and the last date of a user’s connectivity to the Signal service.<br />
<br />
Notably, things we don’t have stored include anything about a user’s contacts (such as the contacts themselves, a hash of the contacts, any other derivative contact information), anything about a user’s groups (such as how many groups a user is in, which groups a user is in, the membership lists of a user’s groups), or any records of who a user has been communicating with."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Grand jury subpoena for Signal user data, Eastern District of Virginia |url=https://signal.org/bigbrother/eastern-virginia-grand-jury/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250302042109/https://signal.org/bigbrother/eastern-virginia-grand-jury/ |archive-date=2 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref></blockquote><br />
<br />
==Incident==<br />
In 2019, Signal previewed a feature called "secure value recovery" which would allow users installing the app on a new device to retrieve data from cloud servers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Technology Preview for secure value recovery |url=https://signal.org/blog/secure-value-recovery/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228040757/https://signal.org/blog/secure-value-recovery/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2024 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref> While the data is stored in Signal's cloud, it is stored in a securely encrypted manner.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=PSA: Disabling PINs will now upload nothing to the server |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/htmzrr/psa_disabling_pins_will_now_upload_nothing_to_the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616082821/https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/htmzrr/psa_disabling_pins_will_now_upload_nothing_to_the/ |archive-date=16 Jun 2023 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref> The data collected and stored includes the user's name, photo, phone number, and a list of each Signal user that had been contacted.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What contact info does the Signal PIN functionality actually save |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/what-contact-info-does-the-signal-pin-functionality-actually-save/16854/4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601035417/https://community.signalusers.org/t/what-contact-info-does-the-signal-pin-functionality-actually-save/16854/4 |archive-date=1 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref>{{DisputedInline|Cited source is heavily cherry picked|reason=contact discovery on Signal is private and does not share the phone number as explained later in the cited sources}} Messages are not saved.<br />
<br />
Users objected,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Don’t want PIN, don’t want anything stored in cloud |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/dont-want-pin-dont-want-anything-stored-in-cloud/14057 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301015109/https://community.signalusers.org/t/dont-want-pin-dont-want-anything-stored-in-cloud/14057 |archive-date=1 Mar 2024 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PIN, cloud storage are showstoppers |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/ghsj5b/pin_cloud_storage_are_showstoppers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615212112/https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/ghsj5b/pin_cloud_storage_are_showstoppers/ |archive-date=15 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Forced PIN, bite it Signal |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/hkle3d/forced_pin_bite_it_signal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711160148/https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/hkle3d/forced_pin_bite_it_signal/ |archive-date=11 Jul 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the cloud Signal users! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/hkl914/welcome_to_the_cloud_signal_users/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616073034/https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/hkl914/welcome_to_the_cloud_signal_users/ |archive-date=16 Jun 2023}}</ref> requesting that Signal instead provide a means to export encrypted backups that could be imported locally, which would eliminate dependence on cloud-based servers. Some users also raised technical concerns about the security of the system and doubted that it could sufficiently protect their data.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Proper secure value security: PINs are too easy to brute force, SGX is not reliable enough |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/proper-secure-value-security-pins-are-too-easy-to-brute-force-sgx-is-not-reliable-enough/15096 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301015110/https://community.signalusers.org/t/proper-secure-value-security-pins-are-too-easy-to-brute-force-sgx-is-not-reliable-enough/15096 |archive-date=1 Mar 2024 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref> These concerns were shared by cybersecurity experts,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Signal’s New PIN Feature Worries Cybersecurity Experts |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/signal-new-pin-feature-worries-cybersecurity-experts/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117232443/https://www.vice.com/en/article/signal-new-pin-feature-worries-cybersecurity-experts/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2025 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Signal Going to Cloud? A Discussion with Sean O'Brien |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFi-VI7_T3o |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606204527/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFi-VI7_T3o |archive-date=6 Jun 2020}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Does Signal’s “secure value recovery” really work? |url=https://palant.info/2020/06/16/does-signals-secure-value-recovery-really-work/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623171135/https://palant.info/2020/06/16/does-signals-secure-value-recovery-really-work/ |archive-date=23 Jun 2020}}</ref> and security researchers demonstrated that the system was vulnerable to attacks, which allowed them to access the user data being stored.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SGX CacheOut SGAxe attack. Signal’s cloud storage and contact discovery vulnerable |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/sgx-cacheout-sgaxe-attack-signals-cloud-storage-and-contact-discovery-vulnerable/14892 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519115856/https://community.signalusers.org/t/sgx-cacheout-sgaxe-attack-signals-cloud-storage-and-contact-discovery-vulnerable/14892 |archive-date=19 May 2023 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref>{{DisputedInline|reason="In recent weeks, Signal has introduced more features that make it more user friendly to people who may not have extremely paranoid threat models. For example, it’s now possible to migrate all Signal data, including message history, from one phone to another, using a feature that does not rely on cloud servers and is also encrypted, according to Signal. "|Cited vice article explains more nuance}}<br />
<br />
Signal began to roll out the cloud-based recovery feature in 2020. without clear communication with the public or app users about the new feature.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Can someone explain this new PIN system? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/ggty6n/can_someone_explain_this_new_pin_system/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615184050/https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/ggty6n/can_someone_explain_this_new_pin_system/ |archive-date=15 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mandatory PIN without clear explanation within the app might cause significant number of users to quit using Signal |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/mandatory-pin-without-clear-explanation-within-the-app-might-cause-significant-number-of-users-to-quit-using-signal/11597 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521073518/https://community.signalusers.org/t/mandatory-pin-without-clear-explanation-within-the-app-might-cause-significant-number-of-users-to-quit-using-signal/11597 |archive-date=21 May 2020}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=What exactly is Signal protecting with the mandatory PIN? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/hymlfd/what_exactly_is_signal_protecting_with_the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616052149/https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/hymlfd/what_exactly_is_signal_protecting_with_the/ |archive-date=16 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What contact info does the Signal PIN functionality actually save? |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/what-contact-info-does-the-signal-pin-functionality-actually-save/16854 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250605155719/https://community.signalusers.org/t/what-contact-info-does-the-signal-pin-functionality-actually-save/16854 |archive-date=5 Jun 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Following user backlash, Signal lowers one of its drastic PIN measures |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/05/29/many-signal-users-arent-happy-with-new-pin-requirements/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606100450/https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/05/29/many-signal-users-arent-happy-with-new-pin-requirements/ |archive-date=6 Jun 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=What info does Signal store about it's user? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/q5tlg1/what_info_does_signal_store_about_its_user/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011111619/https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/q5tlg1/what_info_does_signal_store_about_its_user/ |archive-date=11 Oct 2021 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About data collection and data delivery |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/1id3xu8/about_data_collection_and_data_delivery/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201072439/https://old.reddit.com/r/signal/comments/1id3xu8/about_data_collection_and_data_delivery/?ref=readnext |archive-date=1 Feb 2025 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref> Signal users questioned the need for the PIN, and communication from the Signal team responded that it was to ensure messages were not missed or lost.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I don’t understand what the new PIN requirement is for |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/i-don-t-understand-what-the-new-pin-requirement-is-for/13895 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601035417/https://community.signalusers.org/t/i-don-t-understand-what-the-new-pin-requirement-is-for/13895 |archive-date=1 Jun 2025}}</ref> A more detailed response from Signal following user backlash explains that cloud backups were encrypted in the same way as messages, and were safe.<ref name=":7" /> <br />
<br />
Several users requested that Signal update their privacy policy following the change in data collection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Can Signal please update its Privacy Policy |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/can-signal-please-update-its-privacy-policy/15323 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519120053/https://community.signalusers.org/t/can-signal-please-update-its-privacy-policy/15323 |archive-date=19 May 2023 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Signal’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy are not very user friendly |url=https://community.signalusers.org/t/signals-terms-of-use-and-privacy-policy-are-not-very-user-friendly/11047 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306164621/https://community.signalusers.org/t/signals-terms-of-use-and-privacy-policy-are-not-very-user-friendly/11047 |archive-date=6 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Mar 2025}}</ref> The Signal privacy policy has not changed since 2018.<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Signal messenger]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Singapore_police_jail_woman_based_on_data_stored_in_car_infotainment_system&diff=36805Singapore police jail woman based on data stored in car infotainment system2026-02-12T16:46:34Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Stub}}<br />
In January 2023, the Singaporean Police Force arrested a Singaporean women for speeding using data gathered from her car's [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/In-car_entertainment infotainment system]. As a result of this offense she was jailed for five days and disqualified from driving for two years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=27 May 2024 |title=Singapore police jail woman based on data stored in car infotainment system: it can happen here. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcxCJbNrvzQ |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=wcxCJbNrvzQ |archive-date=28 Jul 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Tjoe |first=Lee Nian |last2=Devaraj |first2=Samuel |last3=Sun |first3=David |title=Speedster jailed after S’pore police tapped GPS, route data from in-car system |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2024/05/24/speedster-jailed-after-spore-police-tapped-gps-route-data-from-in-car-system-in-first-case-here |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527204322/https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2024/05/24/speedster-jailed-after-spore-police-tapped-gps-route-data-from-in-car-system-in-first-case-here |archive-date=27 May 2024 |website=The Star}}</ref><br />
<br />
<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Kashmir |date=11 Mar 2024 |title=Automakers Are Sharing Consumers’ Driving Behavior With Insurance Companies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html |archive-url=https://archive.ph/8MSxw |archive-date=2 Oct 2025 |website=New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Kashmir |date=23 Apr 2024 |title=How G.M. Tricked Millions of Drivers Into Being Spied On (Including Me) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/23/technology/general-motors-spying-driver-data-consent.html |archive-url=https://archive.ph/3APWp |archive-date=27 Dec 2024 |website=New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=13 Mar 2024 |title=General Motors sells detailed driver logs without your consent |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uONAbvX_KRg |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=uONAbvX_KRg |archive-date=13 Mar 2024 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=12 Nov 2023 |title=Judge rules it's legal for automakers to download & store your text messages under WA privacy law |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugaqByoDr3c |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=ugaqByoDr3c |archive-date=11 Nov 2023 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smalley |first=Suzanne |date=8 Nov 2023 |title=Court rules automakers can record and intercept owner text messages |url=https://therecord.media/class-action-lawsuit-cars-text-messages-privacy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108192343/https://therecord.media/class-action-lawsuit-cars-text-messages-privacy |archive-date=8 Nov 2023 |website=The Record}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Nov 2023 |title=D.C. No. 3:21-cv-05706-DGE |url=https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24133084/22-35448.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114064619/https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/24133084/22-35448.pdf |archive-date=14 Nov 2023 |website=United States Court of Appeals (9th Circuit)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=27 Aug 2020 |title=Lobbyists imply right to repair helps domestic abusers, pushes racism and redlining! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EozPi1qmH44 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=EozPi1qmH44 |archive-date=12 Feb 2026 |via=YouTube}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
This incident comes as part of a larger effort by the Singapore Police Force to reduce cybercrime, which includes utilizing national servicemen such as Cyber Police and initiatives to disrupt scam websites and increase public awareness of scams.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tan |first=Mike |date=24 May 2024 |title=Police Workplan Seminar 2024 – A Future-Ready SPF: Cyber and Beyond |url=https://www.police.gov.sg/Media-Room/Police-Life/2024/05/Police-Workplan-Seminar-2024-A-Future-Ready-SPF-Cyber-and-Beyond |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615044256/https://www.police.gov.sg/Media-Room/Police-Life/2024/05/Police-Workplan-Seminar-2024-A-Future-Ready-SPF-Cyber-and-Beyond |archive-date=2024-06-15 |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=Singapore Police Force}}</ref> Information relating to this incident was revealed at on May 24, 2024 during the Police Workplan Seminar 2024 at the Singapore University of Technology and Design.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
==[Incident]==<br />
In late 2022, Traffic Police division of the Singaporean Police Force requested that the Cybercrime division extract data from a car infotainment system to investigate a possible speeding offence. Extracted Information included call logs, messages, and GPS data. The Singaporean Police Force claimed that this data confirmed her identity. This evidence lead to her prosecution and later conviction in January of 2023.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
This incident was given as an example of the vehicle forensics programs capabilities during the May 24, 2024 during the Police Workplan Seminar 2024. The Singapore Police Force is working to further develop the vehicle forensics programs; specifically other means to extract data from vehicle such as through the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Port. A proof of concept demonstrated at this conference was able to combine data on a car's location, braking and acceleration patterns to render a video of the vehicle and aid investigators. ''The Star'' reported that this system can be used for a large number of vehicles, given data can be extracted by infotainments system or OBD port.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
===[Company]'s response===<br />
{{Placeholder box|If applicable, add the proposed solution to the issues by the company.}}<br />
<br />
<br />
==Lawsuit==<br />
{{Placeholder box|If applicable, add any information regarding litigation around the incident here.<br />
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===Claims===<br />
Main claims of the suit.<br />
<br />
===Rebuttal===<br />
The response of the company or counterclaims.<br />
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===Outcome===<br />
The outcome of the suit, if any.}}<br />
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<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
{{Placeholder box|Summary and key issues of prevailing sentiment from the consumers and commentators that can be documented via articles, emails to support, reviews and forum posts.}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[General Motors data collection and sharing controversy]]<br />
*[[Allstate and Arity's alleged unauthorized driver data collection through mobile apps]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=SiriusXM&diff=36803SiriusXM2026-02-12T16:19:40Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=American broadcasting company providing online and satellite radio services.<br />
|Founded=1990<br />
|Industry=Broadcasting, Entertainment <br />
|Logo=SiriusXM.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://siriusxm.com<br />
}}<br />
'''[[wikipedia:SiriusXM|SiriusXM]]''' (also known as '''SiriusXM Holdings''') is a radio streaming service founded in 1990 by David Margolese<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jpost.com/author/david-margolese|title=David Margolease|work=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241103070437/https://www.jpost.com/author/david-margolese|archive-date=2024-11-03|url-status=live}}</ref> and Martine Rothblatt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/martine-rothblatt/|title=Martine Rothblatt|work=Forbes|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114181358/https://www.forbes.com/profile/martine-rothblatt/|archive-date=2025-01-14|url-status=live}}</ref> The company went public on September 13, 1994.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://investor.siriusxm.com/company-information/faq|title=FAQ|work=SiriusXM Investor|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214111258/https://investor.siriusxm.com/company-information/faq|archive-date=2025-02-14|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
====Freedom====<br />
Users are allowed to delete their SiriusXM account and manage their subscriptions on the website. The mobile application allows users to log out of every device, though asks users to go to the website for all account management tasks. Users can make two data requests a year and one data deletion request.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siriusxm.com/help/privacy-rights|title=Frequently Asked Questions About Your Privacy Rights|work=SiriusXM|access-date=2025-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308222228/https://www.siriusxm.com/help/privacy-rights|archive-date=2025-03-08|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Privacy====<br />
According to the privacy policy, SiriusXM shares user data with business partners, other subsidiaries, and advertising agencies, with that data including "1. Registration Data, 2. Vehicle Data, 3. Payment Data, 4. Sensitive Personal Data, 5. Other Demographic Data, 6. Transaction Information, 7. Listening Preferences, 8. Account Information and Settings, 9. Device Data, 10. Audio and Visual Data, and 11. Geolocation Data".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siriusxm.com/privacy-policy|title=Privacy Policy|work=SiriusXM|date=2024-12-20|access-date=2025-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321010249/https://www.siriusxm.com/privacy-policy|archive-date=2025-03-21|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Business model====<br />
SiriusXM relies on monthly subscriptions on its users, with the current prices being $24.98 for the "All Access" and $9.99 for the "Build a plan".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siriusxm.com/plans|title=Packages, Plans & Price|work=SiriusXM|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250311162527/https://www.siriusxm.com/plans|archive-date=2025-03-11|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Market control====<br />
SiriusXM is available by default in most modern car stereo systems, with 90% of subscribers having the service embedded in their cars as of December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://investor.siriusxm.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/2129/siriusxm-provides-update-on-strategic-direction-sharpening|title=SiriusXM Provides Update on Strategic Direction, Sharpening Focus on Core Audience|date=2024-12-10|work=SiriusXM Investors|access-date=2025-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323003209/https://investor.siriusxm.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/2129/siriusxm-provides-update-on-strategic-direction-sharpening|archive-date=2025-03-23|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
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]].<br />
===Lifetime licenses ('''2019''')===<br />
In 2019, a lawsuit was filed alleging the lifetime memberships that costed $357-$755 should be good for the life of the consumer rather than the device itself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Forrester |first=Chris |date=2021-02-11 |title=SiriusXM loses ‘Lifetime Sub’ lawsuit |url=https://www.advanced-television.com/2021/02/11/siriusxm-loses-lifetime-sub-lawsuit/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212143257/https://www.advanced-television.com/2021/02/11/siriusxm-loses-lifetime-sub-lawsuit/ |archive-date=12 Feb 2021 |access-date=2025-03-13 |work=Advanced-Television.com}}</ref> The lawsuit was settled in 2021, with 964,000 individuals receiving $421.5 million in benefits.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-12 |title=Nearly 1 Million People Will Get Lifetime Subscriptions In SiriusXM Settlement. |url=https://www.insideradio.com/free/nearly-1-million-people-will-get-lifetime-subscriptions-in-siriusxm-settlement/article_8535b348-6d0d-11eb-a831-430bacb6c9e6.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223072238/https://www.insideradio.com/free/nearly-1-million-people-will-get-lifetime-subscriptions-in-siriusxm-settlement/article_8535b348-6d0d-11eb-a831-430bacb6c9e6.html |archive-date=23 Feb 2021 |access-date=2025-03-13 |work=InsideRadio.com}}</ref> These benefits included either to reactivate the lifetime subscription or recover $100 according to the attorneys associated with the case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loritsch |first=Windy |date=2021-03-11 |title=$420 Million SiriusXM Lifetime Subscription Settlement |url=https://www.ahdootwolfson.com/blog/96-4-million-siriusxm-lifetime-subscription-settlement/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226214902/https://www.ahdootwolfson.com/blog/96-4-million-siriusxm-lifetime-subscription-settlement/ |archive-date=26 Feb 2021 |access-date=2025-03-13 |work=Ahdoot Wolfson}}</ref><br />
<br />
A similar suit was filed in 2018, but was later dismissed and settled out of court in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Bucher |first1=Anne |last2=Toth |first2=Danielle |date=2022-12-29 |title=SiriusXM class action over lifetime subscription dismissed |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/subscriptions/sirius-xm-class-action-over-lifetime-subscription-dismissed/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230063521/https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/subscriptions/sirius-xm-class-action-over-lifetime-subscription-dismissed/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2022 |access-date=2025-03-13 |work=TopClassActions.com}}</ref> SiriusXM no longer offers lifetime memberships.<br />
<br />
===Subscription cancellation (''2024'')===<br />
{{Main|SiriusXM thinks they have a right to your money}}<br />
In December 2023, the New York attorney general filed a lawsuit against SiriusXM for "making it intentionally difficult for its customers to cancel their subscriptions."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox5ny.com/news/new-york-files-lawsuit-siriusxm-subscriptions|title=New York files lawsuit against SiriusXM, alleging company made it tough to cancel subscriptions|work=Fox 5|date=2023-12-21|access-date=2025-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927095530/https://www.fox5ny.com/news/new-york-files-lawsuit-siriusxm-subscriptions|archive-date=2024-09-27|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
In November 2024, a New York judge found SiriusXM liable for the “long and burdensome” process of cancelling a SiriusXM subscription, which violated the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/22/24303294/sirius-xm-cancellation-process-illegal-ny-ag|title=Judge rules SiriusXM’s annoying cancellation process is illegal|first=Emma|last=Roth|date=2024-11-22|work=TheVerge|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120124020/https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/22/24303294/sirius-xm-cancellation-process-illegal-ny-ag|archive-date=2025-01-20|url-status=live}}</ref> The lawsuit was filed in December 2023 and it was reported it took 11 minutes to cancel over phone and 30 minutes to do so online.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/sirius-xm-found-liable-new-york-lawsuit-over-subscription-cancellations-2024-11-22/|title=Sirius XM found liable in New York lawsuit over subscription cancellations|first=Jonathan|last=Stempel|date=2024-11-22|work=Reuters|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://archive.ph/stLh8|archive-date=2024-11-24|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
*[[Pandora]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://corporate.siriusxm.com/|title=Corporate|work=SiriusXM|access-date=2025-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305234311/https://corporate.siriusxm.com/|archive-date=2025-03-05|url-status=live}}</ref> (January 2000)<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Stellantis In Car Advertisements]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=SkyDrop_(Smart_Irrigation)&diff=36797SkyDrop (Smart Irrigation)2026-02-12T16:03:22Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Stub}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Founded=2013-07-01<br />
|Industry=Home automation<br />
|Description=In 2014, SkyDrop launched a smart sprinkler controller. In 2019 they forced a change to a cloud subscription model, which led to consumer backlash.<br />
}}<br />
SkyDrop was a smart sprinkler controller company, founded in 2013 in American Fork, Utah, by Bret Cloward and Clark Endrizzi. The company launched its smart sprinkler controller with a focus on using weather data to create automated, water-efficient watering schedules. <br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
==Incidents==<br />
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]].<br />
===Cloud subscription model change (2019)===<br />
In 2019 they forced a change to a cloud subscription model, which led to consumer backlash.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Skydrop introduces a new monthly subscription to control your device from the Web or App. |url=https://reddit.com/r/homeautomation/comments/bufzto/skydrop_introduces_a_new_monthly_subscription_to/ |archive-url=https://archive.is/qsLMq |archive-date=12 Feb 2026 |access-date=23 October 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> The subscription controversy and various technical problems led many users to switch to competitors like Rachio or Orbit B-Hyve.<br />
<br />
===Bankruptcy (2019)===<br />
Around 2019, the company effectively ceased operations or was in bankruptcy proceedings<ref>{{Cite web |title=Skydrop is ceasing operations |URL=https://www.reddit.com/r/lawncare/comments/c2oyt1/skydrop_is_ceasing_operations/ |archive-url=https://archive.is/1xBQj |archive-date=12 Feb 2026 |access-date=23 October 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref>, leaving many users with controllers that could no longer function as intended without the supporting cloud services. This is called [[Bait-and-switch]].<br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
{{Ph-C-P}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
[[Bait-and-switch]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Smart_meter&diff=36527Smart meter2026-02-09T18:39:39Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
<br />
A smart meter is an electronic device that records utility (e.g., electricity, gas, water) information, such as:<br />
<br />
'''Consumption of electric energy'''<br />
*voltage levels<br />
*current<br />
*power factor<br />
'''Consumption of lP (propane) or Natural gas'''<br />
<br />
'''Consumption of water'''<br />
<br />
The smart meter can then communicate the information to the consumer and utility suppliers. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) differs from automatic meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communication between the meter and the supplier. <br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
Smart meters are in and of themselves mostly harmless (**Note: there have suspicions of harmful amounts of EMF and RF being emitted from the meters due to lack of shielding, no major studies found at time of page creation), but when coupled with third parties collecting, processing, and retaining data this could put the end user at risk of data leaks:<br />
*User Freedom: Many of electric, water, and gas distribution companies are asking or requiring customers to switch to smart meters. In some cases customers can opt out if they pay a monthly fee and in rare cases companies will allow customers to opt out for free. <ref>{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2025 |title=Smart electricity meters being imposed against will of consumers |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/smart-electricity-meters-being-imposed-against-will-of-consumers-patwari/articleshow/122771583.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720070854/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/smart-electricity-meters-being-imposed-against-will-of-consumers-patwari/articleshow/122771583.cms |archive-date=20 Jul 2025 |access-date=September 27, 2025 |website=Times of India}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2025 |title=Smart Meter Opt Out - Eversource |url=https://www.eversource.com/residential/account-billing/smart-meters/smart-meter-opt-out |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209182557/https://www.eversource.com/residential/account-billing/smart-meters/smart-meter-opt-out |archive-date=9 Feb 2026 |access-date=September 27, 2025 |website=Eversource}}</ref><br />
*User Privacy: Most smart meters use third parties to collect, process, and store data without the customers knowledge. This data can be used to infer patterns in electricity, identify when users are home, identify what appliances they are using<ref>{{Citation|last=Quinn |first=Elias L. |date=Spring 2009 |title=A REPORT FOR THE COLORADO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION |url=https://www.culawschool.org/tlpc/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ELias-PUC-09I-EG593-Framing-Paper-Elias-Quinn.pdf|pages=iv}}</ref>, etc.<br />
*Business Model: Utility companies typically do not disclose to their customers what is happening with the data from the smart meter, tell customers what brand smart meter is being installed, or inform customers of the third party smart meter companies' privacy policy. There is also something to be said for removing unskilled labor positions from the job market (i.e., meter readers) and paying a third party smart meter company instead.<br />
*Possible Security Issues: remote manipulation.<br />
*Demand pricing: Utilities can change the price of electricity over a day or week, for instance raising it when demand is high or supply is low. It is often difficult for consumers to shift major usage to off peak times, so many consumers wind up paying more with demand pricing.<br />
*Accuracy issues:<br />
*Cost and longevity: Smart meters are more expensive than traditional meters, they are also harder to recycle (having many more types of material in them). For example, a traditional electric meter can run for 70 years. It is hard to build smart meters that will not become obsolete much sooner than that. (For instance, encryption becomes vulnerable.)<br />
<br />
<!-- Hidden <br />
==Hart v. PSREC Legal Case==<br />
One case of utility company customer "winning" a case against utility company <br />
{{Hatnote|https://stopsmartmeters.org/2015/07/06/victory-in-16-month-standoff-as-psrec-drops-fees-and-restores-electric-service/}}<br />
--><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Smartaira_%26_plume_wifi_motion_detection&diff=36525Smartaira & plume wifi motion detection2026-02-09T18:09:51Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Smartaira, Plume<br />
|StartDate=<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=<br />
|ArticleType=Incident<br />
|Type=Privacy, Surveillance<br />
|Description=Tenants living in buildings serviced by Smartaira have Plume Wi-Fi routers capable of motion detection in their home, raising privacy concerns<br />
}}<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
Smartaira is an internet service provider that specializes in bulk broadband solutions for multi‑dwelling units (MDUs) like apartment complexes. Instead of residents choosing their own internet provider for their apartment, the property owner contracts Smartaira to provide service throughout the building. Smartaira installs & manages the network infrastructure, including community‑wide Wi‑Fi & in‑unit wired Ethernet jacks; each apartment connects with private credentials to a secure virtual LAN (VLAN).<ref name="smartaira-owners">{{cite web |title=Property Owners |url=https://smartaira.com/property-owners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201221816/https://smartaira.com/property-owners/ |archive-date=1 Dec 2025 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Smartaira}}</ref><ref name="smartaira-wifi-faqs">{{cite web |title=Dedicated Wi‑Fi FAQs |url=https://communities.smartaira.com/dedicated-wifi-faqs |archive-url=https://archive.ph/oBHrd |archive-date=9 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Smartaira}}</ref><br />
<br />
Plume's motion sensing technology, known as "Plume Motion" or "Sense," uses Wi‑Fi signal disruptions to detect movement in the home. This allows a Wi‑Fi router to double as a passive motion detector by analyzing how wireless signals fluctuate when someone moves through a space.<ref name="plume-privacy-notice">{{cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=Privacy Rights Notice (U.S.) |url=https://www.plume.com/legal/privacy-rights-notice |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806020718/https://www.plume.com/legal/privacy-rights-notice |archive-date=6 Aug 2024 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Plume}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Plume HomePass® Sense |url=https://armstrongonewire.com/Support/Internet/Articles/PlumeMotion |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250905151516/https://armstrongonewire.com/Support/Internet/Articles/PlumeMotion |archive-date=5 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Armstrong}}</ref><br />
<br />
In installations where Smartaira & Plume jointly provide internet to residents, access points are typically pre‑installed in each unit, & residents are provided personal Wi‑Fi credentials with VLAN isolation. In‑unit access points expose Ethernet ports for wired devices, & residents may request pass‑through to use a personal router (with limited support).<ref name="smartaira-wifi-faqs" /><br />
<br />
==Incident==<br />
In bulk, community‑managed deployments, the network is designed as a community‑wide wireless architecture with per‑apartment private credentials & VLAN separation, meaning all apartments connect to one centrally managed system while keeping traffic logically isolated. This also enables centralized administration of the hardware & services across all units.<ref name="smartaira-owners" /><ref name="smartaira-wifi-faqs" /><br />
<br />
Plume's privacy documentation confirms that when motion detection is active, the system collects information on motion in the home as "disruptions in Wi‑Fi waves" & maintains a pattern of motion & motion history; Plume also states it draws inferences to create a profile reflecting preferences, characteristics, & behavior.<ref name="plume-privacy-notice" /><br />
<br />
==Legal context==<br />
Plume's U.S. Privacy Rights Notice serves as a CCPA/CPRA "Notice at Collection" & lists categories of data processed for Plume Home, including "motion in the home … collected as disruptions in Wi‑Fi waves … which collectively provide a pattern of motion & motion history," as well as inferences drawn to create behavioral profiles.<ref name="plume-privacy-notice" /> Plume's Customer Privacy Policy further clarifies that a Customer Network administrator can disable motion sensing, at which point Plume will no longer collect live motion data or generate motion reports. However, this does not mean that the tenant has the ability to disable motion sensing. <ref name="plume-customer-privacy">{{cite web |title=Customer Privacy Policy |url=https://www.plume.com/legal/privacy |archive-url=https://archive.ph/1nP2Q |archive-date=9 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Plume}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Business context==<br />
Smartaira markets both retail & '''bulk''' (owner‑provided) delivery models for apartment buildings. In the bulk model, the property owner purchases service & resells it as an amenity to all residents; Smartaira integrates the service with property management systems & proactively monitors & manages the network.<ref name="smartaira-owners" /><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact==<br />
The presence of Wi‑Fi‑based motion detection & motion history in a centrally administered, bulk network raises tenant privacy concerns about occupancy tracking & behavioral profiling in the home, given Plume's documentation of motion histories & inferences.<ref name="plume-privacy-notice" /> Plume provides user‑facing motion alert notifications & a motion history view in its app, showing the granularity of data available about in‑home activity patterns.<ref>{{cite web |title=How do I set up motion alert notifications? |url=https://support.plume.com/s/article/How-do-I-set-up-motion-alert-notifications |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0KCq2 |archive-date=9 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Plume Support}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.plume.com/s/topic/0TO6g000000x9deGAA/motion |title=Motion (topic hub) |website=Plume Support |access-date=2025-11-18}}</ref> In administrator‑managed networks, Plume states that the Customer Network administrator, NOT the resident, has the option to disable motion sensing, which is relevant to opt‑out control in bulk deployments.<ref name="plume-customer-privacy" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Privacy incidents]]<br />
[[Category:Surveillance]]<br />
[[Category:Internet service providers]]<br />
[[Category:Wi‑Fi]]<br />
[[Category:Plume]]<br />
[[Category:Smartaira]]<br />
[[Category:2025 incidents]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Smartwool_adds_forced_arbitration_to_EULA&diff=36521Smartwool adds forced arbitration to EULA2026-02-09T17:10:11Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Smartwool<br />
|StartDate=2024-03-29<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Type=EULA, Terms of Service<br />
|Description=Smartwool is retroactively opting their customers into an EULA in order to add forced arbitration clauses to their clothing.<br />
}}<br />
[[File:Smartwool Email.png|thumb|Smartwool email advising consumers of changes to arbitration agreement and process for sending USPS Priority Mail or hand delivery within 30 days.]]<br />
On March 29, 2024, '''[[Smartwool]]''' emailed customers in their database, automatically opting them in to their new terms of use. These new terms of use contain a forced arbitration clause that requires significant effort to opt-out of.<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
Smartwool is an American clothing company specializing in the sale of wool clothing. The incident described in this article is a example of[[Post-purchase EULA modification| post-purchase EULA (End User License Agreement) modification]] <!-- "(colloquially referred to as "EULA roofieing")" - emphasis colloquially - probably means this isn't Wiki-suitable --> that includes a revised [[Forced arbitration|forced arbitration clause]]. Usually associated with software license agreements, an example of why a clothing company may want to do this is is to avoid paying damages through court if their clothing was defective or harmful. <br />
<br />
In the updated terms, opting out of forced arbitration has been made more involved than before. <br />
<br />
==Post-purchase EULA Modification==<br />
On March 29, 2024 Smartwool emailed a list of their account holders stating that they were opting them into [[Forced arbitration|forced arbitration]]<ref><br />
{{cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2 April 2024 |title=Forced Arbitration On SOCKS! Purposely Difficult Opt Out Scam Explained |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=670rwHz1WV8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=670rwHz1WV8 |archive-date=9 Feb 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |website=Youtube}}</ref>, and to opt out, they were required to send a letter "via USPS Priority Mail". Customers could not simply reply to the email to opt out.<ref><br />
{{cite web <br />
|author=<!--not cited--><br />
|date=29 March 2024<br />
|title=Smartwool terms of use<br />
|url=https://www.smartwool.com/customer-service/terms-of-use.html<br />
|website=Smartwool<br />
|url-status=live<br />
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404051459/https://www.smartwool.com/customer-service/terms-of-use.html<br />
|archive-date=4 April 2024<br />
|access-date=19 Feb 2025<br />
}}</ref> Priority Mail costs more than First Class mail<ref><br />
{{cite web |author=<!-- not cited--> |title=Mail & Shipping Services |url=https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320224509/https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm |archive-date=20 Mar 2025 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |website=USPS.com}}</ref> that someone would commonly use to send such a letter.{{CitationNeeded}} <!-- This section was (re)written by a non-US person that has never used USPS. May be lacking so adding CitationNeeded to be safe --><br />
===Differences Between Pre-purchase and Post-purchase EULA===<br />
The original EULA before the wave of emails<ref><br />
{{cite web <br />
|author=<!--not cited--><br />
|title=Smartwool terms of use 2023<br />
|url=https://www.smartwool.com/customer-service/terms-of-use.html<br />
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201234036/https://www.smartwool.com/customer-service/terms-of-use.html<br />
|website=Smartwool<br />
|url-status=dead<br />
|archive-date=1 Dec 2023<br />
|access-date=19 Feb 2025<br />
}}</ref> available on Smartwool's website contained:<br />
#An emphasis on contacting Customer Service first, but does not explicitly make it a prerequisite before arbitration.<br />
#No specification on who determines arbitrability.<br />
#AAA rules apply and outlines fee reimbursement if the claim is under $10,000.<br />
#A specific line reading: "Any dispute or claim relating in any way to the Website and our services, any representations made by us, and/or your use of our websites [...] will be resolved by binding arbitration, rather than in court..." This line does not specify products sold by the company, which would be a likely cause of a class-action lawsuit.<br />
<br />
The new EULA terms lock down on the existing terms, and contains:<br />
<br />
#An informal dispute resolution process where the complaining party must send a written notice describing the dispute and allow 30 days for resolution before arbitration can begin.[[File:Screenshot from "Forced Arbitration On SOCKS! Purposely Difficult Opt Out Scam Explained".png|thumb|400px|Text from the EULA as it appeared.]]<blockquote>Your opt-out notice must be sent to General Counsel at the address below via USPS Priority Mail or hand delivery within 30 days of receiving this notice, and shall include your name, address, and the same email address you used to create an account with us and an unequivocal statement that you wish to opt out of the updated Terms of Use. Opt-out notices sent via email will not be effective.</blockquote><br />
#The arbitrator has the authority to determine issues of arbitrability, including scope, validity, and enforceability.<br />
#AAA Consumer Arbitration Rules and Mass Arbitration Supplementary Rules.<br />
#*If AAA is unavailable, parties must agree on another provider.<br />
#*If a claim is deemed frivolous by either Smartwool or the arbitrator, the claimant must reimburse Smartwool for arbitration costs.<br />
#A re-worded line reading: "You and we agree to work together in an effort to resolve any dispute or claim between us relating to these Terms of Use, your account, purchases, or our products (“Dispute”)." This new line specifies 'purchases' and 'products', adding them under the dictation of forced arbitration.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Click-to-cancel]]<br />
*[[Post-purchase EULA modification]]<br />
*[[Disney wrongful-death lawsuit]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Legal Lockout]]<br />
[[Category:Incidents]]<br />
[[Category:Forced arbitration]]<br />
[[Category:Clothing industry]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Smartyplus&diff=36520Smartyplus2026-02-09T17:02:52Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Stub}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Founded=2019-09-01<br />
|Type=Private<br />
|Website=https://www.smartyplus.net/<br />
|Description=SmartyPlus is a service offering coupon/cashback benefits and shipping perks in exchange for a membership fee.<br />
}}'''SmartyPlus''' is a service offering coupon/cashback benefits and shipping perks in exchange for a membership fee. <br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
In many reported cases, consumers attempting to complete a purchase on an unrelated retail or service website are presented with a pop-up, checkbox, or “special offer” that signs them up for SmartyPlus. Sometimes this occurs in the final checkout page, where users provide payment details.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
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]].<br />
===Class-action lawsuit (2024-01-22)===<br />
As in the class action ''“Cashback Service Smarty Charges Consumers for Unwanted Monthly Subscriptions”'', one plaintiff alleged that she cancelled during a 14-day trial but was still charged for two more months. <ref>{{Cite web |last=McCroskey |first=Kelsey |date=2024-01-22 |title=Cashback Service Smarty Charges Consumers for Unwanted Monthly Subscriptions, Class Action Alleges |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/cashback-service-smarty-charges-consumers-for-unwanted-monthly-subscriptions-class-action-alleges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422182712/https://www.classaction.org/news/cashback-service-smarty-charges-consumers-for-unwanted-monthly-subscriptions-class-action-alleges |archive-date=22 Apr 2024 |website=classaction.org}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Consumer Complaints Filed with the BBB===<br />
A large number of complaints against SmartyPlus have been filed with the ''Better Business Bureau (BBB)''. These consumer accounts consistently describe confusion over how the subscription was initiated, difficulty identifying the charges, and challenges in stopping payments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-17 |title=Smarty {{!}} BBB Complaints |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/sherman-oaks/profile/coupon-service/smarty-llc-1216-1290522/complaints |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006022054/https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/sherman-oaks/profile/coupon-service/smarty-llc-1216-1290522/complaints |archive-date=6 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-09-17 |website=Better Business Bureau}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
{{Ph-C-P}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Ph-C-SA}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=SolaX&diff=36112SolaX2026-02-04T17:44:45Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference link</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Stub}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Founded=2012<br />
|Industry=Solar Inverters Manufacturer, Renewable energy<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://www.solaxpower.com/<br />
|Description=Chinese PV Inverters manufacturer founded in 2012 in Hanghzhou.<br />
}}'''SolaX''' is a Chinese PV Inverters & energy storage manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China. <br />
<br />
It's current products include single- and three-phase PV inverters, batteries and EV Chargers and various accessories.<br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
Since SolaX is operating their own cloud service (at least at time of writing no subscription required) called '''SolaX Cloud'''. It slowly forces users into switching into their cloud services by removing options for local connections. This takes away the freedom of control over what you bought from the users. It's also a privacy concern and opens options of changing rules after purchase, since the only way to access some data is officially only through their system, they can paywall functions any time. <br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
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]].<br />
===Security concerns<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-19 |title=SolaX inverter’s Pocket WiFi using poor authentication |url=https://yougottahackthat.com/insights/solax-inverters-pocket-wifi-using-poor-authentication |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209004711/https://yougottahackthat.com/insights/solax-inverters-pocket-wifi-using-poor-authentication |archive-date=9 Feb 2025 |access-date=2025-09-20}}</ref>===<br />
<br />
#Always open WiFi access point - The Pocket WiFi Adapter keeps always open, unsecured WiFi access point meant for configuration. Malicious attackers could use this to send ModBus commands to the inverter or to further infiltrate your home wifi.<br />
#Some configuration are stored cleartext and attackers in radio range can access them. This could give them pre-shared keys for wifi allowing them to access your home wifi.<br />
#The password for the web admin UI is same as wifi SSID.<br />
<br />
As far as I am aware these issues have '''not been fixed'''. <br />
<br />
===Removal of modbus from LAN adapter===<br />
New versions of Pocket LAN adapter (since at least V3.0) do not include ModBus support anymore, this means that HomeAssistant integration is not possible and only way of accessing the data and settings is via their cloud & app. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sonos&diff=36110Sonos2026-02-04T17:40:59Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=American company known for wireless speakers.<br />
|Founded=2002<br />
|Industry=Audio Equipment<br />
|Logo=Sonos.png<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://sonos.com<br />
}}<br />
Founded in 2002, '''{{Wplink|Sonos|Sonos, Inc.}}''', is an American company that specializes in audio devices, including wireless speakers, home theater systems, and headphones.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
Sonos has been criticized for activities that harm consumers such as stripping privacy protection with no ability to opt out, remotely bricking devices that are sold to be traded-in (creating e-waste), updating older hardware into bricks, and demanding [[Forced app download|app download setup]] for multi-speaker capability. Such activities have invoked the concern of privacy, sustainability, and [[Planned obsolescence|forced obsolescence]].<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change (2024)===<br />
{{Main|Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change}}<br />
<br />
In the 2024 version of their privacy policy, Sonos removed wording preventing them from providing user data to third parties that was included in their previous privacy statement. Additionally users were unable to choose to opt-out or disagree with this change, making this a good example of [[Post-purchase EULA modification|changing the terms of the sale after the fact]].<br />
<br />
===Recycle Mode (2019)===<br />
In 2019, Sonos started offering customers a thirty-percent discount on a new device, in exchange for allowing the company to remotely brick their existing Sonos device. Sonos calls this software lockout "Recycle Mode". It renders the device permanently inoperable, turning it into e-waste. Affected models include Connect, Connect:Amp, ZP90, ZP80, ZP100, ZP120, and Play:5 (Gen 1).<ref name="sonos support">{{Cite web |title=Unable to set up a Sonos product in Recycle Mode |url=https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/unable-to-set-up-a-sonos-product-in-recycle-mode |website=Sonos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120125309/https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/unable-to-set-up-a-sonos-product-in-recycle-mode |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |access-date=19 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Steve |last=Dent |title=Sonos gives a lame reason for bricking older devices in 'Recycle Mode' |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-12-31-sonos-recycle-mode-explanation-falls-flat.html |website=Engadget |date=31 Dec 2019 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129003226/https://www.engadget.com/2019-12-31-sonos-recycle-mode-explanation-falls-flat.html |archive-date=29 Jan 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
The practice of intentionally breaking devices sparked controversy and a boycott, forcing the company to stop bricking devices as part of their trade-up program.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Chris |last=Welch |title=Sonos is getting rid of the controversial Recycle Mode that needlessly bricked its older devices |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/5/21166777/sonos-ending-recycle-mode-trade-up-program-sustainability |website=The Verge |date=5 Mar 2020 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120125313/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/5/21166777/sonos-ending-recycle-mode-trade-up-program-sustainability |archive-date=20 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Lawrence |last=Abrams |title=Sonos Backtracks: Legacy Devices Will Get Updates After May |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/technology/sonos-backtracks-legacy-devices-will-get-updates-after-may |website=Bleeping Computer |date=30 Jan 2020 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115032125/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/technology/sonos-backtracks-legacy-devices-will-get-updates-after-may/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2023}}</ref> However, devices that Sonos had already bricked remained unusable. Instead of unlocking affected devices, the company offers disposal as the only option.<ref name="sonos support" /> An open source project started in 2023 attempts to repair a Play:5 (Gen 1) speaker bricked with Recycle Mode.<ref>{{Cite web |author=dbmaxpayne (Mark) |title=Sonos-DSP |url=https://github.com/dbmaxpayne/Sonos-DSP |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120125310/https://github.com/dbmaxpayne/Sonos-DSP |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |website=Github}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Bricking of CR-100 controllers (2018)===<br />
In 2018, citing an aging processor and lithium-ion battery, Sonos announced the release of software version 8.5, which would discontinue support for the controller.<ref name="techradar">{{Cite web |first=John |last=Porter |title=Sonos finally kills off CR100 controller and long-time fans aren't happy |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/sonos-finally-kills-off-cr100-controller-and-long-time-fans-arent-happy |website=Techradar |date=31 Jan 2018 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120111709/https://www.techradar.com/news/sonos-finally-kills-off-cr100-controller-and-long-time-fans-arent-happy |archive-date=20 Jan 2025}}</ref> After the update was applied to a system, the CR-100 would be permanently bricked, and would be unable to connect to another system.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Sonny Origin |date=7 May 2018 |title=Today Sonos killed my CR100 remote control |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPnfqzBF3fw |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=kPnfqzBF3fw |archive-date=4 Feb 2026 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Sonos offered a coupon of $100 USD to affected customers,<ref name="techradar" /> however, it is important to note that Sonos did not offer a similar product for sale. A discussion thread was initiated on the Sonos forum by dissatisfied users urging the company to reconsider its decision to discontinue the controller<ref>{{Cite web |author=Dash |title=SAVE THE CR100 |url=https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/save-the-cr100-6800510 |url-access=registration |website=Sonos<br />
|date=31 Jan 2018 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823113720/https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/save-the-cr100-6800510 <br />
|archive-date=23 Aug 2022}}</ref>, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.<br />
<br />
===Forced app download (2017 or earlier)===<br />
Sonos has engaged in [[forced app download]] practices since at least 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Mess |title=Make Sonos work without internet |url=https://en.community.sonos.com/advanced-setups-229000/make-sonos-work-without-internet-6795315 |url-access=registration |website=Sonos |date=30 Nov 2017 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111231148/https://en.community.sonos.com/advanced-setups-229000/make-sonos-work-without-internet-6795315 |archive-date=11 Nov 2024}}</ref> Sonos frequently prevents their customers from using their purchased hardware without an app and/or internet connection. Even though it is possible to use Sonos speakers without an app, initial setup has required the download and use of Sonos' app since at least May 2022. <blockquote>"Yes you can (use the Sonos Roam speaker without an app). However, you will need to set it up for the first time using the app." (May 2022)<ref>{{Cite web <br />
|author=TheFlyingHellfish |title=Can I Use a Roam Without the App? |url=https://en.community.sonos.com/portable-speakers-229130/can-i-use-a-roam-without-the-app-6869207 |url-access=registration |website=Sonos |date=19 May 2022 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522044022/https://en.community.sonos.com/portable-speakers-229130/can-i-use-a-roam-without-the-app-6869207 |archive-date=22 May 2023}}</ref></blockquote>In addition, not all Sonos products support use without an app (April 2023)<ref>{{Cite web |first=Andrew |last=Smith |title=How To Use Sonos Without The App: A Complete Guide |url=https://soundscapehq.com/how-to-use-sonos-without-app/ |website=Soundscape HQ |date=22 April 2023 |url-status=live<br />
|access-date=15 Jul 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212163603/https://soundscapehq.com/how-to-use-sonos-without-app/ |archive-date=12 Feb 2025}}</ref> and even if they do, ''sans''-app usability is only limited to one speaker.<blockquote>"You can use speakers without an app, but it only applies to a single speaker. If you want to play audio across multiple speakers, you will have to use the app and there is no other workaround to this." (Dec 2021)<ref>{{Cite web |first=Rune |last=Bearson |title=Can You Use Sonos Speakers Without the App?<br />
|url=https://earrockers.com/can-you-use-sonos-speakers-without-the-app/ |website=Ear Rockers |date=14 Dec 2021 |access-date=19 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920164127/https://earrockers.com/can-you-use-sonos-speakers-without-the-app/ |archive-date=20 Sep 2024}}</ref></blockquote><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Sonos]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sonos_forces_post-purchase_privacy_policy_change&diff=36108Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change2026-02-04T17:31:48Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference link</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Sonos<br />
|StartDate=2024<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Type=Broken Promise, EULA, Privacy, Terms of Service<br />
|Description=Sonos changed their privacy policy for smart products, and users must agree to continue using smart features.<br />
}}<br />
[[Sonos|'''Sonos, Inc.''']] specializes in the manufacture of audio devices many of which are connected to the internet and provide "smart" features. Using those features inevitably provides Sonos with data on the users of their products.<br />
<br />
==Changes to the privacy statement==<br />
Very interestingly, the only two sentences that were emboldened in the May 2022 Sonos privacy statement<ref name=":0">4.[https://www.sonos.com/pdfs/policies/2022-privacy-statement-en-us.pdf Sonos, Inc. Privacy Statement 2022] ''(PDF). Sonos. May 2022.''</ref> that were NOT emboldened in the March 2023 Sonos privacy statement are the following: "We do not and will not sell your personal data to third parties." on page 1 of the statement; and "Sonos does not and will not sell personal information about our customers." on page 11 of the 2022 privacy statement and page 12 of the 2023 privacy statement.<ref name=":1" /> This change in text formatting is not present in any of the 100 other emboldened sentences and titles. <br />
<br />
This holds significance given the following event: <br />
<br />
On March 2023 Sonos' privacy statement stated, on page 12 of 35 under the "How We May Share Personal Information" section: "We do not and will not sell your personal data to third parties".<ref name=":1"><br />
{{cite web <br />
|author=<!-- not stated --><br />
|date= March 2023<br />
|title=Sonos, Inc. Privacy Statement 2023<br />
|url=https://www.sonos.com/pdfs/policies/2023-privacy-statement-en-us.pdf<br />
|website=Sonos<br />
|url-status=live<br />
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114050140/https://www.sonos.com/pdfs/policies/2023-privacy-statement-en-us.pdf<br />
|archive-date=14 Jan 2025<br />
|access-date=19 Feb 2025<br />
}}</ref> That privacy policy was updated on June 2024 and said sentence was removed from the section as well as from Privacy Statement as a whole.<ref><br />
{{cite web <br />
|author=<!-- not stated --><br />
|date= June 2024<br />
|title=Sonos, Inc. Privacy Statement 2024<br />
|url=https://www.sonos.com/pdfs/policies/2024-privacy-statement-en-us.pdf<br />
|website=Sonos<br />
|url-status=live<br />
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114050141/https://www.sonos.com/pdfs/policies/2024-privacy-statement-en-us.pdf<br />
|archive-date=14 Jan 2025<br />
|access-date=19 Feb 2025<br />
}}</ref><br />
It is worth noting that the "Why?" section on the reasons Sonos collects user data has substantially changed between revisions and, in the 2024 version, it includes a balancing test <sup>[What?]</sup> and allows Sonos to "... enable you to select the right music service options based on your geographic location.".<br />
This new wording also does not explicitly prevent Sonos from sharing/selling user data to third parties. <br />
[[File:Sonos FAQ.png|thumb|[https://www.sonos.com/en-us/legal/privacy-2018#changes A question present in the FAQ section attached to the April 2018 Sonos, Inc. Privacy Statement. The same section was no longer attached to future iterations of the Privacy Statement.]]] <br />
<br />
Consumers were then forced to agree to the new terms of service if they wanted to be able to continue using the Sonos product that they had already bought and paid for. There was no option to "disagree" or "opt out" of the agreement and continue using the product as usual after the terms of the privacy statement were changed.<ref><br />
{{cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=13 June 2024 |title=Sonos removes restriction on selling personal data & forces users to accept new TOS🤦 |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=WwFIIeV4sdw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260204172531/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwFIIeV4sdw |archive-date=4 Feb 2026 |website=Youtube}}</ref>{{citation needed|reason=Second souce of this behaviour}} <br />
<br />
[[File:June 2024 license and warranty agreement update.png|thumb|Terms of use agreement prompt after change.]]<br />
<br />
==See Also==<br />
*[[Post-purchase EULA modification]]<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]<br />
[[Category:Incidents]]<br />
[[Category:Sonos]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sony&diff=36105Sony2026-02-04T17:15:50Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{clear}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Japanese technology conglomerate known for brands such as Sony Pictures, Sony Music Publishing, PlayStation, and XPERIA.<br />
|Founded=1946<br />
|Industry=Conglomerate, Photography equipment, Audio equipment, Home electronics, Video games<br />
|Logo=Sony.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://sony.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''[[wikipedia:Sony|Sony Group Corporation]]''' is a Japanese Zaibatsu (or mega corporation) headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.<ref>"[https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/ Access & Map] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416150015/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/|date=2021-04-16}}." Sony Global. Retrieved 2 April 2021. "1–7–1 Konan Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0075, Japan" – [https://web.archive.org/web/20120227050438/http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/Data/Map/map_head_office.pdf Map] – [https://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/SMOJ-info/Profile.html Address in Japanese] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926182046/https://www.sony.jp/CorporateCruise/SMOJ-info/Profile.html|date=2023-09-26}}: "〒108-0075 東京都港区港南1–7–1"</ref> The Sony Group Corporation owns over 100 companies including, but not limited to Sony Semiconductor Solutions, Sony Entertainment (including Sony Pictures and Sony Music Group), Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Financial Group, and Crunchyroll.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of acquisitions by Sony |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_acquisitions_by_Sony |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250320063035/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_acquisitions_by_Sony |archive-date=20 Mar 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Wikipedia]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
Sony was established in 1946 as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Ebs93 |archive-date=19 Dec 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref> The young company distinguished itself in the consumer electronics market with transistor radios, home video tape recorders, portable audio players called the Walkman, and compact disk players.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/SonyHistory/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251014201041/https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/SonyHistory/ |archive-date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> In 1988, Sony acquired CBS Records.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Corporate History |url=https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/CorporateInfo/History/company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/oNozl |archive-date=2 Nov 2024 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony]]}}</ref> Later, in 1989 it acquired Columbia Pictures.<ref name=":1" /> The company also introduced the home video game console [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] in 1994.<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
Sony has found itself involved in many controversies in the past, most commonly consumer rights and management of digital content issues. They have included instances such as Sony BMG rootkit in 2005, where copy protection software tracked users in secret and added security holes, which were the target of lawsuits and recalls. Sony has also had run-ins with digital content access, like trying to close down the PlayStation Store on older systems and removing "forever" licenses on Funimation content, which was met with pushback and reversal.<br />
<br />
More recently, the mandatory PSN account requirement mandated by Sony in Helldivers 2 and binding arbitration provisions in Crunchyroll's terms of service have been criticized as restrictive of user choice and access.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
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]].<br />
<br />
===Sued by Texas state over ACR data collection (''2025 - Present):''===<br />
{{Main|Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection}}<br />
On December 15, 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Sony,<ref name="petition-sony">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=State of Texas v. Sony Electronics Inc., Original Petition |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Sony%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120093757/https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Sony%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-date=20 Jan 2026 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |format=PDF}}</ref> alleging that the manufacturer failed to adequately disclose the data collection capabilities of {{Wplink|Automatic content recognition}} (ACR) technology in their smart televisions<ref name="arstechnica">{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2025 |title=Texas sues biggest TV makers, alleging smart TVs spy on users without consent |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Y4Ldm |archive-date=16 Dec 2025 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref>. The lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, allege that ACR technology captures screenshots of television displays at frequent intervals and that the resulting viewing data is sold to advertisers and data brokers without meaningful consumer consent.<ref name="txag-main">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=Attorney General Paxton Sues Five Major TV Companies, Including Some with Ties to CCP, for Spying on Texans |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260123003535/https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-date=23 Jan 2026 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Controversies==<!-- add a preamble here --><br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|+<br />
!Controversy<br />
!Year<br />
!Background Info<br />
!Aftermath<br />
!Related Article<br />
!Related Video(s)<br />
|-<br />
|Warranty void if removed stickers<br />
|2004<br />
|Warranty void if removed stickers are illegal under the [[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act|Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975]]., but are nonetheless used by the company.<br />
Such stickers existed at least on [https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/kuhibAgUoeTpUmSh.huge PS Two] models to prevent users from opening the console (the sticker was on top of a screw).<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|Sony BMG CD copy protection {{wplink|rootkit}}<br />
|2005<br />
|Sony BMG distributed about 20 million discs preloaded with copy protection software that tracks the users listening habits (even if the user did not agree to the [[EULA]]), hides itself, and introduces exploitable bugs. As such it has been classified as a rootkit.<br />
Furthermore, they released an uninstaller tool later that merely un-hides their original rootkit and installs more un-removable software, all while extracting more personal information (e-mail addresses) from users.<br />
|Class action lawsuits in 2005-2006 forced Sony to recall about 10% of affected CDs. Sony stopped their copy protection attempts in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sony's DRM protected CDs install Windows rootkits |url=https://en.m.wikinews.org/wiki/Sony%27s_DRM_protected_CDs_install_Windows_rootkits |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708193020/https://en.m.wikinews.org/wiki/Sony's_DRM_protected_CDs_install_Windows_rootkits |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Wikinews]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Revisiting the Sony Rootkit |url=https://fsfe.org/activities/drm/sony-rootkit-fiasco.en.html#restrictions-pictures |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406125851/https://fsfe.org/activities/drm/sony-rootkit-fiasco.en.html#restrictions |archive-date=6 Apr 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[fsfe]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CD’s Containing XCP Content Protection Technology |url=http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/titles.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224153240/http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/titles.html |archive-date=24 Dec 2008 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sony BMG]]}}</ref><br />
|<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|PlayStation 3 "Yellow Light of Death"<br />
|2006-2009<br />
|Due to a likely defect in the 90nm graphic processing units (GPUs) of early PlayStation 3s,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=HelpForPS3 (Reuploader) |last2=BBC |date=17 Dec 2009 |title=Sony PS3 Yellow Light of Death - BBC |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_ef8bDQktI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=E_ef8bDQktI |archive-date=4 Feb 2026 |access-date=3 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |date=15 Jan 2024 |title=A 360 Story - The RED Ring of Death & the 7th Generation Console War |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qKtS_uxdcU |url-status=live |access-date=2 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=RIP Felix |date=23 Dec 2022 |title=A PS3 Story: The Yellow Light of Death |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za7WTNwAX0c |url-status=live |access-date=2 Jun 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref> these models are extremely prone to GPU failures.<br />
Affected models (with a 90nm GPU) include: CECHA, CECHB, CECHC, CECHE, and CECHG.<br />
|TBD; Sony never made a response beyond dodging and denial of the issue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BBC |date=18 Sep 2009 |title=Sony rebuts BBC PlayStation claim |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8263063.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219154020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8263063.stm |archive-date=19 Feb 2025 |access-date=4 Jun 2025 |website=BBC NEWS}}</ref> Consumers whose consoles had this problem- even when Sony was supporting the console- had to pay out of pocket to repair it.<ref name=":2" /><br />
|[[Bumpgate]]<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|PlayStation 3 Blu-Ray AACS License Renewal<br />
|2006<br />
|The Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption key of Sony PlayStation 3 devices must be renewed every 12 to 18 months via software updates.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Renewing the AACS encryption key |url=https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/aacs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319144013/https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/aacs.html |archive-date=19 Mar 2025 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation]]}}</ref><br />
|TBD. At some point, software updates will no longer be released, which will eventually lock out users from this functionality.<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|PlayStation 3 Removal of OtherOS with System Update 3.21<br />
|2010<br />
|PlayStation 3 systems supported a feature known as "OtherOS" until system update 3.21 on April 1, 2010 with Sony stating it was removed due to "security concerns".<ref>{{Cite web |title=PS3 Firmware 3.21 Coming April 1st |url=https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2010/03/29/ps3-firmware-3-21-coming-april-1st/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828213927/https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2010/03/29/ps3-firmware-3-21-coming-april-1st/ |archive-date=28 Aug 2025 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=[[PlayStation Blog]]}}</ref> Prior to the release of the PS3 slim in November 2009, Sony stated that the slim would not support this feature that was available on the current PS3 models still available for sale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4842&NewsAreaID=2 |title=SCEE PS3 Slim press release |access-date=2025-08-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822130523/http://www.scee.presscentre.com/content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4842 |archive-date=August 22, 2009 }}</ref><br />
|Class action lawsuit, with a $3.75 million settlement in 2018, with people receiving up to $10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gearnuke.com/sony-sending-10-settlement-checks-for-ps3-other-os-lawsuit/ |title=Sony sending $10 settlement checks for PS3 “Other OS” lawsuit |access-date=2025-08-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114062814/https://www.gearnuke.com/sony-sending-10-settlement-checks-for-ps3-other-os-lawsuit/ |archive-date=November 14, 2018 }}</ref><br />
|<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|Sony Playstation hardware bans<br />
|2011-ongoing<br />
|Sony is banning gaming consoles on hardware level from accessing Playstation Network online services for "violation of terms of service", which makes modern game consoles useless piece of junk<br />
|<br />
|[[Sony Playstaytion hardware bans from online services]]<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|-<br />
|Mandatory data collection on PC ports<br />
|2020-ongoing<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|PlayStation Store Shutdown<br />
|2021<br />
|Sony intended to shut down the PlayStation Store on its {{wplink|PlayStation 3|PS3}}, {{wplink|PlayStation Vita|PS Vita}}, and {{wplink|PlayStation Portable|PSP}} consoles, despite many of the content offerings not being available on newer consoles.<br />
|Sony walked back the decision for the PS3 and PS Vita, citing the negative response from customers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Jim |date=19 Apr 2021 |title=PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita Will Continue Operations |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2021/04/19/playstation-store-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-will-continue-operations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419170146/https://blog.playstation.com/2021/04/19/playstation-store-on-ps3-and-ps-vita-will-continue-operations/ |archive-date=19 Apr 2021 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation Blog]]}}</ref><br />
|<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|Removal of {{wplink|Discovery Channel|Discovery}} titles<br />
|2023<br />
|Sony intended to remove customers' access to "purchased" Discovery Channel content at the end of their licensing agreements.<br />
|Sony reversed the decision, allowing customers to continue accessing the content.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Dec 2023 |title=Legal update notice |url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201155935/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |archive-date=1 Dec 2023 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation]]}}</ref><br />
|[[Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content]]<br />
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bpzyz5kf_A</ref> <ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krXH8jXefqE</ref><br />
|-<br />
|{{wplink|Helldivers 2}} PSN Account Requirement post launch<br />
|2024<br />
|Sony added a {{wplink|PlayStation Network|PSN account}} requirement for Helldivers 2 after the game had become popular, including for countries where you can't create a PSN account.<br />
|The requirement was removed,<ref>https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/553850/view/4196868529806518741</ref> however the game was removed from sale in countries without PSN.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Serin |first=Kaan |date=11 May 2024 |title=Helldivers 2 gets delisted in more countries without PSN access, blindsided devs call for it to be "available worldwide" |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/third-person-shooter/helldivers-2-gets-delisted-in-more-countries-without-psn-access-blindsided-devs-call-for-it-to-be-available-worldwide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511102905/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/third-person-shooter/helldivers-2-gets-delisted-in-more-countries-without-psn-access-blindsided-devs-call-for-it-to-be-available-worldwide/ |archive-date=11 May 2024 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref><br />
|<br />
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2VA0eum6w4</ref><br />
|-<br />
|PSN Account Requirement for PC Games<br />
|2024-ongoing<br />
|Sony requires a PSN account be made or used for Playstation games ported to PC and sold on the PC, including games that were solely single player such as Last of Us Part 2<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ariyasinghe |first=Pulasthi |date=2024-11-09 |title=PSN account requirement on PC is there to keep gamers safe, explains Sony |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109203247/https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |archive-date=9 Nov 2024 |website=Neowin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Michael |date=2024-09-25 |title=Sony Not Backing Down on PSN PC Requirement Despite Backlash |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925175510/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |archive-date=25 Sep 2024 |website=PlayStation Lifestyle}}</ref>.<br />
|In January 2025 Sony removed this requirement for some games and instead offered players benefits to use PSN. However the restriction remains for other Sony games such as Until Dawn.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qizilbash |first=Asad |date=2025-01-29 |title=New in-game content incentives coming to PlayStation games on PC |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129163956/https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |archive-date=29 Jan 2025 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony - PlayStation Blog}}</ref><br />
|<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|Revocation of "Forever" licenses to {{wplink|Funimation}} digital content<br />
|2024<br />
|After merging Funimation with {{wplink|Crunchyroll, LLC|Crunchyroll}}, Sony revoked all licenses to digital content that had been advertised as "forever" licenses without providing a refund or reimbursement.<br />
|Some users received free months of service for the new Crunchyroll platform, but only if they submitted a ticket.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=26 Feb 2024 |title=Funimation’s solution for wiping out digital libraries could be good, if it works |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/26/24080637/funimation-shut-down-crunchyroll-digital-library-compensation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226153946/https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/26/24080637/funimation-shut-down-crunchyroll-digital-library-compensation |archive-date=26 Feb 2024 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref><br />
|[[Funimation "Forever" Content License Revocation]]<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|Crunchyroll January 2025 Terms of Service Update<br />
|2025<br />
|Sony forced users of Crunchyroll into binding arbitration by updating their terms of service and without providing an easy way to opt-out.<br />
|TBD<br />
|[[Crunchyroll January 2025 Terms of Service Update]]<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|Camera monitor on Xperia phones turned into subscription<br />
|2025<br />
|Sony disabled External Monitor feature with software update on Xperia phones and turned it into subscription<br />
|TBD<br />
|[[Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription]]<br />
|<ref group="Video References">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqPfM6lxv90</ref><br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
<br />
===Audio:===<br />
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds|Sony WF-1000XM4]]<br />
*Sony WH-1000XM5<br />
<br />
===Televisions:===<br />
*[[Sony x900h television|Sony X900H]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
===Video references===<br />
<references group="Video References" /><br />
<br />
[[Category:Sony]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sony%27s_WF-1000XM4_earbuds&diff=36102Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds2026-02-04T16:00:55Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductCargo<br />
|Company=Sony<br />
|ProductLine=WF-1000XM4<br />
|ReleaseYear=2021<br />
|InProduction=No<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Category=Earbuds<br />
|Logo=Sony.svg<br />
|Website=https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/truly-wireless-earbuds/p/wf1000m4-Black<br />
|Description=Users have reported rapid battery drain and overheating in one earbud following firmware update v1.4.2, occasionally resulting in battery failure or casing damage.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
The WF-1000XM4 are true wireless earbuds designed by Sony. They were launched on June 8, 2021.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
*'''User Safety''' – documented instances of earbuds overheating, swelling, & in some cases ''“popping open”'' during charging.<br />
*'''Transparency''' – Sony has not issued a formal recall; guidance varies globally.<br />
*'''Service Access''' – warranty and out-of-warranty support has been inconsistent by region.<br />
<br />
==Incident==<br />
Thousands of users, following firmware version 1.4.2 (released July 2022), have reported severe and uneven battery depletion, typically affecting one earbud. Most often the right. Symptoms include rapid discharge (for example, 1–45 minutes of playtime) and unusually high temperatures when charging.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=WF-1000XM4 - Severe Battery Issues |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyHeadphones/comments/x7mx2n/wf1000xm4_severe_battery_issues/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214232447/https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyHeadphones/comments/x7mx2n/wf1000xm4_severe_battery_issues/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025 |access-date=3 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Reported battery failures and overheating incidents===<br />
At least four documented cases involve earbuds physically swelling or splitting open with audible “pop” and chemical odor while charging in the case.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Feb 2023 |title=Sony WF-1000XM4 explodes while charging |url=https://thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/02/sony-wf-1000xm4-explodes-while-charging.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222013611/https://thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/02/sony-wf-1000xm4-explodes-while-charging.html |archive-date=22 Feb 2023 |access-date=3 Aug 2025 |website=thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com}}</ref> One user reported an earbud splitting while being removed from the ear during a meeting. Additional cases were documented via community forums in mid-2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Jul 2023 |title=Two More Sony WF-1000XM4 Battery Failures |url=https://thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/07/two-more-sony-wf-1000xm4-battery-failures.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722095248/https://thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/07/two-more-sony-wf-1000xm4-battery-failures.html |archive-date=22 Jul 2023 |access-date=3 Aug 2025 |website=thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Underlying causes===<br />
Community posts & technical speculation point to a combination of:<br />
*Firmware 1.4.2 disrupting charging controls and thermal management.<br />
*Possible use of ZeniPower (Z55H) cells in early production batches (mid-2021 to mid-2022) being more susceptible to overheating.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 2022 |title=WF-1000XM4 Sudden Battery Drain Issue {{!}} 2 days after warranty period ends! |url=https://community.sonylatvija.com/t5/portable-audio/wf-1000xm4-sudden-battery-drain-issue-2-days-after-warranty/td-p/3873533 |access-date=3 Aug 2025 |website=community.sonylatvija.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
Firmware v1.5 and v1.6.1 were released to mitigate the issue, but Sony stated only that these updates “reduce” battery loss rather than repair existing damage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Dec 2022 |title=Sony WF-1000XM4: Latest firmware update may worsen battery life for some earbuds |url=https://www.notebookchat.com/index.php?topic=159996.0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251004103415/https://www.notebookchat.com/index.php?topic=159996.0 |archive-date=4 Oct 2025 |access-date=3 Aug 2025 |website=notebookchat.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Sony's response===<br />
Sony's response varied by region:<br />
*'''Japan''' – offered out-of-warranty replacements and pickup service for affected devices until September 2023.<br />
*'''United States''' – some users received replacements beyond warranty; others were charged for repairs.<br />
*'''European Union''' – some consumers received coverage under statutory protections; enforcement varied between member states.<br />
<br />
Sony has not issued a formal recall or safety advisory, despite documented incidents. Official firmware notes refer only to “significant differences” in battery usage.<br />
<br />
==Consumer guidance==<br />
If one earbud shows significant battery drain relative to the other, or becomes unusually hot during charging:<br />
*Stop using the earbuds immediately and contact Sony support.<br />
*Report firmware version and charging symptoms.<br />
*In some regions, free replacements have been provided even outside warranty.<br />
*Avoid continued use if overheating occurs.<br />
<br />
==Documentation and evidence==<br />
Reliable source reporting includes:<br />
*Large Reddit thread linking failures to firmware 1.4.2.<ref name=":0" /><br />
*Sony official community posts noting uneven battery drain and overheating.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@angrymango |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=Can Sony acknowledge the battery issue with WF-1000XM4 firmware vers. 1.4.2? |url=https://us.community.sony.com/s/question/0D54O00007iqVLYSA2/can-sony-acknowledge-the-battery-issue-with-wf1000xm4-firmware-vers-142?language=en_US |archive-url=https://archive.li/IqJJN |archive-date=4 Feb 2026 |access-date=3 Aug 2025 |website=us.community.sony.com}}</ref><br />
*Independent blogs documenting battery swelling and explosions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Mar 2023 |title=Another Sony WF-1000XM4 battery failure |url=https://thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/03/another-sony-wf-1000xm4-battery-failure.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316162604/https://thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com/2023/03/another-sony-wf-1000xm4-battery-failure.html |archive-date=16 Mar 2023 |access-date=3 Aug 2025 |website=thewalkmanblog.blogspot.com}}</ref><br />
*Reviewer coverage advising warranty claims.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Mar 2023 |title=Sony WF 1000 XM4 – We Were Wrong! |url=https://www.dhrme.nl/sony-wf-1000-xm4-we-were-wrong/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/vwL7P |archive-date=4 Feb 2026 |access-date=3 Aug 2025 |website=dhrme.nl}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Sony WF-1000XM4]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sony%27s_attempted_removal_of_%22purchased%22_content&diff=36071Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content2026-02-03T18:22:30Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Sony<br />
|StartDate=2022-07-08<br />
|EndDate=2023-12-21<br />
|Status=Resolved<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=Playstation Video<br />
|ArticleType=Service<br />
|Type=Ownership, Terms of Service<br />
|Description=Sony was planning to remove purchased Discovery TV shows from user's libraries due to licensing issues, but later updated their licensing agreements.<br />
}}<br />
'''[[Sony]]''' initially announced that it would remove purchased Discovery TV shows from users' libraries due to licensing issues:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Discovery Entitlements Affected Titles |url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101095355/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |archive-date=1 Jan 2024 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PlayStation Will Delete Purchased Discovery Shows |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/06/technology/sony-playstation-discovery-shows-removal.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207004027/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/06/technology/sony-playstation-discovery-shows-removal.html |archive-date=7 Dec 2023 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Dec 2025 |title=Playstation Video Content (US) |url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201155935/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psvideocontent/ |archive-date=1 Dec 2023}}</ref><br />
==Ownership concerns regarding digital media==<br />
Unlike physical media, digital content is often subject to licensing agreements that can change over time. This is not the first time PlayStation has removed content; in 2022, it removed StudioCanal films and TV shows in Germany and Austria due to licensing disputes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=John |date=8 Jul 2022 |title=PlayStation Store removes purchased movies from libraries after service shutdown |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/8/23199861/playstation-store-film-tv-show-removed-austria-germany-studiocanal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708090853/https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/8/23199861/playstation-store-film-tv-show-removed-austria-germany-studiocanal |archive-date=8 Jul 2022 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> These actions raise questions about the permanence of digital purchases and whether consumers truly "own" the content they buy. PlayStation's terms of service explicitly state that access to purchased content is contingent on ongoing licensing agreements:<ref>{{Cite web |title=PLAYSTATION NETWORK TERMS OF SERVICE AND USER AGREEMENT |url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psn-terms-of-service/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250326201842/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/legal/psn-terms-of-service/ |archive-date=26 Mar 2025 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[PlayStation]]}}</ref><blockquote>'''10.2.''' Except as stated in this Agreement, all Content provided through PSN is licensed on a non-exclusive and revocable basis to you for your personal, private, non-transferable, non-commercial, limited use on a limited number of PlayStation Devices or other devices in the country in which your Account is registered.</blockquote>Every transaction on the PlayStation Store is, in reality, the acquisition of a license that grants temporary and revocable access to content, rather than a permanent transfer of ownership. The core issue lies in the use of the term 'purchase,' which misleadingly implies full ownership, when in fact, users are only granted conditional access to content that can be revoked at any time due to licensing agreements or other restrictions.<br />
<br />
==Sony's reversal==<br />
Due to consumer backlash, Sony reversed its decision to remove over 1,300 Discovery shows following an updated agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, which grants users access to the content for at least an additional 30 months:<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dring |first=Christopher |date=21 Dec 2023 |title=PlayStation will not delete Discovery TV shows after all |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/playstation-will-not-delete-discovery-tv-shows-after-all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221185246/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/playstation-will-not-delete-discovery-tv-shows-after-all |archive-date=21 Dec 2023 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Games Industry.biz]]}}</ref><blockquote>Due to updated licensing arrangements, the Discovery content removal planned for December 31, 2023 is no longer occurring. We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback.</blockquote><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Sony]]<br />
[[Category:Incidents]]<br />
[[Category:Digital ownership]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Sony_Xperia_turns_camera_monitor_into_subscription&diff=36069Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription2026-02-03T18:10:50Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Sony<br />
|StartDate=2025-08-26<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=Xperia<br />
|Product=Xperia 1, Xperia 5, Xperia PRO series<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Type=Ownership<br />
|Description=Sony converted the External Monitor feature from a free, built-in function to a paid subscription service requiring $4.99/month, affecting phones already sold to customers<br />
}}<br />
Sony converted the External Monitor feature from a free, built-in function to a paid subscription service requiring $4.99/month, affecting phones already sold to customers.<br />
==Background==<br />
The External Monitor feature has been a big differentiator for Sony's Xperia smartphones since 2020, allowing the phones to work as high-quality displays for Sony Alpha cameras via USB-C connection.<ref name="helpguide">{{cite web |title=Using the External monitor app |url=https://helpguide.sony.net/mobile/xperia-pro/v1/en/contents/TP1000380352.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250913094332/https://helpguide.sony.net/mobile/xperia-pro/v1/en/contents/TP1000380352.html |archive-date=13 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=Sony Help Guide}}</ref> This professional-grade feature supported 4K resolution at 30fps with tools like waveform monitors, false color, & focus peaking. This helped justify the premium pricing of Xperia devices ranging from $1,299 to $2500.<ref name="notebookcheck">{{cite web |date=2025-08-31 |title=Sony annoys Xperia users by making previously free feature part of subscription |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-annoys-Xperia-users-by-making-previously-free-feature-part-of-subscription.1102082.0.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250902205200/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Sony-annoys-Xperia-users-by-making-previously-free-feature-part-of-subscription.1102082.0.html |archive-date=2 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=Notebookcheck}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-31 |title=At $2,500, the Sony Xperia Pro is so much more than a phone - CNET |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/at-2500-dollars-sony-xperia-pro-is-so-much-more-than-a-phone/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108053815/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/at-2500-dollars-sony-xperia-pro-is-so-much-more-than-a-phone/ |archive-date=8 Nov 2021}}</ref><br />
<br />
The feature was marketed as a built-in capability of Xperia phones. This appealed to professional photographers & videographers already invested in Sony's camera ecosystem. Xperia models including the 1 IV, 1 V, 1 VI, 5 V, PRO, & PRO-I all shipped with the External Monitor app pre-installed at no additional cost.<ref name="xda">{{cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=External Monitor Functionality Changes on Xperia 1 VII (and Later) |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/external-monitor-functionality-changes-on-xperia-1-vii-and-later.4748765/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250902221608/https://xdaforums.com/t/external-monitor-functionality-changes-on-xperia-1-vii-and-later.4748765/ |archive-date=2 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=XDA Forums}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Sony implements subscription paywall==<br />
On August 26, 2025, Sony released Monitor & Control app version 2.4.0, which moved the External Monitor functionality behind a subscription paywall.<ref name="reddit">{{cite web |author=super_hot_juice |date=2025-08-26 |title=Xperia External Monitor feature is now subscription feature in Monitor & Control 2.4 app |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/1n47leu/comment/nbj7zj4/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903014408/https://old.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/1n47leu/xperia_external_monitor_feature_is_now/ |archive-date=3 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=Reddit r/SonyXperia}}</ref> The new pricing structure requires users to pay $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year for the "Basic" plan to get access to wired monitoring functionality that was previously free.<ref name="creatorscloud">{{cite web |title=Monitor & Control {{!}} Creators' Cloud |url=https://creatorscloud.sony.net/catalog/en-us/monitorcontrol/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250904045201/https://creatorscloud.sony.net/catalog/en-us/monitorcontrol/index.html |archive-date=4 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=Sony Corporation}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Xperia 1 VII, released in 2025, ships without the standalone External Monitor app entirely, forcing users to use the subscription-based Monitor & Control app for any camera monitoring functionality.<ref name="androidauthority">{{cite web |date=2025-08-31 |title=Sony just locked one of the best Xperia features behind a paywall |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-monitor-and-control-camera-3593061/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250901212248/https://www.androidauthority.com/sony-xperia-monitor-and-control-camera-3593061/ |archive-date=1 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=Android Authority}}</ref> The subscription model affects compatibility with Sony's supported professional mirrorless camera lineup, including the Burano, FX6, FX3, FX2, FX30, A7S III, A1 II, A1, A7IV, A9 III, A7RV, and ZV-E1. The change also affects compatible professional camcorders, including the PXW-Z300, PXW-Z200, and HXR-NX800.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=Monitor & Control {{!}} Sony Canada |url=https://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/support/articles/CCMC01000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250917035445/https://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/support/articles/CCMC01000 |archive-date=17 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=Sony Canada}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Sony's response===<br />
Sony has issued no official press release, announcement, or executive statement explaining the transition to a subscription model.<ref name="notebookcheck" /> The company's documentation states only that "certain functions can only be used by purchasing a license" without addressing concerns about post-purchase feature removal.<ref name="creatorscloud" /> <br />
<br />
Sony support representatives have reportedly provided no consistent messaging when contacted directly by affected users.<ref name="reddit" /> The absence of FAQ sections addressing the transition or acknowledgment of customer feedback has been noted by technology media as particularly problematic given the significant nature of the change.<ref name="androidauthority" /><br />
<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
The announcement sparked negative reactions across the tech community. Android Authority described Sony's approach as "distasteful," noting that the feature ''"requires neither a server nor complex software"'' to operate.<ref name="androidauthority" /> Reddit user "cliffr39" called it "super dirty" with 85 upvotes, while "hoverborg" suggested contacting consumer advocate Louis Rossmann with 49 upvotes.<ref name="reddit" /><br />
<br />
Professional photographers expressed frustration about paying monthly fees for offline functionality. Reddit user "joeybetamaxpt2" stated: ''"I'm just so taken back with Sonys what appears like a deliberate attempt to make one of their failing brands even worse."''<ref name="reddit" /> <br />
<br />
Despite widespread discontent, no organized resistance has materialized. No Change.org petitions, coordinated boycott campaigns, or consumer advocacy group interventions specifically targeting the External Monitor subscription have been identified.<ref name="notebookcheck" /><br />
<br />
Users have discovered workarounds including installing Monitor & Control version 2.3.1 (the last free version) from APKMirror, or using the legacy External Monitor app version 7.0.A.0.8 for older devices.<ref name="apkmirror">{{cite web |title=Download Sony {{!}} Monitor & Control APKs for Android |url=https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/sony-corporation/monitor-control/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250902151149/https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/sony-corporation/monitor-control/ |archive-date=2 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-02 |publisher=APKMirror}}</ref> However, these solutions lack ongoing support and compatibility with newer camera models.<br />
<br />
==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Xperia-external-monitor-feature-is-now-subscription-feature-v0-5nqbxupcy6mf1.webp<br />
File:Xperia-external-monitor-feature-is-now-subscription-feature-v0-k1vy1qccy6mf1.webp<br />
File:Xperia-external-monitor-feature-is-now-subscription-feature-v0-pr0beowf07mf1.webp<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Sony Xperia]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=SoundCloud&diff=36066SoundCloud2026-02-03T17:53:57Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference link</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Founded=2008-10-28<br />
|Industry=Entertainment<br />
|Logo=Soundcloud.svg<br />
|Type=Private<br />
|Website=https://soundcloud.com/<br />
|Description=Music streaming service.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
SoundCloud is a music streaming platform founded in 2007. The SoundCloud website was made public in October 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About SoundCloud |url=https://community.soundcloud.com/company/about-us |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250812031713/https://community.soundcloud.com/company/about-us |archive-date=12 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=SoundCloud}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
===User freedom===<br />
<br />
*SoundCloud allows artists to enable direct downloads on their tracks. Listeners of any membership tier can use direct downloads on the website.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCall |first=Vivian |date=2021-01-14 |title=How to download SoundCloud songs from the website onto your computer, or from the mobile app with SoundCloud Go |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-download-soundcloud-songs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816170647/https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-download-soundcloud-songs |archive-date=2025-08-16 |work=Business Insider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===User privacy===<br />
<br />
===Business model===<br />
<br />
*SoundCloud has three membership tiers for listeners. Free, which is ad-supported, Go, which is ad-free, and Go+, which is ad-free and gives access to locked songs not available with other subscriptions.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |title=What type of subscription is for me? |url=https://help.soundcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051072534-What-type-of-subscription-is-for-me |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727092854/https://help.soundcloud.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051072534-What-type-of-subscription-is-for-me |archive-date=2025-07-27 |website=SoundCloud}}</ref><br />
*SoundCloud has three membership tiers for artists. Without a paid subscription, SoundCloud limits the hours of music which can be uploaded to an account. The upload limit for the Basic package is 2 hours, 3 for Artist, and Artist Pro users have no limit.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
===Market control===<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Generative AI===<br />
In January 2024, SoundCloud announced integration with AI music tools Fadr, Soundful and Voice-Swap, allowing users to directly post AI generated content to the platform. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Paine |first=Andre |title=SoundCloud integrates with assistive AI tools to enable direct uploads for artists |url=https://www.musicweek.com/digital/read/soundcloud-integrates-with-assistive-ai-tools-to-enable-direct-uploads-for-artists/089164 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816171344/https://www.musicweek.com/digital/read/soundcloud-integrates-with-assistive-ai-tools-to-enable-direct-uploads-for-artists/089164 |archive-date=2025-08-16 |work=MusicWeek}}</ref> <br />
<br />
In May 2025, an article published by Futurism accused SoundCloud of updating their Terms of Service to allow all content on the platform to be used to train generative AI.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-09 |title=SoundCloud Quietly Updated Their Terms to Let AI Feast on Artists' Music |url=https://futurism.com/soundcloud-ai-terms-of-service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816171715/https://futurism.com/soundcloud-ai-terms-of-service |archive-date=2025-08-16 |work=Futurism}}</ref> SoundCloud later clarified that it's use of AI was strictly to provide “personalized recommendations, content organization, fraud detection, and improvements to content identification”, not to train generative AI models.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Corcoran |first=Nina |date=2025-05-14 |title=SoundCloud Updates AI Policy in Terms of Use After Backlash |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/soundcloud-updates-ai-policy-in-terms-of-use-after-backlash/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816172013/https://pitchfork.com/news/soundcloud-updates-ai-policy-in-terms-of-use-after-backlash/ |archive-date=2025-08-16 |work=Pitchfork}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[Spotify]]<br />
*[[Apple Music]]<br />
*[[Amazon Music]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Spore_(game)&diff=36065Spore (game)2026-02-03T17:49:29Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}{{ProductCargo|Company=EA|ReleaseYear=2008|Category=Video Games|InProduction=No|Website=https://www.spore.com/|Logo=Spore_Game_Cover.jpg}}<br />
[[wikipedia:Spore_(2008_video_game)|'''Spore''']] is a life simulation real-time strategy god game developed by Maxis and published by [[Electronic Arts]] in 2008 for [[Microsoft]] [[wikipedia:Microsoft_Windows|Windows]] and [[wikipedia:MacOS|Mac OS X]].<br />
<br />
==Digital Rights Management==<br />
Spore released on PC with an always-online [[SecuROM|'''SecuROM DRM''']],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Masnick |first=Mike |date=8 May 2008 |title=EA To Use Controversial Internet-Required DRM On New Games |url=https://www.techdirt.com/2008/05/08/ea-to-use-controversial-internet-required-drm-on-new-games/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126093837/https://www.techdirt.com/2008/05/08/ea-to-use-controversial-internet-required-drm-on-new-games/ |archive-date=26 Nov 2022 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |work=techdirt}}</ref> requiring people to have an internet connection at all times despite Spore being a largely single-player experience.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heater |first=Brian |date=5 Sep 2009 |title=Spore |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/pc-games/6700/spore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428132051/https://uk.pcmag.com/pc-games/6700/spore |archive-date=28 Apr 2024 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |work=PCMag}}</ref> While this modified DRM was implemented to prevent piracy, it had the opposite effect as hundreds of thousands flocked to peer to peer torrenting sites like BitTorrent to illegally download the game. Spore is 2008's most pirated game with a recorded 500,000+ downloads on BitTorrent, though this number is estimated to have risen to be in the millions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Van der Sar |first=Ernesto |date=13 Sep 2008 |title=Spore: Most Pirated Game Ever Thanks to DRM |url=https://torrentfreak.com/spore-most-pirated-game-ever-thanks-to-drm-080913/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/QChNp |archive-date=26 Jul 2020 |access-date=12 Aug 2008 |website=torrentfreak.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Lawsuit==<br />
Three days after EA apologized for Spore's DRM Controversy and increased the game's installation activation restrictions from 3 computers to 5,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schonfeld |first=Erick |date=14 Sep 2008 |title=Spore And The Great DRM Backlash |url=https://techcrunch.com/2008/09/14/spore-and-the-great-drm-backlash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915041620/https://techcrunch.com/2008/09/14/spore-and-the-great-drm-backlash/ |archive-date=15 Sep 2008 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref> a lawsuit would be brought against the company for quietly installing the SecuROM DRM onto the computers of anyone who had installed Spore without their explicit knowledge and without an easy removal process.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Milian |first=Mark |date=25 Sep 2008 |title=Spore SecuROM copy protection system draws lawsuit |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/technology-blog/story/2008-09-25/spore-securom-copy-protection-system-draws-lawsuit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905214249/https://www.latimes.com/archives/blogs/technology-blog/story/2008-09-25/spore-securom-copy-protection-system-draws-lawsuit |archive-date=5 Sep 2022 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Spore]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Spyware&diff=36061Spyware2026-02-03T17:15:34Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>Spyware is a form of malware designed to gather information from the infected device. Spyware comes in many different shapes and forms and may be installed intentionally or unintentionally.<ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
There is considerable debate over the scope of the term malware; while some people and groups qualify certain non-malware software as spyware, such as [[Microsoft]], [[Meta]], and [[Google]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Petrino |first=Gene |title=The Data Big Tech Companies Have On You |url=https://www.security.org/resources/data-tech-companies-have/ |archive-url=https://archive.li/5V315 |archive-date=13 Oct 2022 |access-date=21 August 2025 |website=security.org |type=Uses text to communicate information(with some additional imagery)}}</ref> owned software due to the large quantity of data these corporations collect from its users, others disagree with that qualification, due to the user having technically consented to the data collection.<br />
<br />
==How it works==<br />
Spyware comes in many different forms. It may present itself as an actual software, while secretly spying on your device in the background. <br />
<br />
Malware with deeper level access to your device has more potential for harm, which is a reason some are cautious of [[Kernel level driver|Kernel Level Drivers]].<br />
<br />
Some "free" services, such as [[Google]] services(check here for more info: [[List of Google products]]), often come at the cost of user data being collected to be sold for profit and/or to be used as training data for [[Artificial intelligence]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Feb 2022 |title=What Does Big Tech Actually Do With Your Data? |url=https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2022/02/16/what-does-big-tech-actually-do-with-your-data/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241206070801/https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2022/02/16/what-does-big-tech-actually-do-with-your-data/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2024 |access-date=31 Jan 2026 |website=forbes.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Legally collected data may also just be diagnostic data or just a way to make things "more convenient"(like with cookies).<br />
<br />
===Data that tends to get collected:===<br />
<br />
*Username<br />
*Passwords<br />
*Email addresses<br />
*Diagnostic data(how you use their platform, errors & crash reports, logs, etc)<br />
*Phone Numbers<br />
*Payment Information<br />
*Stored videos & photos<br />
*Metadata of photos & files<br />
*Stored documents<br />
*Contact info from other devices.<br />
*Internet-protocol(IP) addresses<br />
*Browser Type<br />
*Device Type<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
==Why it is a problem==<br />
Spyware, as the name suggests, spies on the device, which contains the user's data. Spyware is inherently negative for users' privacy. As companies like [[Microsoft]], [[Meta]] and [[Google]] are collecting more information on consumers(either by legal or illegal means), they make users less secure & more susceptible to data breaches/leaks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Jan 2026 |title=Data Breaches 2025: Biggest Cybersecurity Incidents So Far |url=https://www.pkware.com/blog/recent-data-breaches |archive-url=https://archive.ph/5Al2q |archive-date=3 Feb 2026 |access-date=31 Jan 2026 |website=pkware.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Spyware & data collection from a consumer rights perspective:===<br />
<br />
====Lack of transparency from companies:====<br />
A lack of transparency on a consumers ability to opt-out of data collection if even possible is quite common among popular services.<br />
<br />
For example, a usage of [[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers]] or simply hiding things in the terms of service may be enough trick a consumer into thinking there is nothing wrong with the service or may be enough to prevent/discourage a consumer from learning what a company does with their data & what data they collect.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Libbey |first=Madeline |last2=Micek |first2=Peter |last3=Cheng |first3=Sage |date= |title=Going dark: companies today release fewer transparency reports, less data |url=https://www.accessnow.org/going-dark-companies-today-release-fewer-transparency-reports-less-data/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021184245/https://www.accessnow.org/going-dark-companies-today-release-fewer-transparency-reports-less-data/ |archive-date=21 Oct 2019 |access-date=2026-02-01 |website=accessnow.org}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Lack of a consumers control:====<br />
Many corporations use [[Forced arbitration]] or [[Consent-or-pay]] in order to gain access to user data, with the main incentive/goal of doing this being a desire to make profit(which is why many companies are okay with users opting out of data collection as long as the users still pay for the service as found in [[Consent-or-pay]]).<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Oct 2024 |title=Forced Arbitration Clauses: What’s at Stake and Why it Matters |url=https://blog.helmerfriedman.com/forced-arbitration-clauses-whats-at-stake-and-why-it-matters/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114115649/https://blog.helmerfriedman.com/forced-arbitration-clauses-whats-at-stake-and-why-it-matters/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2024 |access-date=31 Jan 2026 |website=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Aug 2025 |title=Consent or Pay Models: Are Paywall Cookie Consent Legal For Site? |url=https://wplegalpages.com/blog/consent-or-pay-models/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250907105448/https://wplegalpages.com/blog/consent-or-pay-models/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2025 |access-date=31 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
====The need for consumer control and proper disclosure:====<br />
Reasons/arguments include:<br />
<br />
*Improved user satisfaction<br />
*The ability to opt-out allows users to prevent their sensitive data from being leaked in the event of a data breach<br />
*The option for consumers to properly see the data being collected allows them to more easily infer what data tends to be collected without dealing with intentionally deceptive language<ref>{{Cite web |last=Podolsky |first=Michael |date=31 May 2024 |title=Why Prioritizing Consumer Rights Matters For Businesses |url=https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/05/31/why-prioritizing-consumer-rights-matters-for-businesses/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251027154921/https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/05/31/why-prioritizing-consumer-rights-matters-for-businesses/ |archive-date=27 Oct 2025 |website=forbes.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Types(illegal/malware)==<br />
<br />
#Adware: This type of spyware monitors user activity to then sell that data to malicious advertisers.<br />
#Info-stealer: This type of spyware takes data from the device, such as recent actions, applications, etc.<br />
#Key-loggers: Key-loggers are a type of Info-stealer that gains access to data by observing keystrokes done by a user on an infected machine(This data is then saved onto an encrypted log file).<br />
#Rootkits: Rootkits allow infiltrators extreme levels of access to a device(around administrator level).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=What Is Spyware? Definition, Types, And Protection |url=https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/spyware |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251213081639/https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/spyware |archive-date=13 Dec 2025 |access-date=19 Jan 2026 |website=Fortinet.com |type=Uses text to communicate information(with some additional imagery)}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Methods used by companies (legal)==<br />
<br />
#Cookies: Small pieces of data stored in files on your device(s). This type of data may include, but is not limited to: Preferences on websites, login information, & your browser history.<br />
#Tracking Pixels: Tracking pixels are incredibly small images that are embedded into websites or emails. This method allows companies to see how users interact with their content on the web.<br />
#Accounts & Online Forms: Websites typically have users sign up with an account so they can tie data to it. Both account setup and forms similar to it tend to require data such as: Email addresses, phone numbers, Names, & sometimes data that should be optional(like your location).<br />
#Device & location tracking: Some websites will request access to your geographical position(which can be declined), but what tends to be collected more often are IP addresses(usually outside of your control).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Lakisha |date=11 Apr 2025 |title=Data Harvesting 101: What Companies Know About You (And How They Use It) |url=https://metapress.com/data-harvesting-101-what-companies-know-about-you-and-how-they-use-it/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419141741/https://metapress.com/data-harvesting-101-what-companies-know-about-you-and-how-they-use-it/ |archive-date=19 Apr 2025 |access-date=20 Jan 2025 |website=metapress.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[Anti-privacy legislation]](Extremely undeveloped article, but still on the topic of privacy)<br />
*[[Backdoor]]<br />
*[[Data brokers]]<br />
*[[Device fingerprint]]<br />
*[[De-anonymization]]<br />
*[[Forced identification]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Common terms]] <br />
[[Category:Spyware]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=StarForce_Technologies&diff=36060StarForce Technologies2026-02-03T16:42:49Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Founded=2000-09<br />
|Industry=Software<br />
|Logo=Starforce logo.png<br />
|Type=Private<br />
|Website=https://www.star-force.com/,https://www.star-force.ru/<br />
|Description=StarForce Technologies develops copy protection and digital rights management (DRM) software for games and applications.<br />
}}<br />
[[StarForce Technologies]] is a Russian software company that specializes in the development of copy protection and [[digital rights management]] (DRM) systems. Founded in 2000, the company is known for its protection technologies used primarily on video games and software applications to prevent unauthorized copying and distributing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=News |url=https://www.star-force.com/about/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250820022321/https://www.star-force.com/about/ |archive-date=20 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=StarForce}}</ref> The company operates under the legal name Protection Technology, LLC and is a resident of the Skolkovo Foundation, a Russian high-tech business center.<br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
Starforce has been widely criticized for its conduct towards users, particularly regarding its intrusive nature and the potential for system damage. The most significant concerns revolve around user freedom and privacy, as the software installs a [[Kernel level driver|kernel-level driver]] on a user's computer as a part without explicit, easy to understand consent, a practice similar to a rootkit.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
<br />
===StarForce DRM and hardware damage in the 2000's===<br />
In the 2000's, there were numerous users who alleged that StarForce damaged their optical drives. The kernel-level driver was accused of interfering with CD and DVD drive firmware, causing the drives to constantly spin discs at high speeds, which led to excessive wear, overheating, and eventual failure for some users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Loughrey |first=Paul |date=2006-04-18 |title=Ubisoft no longer using Starforce protection |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-no-longer-using-starforce-protection |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129154718/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ubisoft-no-longer-using-starforce-protection |archive-date=29 Jan 2023 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Ph-C-SA}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Steam&diff=36058Steam2026-02-03T16:35:33Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductCargo<br />
|Company=Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, Epic Games<br />
|ReleaseYear=2003<br />
|InProduction=Yes<br />
|ArticleType=Service<br />
|Category=Digital storefront, Video games<br />
|Logo=Steam.png<br />
|Website=https://store.steampowered.com<br />
|Description=Online storefront for PC games. Users who "purchase" games own a revocable license, which in return mislead buyers. Data breaches and lawsuits follow.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''{{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><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
====Privacy====<br />
*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><br />
*Records and stores all user communications through platform features<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Keeps specific user data indefinitely for "gameplay consistency" even after account deletion<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Tracks gaming behavior, including preferences, progress, playtime, and device usage<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Shares user data with game developers and third-party service providers<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Makes user profile data publicly available through Steamworks API<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Uses cookies and similar technologies for tracking across websites<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Retains transaction data for up to 10 years after account closure<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
<br />
====Freedom====<br />
*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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260203160801/https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/The_big_list_of_DRM-free_games_on_Steam |archive-date=3 Feb 2026 |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260203161210/https://steamcommunity.com/groups/drm-free-and-client-free-games/discussions/0/5456682769561852541 |archive-date=3 Feb 2026 |access-date=28 Jan 2026 |website=Steam}}</ref><br />
*Can terminate access to paid content at Valve's discretion<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*No right to transfer or resell purchased games<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*Imposes regional restrictions on game activation and playing via IP address geolocation<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*Can unilaterally modify terms with 30-day notice<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*Mandatory client updates (sometimes over 100MB){{Citation needed|reason=Personal account}} required to launch Steam & access library<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*Users must accept all changes to maintain access to purchased content<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Steam can prevents users with non steam copies of games from downloading certain workshop mods making people forced to only buy games on steam <ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Personal account}}</ref><br />
====Transparency====<br />
*Provides a clear refund policy for games (any game played for less than 2 hours within 14 days)<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*It will mainly reference instances where the product prevents inspection or is intentionally confusing.<br />
*Maintains detailed system requirements information for all games (developer-submitted)<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*Offers a comprehensive privacy policy in an accessible language<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Unclear processes for account termination and data removal<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*Limited transparency about content moderation decisions<ref name="subscriber-agreement" /><br />
*Vague about specific data retention time-frames<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
*No clear disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors<ref name="privacy-policy" /><br />
====Business model====<br />
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><br />
<br />
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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250921014154/https://steamcommunity.com/market/ |archive-date=21 Sep 2025 |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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250914080251/https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/61F0-72B7-9A18-C70B |archive-date=14 Sep 2025 |access-date=2025-09-20 |website=Steam}}</ref> <br />
<br />
====Market control====<br />
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><br />
<br />
==Incidents:==<br />
===Antitrust ruling: Geo-blocking (''2021.01'')===<br />
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><br />
===Customer database hack (''2011''.10)===<br />
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><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
===Modification to terms-of-service (''2024''.09)===<br />
{{Main|Valve removes arbitration requirement from Steam Subscriber Agreement}}<br />
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:<br />
*Enhanced ability to terminate accounts for violations<br />
*Additional data collection and sharing provisions<br />
*Modified dispute resolution procedures<br />
<br />
===Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam (''2025''.07)===<br />
{{Main|Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam}}<br />
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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716164832/https://www.engadget.com/gaming/steam-now-bans-games-that-violate-the-rules-and-standards-of-payment-processors-and-banks-164222173.html |archive-date=16 Jul 2025 |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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804174453/https://peoplic.com/adult-game-devs-in-japan-cant-receive-revenue-from-steam-as-japanese-banks-reportedly-make-the-comprehensive-decision-to-block-transfers/ |archive-date=4 Aug 2025 |access-date=Jul 19, 2025 |work=peoplic}}</ref><br />
<br />
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/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250815111333/https://www.gameshub.com/news/news/steam-itchio-delist-lgbtq-nsfw-games-2790936/ |archive-date=15 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=Gameshub}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[itch.io]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Services]]<br />
[[Category:Valve Corporation]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=SteelSeries&diff=35906SteelSeries2026-02-02T19:05:19Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference link</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete|Issue 1=short, needs expansion|Issue 2=needs additional references}}{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Founded=2001<br />
|Logo=Steelseries.png<br />
|Industry=Electronics<br />
|ParentCompany=GN Store Nord<br />
|Type=Private<br />
|Website=https://steelseries.com<br />
|Description=Danish manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, controllers, and mousepads.<br />
}}SteelSeries is a Danish manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, controllers, and mousepads.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
{{Ph-C-CIS}}<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
{{Ph-C-Inc}}<br />
<br />
===Chatmix proprietary software (''2022'')===<br />
Many SteelSeries gaming headsets feature "Chatmix", a physical dial that allows the user to easily adjust the balance between game audio and voice chat. Headsets with the Chatmix feature traditionally presented their game and chat channels to the computer as two separate devices, allowing the user to assign the channels directly in the operating system and the audio chat software respectively.<br />
<br />
Starting with the Arctis 7+ headset, Chatmix channels can only be configured by using SteelSeries GG, the manufacturer's proprietary software. The module of the software required for the Chatmix dial on the headset to work, is only accessible if the user is logged into a SteelSeries account.<ref>{{Cite web |author=u/slojonej |date=2022-08-01 |title=Why the fuck do I need an account now to use sonar? Just let me use my hardware sound control an be gone with this goddamn account I won't ever use. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/steelseries/comments/wdnu17/why_the_fuck_do_i_need_an_account_now_to_use/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/BDcQt |archive-date=20 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-08-17 |work=Reddit}}</ref> This has the following consequences for users of modern SteelSeries headsets:<br />
<br />
*Users are required to create and log into an online account in order to use a hardware feature of their product.<br />
*The feature can only be used on computers running Windows.<br />
*The extra layer of required, unreliable software adds complexity, and often requires troubleshooting sound issues.<br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
{{Ph-C-P}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Ph-C-SA}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Stellantis_customer_data_breach&diff=35901Stellantis customer data breach2026-02-02T19:00:25Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
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<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
<br />
{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Stellantis<br />
|StartDate=2025-09-22<br />
|Status=Resolved<br />
|Type=Security, Third Party<br />
|Description=Stellantis customer data was exposed in a breach through a third-party platform.<br />
}}<br />
[[Stellantis]] customer data was exposed in a breach through a third-party platform on September 21, 2025. The hackers accessed contact information of customers in North America.<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
The Bleeping Computer reports that the ShinyHunters group accessed Stellantis data as part of a larger effort targeted at Salesforce, which included data stolen from many other large companies in 2025, such as [[Google]], [[Cisco Systems, Inc.]], and Workday.<ref name=":1" /> The group did not reveal to Bleeping Computer the methods used to gain access in this incident, however, their tactics in the similar attacks on Salesforce included social engineering<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toulas |first=Bill |date=2025-06-04 |title=Google: Hackers target Salesforce accounts in data extortion attacks |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-hackers-target-salesforce-accounts-in-data-extortion-attacks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250919162222/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-hackers-target-salesforce-accounts-in-data-extortion-attacks/ |archive-date=2025-09-19 |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=Bleeping Computer}}</ref> and stolen credentials that allowed access through the Salesloft Drift AI chat integration with Salesforce.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Lawrence |date=2025-08-28 |title=Google warns Salesloft breach impacted some Workspace accounts |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-warns-salesloft-breach-impacted-some-workspace-accounts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250912100941/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-warns-salesloft-breach-impacted-some-workspace-accounts/ |archive-date=2025-09-12 |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=Bleeping Computer}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==Customer data breach==<br />
On September 21, 2025, Stellantis North America reported the data breach on their website.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-09-21 |title=Third-Party Platform Data Incident |url=https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=27079 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250923153055/https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=27079 |archive-date=2025-09-23 |access-date=2025-09-28 |website=Stellantis North America}}</ref> They stated that the data was limited to contact information and that the breach did not involve any financial or sensitive personal information. They did not include an estimate of impacted customers. Bleeping Computer reported that extortion group ShinyHunters took credit for the breach, stating that they stole over 18 million Salesforce records pertaining to contact information.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Gatlan |first=Sergiu |date=2025-09-22 |title=Automaker giant Stellantis confirms data breach after Salesforce hack |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/automaker-giant-stellantis-confirms-data-breach-after-salesforce-hack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250924065416/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/automaker-giant-stellantis-confirms-data-breach-after-salesforce-hack/ |archive-date=2025-09-24 |access-date=2025-09-28 |website=Bleeping Computer}}</ref> <br />
<br />
===Stellantis's response===<br />
In their initial report, Stellantis North America remarked on their response to the incident:<ref name=":0" /> <br />
<br />
<blockquote> Upon discovery, we immediately activated our incident response protocols, initiated a comprehensive investigation, and took prompt action to contain and mitigate the situation. We are also notifying the appropriate authorities and directly informing affected customers. </blockquote> <br />
<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
Some consumers reacted to the news of the data breach in the context of the broader conversations around privacy concerns in the automotive industry and the proposed REPAIR Act (H.R. 906) legislation in the United States. Online comments from consumers include criticism towards Stellantis for characterizing [[Right to repair]] as a security vulnerability while failing to keep their customers' contact info secure, expressions of gratitude for owning vehicles from the early 2000's and older that don't collect consumer data to begin with, and statements of distrust in Stellantis and a lack of surprise at the incident.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Knutsson |first=Kurt |date=2025-10-07 |title=Jeep and Chrysler parent Stellantis confirms data breach |url=https://www.foxnews.com/tech/jeep-chrysler-parent-stellantis-confirms-data-breach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007162047/https://www.foxnews.com/tech/jeep-chrysler-parent-stellantis-confirms-data-breach |archive-date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-10-15 |work=Fox News}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-22 |title=Automaker giant Stellantis confirms data breach after Salesforce hack |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1nnz4b0/automaker_giant_stellantis_confirms_data_breach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.li/zRYRv |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-26 |title=Stellantis suffers data breach during campaign against independent repair |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/1nrgpsz/stellantis_suffers_data_breach_during_campaign/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/WCwmW |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-15 |website=Reddit}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC]] - ShinyHunters data breach<br />
*[[Volkswagen car-location data-exposure incident]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Stellantis]]<br />
[[Category:Data breaches]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Stellantis_in-car_advertisements&diff=35899Stellantis in-car advertisements2026-02-02T18:45:15Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
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<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
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On February 7th, 2024, TechStory.in reported that [[Jeep]] 4xe owners are now seeing full screen pop-up advertisements on the displays of their vehicle's infotainment systems.<ref>{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304102847/https://techstory.in/stellantis-introduces-pop-up-ads-in-vehicles-sparking-outrage-among-owners/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2025-03-04|url=https://techstory.in/stellantis-introduces-pop-up-ads-in-vehicles-sparking-outrage-among-owners/|title=Stellantis Introduces Pop-Up Ads in Vehicles, Sparking Outrage Among Owners|first=Samir|last=Gautam|date=2025-02-07|work=TechStory.in}}</ref><br />
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==Background==<br />
The controversy surrounding [[Stellantis]]' infotainment advertisements is part of a larger trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers have been experimenting with subscription-based features and monetization of vehicle services. Stellantis' decision to integrate advertisements into vehicle interfaces has reignited debates over consumer rights and ownership expectations.<br />
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==Incident==<br />
Stellantis, has come under scrutiny following the introduction of full-screen pop-up advertisements on its in-vehicle infotainment systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McFall |first=Marni Rose |date=2025-03-14 |title=Dodge Drivers Furious After Unwanted Ads Pop Up in Their Cars |url=https://www.newsweek.com/stellantis-dodge-car-drivers-adverts-pop-ups-2045033 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250314190927/https://www.newsweek.com/stellantis-dodge-car-drivers-adverts-pop-ups-2045033 |archive-date=14 Mar 2025 |website=News Week}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Esther |first=Anochie |date=2015-02-11 |title=Jeep Introduces Pop-Up Ads That Appear Every Time You Stop |url=https://techstory.in/jeep-introduces-pop-up-ads-that-appear-every-time-you-stop/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250214081830/https://techstory.in/jeep-introduces-pop-up-ads-that-appear-every-time-you-stop/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2025 |website=Tech Story}}</ref> This feature, has been met with widespread criticism, disrupts driver experience by displaying ads whenever the vehicle comes to a stop.<br />
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Reports indicate that the cars infotainment system will be overridden with a whole of screen advertisement for Mopar’s extended warranty services. These ads require manual dismissal before users can resume normal system operation, such as checking GPS navigation or adjusting media settings. Initially affected vehicles appeared to be Jeeps, however reports in March state that Dodge is also effected. <br />
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Users are unable to opt out of the advertising and there is not ability to prevent them from appearing. <br />
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===Stellantis' response===<br />
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Stellantis, through its "JeepCares" representative, acknowledged the implementation of these ads, citing an agreement with [[SiriusXM]]. The company suggested that users simply dismiss the ads by tapping the provided close button. However, concerns remain regarding the forced nature of these interruptions and their frequency.<br />
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==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Stellantis]]<br />
[[Category:Jeep]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Stop_Killing_Games&diff=35898Stop Killing Games2026-02-02T18:35:48Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
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<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Campaign started by advocate Ross W. Scott to keep video games functional after their discontinuation.<br />
|Founded=2024<br />
|Industry=Video Games, Consumer Rights<br />
|Logo=Stop killing games.jpeg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=<br />
|Website=https://www.stopkillinggames.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''Stop Killing Games''' ('''SKG''') is a campaign intended to spread awareness regarding publishers revoking licenses for consumers and removing game functionality so that they are no longer in a playable state. The campaign was announced on 2 April 2024 by Accursed Farms, better known as Ross W. Scott, an American [[YouTube|YouTuber]] and consumer activist who is best known for his Freeman's Mind series.<br />
<br />
==Campaign history==<br />
On 2 April 2024, Accursed Farms posted the video "The largest campaign ever to stop publishers destroying games".<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Accursed_Farms |date=2 Apr 2024 |title=The largest campaign ever to stop publishers destroying games |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w70Xc9CStoE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=w70Xc9CStoE |archive-date=12 Nov 2024 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> In the video, Ross Scott explains the issue with modern gaming, where video game publishers often take advantage of laws.<!-- I wished to include a history of Ross Scott fighting to preserve games but I don't know if this is the best place --><br />
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Ross W. Scott has a history of advocating for game preservation and decrying what he calls "war on ownership" for over 12 years.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@therealmrglanet2127 |date=12 May 2025 |title=Stop Killing Games: A History |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlOX3wRQvUg |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><!-- We need to explain the topics that Ross Scott discusses. For example, what points does he bring up? I haven't done this yet as that would require me going through the half-hour video and I don't have the time just yet to do that. If anybody else could do this, that would be amazing! --><br />
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===UK Parliament petition===<br />
On 16 April 2024, a UK Parliament petition titled "Require videogame publishers to keep games they have sold in a working state"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author= |date=Dec 2023 |title=Require videogame publishers to keep games they have sold in a working state |url=https://petition.parliament.uk/archived/petitions/659071 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241114231235/https://petition.parliament.uk/archived/petitions/659071 |archive-date=14 Nov 2024 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=UK Parliament Petitions}}</ref> began collecting signatures. The petition intended to create laws to prevent publishers from removing the ability to play games after purchase. The UK government answered on 2 May 2024, but the petitions committee requested Government to revise their response. The Government declined to do so. The petition was subsequently closed on 30 May 2024 due to the UK general elections,<ref name=":0" /> preventing further signatures. It reached 27,341 signatures and was originally scheduled to close on 16 October 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Batchelor |first=James |title=UK government responds to Stop Killing Games campaign |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/uk-government-responds-to-stop-killing-games-campaign |website=GamesIndustry |date=15 May 2024 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515115455/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/uk-government-responds-to-stop-killing-games-campaign |archive-date=15 May 2024}}</ref><br />
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On 14 January 2025, Lewis Evans created a petition titled "Prohibit publishers irrevocably disabling video games they have already sold"<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Lewis |date=14 Jan 2025 |title=Prohibit publishers irrevocably disabling video games they have already sold |url=https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702074/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114104021/https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702074/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=UK Parliament Petitions}}</ref> closely following the prematurely closed petition in 2024. It is yet to receive a government response and is due for one on January 30. Ross Scott published a video listing the events of the original petition, the government response and the creation of new petition.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Accursed_Farms |date=14 Jan 2025 |title=Stop Killing Games: UK Edition |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQnZ91mUB0E |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=NQnZ91mUB0E |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br />
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On 3 February 2025, the UK Government responded to the Petition, "There are no plans to amend UK consumer law on disabling video games. Those selling games must comply with existing requirements in consumer law, and we will continue to monitor this issue."<ref name=":1" /> As of 2 July 2025, the petition reached the goal of 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in the UK Parliament.<br />
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The Petition was debated by Parliament on 3 November 2025. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Stephanie Peacock, was the last speaker and provided the Government's position on the matter. The debate was adjourned without the Government having made any material changes from its view previously stated in February.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web<br />
|last=Warren |first=Mark |title=Stop Killing Games' UK petition has been debated in parliament: "The law works, but companies may need to communicate better" |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/stop-killing-games-uk-petition-has-been-debated-in-parliament-the-law-works-but-companies-may-need-to-communicate-better |website=Rock Paper Shotgun |date=3 Nov 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111002946/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/stop-killing-games-uk-petition-has-been-debated-in-parliament-the-law-works-but-companies-may-need-to-communicate-better |archive-date=11 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
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===European Citizens' Initiative===<br />
On 19 June 2024, "Stop Destroying Videogames" was registered as a European Citizens' Initiative by Daniel Ondruska.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ondruska |first=Daniel |date=19 Jun 2024 |title=Stop Destroying Videogames |url=https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/initiatives/details/2024/000007_en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619131907/https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/initiatives/details/2024/000007_en |archive-date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=European Citizens' Initiative}}</ref> A month and a half later, on 31 July 2024, the initiative began collecting signatures. Accursed Farms posted the video "Europeans can save gaming!" later the same day, encouraging European citizens to sign the initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Accursed_Farms |date=31 Jul 2024 |title=Europeans can save gaming! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkMe9MxxZiI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=mkMe9MxxZiI |archive-date=31 Jul 2024 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br />
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About a week later, Thor of Pirate Software published a video covering SKG, with the intent to negatively criticize SKG.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@PirateSoftware |date=6 Aug 2024 |title=Stop Killing Games |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioqSvLqB46Y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=ioqSvLqB46Y |archive-date=6 Aug 2024 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Ross from Accursed Farms attempted to contact Thor about having false assumptions of the campaign's objectives. Ross cited Pirate Software's video as the primary cause for signatures drying up on the European Citizens' Initiative petition. Ross stated that they did not initially make a response video directed at Thor, because "it might look like drama farming" for the campaign, but when the deadline started drawing near, Ross went through with making a response on 23 June 2025, as a last-ditch effort to save the campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Accursed_Farms |date=23 Jun 2025 |title=The end of Stop Killing Games |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIfRLujXtUo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=HIfRLujXtUo |archive-date=23 Jun 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br />
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For a European citizens' initiative to be valid, it must obtain at least one million valid signatures and meet the minimum thresholds in at least seven European Union countries. The deadline of the initiative was on 31 July 2025. By 25 June 2025, it had reached over 500,000 signatures, and finally met its goal of 1,000,000 on 3 July 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stop Destroying Videogames |url=https://eci.ec.europa.eu/045/public/#/screen/home |website=European Union Online Collection System |date= |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250703072953/https://eci.ec.europa.eu/045/public/#/screen/home |archive-date=3 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
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The collection of signatures ended 1 August 2025, with a total of 1,448,270 and 24 out of 27 state members crossing the minimum thresholds. In the following three months, the signatures will be verified and validated by all state members.<br />
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In an announcement from the initiative campaigners on 24 January 2026, the final count of verified signatures was 1,294,188.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Mr_Presidentle |title=Stop Killing Games: Final Count of Verified Signatures of the European Citizens Initiative |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/StopKillingGames/comments/1qluxts/stop_killing_games_final_count_of_verified/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=24 Jan 2026 |access-date=25 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260126002806/https://old.reddit.com/r/StopKillingGames/comments/1qluxts/stop_killing_games_final_count_of_verified/ |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
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===Industry push back===<br />
On 4 July 2025, one day after the campaign reached 1,000,000 signatures, [[Video Games Europe]], an industry lobby group, released an statement on Stop Killing Games<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Statement on Stop Killing Games |url=https://www.videogameseurope.eu/news/statement-on-stop-killing-games/ |website=Videogames Europe |date=4 Jul 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250704203228/https://www.videogameseurope.eu/news/statement-on-stop-killing-games/ |archive-date=4 Jul 2025}}</ref> on their website and published a five-page position paper<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Why providing continued support do not work for all games |url=https://www.videogameseurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/VGE-Position-Discontinuation-of-Support-to-Online-Games-04072025.pdf |website=Videogames Europe |date=4 Jul 2025 |access-date=9 Jul 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250704232256/https://www.videogameseurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/VGE-Position-Discontinuation-of-Support-to-Online-Games-04072025.pdf |archive-date=4 Jul 2025}}</ref> against the campaign where it outlined perceived problems seen by the industry even though some of those perceived problems were already clarified by the lengthy FAQ section provided by the campaign.<br />
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Video Games Europe response was not only unsurprising but also expected since their board is composed from major publishers like [[Electronic Arts]], [[Ubisoft]], [[Nintendo]], [[Microsoft]] and [[Sony]], who see no problem in how the industry works today.<br />
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On 10 July 2025, Ubisoft's CEO, Yves Guillemot [[Ubisoft#Comments by executives on ownership|commented on the campaign]] during an investor meeting:<br />
<blockquote>"We provide a service, but nothing is written in stone, and at some point the service may be discontinued. Nothing is eternal. And we do our best to make sure things go well for our players and buyers, because obviously support for old games cannot last forever."</blockquote><br />
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On 21 July 2025, Ross Scott uploaded a video showcasing serious accusations made against the European initiative from an anonymous source.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Accursed_Farms |date=21 Jul 2025 |title=The industry filed false claims against the "Stop Killing Games" initiative |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQN_ZA5WRpo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=fQN_ZA5WRpo |archive-date=21 Jul 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> The accusations were relayed by the European Commission to Ross Scott and are:<br><br />
<blockquote><br />
1. False "No Funding" Declaration<br><br />
2. Systematic Concealment of Major Contribution</blockquote><br />
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In the video Ross demonstrated how the accusations had no ground to stand on, and the process of communication that happened with the European Commission to verify the correctness of the campaign before it even began in July 2024. The document with the accusations can be found [https://mega.nz/file/W3YTHCqQ#i-D2f_fgILqBILJiavLwX-eh3pUPGnYeaQfdadiFH20 here].<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title= 250711SDVG_Complaint-1 .pdf |url=https://mega.nz/file/W3YTHCqQ#i-D2f_fgILqBILJiavLwX-eh3pUPGnYeaQfdadiFH20 |website=MEGA |date=21 Jul 2025 |access-date=10 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |format=PDF}}</ref><br />
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The European Commission hasn't moved against or in favor of the accused yet as of 10 November 2025.<br />
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==Video game preservation==<br />
{{Main|Video game preservation}}<br />
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There are also efforts to restore older games, or to allow the gaming community to have access to the source code of the games themselves. In 2025, there were several developments by major publishers, such as [[Valve]] and [[EA]]. Valve released the source code of {{Wplink|Team Fortress 2}} in February.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 Feb 2025 |title=The TF2 SDK has arrived! |url=https://www.teamfortress.com/post.php?id=238809 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218201538/https://www.teamfortress.com/post.php?id=238809 |archive-date=18 Feb 2025 |access-date=10 Mar 2025 |website=Team Fortress}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Feb 2025 |title=Valve Releases Team Fortress 2 Source Code, Now open to Modders |url=https://bitskins.com/blog/valve-releases-team-fortress-2-source-code-now-open-to-modders/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250310111654/https://bitskins.com/blog/valve-releases-team-fortress-2-source-code-now-open-to-modders/ |archive-date=10 Mar 2025 |access-date=10 Mar 2025 |website=BitSkins}}</ref> EA released the source code of [[EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles|classic command and conquer titles]], also in February 2025.<br />
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==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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[[Category:Consumer activism]]<br />
[[Category:Pro-consumer articles]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Storefront_shutdown&diff=35856Storefront shutdown2026-02-01T18:45:42Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
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<div><br />
<!-- I'm thinking of having this page be handled as a Tier-1 Theme article --><br />
'''Digital storefront shutdowns''', or the practice of discontinuing online storefronts for consoles and other devices, has become increasingly common. This often results in the removal of games exclusive to these platforms, such as ''Pokémon Picross'' for the Nintendo 3DS, ''Battlezone'' for the Xbox 360, and the PlayStation Portable (PSP) remasters of classic ''Final Fantasy'' titles. These shutdowns leave many games inaccessible to new users, raising concerns over digital preservation and the long-term viable usage of digital-only content. Especially as more recent closures mean that access to games that are reliant on servers end up being affected by these storefront closures. <br />
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==Why this is a problem==<br />
This removes consumer access for older games on their older consoles, making them have to buy a new one.<br />
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==Digital storefront shutdowns<!-- Reference this page for ideas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_distribution_of_video_games -->==<br />
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===Wii Shop Channel (2006–2019)===<br />
The '''Wii Shop Channel''', launched in 2006, allowed Nintendo Wii users to purchase and download a variety of content, including Virtual Console games, WiiWare titles, and other downloadable content. Users could load their accounts with '''Wii Points,''' a virtual currency, to make purchases. This system offered access to a diverse library of classic games and indie releases, however the service was officially shut down in 2019, and with it, many of the games and content became inaccessible.<br />
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===Wii U/3DS eShops (2012–2023)<!-- Consider discussing making a new post for this -->===<br />
Launched in November 2012, the [[Nintendo]] eShop for Wii U and 3DS was [[Nintendo|Nintendo's]] 2nd major digital storefront. The shutdown of this storefront in April 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wii U & Nintendo 3DS eShop Discontinuation Q&A |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57847/~/wii-u-%26-nintendo-3ds-eshop-discontinuation-q%26a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251229143812/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57847/~/wii-u-%26-nintendo-3ds-eshop-discontinuation-q%26a |archive-date=29 Dec 2025 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Nintendo Customer Support}}</ref> was directly connected to online gameplay services also getting shut down for titles such as Super Mario Maker and Splatoon. Roughly 1.5TB worth of games were delisted from the storefronts,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=7 Mar 2023 |title=Wii U and 3DS eShops close down later today, risking hundreds of unique games |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/03/todays-the-last-day-to-buy-eshop-games-for-the-wii-u-and-3ds/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327193451/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2023/03/todays-the-last-day-to-buy-eshop-games-for-the-wii-u-and-3ds/ |archive-date=27 Mar 2023 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=ArsTechnica}}</ref> and preservation efforts were hampered through [[Nintendo|Nintendo's]] restrictions,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=The Completionist |date=18 Mar 2023 |title=I bought EVERY Nintendo Wii U & 3DS game before the Nintendo eShop closes |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujHUMG0Uovs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=ujHUMG0Uovs |archive-date=4 Apr 2023 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> such as the $250 limit for account balance at any given time, no matter if it is via gift card or physical funds being transferred to the balance. The Completionist's video covering the event had also documented a limit for how many games can be downloaded at once, and account lockdowns if you redeem $1000 in eShop cards within a 24hr period,<ref name=":0" /> among several other anti-consumer problems that hampered the efforts of preservation. <br />
<br />
Additionally, the VirtualConsole<ref>{{Cite web |title=Topic: virtual console |url=https://arstechnica.com/tag/virtual-console/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174555/https://arstechnica.com/tag/virtual-console/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=ArsTechnica}}</ref> (VC) series, what was the only legitimate way to purchase new copies of vintage games for multiple [[Nintendo]] platforms ranging from the NES and GameBoy, to the Nintendo DS and N64, was among the litany of titles erased from servers, forcing consumers that missed out on purchasing these titles to only be capable of paying for a [[Nintendo Switch Online]] (NSO) subscription to play retro Nintendo games, which they wouldn't own, and various VC releases have remained to not be re-released on NSO.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=26 Mar 2023 |title=Nintendo’s Wii U and 3DS eShops shut down today |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/26/23657431/wii-u-nintendo-3ds-eshops-shut-down |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326215025/https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/26/23657431/wii-u-nintendo-3ds-eshops-shut-down |archive-date=26 Mar 2023 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref> <br />
<br />
===PlayStation Portable Storefront (2008–2021)===<br />
Started in October 2008, the PSP storefront was the first digital storefront established for portable consoles. Despite fan backlash against [[Sony|Sony's]] attempts<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=19 Apr 2021 |title=Sony admits it made ‘wrong decision’ and will keep PS3, Vita stores open |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/19/22392126/sony-ps3-ps-vita-stores-open-backtrack-psp-july-2nd-mistake |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419171045/https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/19/22392126/sony-ps3-ps-vita-stores-open-backtrack-psp-july-2nd-mistake |archive-date=19 Apr 2021 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref> to shut down the PS3 and PSVita storefronts alongside this shutdown,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Barker |first=Sammy |date=29 Mar 2021 |title=Sony Confirms PS3, PS Vita, PSP Store Closures, Downloads Will Be Retained |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2021/03/sony_confirms_ps3_ps_vita_psp_store_closures_downloads_will_be_retained |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329174916/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2021/03/sony_confirms_ps3_ps_vita_psp_store_closures_downloads_will_be_retained |archive-date=29 Mar 2021 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=PushSquare}}</ref> it was unfortunately still discontinued. Regardless if the storefront shut down, accessibility was dubious at best, since users' only methods to connect PSPs to the internet required either running a mobile hotspot without security enabled, or jury rigging older routers<ref>{{Cite web |last=@Astral_Strider |title=For anyone who still want to connect their PSP to internet in the present time, this is my workaround: |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/PSP/comments/mwk41s/for_anyone_who_still_want_to_connect_their_psp_to/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423013508/https://www.reddit.com/r/PSP/comments/mwk41s/for_anyone_who_still_want_to_connect_their_psp_to/ |archive-date=23 Apr 2021 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> just to function, and regardless, it was extremely risky for consumers to safely use their consoles while connected online due to the vulnerabilities caused by the PSP's lack of support for most modern network security protocols.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@wash1ng_machine |title=is it still possible to connect a psp to the internet? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/PSP/comments/xdqk0a/is_it_still_possible_to_connect_a_psp_to_the/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929110458/https://www.reddit.com/r/PSP/comments/xdqk0a/is_it_still_possible_to_connect_a_psp_to_the/ |archive-date=29 Sep 2022 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Additionally, a lack of development for the web browser of the console made accessing the internet progressively more difficult and slow since its final update with version 2.70<ref>{{Cite web |title=Webbrowser |url=https://www.psdevwiki.com/psp/index.php/Webbrowser |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120113405/https://www.psdevwiki.com/psp/index.php/Webbrowser |archive-date=20 Jan 2025 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=www.psdevwiki.com}}</ref> in 2006, having 15 years of zero support between launch and shutdown, thus requiring hacked consoles to reliably surf the internet with community-maintained browsers.<br />
<br />
===Xbox 360 Marketplace (2005–2024)===<br />
In November 2005, the Xbox 360 Marketplace was [[Microsoft]]'s first digital storefront for their consoles. Nearly 20 years later, it was shut down,<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Dave |date=17 Aug 2023 |title=The Xbox 360 Store Will Close July 2024, But You Can Keep Playing Your Favorite Games |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/08/17/xbox-360-store-will-close-july-2024/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817141106/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/08/17/xbox-360-store-will-close-july-2024/ |archive-date=17 Aug 2023 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Xbox Wire}}</ref> although unlike most other storefront closures, users could still reinstall games they purchased as long as publishers did not have their games delisted prior to the shutdown or later, so titles such as World Gone Sour published by [[Capcom]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=@ShawnS |date=27 Apr 2016 |title=World Gone Sour |url=https://delistedgames.com/world-gone-sour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427164332/https://delistedgames.com/world-gone-sour/ |archive-date=27 Apr 2016 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Delisted Games}}</ref> or Assassin's Creed 3 published by [[Ubisoft]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=@ShawnS |date=30 Nov 2023 |title=Assassin’s Creed III |url=https://delistedgames.com/assassins-creed-iii/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130130731/https://delistedgames.com/assassins-creed-iii/ |archive-date=30 Nov 2023 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Delisted Games}}</ref> are entirely unplayable<ref name=":1" /> <!-- I want more examples, I expect that Ubisoft pulled something like this.<br />
https://delistedgames.com/xbox-360-games/ --> unless consumers happened to still have had the game installed to their consoles, or bought a disc if the title received an official physical release.<br />
<br />
===Stadia (2019–2023)===<br />
Launched in November 2019, Stadia was the first cloud gaming service with a storefront. Its storefront was abruptly shut down for users in September 2022 without notice, and the entire service shuttered in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robertson |first=Joshua |date=30 Sep 2022 |title=Google Stadia's Storefront Has Already Been Shut Down |url=https://www.thegamer.com/google-stadias-storefront-already-shut-down/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930010555/https://www.thegamer.com/google-stadias-storefront-already-shut-down/ |archive-date=30 Sep 2022 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=TheGamer}}</ref> As the shutdown of the service meant users who made purchases on the platform could not play the products they paid for, Google refunded purchases of both hardware and software for the platform,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bradshaw |first=Kyle |date=29 Sep 2022 |title=Google Stadia is shutting down in January, all purchases will be refunded |url=https://9to5google.com/2022/09/29/google-stadia-shutting-down/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929234443/https://9to5google.com/2022/09/29/google-stadia-shutting-down/ |archive-date=29 Sep 2022 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=9to5google.com}}</ref> however many platform-exclusive titles<ref>{{Cite web |last=@SFBTom |date=29 Sep 2022 |title=Tangle Tower was due to launch on Stadia in 2 days time, and this article was the first I heard about it shutting down 😢 |url=https://x.com/SFBTom/status/1575558078367690752 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/C2Cfi |archive-date=1 Feb 2026 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref><!-- Someone archive this tweet so users can read it without potentially needing an account --> were never re-released,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=22 Dec 2022 |title=What’s the plan for Stadia exclusive games? Here’s what we know so far |url=https://9to5google.com/2022/12/22/stadia-exclusive-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222163532/https://9to5google.com/2022/12/22/stadia-exclusive-games/ |archive-date=22 Dec 2022 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=9to5google.com}}</ref> so users couldn't reliably replace the software that they paid for. <!-- Maybe pile for things to list:<br />
Big Sea Games: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Fish_Games --><br />
<br />
===Leap Frog / Leapster Connect (2008-2021)===<br />
As of September 30 2021, LeapFrog officially discontinued and shut down the Leapster Connect service <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Leapster Explorer and LeapsterGS |url=https://www.leapfrog.com/en-us/support/appmessage |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618141808/https://www.leapfrog.com/en-us/support/appmessage |archive-date=2025-06-18}}</ref>. Because of this, the devices can no longer reach the storefront to download purchased games or use the features that were advertised. Models such as (but not limited to) the Leapster, Leapster Explorer, My Own Story Time Pad, My Own Leaptop, Crammer, Didj, and Leapster 2 still function offline with any content that was already stored on them. However, any games that were bought but not downloaded to the device before the shutdown are now inaccessible. The software was also necessary for connecting the device to a PC, managing its content, transferring user files, and sending messages to and from your child. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-13 |title=Do I need to connect My Own Leaptop to the computer to use it? |url=https://leapfrog.happyfox.com/kb/article/138-2003/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250810103234/https://leapfrog.happyfox.com/kb/article/138-2003/ |archive-date=2025-08-10}}</ref>. <br />
<br />
==Attempted storefront shutdowns==<br />
<br />
===PlayStation 3/PSVita storefronts===<br />
In 2021, Sony attempted to shut down the storefronts of 3 of their legacy consoles, the PSP, PSVita, and PS3.<ref name=":3" /> Unlike the PSP however, backlash from the community<ref name=":2" /> made it so consumers currently remain capable of purchasing and downloading new digital copies of PS3 titles, so long as the release has not been removed from the platform storefront. The PS3 is to be the final home console of the [[wikipedia:Seventh_generation_of_video_game_consoles|7th console generation]] and the PSVita as the expected final portable console of the [[wikipedia:Eighth_generation_of_video_game_consoles|8th console generation]] to retain access to its manufacturer's storefronts. <!-- It is a gamble to see if the Nintendo Switch will see support from Nintendo for more than 5 years at this point. --><br />
<br />
==Additional reading==<br />
<br />
*[[Video game preservation]]<br />
*[[Games as a service]]<br />
*[[Stop Killing Games]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[category:Theme]]<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Storj.io_constantly_removes_free_or_low_cost_services&diff=35850Storj.io constantly removes free or low cost services2026-02-01T18:09:42Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
| Name = Storj.io<br />
| Type =Private<br />
| Founded =2014<br />
| Industry =Decentralized Cloud Storage<br />
| Website =https://www.storj.io/<br />
| Logo =Storjlogo.svg<br />
}}<br />
In February 2024, Storj announced the discontinuation of its Free Tier, effective April 1, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Feb 2024 |title=Discontinuation of the Storj Free Tier |url=https://forum.storj.io/t/discontinuation-of-the-storj-free-tier/25332?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.li/3P8Rm |archive-date=11 Apr 2024}}</ref> This change required all users to transition to paid Pro accounts to continue using the service. Users who did not upgrade by the deadline had their accounts frozen, restricting access to their data until a payment method was added. The decision was driven by concerns over the Free Tier's effectiveness in customer acquisition and instances of abuse. While some users expressed dissatisfaction with the abrupt transition and communication, Storj maintained that the change was necessary for the platform's sustainability.<br />
<br />
In May 2025, Storj announced a new pricing policy introducing a '''$5/month minimum fee''' for all users, regardless of actual usage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Minimum Usage Fee Starting July 1 |url=https://forum.storj.io/t/new-minimum-usage-fee-starting-july-1/30057 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/YvZHA |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref> This change was part of a broader effort to streamline operations and ensure financial sustainability. However, the policy faced significant backlash from the community, particularly from users who held and used STORJ tokens for payments.<br />
<br />
'''In response to community concern''', several Storj team members clarified aspects of the pricing and support policies on the official forum. A representative noted that '''enterprise clients could still receive free trial credits''' through case-by-case negotiations with the sales team to support proof-of-concept evaluations. Another pointed out that '''withdrawals from prepaid STORJ token balances''' do not incur payment processing fees. Notably, a Storj team lead added—somewhat curtly—that '''“accounting and support teams do not work free of charge,”''' a remark that was perceived by some in the community as dismissive and unprofessional, especially amid a tense and nuanced pricing debate.<br />
<br />
In response to the feedback, a representative from Storj has claimed that the company would revise the approach and an announcement has been posted to their community portal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Follow-up on the New Minimum Usage Fee - and a Request for Feedback |url=https://forum.storj.io/t/a-follow-up-on-the-new-minimum-usage-fee-and-a-request-for-feedback/30089 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/ct2fu |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>}{{Placeholder box|An introductory paragraph starting with "'''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a ...<ref name":0">ref goes here</ref>". When writing the article, insert text in the space below this box, and then delete this tip box (and the other tip boxes below). In the visual editor, just click on a box and press backspace to delete it. In the source editor, simply delete the double curly brackets, and the text inside them.}}<br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):<br />
* User freedom<br />
* User privacy<br />
* Business model<br />
* Market control}}<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
{{Placeholder box|Add one-paragraph summaries of incidents below in sub-sections, which link to each incident's main article while linking to the main article and including a short summary. It is acceptable to create an incident summary before the main page for an incident has been created. To link to the page use the "Hatnote" or "Main" templates.<br />
<br />
If the company has numerous incidents then format them in a table (see [[Amazon]] for an example). }}<br />
<br />
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]].<br />
===Example incident one (''date'')===<br />
{{Main|link to the main article}}<br />
Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).<br />
===Example incident two (''date'')===<br />
...<br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.<br />
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.<br />
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=St%C3%A5ng%C3%A5staden_kickbacks_and_hidden_rent&diff=35246Stångåstaden kickbacks and hidden rent2026-01-26T22:34:57Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Stångåstaden<br />
|StartDate=2025<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ArticleType=Service<br />
|Type=Kickbacks, Hidden rent, Attempts to silence<br />
|Description=Hiding a part of the rent in ISP fees.<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Stångåstaden is a municipality owned public housing company based in Linköping, Sweden. They own and manage around 18000 units.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-25 |title=Stångåstaden - Om oss |url=https://www.stangastaden.se/om-stangastaden/om-oss/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006143514/https://www.stangastaden.se/om-stangastaden/om-oss/ |archive-date=6 Oct 2024}}</ref><br />
==Background==<br />
Stångåstaden has ownership of the fiber infrastructure in their real estate, which they rent out to network management service companies, who in turn charge ISPs for access to use the fiber network to provide internet for their customers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-05-13 |title=Bahnhof |url=https://bahnhof.se/2025/05/13/del-2-dolda-hyror/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/xHt9N |archive-date=10 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
==Switching net management service based on the highest "net rent"==<br />
In 2025 Stångåstaden has, through a public procurement, switched the network management service provider. The winner for of the public procurement was the company Telia (under the brand "Zitius"). The reason behind Stångåstaden choosing Zitius was because Zitius was willing to pay the highest amount of net rent (kickbacks) to Stångåstaden. In the public procurement offer the factor of net rent amount, far outweighed any other factors such as quality of service. The amount paid as the net rent (kickbacks) was not disclosed, but was estimated to 100-150SEK per unit per month which totals up to somewhere between 16.8 and 25.2 millions SEK per year. As a result the monthly fee charged to the ISPs increased by 160SEK per month, which in turn was passed down to their customers, making it a hidden rent cost that would be blamed on the ISPs rather than on Stångåstaden, and that would also bypass any regulations regarding rent costs of public housing. <ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
When the ISP company Bahnhof increased the cost of fiber internet for their customers they were transparent, and explained in an e-mail to affected customers, the reason for the increased monthly cost, mentioning the the new deal Stångåstaden has made with Zitius. <ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
Stångåstaden has reacted by threatening Bahnhoff with legal actions, unless Bahnhoff would send out a correction letter composed by Stångåstaden, which Bahnhof refused to do. <ref name=":0" /><br />
===Stångåstaden's response===<br />
When Fredrik Törnqvist, CEO at Stångåstaden was interviewed by ''Corren'', he claimed that the reason for the legal threats was that the mail from Bahnhof to their customers made it seem like Stångåstaden was doing something illegal. After some pressure, Fredrik conceded that the fees could be seen as a form of a hidden rent, since this net rent is a big deal of the companies economy and thanks to it they did not need to increase the advertised rent. He then fell back on the claim that Stångåstaden did nothing illegal. <ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Alvin |first=Åke |date=2025-05-07 |title=Stångåstaden byter fiberbolag – avgift för bredband höjs |url=https://www.corren.se/nyheter/linkoping/artikel/hard-kritik-mot-stangastaden-efter-hojda-avgiften-forjavligt/rk3nm0zl |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Yp1sP |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |work=Corren}}</ref><br />
==Fallout==<br />
According to the Tenant`s association, tenants in public housings in Sweden pay much higher price for the Internet compared to home owners.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-16 |title=The Tennant`s association |url=https://www.hyresgastforeningen.se/fortroendevald/maries-kronikor/2024/hyresgasternas-bredband-en-dyr-historia/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/2gaX9 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref> This indicates that Stångåstaden is not the only company who practices similar fee schemes.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The incident has started a movement (led by Bahnhof) that attempts to convince politicians to make further regulations that will take the connection to the internet into account <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-13 |title=Bredbandsupproret |url=https://bredbandsupproret.se/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/L647x |archive-date=10 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Swedish incidents]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Subaru_Starlink&diff=35243Subaru Starlink2026-01-26T22:09:41Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>''For the satellite {{wplink|internet service provider}}, see [[Starlink]].''<br />
{{ProductLineCargo<br />
|ArticleType=Service<br />
|Category=Software<br />
|Company=Subaru<br />
|Description=<br />
|InProduction=Yes<br />
|Logo=Subaru-starlink.png<br />
|ReleaseYear=2013<br />
|Website=https://subaru.com/<br />
}}<br />
Starlink is a connectivity service equipped on most modern Subaru vehicles, enabling extensive data collection from the vehicle and its occupants. The service has faced significant criticism and legal challenges over privacy concerns related to its data-collection and -sharing practices.<ref name="MozillaReview" /><br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
<br />
===Obstructive advertising===<br />
Since at least 23-05-25<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Just die already SiriusXM |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/13rl630/just_die_already_siriusxm/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/xzpun |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-11-27 |website=Reddit}}</ref>, Subaru Starlink will sometimes display whole-screen advertisements for [[SiriusXM]] in vehicles with SiriusXM functionality<ref name=":0" />. Advertisements will display regardless of whether the customer purchased a SiriusXM subscription, and cannot be bypassed without explicitly pressing the close button. Normal system usage, such as GPS, media settings, or driving settings cannot be done until the advertisements are closed.<br />
<br />
Users are only able to opt-out of this advertising if they have a SiriusXM subscription, which itself will require consent to additional telemetry from SiriusXM<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-27 |title=SiriusXM Help & Support Center |url=https://listenercare.siriusxm.com/prweb/autoredirect/app/ExternalKM/help/SupportCenter/article/KC-383215/How-do-I-manage-pop-up-messages-inside-my-vehicle%3F |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/bUInY |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Alternative recourse would involve manually uninstalling the telematics module or pulling the fuse powering the telematics module to disable connectivity. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-27 |title=No sound in front speakers / Mic is missing (Something with Starlink plugs?) - Resolved {{!}} Subaru Crosstrek and XV Forums |url=https://www.subaruxvforum.com/threads/no-sound-in-front-speakers-mic-is-missing-something-with-starlink-plugs-resolved.180778/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260126213325/https://www.subaruxvforum.com/threads/no-sound-in-front-speakers-mic-is-missing-something-with-starlink-plugs-resolved.180778/ |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-11-27 |website=Subaru Crosstrek and XV Forums}}</ref> However, this can disable front audio speakers on certain models due to the fuse powering both Starlink telematics and the front speakers<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-02 |title=Disconnecting your telematics (Starlink) antenna {{!}} Subaru Outback Forums |url=https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/disconnecting-your-telematics-starlink-antenna.519259/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514174802/https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/disconnecting-your-telematics-starlink-antenna.519259/ |archive-date=14 May 2023 |access-date=2025-11-27 |website=Subaru Outback Forums}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
===Starlink app exploit (''2025'')===<br />
The exploit was achieved by intercepting the Starlink app's network requests which revealed the admin portal login screen. Using the "Reset password" feature of the admin portal which was hidden with javascript the hacker found an employee email off linkedin and successfully managed to login to the admin portal. Although implementing 2FA this too was entirely client-side and the modal window blocking further interaction without verification could also be hidden with javascript. <br />
<br />
Inside the admin portal any employee can access a wide range of personal information, largely comprised of the personal information listed below. Additionally, if the employee has level 2 access, they can remotely lock, unlock, honk, issue speeding warnings and more which they demonstrated on their own and a friend's Subaru car. <br />
<br />
The incident was initially ethically disclosed to Subaru on 24-20-11 with a blog post detailing the exploit released on 25-23-01.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curry |first=Sam |date=23 Jan 2025 |title=Hacking Subaru: Tracking and Controlling Cars via the STARLINK Admin Panel |url=https://samcurry.net/hacking-subaru |archive-url=https://archive.ph/qaOil |archive-date=24 Jan 2025 |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=samcurry.net}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Data collection==<br />
===Types of data collected===<br />
Subaru’s privacy policy and STARLINK terms of service specify that the following data may be collected:<ref name="SubaruPrivacy">{{Cite web |date= |title=Subaru Privacy Policy |url=https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221075725/https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies.html |archive-date=21 Feb 2025 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaru.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
*'''Personal information'''<br />
**Names, addresses, and contact details.<br />
**Phone numbers and email addresses.<br />
**Social-security numbers (in specific cases).<br />
**Driver's license numbers.<br />
**Vehicle identification numbers (VIN).<br />
*'''Vehicle data'''<br />
**Location and GPS coordinates.<br />
**Speed, acceleration, and braking patterns.<br />
**Time and duration of trips.<br />
**Maintenance and diagnostic information.<br />
**Sensor data, such as crash severity, tire pressure, and coolant temperature.<br />
*'''Audio and biometric data'''<br />
**Audio recordings through onboard microphones.<br />
**Voice data from STARLINK service-center calls.<br />
**Biometric data from systems that driver attention.<br />
**Search content and commands issued by occupants.<br />
<br />
===Collection methods===<br />
Data collection is performed through:<br />
*Vehicle sensors and diagnostic modules.<ref name="MozillaReview">{{Cite web |last=Mozilla Research |first= |date=15 Aug 2023 |title=Mozilla Foundation Privacy Review: Subaru |url=https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/subaru/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906050929/https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/subaru/ |archive-date=6 Sep 2023 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=foundation.mozilla.org}}</ref><br />
*GPS tracking systems.<br />
*Cellular-connectivity modules.<br />
*STARLINK mobile apps and web portals.<ref name="MozillaReview" /><br />
<br />
==Data sharing and sales==<br />
===Third-party data sharing===<br />
Subaru shares data with several entities, including:<br />
*Data brokers, such as LexisNexis<ref name="SubaruPrivacy" /> and Verisk.<ref name="TorqueNews">{{Cite web |last=Flierl |first=Denis |date=21 May 2024 |title=Vehicle Data Collection Lawsuit |url=https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-now-involved-vehicle-data-collection-lawsuit-investigation |archive-url=https://archive.ph/SZDh9 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=torquenews.com}}</ref><ref name="NYT">{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Kashmir |date=11 March 2024 |title=Automakers Are Sharing Drivers’ Data |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240311090514/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html |archive-date=11 Mar 2024 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=nytimes.com}}</ref><br />
*Insurance companies for risk assessment and pricing.<ref name="TorqueNews" /><br />
*Marketing firms.<br />
*Emergency services and law enforcement (when required by law).<br />
*Subaru dealerships and distributors.<br />
*Third-party service providers.<ref name="SubaruPrivacy" /><br />
===Insurance-industry usage===<br />
Data brokers aggregate and sell this information to insurance companies, who may:<br />
*Increase insurance premiums based on driving patterns.<br />
*Monitor driving behaviors to assess risk.<br />
*Use driving data for personalized coverage offerings.<ref name="NYT" /><br />
<br />
==Privacy concerns==<br />
===Consent issues===<br />
Key concerns include:<br />
*Simply being a passenger in a STARLINK-equipped vehicle constitutes consent.<ref name="MozillaReview" /><br />
*Lack of active notification during data collection.<br />
*Limited opt-out options that might impact vehicle functionality.<br />
<br />
===Difficulties in opting out===<br />
Subaru’s opt-out process involves:<br />
*Submitting detailed personal information.<br />
*Potentially long response times.<br />
*No verification mechanism for successful opt-out.<ref name="ConsumerForum">{{Cite web |date=26 Jan 2025 |title=Privacy Report Discussion |url=https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/privacy-not-included-subaru-report-connected-services-etc.556583/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250510152056/https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/privacy-not-included-subaru-report-connected-services-etc.556583/ |archive-date=10 May 2025 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaruoutback.org}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Legal challenges===<br />
Subaru faces legal scrutiny for:<br />
*Allegations of insufficiently disclosing its data-collection policies what it does with data.<br />
*Potential non-compliance with privacy laws.<br />
*[[Class-action lawsuit]] investigations over consent practices.<ref name="TorqueNews" /><br />
<br />
==Technical details==<br />
===System architecture===<br />
STARLINK is built upon:<br />
*Embedded telematics devices.<br />
*4G LTE cellular networks.<br />
*GPS receivers and cloud-based data-processing systems.<ref name="StarlinkTerms">{{Cite web |title=Subaru STARLINK Terms and Conditions |url=https://www.subaru.com/support/terms-and-conditions/subaru-starlink/subaru-starlink-services.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708205238/https://www.subaru.com/support/terms-and-conditions/subaru-starlink/subaru-starlink-services.html |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaru.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Data transmission===<br />
*Real-time data transmission through LTE networks.<br />
*Local storage when connectivity is unavailable.<ref name="StarlinkTerms" /><br />
<br />
==Consumer-protection issues==<br />
===Privacy rights===<br />
Critics cite:<br />
*Minimal control over data retention.<br />
*Broad sharing permissions in privacy policies.<br />
*Limited transparency about how data is used.<ref name="MozillaReview" /><br />
<br />
===Economic harm===<br />
*Insurance-rate adjustments based on driving data.<br />
*Subscription fees for connected services.<br />
*Potential effects on vehicle resale value.<ref name="NYT" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=YouTube&diff=35238YouTube2026-01-26T21:06:06Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{InfoboxProductLine<br />
| Title = YouTube<br />
| Release Year = 2005<br />
| Product Type = Video sharing and streaming<br />
| In Production = Yes<br />
| Official Website = https://youtube.com<br />
| Logo = YouTube.png<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''{{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.<br />
<br />
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><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
==Consumer Impact Summary==<br />
<br />
*'''User Freedom''': Questionable; rampant bots and [[Elsagate]] suggest negligent moderation.<br />
*'''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]].<br />
*'''Business Model''': [[Advertising overload|Excessive advertising]], YouTube Premium, YouTube Premium Lite<br />
*'''Market Competition''': Despite several platforms that follow its niche, such as Odysee, PeerTube, and DailyMotion, they provide no significant competition.<br />
<br />
==Incidents<!-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW4On_gWAvI -->==<br />
<br />
===Restricting users that don't share their personal information===<br />
{{Main|Youtube age verification}}<br />
<br />
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><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
===Advertising overload on YouTube===<br />
{{Main|Advertising overload}}<br />
<br />
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,<!-- No article specifically states this, but whenever I use a device without an adblock, I have been seeing more static ads on the home page and video sidebar. I think it is reasonable to assume they don't mention it because they are distracted by the more annoying video ads - JamesTDG --> 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><br />
<br />
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<br />
}}</ref> — they may still see ads within the video they watch, such as sponsored segments.{{Citation needed}}<!-- I need a source for this. Very obvious statement but it's not like the YT marketing materials are going to outright say this. --> 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><br />
<br />
====Refusal to handle malicious ads====<br />
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 <br />
|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/ <!-- Had to use old domain for archive --> |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 <br />
|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 <!-- NOTE: Error dialog will prevent viewer from being able to scroll --> |archive-date=19 Mar 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Demonetization and censorship<!-- Maybe consider changing the title for this section... --><!-- Potential sources that require further studying before integration https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050921024467 https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3555209 -->===<br />
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><br />
<br />
====Irresponsibly automated moderation====<br />
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<br />
|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" /> <br />
<br />
===Crackdown against ad-blockers===<br />
<!-- Needs citations -->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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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><!-- Can someone add a source from ublock? Here's their site and wiki if anyone wants to chip in.<br />
https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock/wiki<br />
https://ublockorigin.com/ --><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><br />
<br />
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><br />
<br />
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><br />
Further viewing: <br />
<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><br />
<br />
====Offline video DRM====<br />
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> <br />
<br />
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><br />
<br />
====Universal DRM testing and violation of Creative Commons licences====<br />
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<br />
|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><br />
<br />
===Paywalling standard browser features===<br />
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}}<!-- Another obvious one, but needs a source. Trivial to test with any HTML5 video test page. --><br />
<br />
===Removal of the dislike count on videos===<br />
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><br />
<br />
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 <br />
|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><br />
===Anti-features and dark patterns to trick the user into staying longer<!--This is pretty self-evident, but we should still add some sources I must concur, needs more refs - JamesTDG-->===<br />
YouTube has introduced multiple features that are designed to make the user stay longer on the platform and watch more videos than they intended, thus increasing ad revenue. They come at the cost of making it harder to watch the content the user actually wants to watch.<br />
<br />
This includes the introduction of a feature called Autoplay that resumes playback of another video (chosen by the platform) immediately after the current one ends (after a delay of about 8 seconds), in the hope that the user gets hooked and continues to watch. 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> and the user is not immediately informed that it is enabled.<br />
<br />
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. It also means that a video that is actually relevant is less likely to be discovered — especially if it still has low view counts — since unrelated videos are promoted in search in its place.<br />
<br />
===High number of bots<!--NEEDS citations-->===<br />
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}}<br />
<br />
These accounts commonly employ identifiable tactics, such as:<br />
<br />
*Utilizing profile pictures of popular public figures or suggestive imagery.<br />
*Reposting highly-liked comments from the same video, sometimes with minor edits if the comment gains significant traction.<br />
*Posting generic comments that are irrelevant to the video's content or the channel's focus.<br />
<br />
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}}<br />
<br />
===Crackdown against third-party front-ends<!--Still want to include more examples of frontends breaking-->===<br />
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><br />
<br />
===AI filtering without consent===<br />
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><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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><br />
<br />
===2025 channel terminations wave===<br />
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><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
===Relevant Rossmann Videos<!-- Videos to add for references, but haven't had sections made yet: (tons in the video directory to still add fyi!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-QtwGfILTo Youtube bans 3D print channel after manually reviewing its videos as suitable for monetization 🤔 https://youtube.com/watch?v=7wFqblQY6Dk Youtube wants us to pay for views - this platform is circling the drain https://youtube.com/watch?v=ejVDwP1kswA @EEVblog tries Youtube's payola scam; stay away from this -->===<br />
<references group="Rossmann Video" /><br />
<br />
[[Category:YouTube]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Tom_Evans_Audio_copyright_strike&diff=35213Tom Evans Audio copyright strike2026-01-26T18:31:39Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>In November 2024, YouTube creator [https://www.youtube.com/@MendItMark Mend It Mark] uploaded a video in which he repaired a [https://audiodesign.co.uk/styled-23/styled-27/index.html MasterGroove SR Mk3] pre-amp made by [https://www.audiodesign.co.uk/ Tom Evans Audio]. In the video he took the pre-amp apart and - to help diagnose the issue - he reverse-engineered the device and created some schematic diagrams.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Mend It Mark |date=13 Nov 2024 |title=The £ 25, 000 Pre Amp That Went Wrong Tom Evans Mastergroove SR Mk III [ RJbp FSFzi I] |url=https://archive.org/details/the-gbp-25-000-pre-amp-that-went-wrong-tom-evans-mastergroove-sr-mk-iii-rjbp-fsfzi-i |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025}}</ref> He also made his viewers aware of the fact that the price of this pre-amp is £25,000 (about $30,000 USD) and that many of the electrical components in the pre-amp had their part numbers scraped off.<br />
<br />
==Copyright strike==<br />
After the video was published, Tom Evans Audio issued a copyright strike against the video which resulted in the video being taken down. Mend It Mark was not informed on what the copyright infringement was.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=11 Dec 2024 |title=Tom Evans Audio doubles down on a bad decision |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYpPNCzQCVQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qYpPNCzQCVQ |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> This decision was met with criticism from creators on YouTube since it questions whether or not showing a circuit design in a video could be considered copyright infringement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=9 Dec 2024 |title=Tom Evans audio proves that their $30,000 audio preamp is garbage by filing a bogus copyright claim |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJYIhLQJtTs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=gJYIhLQJtTs |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mellor |first=David |date=13 Dec 2024 |title=Audiophile preamp repair video triggers YouTube copyright takedown war! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93QlQN_1yUA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=93QlQN_1yUA |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=14 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Defpom's Electronics Repair |date=15 Dec 2024 |title=🔴 Mend It Mark's Frivolous Copyright Takedown - Pre-Amp da £25.000 - N.1312 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15AiQv-EiGM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=15AiQv-EiGM |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> In December 2024, Louis Rossmann re-uploaded Mend It Mark's original video to his channel with his own introduction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=15 Dec 2024 |title=Mastergroove repair by Mend it Mark & an honest message to Tom Evans audio |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hVe_spuJQI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=6hVe_spuJQI |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=14 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> As of May 2025, the video is still up on Louis' channel. The original video on the Mend It Mark channel is now back up.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Mend It Mark |date=13 Nov 2024 |title=The £25,000 Pre-Amp that went Wrong - Tom Evans Mastergroove SR mkIII |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RJbpFSFziI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=-RJbpFSFziI |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=24 May 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Tom Evans]]<br />
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=SunStrong_Management_LLC_puts_solar_monitoring_app_behind_paywall&diff=35210SunStrong Management LLC puts solar monitoring app behind paywall2026-01-26T18:20:32Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>In a January 2025 decision by SunStrong Management LLC, subscription fees began to be charged for solar monitoring features previously included with hardware purchases, while simultaneously blocking local access methods through firmware updates, affecting approximately 600,000 former SunPower customers following SunPower's August 2024 bankruptcy.<br />
<br />
==Incident==<br />
On January 29, 2025, SunStrong Management LLC sent a mass email to former SunPower customers announcing mandatory subscription fees for solar monitoring features.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SunStrong Management Continuing mySunPower App |url=https://mysolarlady.com/my-solar-lady-blog/sunstrong-management-continuing-mysunpower-app |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cOOnz |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=My Solar Lady}}</ref> The email informed customers that features previously included with their monitoring hardware purchase (costing $1,600+) would now require either:<br />
*Premium monitoring: $9.99/month or $99.99/year<br />
*Cellular connectivity (effective July 8, 2025): $59.99/year (solar only) or $149.99/year (solar + battery)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Action Required: Changes to SunStrong Solar Monitoring and Cellular Connectivity by July 8 |url=https://solartechnologies.com/action-required-changes-to-sunstrong-solar-monitoring-and-cellular-connectivity-by-july-8/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250710163104/https://solartechnologies.com/action-required-changes-to-sunstrong-solar-monitoring-and-cellular-connectivity-by-july-8/ |archive-date=10 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=Solar Technologies}}</ref><br />
<br />
Features moved behind the paywall included historical production data, panel-level monitoring, usage analytics, and monthly performance reports. Basic monitoring (real-time production, device alerts, battery management) remains free for WiFi/Ethernet connected systems.<br />
<br />
Concurrent with implementing subscription fees, SunStrong deployed firmware updates that restrict local access to monitoring data. Starting with firmware version 2025.06 build 61838, the company blocked access to the local API that customers and third-party developers had been using to retrieve their own solar production data directly from their hardware without going through SunStrong's servers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sunpower PVS6 and Solar-Assistant Beta? |url=https://diysolarforum.com/threads/sunpower-pvs6-and-solar-assistant-beta.103738/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613105930/https://diysolarforum.com/threads/sunpower-pvs6-and-solar-assistant-beta.103738/ |archive-date=13 Jun 2025 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=DIY Solar Power Forum}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
===SunPower bankruptcy===<br />
SunPower Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 5, 2024 (Case 24-11649-CTG, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware) with approximately $2.01 billion in outstanding debt.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://dm.epiq11.com/case/sunpower/info |title=SunPower Corporation Bankruptcy Case Information |work=Epiq |access-date=2025-10-16}}</ref> The company had previously sold solar monitoring hardware and software solutions to approximately 600,000 households across the United States.<br />
<br />
On September 24, 2024, the bankruptcy court approved the sale of SunPower's monitoring app infrastructure, customer databases, and approximately 110,000 solar lease contracts to HA SunStrong Capital LLC and GF SunStrong Capital LLC for $11.5 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Motion for Asset Sale Approved for SunPower Corporation |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SUNPOWER-CORPORATION-9483260/news/Motion-for-Asset-Sale-Approved-for-SunPower-Corporation-47994455/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/5t4hL |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=Market Screener}}</ref> Asset transfers occurred between September 30 and October 21, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Acquisition Announcement |url=https://us.sunpower.com/acquisition-announcement |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250511065230/https://us.sunpower.com/acquisition-announcement |archive-date=11 May 2025 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=SunPower}}</ref><br />
<br />
===SunStrong Management LLC===<br />
SunStrong Management LLC was incorporated on April 8, 2025, and is jointly owned by Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital Inc. (NYSE: HASI) and GoodFinch Management LLC.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SunStrong Management LLC Credit Rating Report |url=https://www.kbra.com/publications/FHhdwysX |archive-url=https://archive.ph/FJFZ1 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=Kroll Bond Rating Agency}}</ref> The company is led by CEO Brendon Merkley, formerly of GoodLeap, SolarCity, and Vivint Solar.<br />
<br />
Following additional acquisitions including Sunnova's portfolio in September 2025, SunStrong manages over 500,000 customers across 50 states with 83 employees.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sunstrong-becomes-one-largest-u-130700976.html |title=SunStrong Becomes One of Largest U.S. Residential Solar Management Companies |work=Yahoo Finance |access-date=2025-10-16}}</ref> The company maintains a BBB rating of C with 104 complaints filed as of October 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/md/annapolis/profile/renewable-energy/sunstrong-management-llc-0011-90376265 |title=SunStrong Management LLC Business Profile |work=Better Business Bureau |access-date=2025-10-16}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Hardware specifications===<br />
The monitoring hardware consists of PVS5/PVS6 (PV Supervisor) units with FCC certifications YAW529027 and YAW539848.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FCC ID YAW529027 |url=https://fccid.io/YAW529027 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/1R4g2 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=FCC ID Database}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FCC ID YAW539848-Z Technical Documentation |url=https://fcc.report/FCC-ID/YAW539848-Z/6022544.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709015022/https://fcc.report/FCC-ID/YAW539848-Z/6022544.pdf |archive-date=9 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=FCC Report}}</ref> These devices feature:<br />
*NEMA Type 3R rating, operating temperature -30°C to 60°C<br />
*Connectivity: Ethernet, WiFi, Power Line Communication, cellular backup<br />
*Requirements: Dedicated 240/208V AC circuit<br />
*Communication: USB ports, RS-485<br />
<br />
==Customer impact==<br />
The PVS5/PVS6 monitoring hardware includes a local data interface that previously allowed homeowners to access their solar production data directly through their home network. This enabled integration with home automation systems and avoided reliance on SunStrong's cloud services. Through firmware updates in March-April 2025, SunStrong began blocking this local access, with the system returning "403 Unauthorized" errors when customers attempt to retrieve their own data.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SunPower SunStrong Monitoring Situation |url=https://www.solarpaneltalk.com/forum/solar-panels-for-home/solar-panel-system-equipment/443648-sunpower-sunstrong-monitoring-situation |archive-url=https://archive.ph/zwceu |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=Solar Panel Talk}}</ref><br />
<br />
The blocking appears intermittent. It may be temporarily resolved after power cycling the device, but returning after several weeks of use. This pattern forces customers who want local access to repeatedly reset their equipment. Additionally, SunStrong changed monitoring system URLs without notification, breaking existing third-party integrations and older monitoring setups.<br />
<br />
These restrictions effectively force customers to either pay for SunStrong's subscription service or lose access to detailed monitoring capabilities they originally purchased with their hardware. While solar systems continue producing electricity regardless of monitoring status, customers cannot access their own production data, receive system alerts, or integrate with home automation without subscribing to SunStrong's service.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Update: Solar App Monitoring Features |url=https://empower-solar.com/en/blog/update-solar-app-monitoring-features/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/5Gsjg |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=Empower Solar}}</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
==Legal status==<br />
As of October 2025, no class action lawsuit has been filed regarding the monitoring subscription fees. The California Contractors State License Board filed an accusation on March 28, 2024, seeking to revoke SunPower Corporate Systems' contractor license, with a hearing scheduled April 14, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Jose SunPower Solar Panels Bankruptcy CSLB Accusation |url=https://abc7news.com/post/san-jose-sunpower-solar-panels-bankruptcy-cslb-accusation/15410343/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250517184511/https://abc7news.com/post/san-jose-sunpower-solar-panels-bankruptcy-cslb-accusation/15410343/ |archive-date=17 May 2025 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=ABC7 News}}</ref><br />
<br />
California Consumer Attorneys notes customers may bring claims against SunStrong for issues arising after September 24, 2024, when asset transfer occurred.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solar Panel Consumer Rights |url=https://www.californiaconsumerattorneys.com/solar |archive-url=https://archive.ph/BNbrQ |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=California Consumer Attorneys}}</ref> Small claims court remains viable for claims under jurisdictional limits.<br />
<br />
==Community response==<br />
As of October 2025, the SunStrong Connect app maintained an overall 3.8-star rating from 3,350+ reviews on Google Play Store, though reviews from Janurary 2025 onwards skew more negative, with complaints about the introduction of subscription fees for previously free features.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SunStrong Connect App |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mysunpower&hl=en_US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250627173116/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mysunpower&hl=en_US |archive-date=27 Jun 2025 |access-date=2025-10-16 |work=Google Play Store}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*SunPower PVS6 API Guide: [https://consumerrights.wiki/images/8/83/SunPower_PVS6_Access_and_API.pdf SunPower PVS6 Access and API.pdf]<br />
*Communicator information by koleson: https://gist.github.com/koleson/5c719620039e0282976a8263c068e85c<br />
*SunPower ESS Mode Set Script by koleson: https://gist.github.com/koleson/db9df38ef6051715d743e572acebdd4d<br />
*SunPower SunVault Hardware: https://gist.github.com/koleson/5c719620039e0282976a8263c068e85c#file-sunvault_notes-md<br />
*SunPower SunVault Modbus: https://gist.github.com/koleson/5c719620039e0282976a8263c068e85c#file-sunvault_modbus-md<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:SunPower Corporation]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Switch_Game_Key-Card&diff=35146Switch Game Key-Card2026-01-26T16:02:02Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{ProductLineCargo<br />
| ReleaseYear =2025 <br />
| In Production =Yes <br />
| Website =https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/ <br />
| Logo =Gamekeycard.png <br />
}}The [[Nintendo]] Switch Game Key-Card is a peripheral first released for the [[Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch 2]]. The card itself differentiates itself from the traditional game cards for both generations of the [[Nintendo Switch]] platform by acting as a physical key to access a digital license for a game on the [[Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch 2]].<!-- Being VERY deliberate here by having the switch and switch 2 point to the same article considering there's barely a difference for the consumer between the 2 generations. --><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
<br />
*User Freedom: Game key-cards require access to the Nintendo eShop for the [[Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch 2]] to be used for the first time on a user's console. Functions like how many games released on the [[Xbox]] One/Series consoles.<br />
*User Privacy:<br />
*Business Model: Trim costs for game distribution<br />
<br />
==Impact<!-- Despite the model of this card's practical functionality is nearly identical to Xbox One discs, there is not a lot of data due to how recent this product is. The product itself already has a Right to Own problem, so it already deserves being on the wiki, however I expect worse things to come as people can finally pentest these carts. -->==<br />
<br />
===Right to ownership===<br />
Due to the favorably cheaper nature<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=May 15, 2025 |title=Nintendo Says Switch 2 Game-Key Cards Help Third-Party Publishers Bring ‘Deeper, Larger, and More Immersive Content on the Platform’ |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-says-switch-2-game-key-cards-help-third-party-publishers-bring-deeper-larger-and-more-immersive-content-on-the-platform |archive-url=https://archive.ph/D5byW |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=May 28, 2025 |work=IGN}}</ref> of a generic game card that holds a download code, progressively more 3rd-party games are adopting having its physical distribution be exclusive to these cards.<ref>{{Cite news |last=NE |first=Brian |date=May 12, 2025 |title=List of all Nintendo Switch 2 games with a game-key card release |url=https://nintendoeverything.com/list-of-all-nintendo-switch-2-games-with-a-game-key-card-release/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/6Eugy |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=May 28, 2025 |work=Nintendo Everything}}</ref> Because of this, if a game is delisted and the card is obtained 2nd-hand, or is alternatively attempted to be reinstalled, these cards become effectively useless.<br />
<br />
Nintendo has created a way to control a user's machine from afar, despite the machine having been sold to the user a personal property. The terms and conditions in the Switch 2 License agreement render the purchased unit as if it were rented, with the controlling company able to restrict, deny access, or outright ban users for using their product in any way the seller does not see fit. <br />
<br />
Nintendo generated controversy in November of 2025 when it was revealed that their upcoming title "Pokémon Pokopia'''"''' would be released as a Game Key Card, contradicting previous claims made by the company that their own developed games would never be released as Game Key Cards. <br />
<br />
In the months after the Switch 2 released, a great deal of controversy emerged over this technology, with users upset over an overwhelming number of Switch 2s have been banned or bricked remotely by Nintendo, for reasons anywhere from downloading 3rd party software to buying Switch 2s or Switch 2 games used. Reports of users being banned, after critiquing Nintendo online, are numerous on YouTube and Social Media sites. Other "bricking" incidents remain unknown and seemingly random leading most critics to believe that Nintendo wishes to cripple the used market by scaring users into believing that their Switch 2 could be bricked if they buy it used. <br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
*[[Nintendo Switch]]<br /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]<br />
[[Category:Nintendo]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Synology&diff=35124Synology2026-01-26T15:40:37Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese computing compa<br />
|Founded=2000<br />
|Industry=Computing, Storage<br />
|Logo=Synology Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Private<br />
|Website=https://www.synology.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''[[wikipedia:Synology|Synology]]''' is a Taiwanese corporation that specializes in network-attached storage (NAS) appliances.<br />
<br />
They have built a reputation for using open standards (eg. relying on standard Linux RAID instead of proprietary RAID like QNAP), providing feature and security updates for a very long time (in some cases offering security fixes for 12 year old hardware) and offering replacement parts for a long time and at a reasonable cost. <br />
<br />
Recently the business has had a shift towards blocking third-party drives on their NAS systems.<!-- 3rd party sources needed – this is based on my personal experience --><br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
<br />
*User freedom: Revoked ability to use off-brand hard drives from modern NAS models<ref name=":0" /> and has as of October 8th 2025 been reversed<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Hagedoorn |first=Hilbert |date=8 Oct 2025 |title=Synology Reverses Policy Banning Third-Party HDDs After NAS sales plummet |url=https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008093542/https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ |archive-date=8 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |work=The guru of 3D}}</ref><br />
*User privacy: Unknown.<br />
*Business model: Selling digital storage devices to consumers.<br />
*Market control: Limited; notable amount of competition from other brands such as QNAP, UGreen, [[Western Digital]], [[Samsung]], and [[SanDisk]].<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
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]].<br />
<br />
===Paywalling mail server features for customers who already purchased the device (October 2025)===<br />
Synology announced that effective with the DSM 7.3 update, Synology Mail Station and Synology Mail Server would be replaced by Synology Mail Plus and Synology Mail Plus Server. The old programs would continue to function after the update, but would be blocked in subsequent updates and no longer receive security updates, rendering them factually useless in production use.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-08 |title=End-of-Availability Announcement for Mail Station and Synology Mail Server |url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/status/eol-mail-station-and-server |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212033225/https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/status/eol-mail-station-and-server |archive-date=12 Dec 2025 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=Synology}}</ref><br />
<br />
The replacement apps are limited to five e-mail accounts per device. Any more require purchase of additional licenses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology MailPlus License Pack |url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/MailPlus_License |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005182855/https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/MailPlus_License |archive-date=5 Oct 2025 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=Synology}}</ref> The previous applications imposed no such limit and were only bounded by the physical capabilities of the hardware.<br />
<br />
This forces customers who purchased a NAS from Synology with the intention of using it as a mail server for more than five mail accounts to pay again for additional licenses, at the terms dictated by Synology, if they wish to continue to use e-mail server functionality of their NAS after the DSM 7.3 update.<br />
<br />
This marks a departure from past policies. For instance, in 2021 Synology removed the requirement for licenses for site-to-site VPNs when the Covid19 pandemic hit, and it has been free ever since.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ngo |first=Dong |date=2021-09-28 |title=Synology Rolls out DSM 7.0.1 NAS Upgrade, Makes VPN Plus Free on Routers |url=https://dongknows.com/synology-rolls-out-dsm-7-0-1-free-vpn-plus/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016070417/https://dongknows.com/synology-rolls-out-dsm-7-0-1-free-vpn-plus/ |archive-date=16 Oct 2021 |access-date=2025-10-21 |website=Dong Knows Tech}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Removal of Hardware transcoding drivers (2025)===<br />
Synology removed Hardware transcoding drivers for HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 [https://www.synology.com/en-global/products/status/eol-video-codec-support]. With these drivers removed, the external device receiving the video becomes responsible for transcoding. There is an unofficial guide on how to reinstall the drivers.[https://nascompares.com/guide/how-to-get-hardware-transcoding-back-on-your-synology-nas/]<br />
<br />
===Requiring Synology-branded hard drives for certain features (2025)===<br />
{{Main|Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS}}<br />
Further reading: [[Guide: How to circumvent Synology hard drive restrictions]]<br />
<br />
For the Plus Series of NAS systems, Synology required the use of their own rebranded hard drives in order to obtain full functionality.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=16 Apr 2025 |title=Synology requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416162923/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |archive-date=16 Apr 2025 |access-date=18 Apr 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref><br />
<br />
Reported by Hardwareluxx, using non-Synology-branded hard drives will lose critical functions for the NAS, including estimated hard drive health reports, volume-wide deduplication, lifespan analyses, and automatic firmware updates. The company also restricts storage pools and provides limited or zero support for third-party drives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Apr 2025 |title=Synology weitet Nutzung auf Plus-Modelle aus |url=https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.php/news/hardware/festplatten/65949-synology-weitet-den-zwang-zur-eignen-oder-zertifizierten-festplatte-auf-die-plus-modelle-aus.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416114313/https://www.hardwareluxx.de/index.php/news/hardware/festplatten/65949-synology-weitet-den-zwang-zur-eignen-oder-zertifizierten-festplatte-auf-die-plus-modelle-aus.html |archive-date=16 Apr 2025 |access-date=18 Apr 2025 |website=www.hardwareluxx.de}}</ref><br />
<br />
The models manufactured on or before 2024 are not affected by this change. Still, those upgrading to or purchasing the latest Plus Series device, set to be released this year, will have to buy their drives directly from Synology or its certified suppliers to maximize their system. Because of this, you won’t be able to pick from the best hard drives if you get Synology’s latest Plus Series NAS Systems.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
This can currently be circumvented at the user's own risk with a hack [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db using a script available on Github] that adds the drives in the system to the list of compatible drives. Other solutions use changes to configuration files to disable the checks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023 |title=Finally managed to get WD Red Disks working without compatibility issue on DS3622xs+ |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127222455/https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/161w36v/finally_managed_to_get_wd_red_disks_working/ |archive-date=27 Nov 2023 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Reddit}}</ref> However, these workarounds may cease to function at any time or have unexpected side effects or consequences.<br />
<br />
As of 8th October 2025 this has been partly reversed<ref name=":1" />. Only 2025 models allow third-party drives "and do not apply retroactively to previously launched systems." Even on 2025 systems there is still a requirement for M.2 drives to be on Compatibility List for the use as a cache drive. [https://kb.synology.com/en-us/DSM/tutorial/Drive_compatibility_policies]<br />
<br />
===Intel C2000 controversy (2015)===<br />
Some of the 2015 series NAS devices from Synology used an Intel C2000 series processor, which, due to a clock issue on Intel's side, would cease to function after a certain time. Synology did replace affected devices if they failed within the warranty period, but the replacements were identical devices that had the same defect and would again cease to function after a certain amount of time.<br />
<br />
The issue can be permanently fixed by installing a simple resistor on the main board of the device. This requires basic soldering skills.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lixandru |first=Marius Bogdan |date=2022-01-05 |title=Synology: How To Fix C2000 Flaw With 100 Ohm Resistor |url=https://mariushosting.com/synology-how-to-fix-c2000-flaw-with-100-ohm-resistor/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212121011/https://mariushosting.com/synology-how-to-fix-c2000-flaw-with-100-ohm-resistor/ |archive-date=12 Feb 2023 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Mariushosting}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Proprietary bootloader===<br />
Unlike on competing products, It is not easily possible to install a Linux distribution other than the manufacturer's DSM. This makes it difficult to repurpose the devices for other uses or install alternative software when support runs out for the manufacturer's OS. The devices also have no video output, thus limiting other uses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=UN_Synapse |date=2023 |title=Can you install a OS other than DSM on Synology hardware. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405203031/https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/12cwure/can_you_install_a_os_other_than_dsm_on_synology/ |archive-date=5 Apr 2023 |access-date=2025-04-19 |website=Reddit}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
<br />
===Network Attached Storage (NAS) / Storage Area Network (SAN):===<br />
<br />
*[[Plus-Series NAS]]: In 2025, new Plus-Series NAS systems can only [[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS|support proprietary hard drives]].<br />
<br />
===Backup/Recovery===<br />
<br />
*No relevant products for wiki yet<br />
<br />
===Surveillance===<br />
<br />
*No relevant products for wiki yet<br />
<br />
===Routers===<br />
<br />
*No relevant products for wiki yet<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]<br />
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]<br />
[[Category:Articles requiring expansion]]<br />
[[Category:Synology]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Synology_requiring_proprietary-branded_drives_to_be_used_with_its_NAS&diff=35099Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS2026-01-26T14:56:29Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference link</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Synology<br />
|StartDate=2025-04-16<br />
|EndDate=2025-10-08<br />
|Status=Resolved<br />
|ProductLine=Plus Series NAS<br />
|Product=<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Type=Third-party<br />
|Description=Synology's new Plus Series NAS devices only support pre-approved storage devices for several months before being partially reverted.<br />
}}<br />
[[Synology]] Plus Series NAS devices released in 2025 onwards required the use of specific pre-approved drives to obtain full or any functionality. New non-approved drives were initially unusable,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=NasCompares |title=Synology 2025 NAS Series & 3rd Party Drive Compatibility – What Works, What Doesn't (Right Now) |url=https://nascompares.com/guide/synology-2025-nas-series-3rd-party-drive-compatibility-what-works-what-doesnt-right-now/#Drive_Migration_from_Older_Synology_NAS_-_It_Works_But_Comes_with_Warnings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503204553/https://nascompares.com/guide/synology-2025-nas-series-3rd-party-drive-compatibility-what-works-what-doesnt-right-now/#Drive_Migration_from_Older_Synology_NAS_-_It_Works_But_Comes_with_Warnings |archive-date=3 May 2025 |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=NasCompares.com}}</ref> and drives migrated from older models were blocked from functions often seen as essential, including estimated drive health reports and automatic firmware updates.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=16 Apr 2025 |title=Synology requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420191253/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |archive-date=20 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Patrick |date=18 Apr 2025 |title=Synology Lost the Plot with Hard Drive Locking Move |url=https://www.servethehome.com/synology-lost-the-plot-with-hard-drive-locking-move/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418232440/https://www.servethehome.com/synology-lost-the-plot-with-hard-drive-locking-move/ |archive-date=18 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=ServeTheHome}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Ferreira |first=Bruno |date=21 Apr 2025 |title=Synology Jumps The Shark And Restricts Hard Drives For Its NAS Devices |url=https://hothardware.com/news/synology-jumps-the-shark-and-now-its-nas-devices-require-branded-drives |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421215613/https://hothardware.com/news/synology-jumps-the-shark-and-now-its-nas-devices-require-branded-drives |archive-date=21 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=HotHardware}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=18 Apr 2025 |title=Synology confirms that higher-end NAS products will require its branded drives |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/synology-confirms-need-for-synology-branded-drives-in-newer-plus-series-nas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418192849/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/synology-confirms-need-for-synology-branded-drives-in-newer-plus-series-nas/ |archive-date=18 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Wes |date=19 Apr 2025 |title=Synology is tightening restrictions on third-party NAS hard drives |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/652364/synology-nas-third-party-hard-drive-restrictions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419220240/https://www.theverge.com/news/652364/synology-nas-third-party-hard-drive-restrictions |archive-date=19 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref> The April 2025 drive restrictions sparked what became one of the most significant NAS industry controversies in years. Reporting indicated that sales were "plummeting",<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=8 Oct 2025 |title=Synology Reverses Controversial NAS Hard Drive Restriction After Sales Plummet |url=https://winbuzzer.com/2025/10/08/synology-reverses-controversial-nas-hard-drive-restriction-after-sales-plummet-xcxwbn/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122190143/https://winbuzzer.com/2025/10/08/synology-reverses-controversial-nas-hard-drive-restriction-after-sales-plummet-xcxwbn/ |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=WinBuzzer}}</ref> forcing Synology to reverse course in October 2025 before the policy could settle.<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
Synology manufactures and sells [[wikipedia:Network-attached storage|network-attached storage (NAS)]] devices, which allow users to store large amounts of data without having to sign up for cloud-based subscription services. NAS devices require drives to operate, which can be purchased from a variety of different brands, such [[Western Digital]] and [[Seagate]]. Synology also offers drives themselves, though the company doesn't manufacture its own drives, instead repackaging drives from existing vendors.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><br />
<br />
===Enterprise NAS drive lock-in===<br />
In February 2021, Synology released three new enterprise NAS devices. These devices were the first to follow a compatibility whitelist, where drives not listed would not be supported.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Eric |date=4 Feb 2021 |title=Synology Launches Enterprise Hard Drive Line and Starts Locking Drives for New NASes |url=https://www.servethehome.com/synology-launches-enterprise-hard-drive-line-and-nases/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204181617/https://www.servethehome.com/synology-launches-enterprise-hard-drive-line-and-nases/ |archive-date=4 Feb 2021 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=ServeTheHome}}</ref> Additional devices would release the following year with similar restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crull |first=Conner |date=11 Feb 2022 |title=Synology Unverified Drive Experience |url=https://www.storagereview.com/review/synology-unverified-drive-experience |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211194821/https://www.storagereview.com/review/synology-unverified-drive-experience |archive-date=11 Feb 2022 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=StorageReview}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Mar 2022 |title=Synology NAS and Hard Drive Compatibility in 2022 – Should I Be Worried? |url=https://nascompares.com/2022/02/17/synology-nas-and-hard-drive-compatibility-in-2022-should-i-be-worried/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518195015/https://nascompares.com/2022/02/17/synology-nas-and-hard-drive-compatibility-in-2022-should-i-be-worried/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref><br />
<br />
Some restrictions on unsupported drives were removed in a firmware update released in 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Lyle |date=22 Feb 2022 |title=Synology DSM 7.1 Beta Now Available |url=https://www.storagereview.com/news/synology-dsm-7-1-beta-now-available |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222173921/https://www.storagereview.com/news/synology-dsm-7-1-beta-now-available |archive-date=22 Feb 2022 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=StorageReview}}</ref> though the overall concept still remained.<br />
<br />
Restrictions of this kind are typically more widely accepted on enterprise-level equipment, as they better ensure vendor support in most cases.<ref name=":4" /><br />
<br />
==Plus Series devices from 2025 onward==<br />
In April 2025, it was reported that NAS devices in the Plus Series would be subject to a drive compatibility whitelist similar to that seen in enterprise devices.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> This can be seen on Synology's [https://www.synology.com/en-me/compatibility?search_by=drives compatibility list page]. The first Plus Series NAS to incorporate such a whitelist is the DS925+, which released on May 3, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2025 |title=Synology DS925+ NAS Released |url=https://nascompares.com/2025/04/23/synology-ds925-nas-released-in-the-east/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423075404/https://nascompares.com/2025/04/23/synology-ds925-nas-released-in-the-east/ |archive-date=23 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2025 |title=Synology 2025 NAS Hard Drive and SSD Lock In Confirmed – Bye, Bye Seagate and WD |url=https://nascompares.com/2025/04/16/synology-2025-nas-hard-drive-and-ssd-lock-in-confirmed-bye-bye-seagate-and-wd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416112456/https://nascompares.com/2025/04/16/synology-2025-nas-hard-drive-and-ssd-lock-in-confirmed-bye-bye-seagate-and-wd/ |archive-date=16 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref> At launch, only Synology-branded drives were supported,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> though the company pledged to later add a compatibility framework for third-party drives, and claimed that users could submit drives for testing.<ref name=":3" /><br />
<br />
Between April and July 2025, Synology released six additional Plus Series models beyond the DS925+, all subject to the initial Synology-branded drive requirement: the DS1525+, DS1825+, DS425+, DS725+, and DS225+.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=DS925+ |url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/DS925+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251015222706/https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/DS925+ |archive-date=15 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DS1525+ Global Launch |url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/DS1525p_Global |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122191728/https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/DS1525p_Global |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DS1825+ and DS1525+ APAC Launch |url=https://www.synology.com/en-me/company/news/article/DS1825_DS1525_apac/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122192127/https://www.synology.com/en-me/company/news/article/DS1825_DS1525_apac |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=DS725+ and DS425+ Launch |url=https://www.synology.com/en-me/company/news/article/DS725p_DS425p/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122192349/https://www.synology.com/en-me/company/news/article/DS725p_DS425p |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology DS225+ Review |url=https://dongknows.com/synology-ds225-plus-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250805003045/https://dongknows.com/synology-ds225-plus-review/ |archive-date=5 Aug 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=DongKnows}}</ref><br />
<br />
As of June 2025, users reported that if a new unsupported drive was inserted into an affected NAS device, it would appear as unrecognized, blocking DSM installation and rendering the drive unusable.<ref name=":7" /> Every 2025 Plus model initially blocked DSM installation with non-Synology drives, preventing storage pool creation entirely and rendering third-party drives "useless in the new NAS systems" according to technical testing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology NAS Blocks HDD |url=https://hostbor.com/synology-nas-blocks-hdd/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423104804/https://hostbor.com/synology-nas-blocks-hdd/ |archive-date=23 Apr 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Hostbor}}</ref> The restrictions affected drives from WD, Seagate, and Toshiba, which are some of the same manufacturers whose drives Synology rebrands for its own HAT3300, HAT3310, and HAT5300 series.<br />
<br />
Unsupported drives could regain some functionality by migrating from a Synology NAS device that still fully supported it,<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0" /> but several functions remained restricted that are often considered essential, including creating storage pools, drive health reports, deduplication, lifespan analyses, and automatic firmware updates.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /><br />
<br />
===DSM 7.3 reversal===<br />
On October 8, 2025, Synology released DSM 7.3 (version 7.3-81180), which reversed the policy for consumer models.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=8 Oct 2025 |title=DSM 7.3 Release |url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/dsm73/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009014148/https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/dsm73 |archive-date=9 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref> Synology's response stated: "Synology is collaborating with drive manufacturers to expand the range of certified storage media, delivering more reliable options. In the meantime, 2025 model-year DiskStation Plus, Value, and J Series running DSM 7.3 will support installation and storage pool creation with third-party drives." The language "in the meantime" raised immediate concerns that restrictions could return in future DSM versions.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=7 Oct 2025 |title=Synology Support Seagate WD Again Too Little Too Late |url=https://nascompares.com/2025/10/07/synology-support-seagate-wd-again-too-little-too-late/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008035454/https://nascompares.com/2025/10/07/synology-support-seagate-wd-again-too-little-too-late/ |archive-date=8 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref><br />
<br />
DSM 7.3 restored full functionality for third-party SATA HDDs and 2.5" SATA SSDs, including storage pool creation, SMART monitoring, health reports, deduplication, and automated firmware updates—all previously blocked or restricted. The update introduced what Synology calls "HCL 5.0 Framework" with an "unlisted but not incompatible" category, effectively opening the platform to any drive not explicitly blacklisted.<ref name=":12" /><br />
<br />
However, M.2 NVMe restrictions remain fully in place. Synology SNV3400 and SNV3410 drives are still the only options for storage pools or caching with M.2 slots, a tightened restriction compared to 2023 models. Enterprise models also maintain strict Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) enforcement, including RS+ (Rackmount Plus), XS/XS+ Series, SA Series, and others.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 Oct 2025 |title=Synology DSM 7.3 NAS HDD SSD Compatibility |url=https://nascompares.com/2025/10/08/synology-dsm-7-3-nas-hdd-ssd-compatibility-in-the-plus-rs-xs-xs-sa-and-more/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251010005409/https://nascompares.com/2025/10/08/synology-dsm-7-3-nas-hdd-ssd-compatibility-in-the-plus-rs-xs-xs-sa-and-more/ |archive-date=10 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Community bypass===<br />
There is an [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db open source project] dedicated to bypassing these restrictions, although this is not officially supported and could be patched by Synology in future updates. The project remained continuously updated and fully functional throughout the restriction period, with developer Dave Russell (007revad) releasing version 3.6.111 as recently as March 4, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Mar 2025 |title=Synology HDD db v3.6.111 |url=https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db/releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250310081843/https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db/releases |archive-date=10 Mar 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=GitHub}}</ref> Synology never successfully patched the bypass, instead reversing the policy entirely.<br />
<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
Responses to this change were overwhelmingly negative, with multiple independent sources reporting dramatic sales declines for 2025 Plus models. Guru3D stated "sales of Synology's 2025 NAS models dropped sharply in the months after the restriction was introduced."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology Reverses Policy Banning Third-party HDDs After NAS Sales Plummet |url=https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008083138/https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ |archive-date=8 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Guru3D}}</ref> Nas Compares reported that numerous sources claimed sales were a 'fraction of the previous year,' indicating a mass rejection of the new hardware ecosystem.<ref name=":8" /> WebProNews estimated a 20% drop in units shipped compared to prior years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology Reverses 2025 NAS Drive Restrictions Amid Backlash |url=https://www.webpronews.com/synology-reverses-2025-nas-drive-restrictions-amid-backlash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008173911/https://www.webpronews.com/synology-reverses-2025-nas-drive-restrictions-amid-backlash/ |archive-date=8 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=WebProNews}}</ref><br />
<br />
Some speculate that the move to only supporting certified hardware was to ensure that connected drives support the features that were restricted, especially deduplication.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology is implementing DRM for storage drives in some of their NAS units |url=https://linustechtips.com/topic/1609619-synology-is-implementing-drm-for-storage-drives-in-some-of-their-nas-units/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421230449/https://linustechtips.com/topic/1609619-synology-is-implementing-drm-for-storage-drives-in-some-of-their-nas-units/ |archive-date=21 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=Linus Tech Tips}}</ref> Concerns have also been raised about shipping times and the potential for supply chain issues to affect the ability for first-party drives to remain in stock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What happens with Synology's drive lock if drives... |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/1k7ufgf/what_happens_with_synologys_drive_lock_if_drives/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515155809/https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/1k7ufgf/what_happens_with_synologys_drive_lock_if_drives/ |archive-date=15 May 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact==<br />
This change impacted potential purchasers of Synology consumer-grade NAS devices, as their ability to use third-party drives was considerably diminished, reducing choice and increasing vendor lock-in.<ref name=":3" /> While the October reversal restored functionality for SATA drives, it came with caveats suggesting restrictions could return, and the damage to customer trust appears substantial and potentially lasting. It is currently unclear whether this policy will affect consumer-grade NAS devices outside of the company's Plus Series in future releases.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
[[Category:Incidents]] <br />
[[Category:Synology]]</div>Trinityhttps://mirror.consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Synology_requiring_proprietary-branded_drives_to_be_used_with_its_NAS&diff=34399Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS2026-01-22T19:39:27Z<p>Trinity: Added archived reference links</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Synology<br />
|StartDate=2025-04-16<br />
|EndDate=2025-10-08<br />
|Status=Resolved<br />
|ProductLine=Plus Series NAS<br />
|Product=<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Type=Third-party<br />
|Description=Synology's new Plus Series NAS devices only support pre-approved storage devices for several months before being partially reverted.<br />
}}<br />
[[Synology]] Plus Series NAS devices released in 2025 onwards required the use of specific pre-approved drives to obtain full or any functionality. New non-approved drives were initially unusable,<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=NasCompares |title=Synology 2025 NAS Series & 3rd Party Drive Compatibility – What Works, What Doesn't (Right Now) |url=https://nascompares.com/guide/synology-2025-nas-series-3rd-party-drive-compatibility-what-works-what-doesnt-right-now/#Drive_Migration_from_Older_Synology_NAS_-_It_Works_But_Comes_with_Warnings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250503204553/https://nascompares.com/guide/synology-2025-nas-series-3rd-party-drive-compatibility-what-works-what-doesnt-right-now/#Drive_Migration_from_Older_Synology_NAS_-_It_Works_But_Comes_with_Warnings |archive-date=3 May 2025 |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=NasCompares.com}}</ref> and drives migrated from older models were blocked from functions often seen as essential, including estimated drive health reports and automatic firmware updates.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=16 Apr 2025 |title=Synology requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420191253/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |archive-date=20 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Patrick |date=18 Apr 2025 |title=Synology Lost the Plot with Hard Drive Locking Move |url=https://www.servethehome.com/synology-lost-the-plot-with-hard-drive-locking-move/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418232440/https://www.servethehome.com/synology-lost-the-plot-with-hard-drive-locking-move/ |archive-date=18 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=ServeTheHome}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Ferreira |first=Bruno |date=21 Apr 2025 |title=Synology Jumps The Shark And Restricts Hard Drives For Its NAS Devices |url=https://hothardware.com/news/synology-jumps-the-shark-and-now-its-nas-devices-require-branded-drives |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421215613/https://hothardware.com/news/synology-jumps-the-shark-and-now-its-nas-devices-require-branded-drives |archive-date=21 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=HotHardware}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=18 Apr 2025 |title=Synology confirms that higher-end NAS products will require its branded drives |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/synology-confirms-need-for-synology-branded-drives-in-newer-plus-series-nas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418192849/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/04/synology-confirms-need-for-synology-branded-drives-in-newer-plus-series-nas/ |archive-date=18 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Wes |date=19 Apr 2025 |title=Synology is tightening restrictions on third-party NAS hard drives |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/652364/synology-nas-third-party-hard-drive-restrictions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419220240/https://www.theverge.com/news/652364/synology-nas-third-party-hard-drive-restrictions |archive-date=19 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref> The April 2025 drive restrictions sparked what became one of the most significant NAS industry controversies in years. Reporting indicated that sales were "plummeting",<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=8 Oct 2025 |title=Synology Reverses Controversial NAS Hard Drive Restriction After Sales Plummet |url=https://winbuzzer.com/2025/10/08/synology-reverses-controversial-nas-hard-drive-restriction-after-sales-plummet-xcxwbn/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122190143/https://winbuzzer.com/2025/10/08/synology-reverses-controversial-nas-hard-drive-restriction-after-sales-plummet-xcxwbn/ |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=WinBuzzer}}</ref> forcing Synology to reverse course in October 2025 before the policy could settle.<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
Synology manufactures and sells [[wikipedia:Network-attached storage|network-attached storage (NAS)]] devices, which allow users to store large amounts of data without having to sign up for cloud-based subscription services. NAS devices require drives to operate, which can be purchased from a variety of different brands, such [[Western Digital]] and [[Seagate]]. Synology also offers drives themselves, though the company doesn't manufacture its own drives, instead repackaging drives from existing vendors.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><br />
<br />
===Enterprise NAS drive lock-in===<br />
In February 2021, Synology released three new enterprise NAS devices. These devices were the first to follow a compatibility whitelist, where drives not listed would not be supported.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Eric |date=4 Feb 2021 |title=Synology Launches Enterprise Hard Drive Line and Starts Locking Drives for New NASes |url=https://www.servethehome.com/synology-launches-enterprise-hard-drive-line-and-nases/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204181617/https://www.servethehome.com/synology-launches-enterprise-hard-drive-line-and-nases/ |archive-date=4 Feb 2021 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=ServeTheHome}}</ref> Additional devices would release the following year with similar restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crull |first=Conner |date=11 Feb 2022 |title=Synology Unverified Drive Experience |url=https://www.storagereview.com/review/synology-unverified-drive-experience |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211194821/https://www.storagereview.com/review/synology-unverified-drive-experience |archive-date=11 Feb 2022 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=StorageReview}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Mar 2022 |title=Synology NAS and Hard Drive Compatibility in 2022 – Should I Be Worried? |url=https://nascompares.com/2022/02/17/synology-nas-and-hard-drive-compatibility-in-2022-should-i-be-worried/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518195015/https://nascompares.com/2022/02/17/synology-nas-and-hard-drive-compatibility-in-2022-should-i-be-worried/ |archive-date=18 May 2022 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref><br />
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Some restrictions on unsupported drives were removed in a firmware update released in 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Lyle |date=22 Feb 2022 |title=Synology DSM 7.1 Beta Now Available |url=https://www.storagereview.com/news/synology-dsm-7-1-beta-now-available |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222173921/https://www.storagereview.com/news/synology-dsm-7-1-beta-now-available |archive-date=22 Feb 2022 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=StorageReview}}</ref> though the overall concept still remained.<br />
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Restrictions of this kind are typically more widely accepted on enterprise-level equipment, as they better ensure vendor support in most cases.<ref name=":4" /><br />
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==Plus Series devices from 2025 onward==<br />
In April 2025, it was reported that NAS devices in the Plus Series would be subject to a drive compatibility whitelist similar to that seen in enterprise devices.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> This can be seen on Synology's [https://www.synology.com/en-me/compatibility?search_by=drives compatibility list page]. The first Plus Series NAS to incorporate such a whitelist is the DS925+, which released on May 3, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 May 2025 |title=Synology DS925+ NAS Released |url=https://nascompares.com/2025/04/23/synology-ds925-nas-released-in-the-east/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423075404/https://nascompares.com/2025/04/23/synology-ds925-nas-released-in-the-east/ |archive-date=23 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=3 May 2025 |title=Synology 2025 NAS Hard Drive and SSD Lock In Confirmed – Bye, Bye Seagate and WD |url=https://nascompares.com/2025/04/16/synology-2025-nas-hard-drive-and-ssd-lock-in-confirmed-bye-bye-seagate-and-wd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416112456/https://nascompares.com/2025/04/16/synology-2025-nas-hard-drive-and-ssd-lock-in-confirmed-bye-bye-seagate-and-wd/ |archive-date=16 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref> At launch, only Synology-branded drives were supported,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> though the company pledged to later add a compatibility framework for third-party drives, and claimed that users could submit drives for testing.<ref name=":3" /><br />
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Between April and July 2025, Synology released six additional Plus Series models beyond the DS925+, all subject to the initial Synology-branded drive requirement: the DS1525+, DS1825+, DS425+, DS725+, and DS225+.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=DS925+ |url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/DS925+ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251015222706/https://www.synology.com/en-us/products/DS925+ |archive-date=15 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DS1525+ Global Launch |url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/DS1525p_Global |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122191728/https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/DS1525p_Global |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=DS1825+ and DS1525+ APAC Launch |url=https://www.synology.com/en-me/company/news/article/DS1825_DS1525_apac/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122192127/https://www.synology.com/en-me/company/news/article/DS1825_DS1525_apac |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=DS725+ and DS425+ Launch |url=https://www.synology.com/en-me/company/news/article/DS725p_DS425p/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122192349/https://www.synology.com/en-me/company/news/article/DS725p_DS425p |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology DS225+ Review |url=https://dongknows.com/synology-ds225-plus-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250805003045/https://dongknows.com/synology-ds225-plus-review/ |archive-date=5 Aug 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=DongKnows}}</ref><br />
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As of June 2025, users reported that if a new unsupported drive was inserted into an affected NAS device, it would appear as unrecognized, blocking DSM installation and rendering the drive unusable.<ref name=":7" /> Every 2025 Plus model initially blocked DSM installation with non-Synology drives, preventing storage pool creation entirely and rendering third-party drives "useless in the new NAS systems" according to technical testing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology NAS Blocks HDD |url=https://hostbor.com/synology-nas-blocks-hdd/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423104804/https://hostbor.com/synology-nas-blocks-hdd/ |archive-date=23 Apr 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Hostbor}}</ref> The restrictions affected drives from WD, Seagate, and Toshiba, which are some of the same manufacturers whose drives Synology rebrands for its own HAT3300, HAT3310, and HAT5300 series.<br />
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Unsupported drives could regain some functionality by migrating from a Synology NAS device that still fully supported it,<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":0" /> but several functions remained restricted that are often considered essential, including creating storage pools, drive health reports, deduplication, lifespan analyses, and automatic firmware updates.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /><br />
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===DSM 7.3 reversal===<br />
On October 8, 2025, Synology released DSM 7.3 (version 7.3-81180), which reversed the policy for consumer models.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=8 Oct 2025 |title=DSM 7.3 Release |url=https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/dsm73/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009014148/https://www.synology.com/en-us/company/news/article/dsm73 |archive-date=9 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Synology}}</ref> Synology's response stated: "Synology is collaborating with drive manufacturers to expand the range of certified storage media, delivering more reliable options. In the meantime, 2025 model-year DiskStation Plus, Value, and J Series running DSM 7.3 will support installation and storage pool creation with third-party drives." The language "in the meantime" raised immediate concerns that restrictions could return in future DSM versions.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=7 Oct 2025 |title=Synology Support Seagate WD Again Too Little Too Late |url=https://nascompares.com/2025/10/07/synology-support-seagate-wd-again-too-little-too-late/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008035454/https://nascompares.com/2025/10/07/synology-support-seagate-wd-again-too-little-too-late/ |archive-date=8 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref><br />
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DSM 7.3 restored full functionality for third-party SATA HDDs and 2.5" SATA SSDs, including storage pool creation, SMART monitoring, health reports, deduplication, and automated firmware updates—all previously blocked or restricted. The update introduced what Synology calls "HCL 5.0 Framework" with an "unlisted but not incompatible" category, effectively opening the platform to any drive not explicitly blacklisted.<ref name=":12" /><br />
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However, M.2 NVMe restrictions remain fully in place. Synology SNV3400 and SNV3410 drives are still the only options for storage pools or caching with M.2 slots, a tightened restriction compared to 2023 models. Enterprise models also maintain strict Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) enforcement, including RS+ (Rackmount Plus), XS/XS+ Series, SA Series, and others.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 Oct 2025 |title=Synology DSM 7.3 NAS HDD SSD Compatibility |url=https://nascompares.com/2025/10/08/synology-dsm-7-3-nas-hdd-ssd-compatibility-in-the-plus-rs-xs-xs-sa-and-more/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251010005409/https://nascompares.com/2025/10/08/synology-dsm-7-3-nas-hdd-ssd-compatibility-in-the-plus-rs-xs-xs-sa-and-more/ |archive-date=10 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=NAS Compares}}</ref><br />
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===Community bypass===<br />
There is an [https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db open source project] dedicated to bypassing these restrictions, although this is not officially supported and could be patched by Synology in future updates. The project remained continuously updated and fully functional throughout the restriction period, with developer Dave Russell (007revad) releasing version 3.6.111 as recently as March 4, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Mar 2025 |title=Synology HDD db v3.6.111 |url=https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db/releases |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250310081843/https://github.com/007revad/Synology_HDD_db/releases |archive-date=10 Mar 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=GitHub}}</ref> Synology never successfully patched the bypass, instead reversing the policy entirely.<br />
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==Consumer response==<br />
Responses to this change were overwhelmingly negative, with multiple independent sources reporting dramatic sales declines for 2025 Plus models. Guru3D stated "sales of Synology's 2025 NAS models dropped sharply in the months after the restriction was introduced."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology Reverses Policy Banning Third-party HDDs After NAS Sales Plummet |url=https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008083138/https://www.guru3d.com/story/synology-reverses-policy-banning-thirdparty-hdds-after-nas-sales-plummet/ |archive-date=8 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=Guru3D}}</ref> Nas Compares reported that numerous sources claimed sales were a 'fraction of the previous year,' indicating a mass rejection of the new hardware ecosystem.<ref name=":8" /> WebProNews estimated a 20% drop in units shipped compared to prior years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology Reverses 2025 NAS Drive Restrictions Amid Backlash |url=https://www.webpronews.com/synology-reverses-2025-nas-drive-restrictions-amid-backlash/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008173911/https://www.webpronews.com/synology-reverses-2025-nas-drive-restrictions-amid-backlash/ |archive-date=8 Oct 2025 |access-date=8 Oct 2025 |website=WebProNews}}</ref><br />
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Some speculate that the move to only supporting certified hardware was to ensure that connected drives support the features that were restricted, especially deduplication.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Synology is implementing DRM for storage drives in some of their NAS units |url=https://linustechtips.com/topic/1609619-synology-is-implementing-drm-for-storage-drives-in-some-of-their-nas-units/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421230449/https://linustechtips.com/topic/1609619-synology-is-implementing-drm-for-storage-drives-in-some-of-their-nas-units/ |archive-date=21 Apr 2025 |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=Linus Tech Tips}}</ref> Concerns have also been raised about shipping times and the potential for supply chain issues to affect the ability for first-party drives to remain in stock.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What happens with Synology's drive lock if drives... |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/synology/comments/1k7ufgf/what_happens_with_synologys_drive_lock_if_drives/ |access-date=26 Jun 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref><br />
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==Consumer impact==<br />
This change impacted potential purchasers of Synology consumer-grade NAS devices, as their ability to use third-party drives was considerably diminished, reducing choice and increasing vendor lock-in.<ref name=":3" /> While the October reversal restored functionality for SATA drives, it came with caveats suggesting restrictions could return, and the damage to customer trust appears substantial and potentially lasting. It is currently unclear whether this policy will affect consumer-grade NAS devices outside of the company's Plus Series in future releases.<br />
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==References==<br />
<references /><br />
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[[Category:Incidents]] <br />
[[Category:Synology]]</div>Trinity