Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

LiveView Technologies

2026-03-20T22:20:43Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added archive URL and author name to citation 17

{{ProductCargo
|Company=LiveView Technologies
|ProductLine=LVT Mobile Surveillance Units (D3 Mobile Security Unit)
|ReleaseYear=2005
|Founders=Ryan Porter, Bob Brenner
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Surveillance, Security, AI, Law Enforcement
|Logo=LiveView_Technologies_security_trailer.jpg
|Website=https://www.lvt.com
|Description=AI-powered mobile surveillance towers that combine thermal imaging, behavioral analytics, and audio deterrence systems for 24/7 monitoring of public and private spaces without individual consent or warrants.
}}
'''LiveView Technologies''' ('''LVT''') is a Utah-based surveillance company founded by Ryan Porter & Bob Brenner in 2005, operating "thousands of units nationwide"<ref>{{Cite web |title=LVT {{!}} AUSA |url=https://www.ausa.org/sponsors/lvt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731123655/https://www.ausa.org/sponsors/lvt |archive-date=31 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Association of the United States Army}}</ref> across the United States. Business intelligence sources estimate annual revenue at $126 million, though as a private company, official figures are not disclosed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LiveView Technologies - Overview, News & Similar companies |url=https://www.zoominfo.com/c/liveview-technologies-inc/353450574 |url-status= |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=ZoomInfo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906111700/https://www.zoominfo.com/c/liveview-technologies-inc/353450574 |archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref> The system, including the '''D3 Mobile Security Unit''', combines AI-powered threat detection, thermal imaging, and ''"audio deterrence capabilities"'', which raises {{Wplink|Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution|Fourth Amendment}} and privacy concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Jul 2019 |title=New ACLU Report Reveals Alarming Growth of AI Video Surveillance Technologies |url=https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/new-aclu-report-reveals-alarming-growth-ai-video-surveillance-technologies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250517065725/https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/new-aclu-report-reveals-alarming-growth-ai-video-surveillance-technologies |archive-date=17 May 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=American Civil Liberties Union}}</ref>

==Company philosophy==
Liveview believes that imposing presence of surveillance is preferable because it causes citizens to behave differently. On LiveView Technologies' website, the following quote appears:<blockquote>The typical LVT D3 Mobile Security Trailer is extremely visible. When in use, the cameras are on top of a 22 foot-pole and the entire unit weighs more than 1,600 pounds. '''We purposefully made the units imposing''' because we believe an overt security approach is preferable in many cases. '''People behave differently when under surveillance'''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Baldwin |first=Noelle |date=11 Mar 2021 |title=LVT Use Cases in Law Enforcement {{!}} LVT |url=https://www.lvt.com/blog/liveview-technologies-use-cases-in-law-enforcement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523212843/https://www.lvt.com/blog/liveview-technologies-use-cases-in-law-enforcement |archive-date=23 May 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=LVT Use Cases in Law Enforcement {{!}} LVT}}</ref></blockquote>

==Taxpayer impact summary==
====Freedom====
Citizens have no way to opt out of LVT's surveillance network. The 22-foot towers monitor areas equivalent to eight football fields using thermal imaging that tracks movement at 1,200+ feet in complete darkness.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=AI-Driven Mobile Security for Every Threat |url=https://www.lvt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814162616/https://www.lvt.com/ |archive-date=14 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=LVT}}</ref> Unlike traditional security cameras that can be avoided, LVT's expanding network makes avoidance very difficult. The system uses ''"Agentic AI"'' to detect behaviors including loitering, PPE violations, & crowd gathering, with capabilities to operate in both overt and covert modes.<ref name=":0" />

====Privacy====
Data collected creates detailed movement patterns that reveal medical visits, religious attendance, political activities & personal associations. The system integrates with Axon Fusus, providing real-time feeds to police command centers & fusion centers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-23 |title=LVT Launches Integration with Axon Fusus Real-Time Crime Center Technology |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/04/23/3066722/0/en/LVT-Launches-Integration-with-Axon-Fusus-Real-Time-Crime-Center-Technology.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250522173404/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/04/23/3066722/0/en/LVT-Launches-Integration-with-Axon-Fusus-Real-Time-Crime-Center-Technology.html |archive-date=22 May 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=GlobeNewswire}}</ref>

Fusion centers are controversial intelligence-sharing hubs created after 9/11 that operate in all 50 states; they facilitate data exchange between local, state, & federal agencies including DHS, FBI, & other intelligence organizations.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Fusion Centers |url=https://www.dhs.gov/fusion-centers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821170937/https://www.dhs.gov/fusion-centers |archive-date=21 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Homeland Security}}</ref> Originally intended for counterterrorism, these centers have expanded their scope to general crime surveillance, with the EFF warning they ''"could potentially be receiving unminimized NSA data,"'' creating backdoor federal access to local surveillance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kayyali |first=Dia |date=7 Apr 2014 |title=Why Fusion Centers Matter: FAQ |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/04/why-fusion-centers-matter-faq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250713123300/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/04/why-fusion-centers-matter-faq |archive-date=13 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}</ref>

====Business model====
LVT operates on a subscription model charging $3,000-$3,750 monthly or approximately $45,000 annually per unit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weber |first=Michael |date=5 Jan 2024 |title=Police surveillance trailer now 24/7 – Chico Enterprise-Record |url=https://www.chicoer.com/2024/01/05/police-surveillance-trailer-now-24-7/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331010933/https://www.chicoer.com/2024/01/05/police-surveillance-trailer-now-24-7/ |archive-date=31 Mar 2024 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Police surveillance trailer now 24/7 – Chico Enterprise-Record}}</ref>The company holds GSA contract #47QTCA23D00DN enabling streamlined purchasing by federal, state, and local agencies with a 20-year maximum ordering period.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=LVT Granted MAS Contract From The General Services Administration |url=https://www.lvt.com/press/lvt-granted-mas-contract-from-the-general-services-administration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523212022/https://www.lvt.com/press/lvt-granted-mas-contract-from-the-general-services-administration |archive-date=23 May 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=LVT}}</ref>

====Market control====
LiveView Technologies has achieved 100% compound annual growth over five years, raising $135 million from investors including Sorenson Capital.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=LiveView Technologies Secures $135M to Make Communities Safer and More Secure |url=https://www.lvt.com/press/liveview-technologies-secures-135m-to-make-communities-safer-and-more-secure |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523203912/https://www.lvt.com/press/liveview-technologies-secures-135m-to-make-communities-safer-and-more-secure |archive-date=23 May 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=LVT}}</ref> The company's customers include private retailers [[Home Depot]], [[Walmart]], Kroger, Lowe's, Safeway, and Walgreens.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fritsky |first=Lauren |date=2023-08-29 |title=ACCESS Taskforce Pilot Results Point to Crime Reduction in Both Test Cities |url=https://losspreventionmedia.com/access-taskforce-pilot-results-point-to-crime-reduction-in-both-test-cities/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615152533/https://losspreventionmedia.com/access-taskforce-pilot-results-point-to-crime-reduction-in-both-test-cities/ |archive-date=15 Jun 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Loss Prevention Magazine}}</ref> By targeting private sector deployments first, the company avoids public hearings typically required for municipal surveillance contracts.

==Technology capabilities==
===Beyond simple cameras===
LVT units, including the D3 Mobile Security Unit, combine multiple surveillance technologies:
*22-foot telescoping masts with multiple cameras (panoramic, zoom, thermal)
*Thermal imaging tracking movement at 1,200+ feet in darkness
*PTZ cameras with optical zoom capabilities
*Microwave Doppler radar for motion detection
*Edge computing processing threats in under 1.5 seconds
*AI behavioral analytics detecting loitering, crowd formation, PPE violations
*Two-way audio loudspeakers for deterrence or remote announcements
*Solar power with battery backup for off-grid operation
*Optional Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) integration
*Active deterrents: flashing strobe lights, floodlights, sirens, and automated audio alerts

The company advertises its units as autonomous "security guards" that can assess situations, deter trespassers, & escalate incidents to human operators when necessary, claiming a 0.5% false detection rate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Live Surveillance for Enhanced Security |url=https://www.lvt.com/use-cases/real-time-surveillance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708051953/https://www.lvt.com/use-cases/real-time-surveillance |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=LVT}}</ref>

===AI & behavioral analytics===
LVT's ''"Agentic AI"'' platform automatically detects and responds to perceived threats without human intervention.<ref name=":1" />

==Incidents==
===Audio harassment incidents (2023-2025)===
Playing loud music to annoy people into going away is a feature of these products, touted in LVT's blog:<blockquote>Continuous, loud music: This solution is every parent's nightmare: loud music, ranging from "Baby Shark" to classical favorites, is played continuously to make it nearly impossible to sleep or reside in malls and outdoor retail spaces....

The next phase of security available from LVT mobile units is the auditory alert. Instead of continuous, loud music, the alert is temporary. It is also truly "alerting," making the area a terrible place to sleep for the night. '''Imagine the sounds of the worst hotel you've ever stayed at. Only worse.'''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paxton |first=Sarah |date=12 Dec 2022 |title=The Most Humane Battle: Know How to Prevent Homeless Encampments With LVT |url=https://www.lvt.com/blog/prevent-homeless-encampments-with-lvt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250714132026/https://www.lvt.com/blog/prevent-homeless-encampments-with-lvt |archive-date=14 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=LVT}}</ref></blockquote>

====San Francisco Fillmore District====
A Safeway store deployed an LVT unit that blasted classical music 24/7 for approximately one week at volumes so loud residents couldn't open windows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shultz |first=Alex |date=2023 |title=SF Safeway blasted classical music 24/7 to 'deter loitering' |url=https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-safeway-blasts-music-in-parking-lot-18136448.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512110242/https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/san-francisco-safeway-blasts-music-in-parking-lot-18136448.php |archive-date=12 May 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=SF Gate}}</ref> The system played continuous loops of ''"Nutcracker"'' and ''"Swan Lake"'' until community pressure forced shutdown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whiting |first=Sam |date=2023 |title=Safeway annoys SF neighbors with loud classical music. Here's why |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/s-f-safeway-plays-classical-music-loitering-18136107.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327190414/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/s-f-safeway-plays-classical-music-loitering-18136107.php |archive-date=27 Mar 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref>

====Denver Home Depot====
LVT representative Matt Kelley explicitly stated the harassment purpose: ''"People who hear the same looped soundtrack over and over tend to get a bit annoyed, so they vacate the area."''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Brianna |date=2023 |title=Denver businesses use loud music to fight crime, prevent loitering |url=https://www.9news.com/article/life/family/denver-businesses-loud-music-fight-crime-prevent-loitering/73-4beeccf1-cfa2-4829-b06e-83f8d3a5a0d3 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/B7Lfr |archive-date=2026-03-20 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=9News}}</ref>

===Political surveillance (2024)===
Monroe County, New York deployed LVT units to monitor Gaza war protests and demonstrations at legislature meetings.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Napier |first=Jackie |date=22 May 2024 |title=Mobile cameras deployed at Monroe County Office Building amid security concerns |url=https://13wham.com/news/local/mobile-cameras-deployed-at-monroe-county-office-building-amid-security-concerns-west-main-street |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525182007/https://13wham.com/news/local/mobile-cameras-deployed-at-monroe-county-office-building-amid-security-concerns-west-main-street |archive-date=25 May 2024 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=13WHAM}}</ref> Civil liberties attorney Scott Forsyth noted units could ''"peer inside"'' private offices and impact ''"protest activity, association activity, and being able to move about."''<ref name=":3" />

===Discriminatory placement complaints (2024)===
LVT's own ACCESS Taskforce documented community concerns about discriminatory deployment, with one respondent noting a unit ''"set up in a primarily Black neighborhood where there were no businesses anywhere on the block,"'' believing placement was racially motivated.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Hailee |date=23 Sep 2024 |title=The Role of Mobile Surveillance Units in Community Security |url=https://www.lvt.com/blog/the-role-of-mobile-surveillance-units-in-community-security |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523203320/https://www.lvt.com/blog/the-role-of-mobile-surveillance-units-in-community-security |archive-date=23 May 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=LVT}}</ref>

===Mankato surveillance controversy (2025)===
While not specifically LVT units, Mankato, Minnesota's consideration of mobile surveillance trailers resulted in large public opposition. The city approved some AI surveillance upgrades but rejected mobile surveillance trailers & Flock cameras that would connect to national databases after heated community backlash over privacy concerns and the $130,000 cost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stuve |first=Aaron |date=2025-06-10 |title=Public outcry at Mankato city council meeting regarding surveillance technology |url=https://www.keyc.com/2025/06/10/public-outcry-city-council-meeting-regarding-surveillance-technology/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724170934/https://www.keyc.com/2025/06/10/public-outcry-city-council-meeting-regarding-surveillance-technology/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=KEYC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stuve |first=Aaron |date=2025-06-24 |title=Public outcry continues over Mankato AI surveillance initiative |url=https://www.keyc.com/2025/06/24/public-outcry-continues-over-mankato-ai-surveillance-initiative/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628093620/https://www.keyc.com/2025/06/24/public-outcry-continues-over-mankato-ai-surveillance-initiative/ |archive-date=28 Jun 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=KEYC}}</ref>

==Constitutional challenges==
While no specific Fourth Amendment challenges against LVT have been filed, legal experts warn the systems operate in a constitutional gray area. The Supreme Court's Carpenter v. United States decision established that long-term location tracking requires warrants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hecht-Felella |first=Laura |date=18 Mar 2021 |title=The Fourth Amendment in the Digital Age |url=https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/policy-solutions/fourth-amendment-digital-age |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621111938/https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/policy-solutions/fourth-amendment-digital-age |archive-date=21 Jun 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Brennan Center for Justice}}</ref> Pending cases like Moore v. United States could establish nationwide precedent requiring warrants for prolonged camera surveillance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slobogin |first=Christopher |date=2023 |title=Surveillance Technologies and Constitutional Law |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10704392/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208100349/https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10704392/ |archive-date=8 Feb 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=PubMed Central}}</ref>

Civil liberties groups describe the visible 22-foot towers with flashing lights and automated warnings as contributing to an "Orwellian atmosphere" in communities where deployed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surveillance Technologies |url=https://www.aclu.org/issues/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250726162158/https://www.aclu.org/issues/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies |archive-date=26 Jul 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=American Civil Liberties Union}}</ref>

==Security posture==
No documented security vulnerabilities or data breaches have been found for LVT systems, distinguishing them from competitors:
*Verkada: Breach affecting 150,000+ cameras across Tesla, hospitals, schools, & police stations: $2.95 million FTC fine<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-30 |title=FTC Takes Action Against Security Camera Firm Verkada |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/ftc-takes-action-against-security-camera-firm-verkada-over-charges-it-failed-secure-videos-other |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804171204/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/ftc-takes-action-against-security-camera-firm-verkada-over-charges-it-failed-secure-videos-other |archive-date=4 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>
*Hikvision: 100+ million devices vulnerable, 80,000+ cameras unpatched<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-28 |title=RCE Vulnerability in Hikvision Cameras |url=https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2021/09/28/rce-vulnerability-hikvision-cameras-cve-2021-36260 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250807170428/https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2021/09/28/rce-vulnerability-hikvision-cameras-cve-2021-36260 |archive-date=7 Aug 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=CISA}}</ref>

LVT claims to operate ''"the only mobile surveillance provider with its own private cellular network"'' where data ''"never touches the public internet."''<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 May 2022 |title=LiveView Technologies raises the bar for video surveillance |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/liveview-technologies-raises-the-bar-for-video-surveillance-with-agentless-zero-trust-networking-from-netfoundry-301539439.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241103231716/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/liveview-technologies-raises-the-bar-for-video-surveillance-with-agentless-zero-trust-networking-from-netfoundry-301539439.html |archive-date=3 Nov 2024 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=PR Newswire}}</ref> However, lack of independent security audits and references to addressing "potential vulnerability" in press releases raise questions about actual versus claimed security posture.

==Crime reduction claims==
The ACCESS Taskforce study reported a 73% reduction in weapons violations & 54% decrease in burglary/breaking and entering in Paducah, as well as a 40% decrease in shoplifting and 31% decrease in disorderly conduct in Opelika.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-22 |title=LiveView Technologies Helps 2 Cities Reduce Crime |url=https://www.policemag.com/technology/news/15544805/liveview-technologies-helps-2-cities-reduce-crime |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325124756/https://www.policemag.com/technology/news/15544805/liveview-technologies-helps-2-cities-reduce-crime |archive-date=25 Mar 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=Police Magazine}}</ref> The study was conducted in '''Opelika, Alabama''' & '''Paducah, Kentucky''', and '''analyzed by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), an industry-funded organization whose members include major retailers who are direct customers and partners of LVT'''.

The LPRC's funding structure creates direct conflicts of interest: the organization depends on membership fees from the very companies that benefit from positive security technology assessments. In this case, the study explicitly mentions retail partners participating in the ACCESS Taskforce (with details at LVT.com/access), meaning '''the evaluating organization (LPRC) is funded by companies with direct financial stakes in demonstrating the technology's effectiveness.''' This circular relationship—where customers help fund the organization that validates their vendor's products—undermines the study's independence and objectivity.

No peer-reviewed independent studies validate effectiveness claims.

==Mission creep==
LVT has expanded far beyond original construction site monitoring:
*Originally: Construction site theft prevention (2005)
*2020: Retail parking lot surveillance
*2021: School campus monitoring
*2022: Border surveillance, environmental monitoring
*2023: GSA federal contract obtained
*2024: Protest and crowd management
*2025: Integration with fusion centers

The company explicitly promotes units for ''"crowd management"'' at protests, stating they provide ''"the opportunity to get eyes on the protest, keep your officers safer, and optimize your personnel's efforts."''<ref name=":0" /> LVT acknowledges units can operate in both ''"overt"'' and ''"covert"'' modes, transforming visible deterrence into hidden surveillance.<ref name=":0" />

==Data sharing and fusion centers==
LVT's Axon Fusus integration enables data sharing across law enforcement agencies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-13 |title=LVT Integrates with Axon's Real-Time Crime Center Platform |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/08/13/2929277/0/en/LVT-Integrates-with-Axon-s-Real-Time-Crime-Center-Platform-to-Enhance-Public-Safety.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423190808/https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/08/13/2929277/0/en/LVT-Integrates-with-Axon-s-Real-Time-Crime-Center-Platform-to-Enhance-Public-Safety.html |archive-date=23 Apr 2025 |access-date=2025-08-25 |work=GlobeNewswire}}</ref> Through fusion center networks, surveillance data can flow to federal agencies including DHS and FBI.<ref name=":2" />

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.aclu.org/issues/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies ACLU surveillance technology resources]
*[https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/06/how-identify-visible-and-invisible-surveillance-protests EFF guide to identifying surveillance at protests]
*[https://www.brennancenter.org/issues/protect-liberty-security/privacy-free-expression/policing-technology Brennan Center policing technology analysis]

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Samsung

2026-03-18T14:20:08Z

Venture18+: /* References */ reformatted citations to add original URLs and archive dates to them (also added author names)

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Large manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.
|Founded=1938
|Industry=Manufacturing congolomerate
|Logo=Samsung Black icon.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://samsung.com/
}}

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

==Consumer-impact summary==

===Repairability===
Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Head |first=Scott |date=23 May 2024 |title=We’re Ending Our Samsung Collaboration |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217192708/https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,<ref>{{Cite web |title=VCC Board Repairs - Jesse Cruz |url=https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Samsung authorized repair is a clown show; why good technicians reject authorization |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Daniel Advanced Device Repair |url=https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>[[File:Samsung alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33385a S24 Ultra Lcd No Frame |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250910131601/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |archive-date=10 Sep 2025}}</ref>|thumb|363x363px]]
*The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=24 Sep 2020 |title=What You Should Know Before You Fix: Samsung Phones |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250911024225/https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Matthew |date=12 Mar 2021 |title=There was hope Samsung had turned a corner in repairability, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a step backwards |url=https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918190307/https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref>
*Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=23 May 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=404media.co |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216195434/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=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=23 May 2024 |title=The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse |url=https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210205721/https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3" /> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=OLED Assembly Without Frame Compatible For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G (Service Pack) (All Colors) |url=https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |website=mobilesentrix.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204203115/https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</ref>''') than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have '''allegedly''' purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=8 May 2019 |title=Why Samsung and iPhone X Screens Are Too Expensive to Fix |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904143805/https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays," according to a former Samsung authorized technician.<ref name=":2" /> "With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new."<ref name=":5" />
**Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:No product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33544a A/S Repair Kit-Oled(Comm),Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708191450/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh59-15734a Con To Con Fpcb-Frc_S928u;Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250901020137/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |archive-date=1 Sep 2025}}</ref> for said model.
***Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.<ref name=":3" /> An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |website=gsmarena.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116024124/https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.<ref name=":4" />
{| class="wikitable"
|SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS
|}

===Bootloader unlocking===
[[Bootloader unlocking|Unlocking the bootloader]] of an Android device allows tech-savvy users to install a custom [https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Android ROM] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250822103721/https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Archived]), which replaces the whole system of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Custom firmware |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware#Android |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Wikipedia |publisher=Wikipedia contributors |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202203145/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>← {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Verifiability#Wikipedia_and_sources_that_mirror_or_use_it|[Wikipedia reference!]}} Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this feature comes with many restrictions:<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260224112104/https://old.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/ Archived])</ref>

*When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped if users decided to flash an unsigned file from Samsung, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: [https://www.samsungknox.com/en/solutions/personal-apps/secure-folder Secure Folder], [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-wallet/ Samsung Wallet], [https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/samsung-pass Samsung Pass] and [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-health/ Samsung Health]. If an unsigned file haven't been flashed when the bootloader was unlocked, re-locking the bootloader re-gains all KNOX functionalities. These restrictions apply even after re-locking the bootloader after the KNOX E-fuse has been tripped, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its after-market value.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Mar 2025 |title=Trusted Computing Platform |url=https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=Samsung Knox Documentation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251223091227/https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>
*In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Install LineageOS on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) |url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=LineageOS Wiki |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115337/https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260224112222/https://old.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3 Archived])</ref> therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Nov 2022 |title=Why is my device so slow |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904213328/https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20231114181136/https://old.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/ Archived])</ref>
*Devices that have shipped with OneUI 8 stable (which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7) or that will be updated to OneUI 8 stable already had or will have their bootloader unlocking mechanisms removed, even if the device was purchased outside of the US and Canada. This makes it impossible to downgrade or flash a new OS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from One UI 8.0 |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |url-status=live |website=XDA developers |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210142144/https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*
'''Category: Home appliances'''
*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>{{Cite web |title=Right to Repair |url=https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=pirg.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128160224/https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricting Access to Parts, Tools, and Documentation |url=https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=repair.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231183350/https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit

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

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

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

https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251022150501/https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation Archived])</ref>
*Repair.org surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Paul |date=8 Feb 2023 |title=Appliance Repair Pros Struggle to Find LG and Samsung Documentation |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907182826/https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Refusal to implement feature requests===
Samsung has refused to implement features highly requested by its user base on several occasions.

For example, a highly requested feature has been an option to always open the rear camera when the camera application is launched, regardless of which camera was in use when the camera application was last exited, to prevent the front camera from opening, resulting in missed pictures.

A "settings to remember" page already exists in the camera settings, but it only includes a setting for the camera '''mode''' (Photo, Video, ...), not the camera '''side''' (rear, front).

In October 2020, a Samsung representative stated "We are taking this as your suggestion. Thanks for providing your valuable suggestion and your suggestion is very important for us". As of late 2025, Samsung has not implemented this feature.<ref>[https://r1.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s/how-to-always-start-rear-camera-when-opening-camera-app/td-p/7402229 How to always start rear camera when opening Camera app] [https://web.archive.org/web/20250510073646/https://r1.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s/how-to-always-start-rear-camera-when-opening-camera-app/td-p/7402229 Archived] 2025-05-10</ref>

Another highly requested feature was for Samsung's web browser "Samsung Internet" to store saved pages in the download folder without [[data lock-in]]. This was requested at least since 2020, yet the request has not been acted upon as of late 2025. Some users have stored thousands of web pages using Samsung Internet before realizing they are unable to create backups or move them to external storage.<ref>[https://forum.developer.samsung.com/t/regarding-saved-webpages/5304/1 Regarding saved webpages - Samsung Internet - Samsung Developers Community Forums & Tech Support] [https://web.archive.org/web/20250806152342/https://forum.developer.samsung.com/t/regarding-saved-webpages/5304/1 Archived] 2025-08-06</ref>

As of 2025, the pre-installed camera software on Samsung smartphones is unable to turn on the device's built-in rear LED '''continuously''' in photo mode, even though this had been requested before and would be easy for Samsung to implement. This forces the user to rely on third-party applications to be able to use a built-in device feature that the hardware already is capable of, or use an external light source.

A continuous torch light in photo mode has various uses such adjusting camera settings such as focus and exposure in close-up shots in darkness, QR code scanning in darkness with no external light source, and higher eye comfort compared to the short flash. Xiaomi smartphones have had this feature since the 2010s.<ref>[https://archive.today/2025.11.03-081938/https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s24-serie/taschenlampe-soll-brennen-wenn-ein-foto-geschossen-wird/td-p/10439198 Taschenlampe soll brennen wenn ein Foto geschossen wird]</ref>

SmartSwitch for PC is now only available via the Windows Store. This updated version is not compatible with older Samsung phones thus syncing with Outlook is no longer possible. Samsung's response to this is that this user's phone is "old and unreliable" despite the fact that it was syncing perfectly just prior to the update of SmartSwitch for PC. When asked if an older version of SmartSwitch can be provided their reponse is "We can't do that." So, yet another example of attempts to force obsolescence of working hardware.

===Arbitrary restrictions===
Samsung sometimes imposes restrictions on their users that are technically not necessary. Two examples of such restrictions are on the Galaxy A series, the the lack of a manual flash option at the highest photo resolution of 50 or 64 megapixels depending on the model, meaning only automatic flash is possible, as well as the inability to set the resolution to 50 or 64 megapixels in manual mode.<ref>This can be confirmed with any Samsung Galaxy A series smartphone from 2021 to 2025.</ref>

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

===Samsung self-repair program restrictions===
{{Main|Samsung self-repair program restrictions}}

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

===Samsung sued over S22 performance throttling===
{{Main|Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle}}

In 2022, with the launch of their S22 line, it was discovered that Samsung's phones were {{Wplink|Computer cooling|thermal throttling}} while performing regular tasks. This was due to Samsung's Gaming Operation Service (GOS) software causing the phone to perform worse than expected across 10,000 different games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=9 Mar 2022 |title=Samsung answers questions about throttling in Galaxy S22 and other flagships |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gos-faq-3130847/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250914182245/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gos-faq-3130847/ |archive-date=14 Sep 2025|access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> Citizens of South Korea filed a class-action lawsuit against Samsung on the basis of these claims and the court ultimately ruled in favor of Samsung.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Jun 2025 |title='Controversy over performance' Galaxy S22 joint lawsuit, first trial Samsung Electronics wins (total) |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250612056051004?section=search |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903020235/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250612056051004?section=search |archive-date=3 Sep 2025|access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=Yonhap News}}</ref>

===Discontinuation of support for Gear smartwatches===
Samsung [[Discontinuation bricking|completely removed support]] for it's Tizen-based Gear smartwatches in more recent Galaxy smartphones, completely preventing users of these devices (such as the Gear S, Gear S3, and Gear Sport) from connecting to these newer phones. Users of these smartwatches were notified of this change from a pop-up message in the Galaxy Wearable app.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/18dgzhg/seems_like_all_gear_s3_models_will_not_be/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240930045916/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/18dgzhg/seems_like_all_gear_s3_models_will_not_be/ Archived])</ref> In addition, Samsung [[Storefront shutdown|terminated Galaxy Store support]] for these devices, suspending sales of paid content on September 30th, 2024, downloads of free content on June 25th, 2025 and lastly; any downloads of all owned content on September 30th, 2025. Per Samsung's ToS, no refunds for paid content were to be issued.<ref>https://seller.samsungapps.com/notice/getNoticeDetail.as?csNoticeID=0000009034 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251207134801/https://seller.samsungapps.com/notice/getNoticeDetail.as?csNoticeID=0000009034 Archived])</ref>

Despite Samsung's dubious claim that "quality" was the reason for pulling support for Gear smartwatches on newer devices, several users found the inability for the watches to connect is merely a software-level restriction that can be circumvented by installing an older version of the Galaxy Wearable app and installing additional plugins if necessary.<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260129224905/https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250323032847/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ Archived])</ref>

===Ads in Family Hub refrigerators (''2025.09.16 - Present'')===
{{Main|Samsung ads in refrigerators}}
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/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203074312/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</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 |last=Wolf |first=Michael |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=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102114706/https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-date=2 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=The Spoon}}</ref>

The advertisements appear on the Cover Screen when the refrigerator display is idle, specifically affecting the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes.<ref name=":02">{{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/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116151613/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> 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=":02" />

===Sued by Texas state over ACR data collection (''2025 - Present):''===
{{Main|Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection}}
On December 15, 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Samsung,<ref name="petition-samsung">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=State of Texas v. Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Original Petition |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206163119/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</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 |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |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=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214045721/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026 |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 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221015756/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Products==
*[[Samsung Odyssey]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Samsung TV's]]
*Samsung Smartphones
*Samsung Galaxy Watches

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Samsung]]

Instagram

2026-03-11T16:51:21Z

Venture18+: replaced archive.today link; added source dates, author names and publication names; removed duplicate citation

{{Incomplete}}
{{ProductCargo
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Social Media
|Company=Meta
|Description=American social media app focused on photos and short-form video.
|InProduction=Yes
|Logo=Instagram.png
|ProductLine=
|ReleaseYear=2010
|Website=https://www.instagram.com/
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Instagram|Instagram]]''' is a global social-media platform and subsidiary of [[Meta]] since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Apr 2012 |title=Facebook to Acquire Instagram |url=https://about.fb.com/news/2012/04/facebook-to-acquire-instagram/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=[[Meta]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260209050049/https://about.fb.com/news/2012/04/facebook-to-acquire-instagram/ |archive-date=9 Feb 2026}}</ref> Founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram focuses on sharing photos and videos. This content can take the form of a "reel", "post", or a "story".<ref group="notes">Reels: Short videos similar to the format popularized by TikTok. Posts: A collection of images or videos. Stories: A temporary post that allows photos, videos, and text.</ref> Moreover, Instagram has a direct messaging service and a live streaming service built in.

Instagram has been scrutinized for many consumer violations revolving around the extent of its data collection<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuthberson |first=Anthony |date=18 Mar 2021 |title=Instagram is ‘most invasive app’, new study shows |url=https://www.the-independent.com/tech/instagram-invasive-app-privacy-facebook-b1818453.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 Mar 2025 |website=Independent |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260130180350/https://www.the-independent.com/tech/instagram-invasive-app-privacy-facebook-b1818453.html |archive-date=30 Jan 2026}}</ref> and the use of said data.

==Consumer-protection profile==

===Privacy===

*On signup, Instagram collects details such as the user's name, email, phone number, and profile information.<ref name=":0">[https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388?utm_source=chatgpt.com Privacy Policy] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251211065551/https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388?utm_source=chatgpt.com Archived])</ref>
*Through the use of the app, Instagram collects the following:<ref name=":0" />
**Interactions including, likes, comments, posts, and direct messages.
**Location Data.
**Device Information.
**Usage Data.
**Content Data including metadata from photos and videos.
**Information from messages including the people the user interacts with the types of messages the user sends.
*Instagram shares data to 3rd parties including advertisers directly and through Meta.<ref name=":0" />
*Instagram will share data with law enforcement if legally compelled.<ref name=":0" />
*Instagram will analyze messages for the purpose of detecting spam, harassment, or abusive content.
*Instagram uses user data to serve targeted advertisements to the user.

===Transparency===

*The Instagram privacy policy states how most user data is collected and stored.
*Instagram allows users to download a copy of their Data through their front-ends.
*It is unclear how much information is collected from user to user messages.

===Freedom===

*Instagram messages are not end-to-end encrypted.
*Instagram, as part of Meta, has a forced arbitration clause in its terms of service.
*Instagram has the ability to remove content without citing a reason.
*Instagram is granted a license to use, distribute, modify, run, copy, display, and create derivative works of uploaded content.<ref name=":1">[https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870/ Terms of Service] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222100652/https://help.instagram.com/581066165581870/ Archived])</ref>

==Consumer-protection incidents==

===Introduction of maps feature (Aug. 2025)===
On August 6, 2025, Instagram introduced two features in their app; reposts and the map, with the latter being heavily clarified the feature is opt-in.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/instagram-new-features-connect-friends/|title=New Features to Help You Connect With Friends|work=Instagram|date=2025-08-06|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212011801/https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/instagram-new-features-connect-friends|archive-date=12 Dec 2025|url-status=live}}</ref> Many of its users have voiced concerns with the feature being implemented, as some say their location was enabled without their knowledge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|title=Instagram's new location-sharing feature is raising privacy concerns|first1=Sohani|last1=Goonetillake|first2=Lewis|last2=Wiseman|date=2025-08-09|work=ABC News Australia|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250809151515/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-09/instagram-location-sharing-feature-is-raising-privacy-concerns/105632212|archive-date=2025-08-09|url-status=live}}</ref> Other users have demanded Instagram to remove the feature altogether on the company's posts, citing the creepiness and danger posed to younger users and women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNBlO9_SVey/|title=Music: ON. World: OFF.⁣ #InTheMoment|date=2025-08-06|work=Instagram|archive-url=https://archive.ph/Jh8sm|archive-date=2025-08-08|url-status=live}}</ref> Privacy-focused users have suggested those with Instagram to disable Instagram's location services altogether through the phone's settings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1mjqyym/instagram_update_now_shares_your_live_location/|title=Instagram update now shares your live location unless you disable it|author=u/SideHonest9960|date=2025-08-07|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222222254/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1mjqyym/instagram_update_now_shares_your_live_location/|archive-date=22 Feb 2026|url-status=live}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Instagram response maps feature (1).PNG|Statement from Instagram on August 8th clarifying how the maps feature is integrated with existing accounts.
File:Instagram response maps feature (2).PNG
File:Instagram response maps feature (3).PNG
File:Instagram response maps feature (4).PNG
File:Instagram response maps feature (5).PNG
</gallery>

Instagram already had a "photo map" feature in its early years, which was removed in 2016.<ref>2016-09-09, [https://thinkmarketingmagazine.com/instagram-killing-photo-maps-feature/ Instagram killing “photo maps” feature] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130202048/https://thinkmarketingmagazine.com/instagram-killing-photo-maps-feature/ Archived])</ref>

===Instagram shows gore and violence videos to select users (Feb. 2025)===
In what Instagram calls an "error", some users were shown videos of graphic death scenes and animal abuse in their Reels feed for about a day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milmo |first=Dan |date=2025-02-28 |title=Meta apologises over flood of gore, violence and dead bodies on Instagram |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/28/meta-apologises-over-flood-of-gore-violence-and-dead-bodies-on-instagram |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250301002132/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/28/meta-apologises-over-flood-of-gore-violence-and-dead-bodies-on-instagram |archive-date=2025-03-01 |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Clare |date=February 27, 2025 |title=Meta apologizes, fixes glitch that caused violent video recommendations on Reels |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/27/tech/meta-apologizes-glitch-violent-reels |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251103212649/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/27/tech/meta-apologizes-glitch-violent-reels |archive-date=3 Nov 2025 |work=CNN}}</ref>

This also serves as an example for the kind of content Meta staff has to review when flagged and raises questions about the mental health impact watching this type of content all day has on the workers tasked with content moderation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Llach |first=Laura |date=19 Oct 2023 |title=‘It scars you for life’: Workers sue Meta claiming viewing brutal videos caused psychological trauma |url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/10/19/it-scars-you-for-life-workers-sue-meta-claiming-viewing-brutal-videos-caused-psychological |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250823162227/https://www.euronews.com/2023/10/19/it-scars-you-for-life-workers-sue-meta-claiming-viewing-brutal-videos-caused-psychological |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Euro News}}</ref>

===Instagram allows AI to be trained on user data (Mar. 2023)===
In March 2023, Instagram updated its Terms of Service to allow them to use collected data to train artificial intelligence.<ref name=":1" /> This data includes uploaded photos and videos and the creators were not given compensation. This new TOS was mandatory to accept to continue using the platform.

Opt-out was available in regions where this was legally required, but involved a ridiculously complicated process using a variety of [[Dark pattern|dark patterns]] to dissuade users from taking Meta up on the offer. The form included a freeform text box where the user had to explain their reasons for opting out and suggested that all requests would be manually reviewed and reserved the right to reject the user's wishes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grinkevičius |first=Paulius |date=2024-05-28 |title=Meta uses your data to train AI, and it doesn't want you to opt out |url=https://cybernews.com/tech/meta-trains-ai-on-your-data/ |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=cybernews |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007023331/https://cybernews.com/tech/meta-trains-ai-on-your-data/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref>

===New iOS Camera Activity Indicator shows camera activity at unexpected moments (2020–2022)===
Some users reported their camera being accessed while they were not using a feature of the app that ordinarily involves taking pictures or videos. This was revealed by a new indicator in iOS 14 and the same thing was repeated when Android 12 introduced a similar indicator.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why does Instagram use my camera whenever i exit the app? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/s85mv2/why_does_instagram_use_my_camera_whenever_i_exit/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220120004950/https://old.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/s85mv2/why_does_instagram_use_my_camera_whenever_i_exit/ |archive-date=20 Jan 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Oct 2021 |title=Why is Instagram accessing my camera at unexpected moments ? (The new privacy feature from Android 12 shows a red dot at the top right when an app is accessing sensitive hardware) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/qiyofe/why_is_instagram_accessing_my_camera_at/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20211030102434/https://old.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/qiyofe/why_is_instagram_accessing_my_camera_at/ |archive-date=30 Oct 2021 |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Feb 2022 |title=Instagram weirdly accessing camera? (more in first comment) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/ssqeyi/instagram_weirdly_accessing_camera_more_in_first/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220215015408/https://old.reddit.com/r/Instagram/comments/ssqeyi/instagram_weirdly_accessing_camera_more_in_first/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2022 |access-date=2025-03-19 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

In a separate incident '''[I think November 2022]''', users reported suddenly seeing their camera feed behind the Instagram interface when scrolling their feed or interacting with posts '''[SOURCES NEEDED – very difficult to find the reports on this].'''

Instagram claimed that nothing was recorded in these instances. Their responses never addressed concerns that the camera feed might be used for things like analysing the face for emotional reaction to ads, recording location information or similar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Becker |first=Leo |date=2020-07-27 |title=Unerwünschter iPhone-Kamerazugriff: Instagram verweist auf Bug |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Unerwuenschter-iPhone-Kamerazugriff-Instagram-verweist-auf-Bug-4855850.html |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=Heise Online [German] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251104105813/https://www.heise.de/news/Unerwuenschter-iPhone-Kamerazugriff-Instagram-verweist-auf-Bug-4855850.html |archive-date=4 Nov 2025}}</ref>

===Instagram uses personal data for advertisements without proper consent (Nov. 2020)===

===Instagram data breach (May 2019)===
In May 2019 Instagram suffered a big data breach which exposed sensitive information of almost 50 milion influencers and brands such as phone numbers and email adresses.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Whittaker |first=Zack |date=May 20, 2019 |title=Millions of Instagram influencers had their contact data scraped and exposed |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/20/instagram-influencer-celebrity-accounts-scraped/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202173310/https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/20/instagram-influencer-celebrity-accounts-scraped/ |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 23, 2019 |title=Instagram data breach! 49 million users’ sensitive data exposed online |url=https://cisomag.com/instagram-data-breach-49-million-users-sensitive-data-exposed-online/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251019102516/https://cisomag.com/instagram-data-breach-49-million-users-sensitive-data-exposed-online/ |archive-date=19 Oct 2025}}</ref>. It was later stated that no more than 350.000 accounts were affected and least some of the personal information was set to public by the affected accounts

The database was stored on an Amazon server and wasn't protected by a password<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 21, 2019 |title=Instagram: Facebook probes breach of millions of influencer accounts |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48347592 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202052918/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-48347592 |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |work=BBC}}</ref>

The database was open for at least 72 hours, although a researcher verified that it was first accesed on May 14th<ref name=":2" />

===Controversy regarding the data privacy of minors (Mar. 2019)===
Since at least early 2019 until mid-2023 Meta has taken minimal action regarding closing accounts of children under 13, after requests sent from their parents and friends. Meta was actively collecting personal information of these children without their parents consent. This led to a lawsuit against the company in which it was stated that Meta violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rothenberg |first=Eva |date=26 Nov 2023 |title=Meta collected children’s data from Instagram accounts, unsealed court document alleges |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/26/business/meta-collecting-data-children-facebook |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251124234550/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/26/business/meta-collecting-data-children-facebook |archive-date=24 Nov 2025 |work=CNN}}</ref>

Concerns were also present regarding exposing children to potential harmful content from a young age, which could impact their well-being

===Meta shares personal data from millions without consent. (Mar. 2018)===

==Other incidents==
===API restrictions (June 2016)===
Starting with June 2016, Instagram imposed restrictions on their API that made it difficult for third-party apps, web front ends and search engines to work.<ref>[https://zeldman.com/2016/06/04/instagram-third-party-developers-drop-dead/ Instagram to third-party developers: drop dead] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260130093146/https://zeldman.com/2016/06/04/instagram-third-party-developers-drop-dead/ Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/02/instagram-third-party-apps-websites-dead/ Third-Party Instagram Apps and Websites Cease to Work - Mac Rumors] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251211004701/https://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/02/instagram-third-party-apps-websites-dead/ Archived])</ref> Third-party tools like Hashtag Pirate had searching capabilities well beyond Instagram's built-in search tool, such as filtering by multiple tags and limiting by media type (photo or video).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20171112094946/http://hashtagpirate.com/news/instagram-blocked-access/ Instagram blocked access] - Hashtag Pirate, June 3, 2016</ref>

It is similar to [[Reddit#API_paywall,_June_2023|what Reddit did in 2023]], but 7 years earlier.

==Products==
*Boomerang (2015-2022): A standalone app that looped videos.<ref name="IG Verge">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/7/22965754/instagram-boomerang-hyperlapse-app-store-google-play|title=Instagram’s standalone Boomerang and Hyperlapse apps are gone from the App Store and Google Play|first=Jay|last=Peters|date=2022-03-07|work=The Verge|access-date=2026-01-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207133053/https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/7/22965754/instagram-boomerang-hyperlapse-app-store-google-play |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref>
*Instagram TV (IGTV) (2018-2022): An app for long-form vertical videos.<ref name="IG Verge2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/28/22955646/instagram-shuts-down-separate-igtv-app-video-changes-reels-ads|title=Instagram says it’ll stop supporting the IGTV app|first=Mitchell|last=Clark|date=2022-02-28|work=The Verge|access-date=2026-01-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260129015219/https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/28/22955646/instagram-shuts-down-separate-igtv-app-video-changes-reels-ads |archive-date=29 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Facebook]]
*[[Snapchat]]
*[[TikTok]]

==Notes==
<references group="notes" />

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

Samsung

2026-03-11T05:27:51Z

Venture18+: replaced archive.today links

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Large manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.
|Founded=1938
|Industry=Manufacturing congolomerate
|Logo=Samsung Black icon.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://samsung.com/
}}

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

==Consumer-impact summary==

===Repairability===
Concerns have been raised about Samsung's business practices regarding serviceability, which have been criticized by trade organizations such as iFixit, and Repair.org<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Head |first=Scott |date=23 May 2024 |title=We’re Ending Our Samsung Collaboration |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217192708/https://it.ifixit.com/News/96162/were-ending-our-samsung-collaboration |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> as well as industry professionals such as Jesse Cruz the owner of VCC Board Repairs,<ref>{{Cite web |title=VCC Board Repairs - Jesse Cruz |url=https://www.youtube.com/@VCCBoardRepairs |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> and former technicians from Samsung's Independent Genuine Service Program, including ADRDaniel owner of Advanced Device Repair.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=26 Jun 2023 |title=Samsung authorized repair is a clown show; why good technicians reject authorization |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0&t=53s |url-status=live |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=1ITmGXHSmL0 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Daniel Advanced Device Repair |url=https://www.youtube.com/@ADRdaniel |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>[[File:Samsung alternate model numbers 2.png|Alternate model numbers on samsungparts.com self service parts store.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33385a S24 Ultra Lcd No Frame |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250910131601/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33385a |archive-date=10 Sep 2025}}</ref>|thumb|363x363px]]
*The majority of Samsung Phones have components glued in place, making disassembly and reassembly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=24 Sep 2020 |title=What You Should Know Before You Fix: Samsung Phones |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250911024225/https://it.ifixit.com/News/44164/what-you-should-know-before-you-fix-samsung-phones |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Matthew |date=12 Mar 2021 |title=There was hope Samsung had turned a corner in repairability, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra is a step backwards |url=https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Register |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918190307/https://www.theregister.com/2021/03/12/ifixit_samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref>
*Samsung has imposed strict conditions on Authorized repair vendors, such as requiring technicians to fully dismantle devices,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=23 May 2024 |title=Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/samsung-requires-independent-repair-shops-to-share-customer-data-snitch-on-people-who-use-aftermarket-parts-leaked-contract-shows/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=404media.co |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216195434/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=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> and submit handwritten letters if they encounter non-genuine parts during repairs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=23 May 2024 |title=The Samsung right-to-repair story just got worse |url=https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210205721/https://www.theverge.com/samsung/2024/5/23/24163372/samsung-repair-snitch-aftermarket-parts |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*Genuine self-repair smartphone displays available through Samsung's self-service parts store<ref name=":3" /> are two times more expensive (Samsung Genuine Part: $370.95<ref name=":3" /> Mobilesentrix: $182.02'''<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=OLED Assembly Without Frame Compatible For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G (Service Pack) (All Colors) |url=https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |website=mobilesentrix.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204203115/https://www.mobilesentrix.com/oled-assembly-without-frame-compatible-for-samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-service-pack-all-colors |archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</ref>''') than identical, new parts from third parties such as Mobilesentrix, who have '''allegedly''' purchased from Samsung's own manufacturing or service partners having 95% of the global market share of OLED display manufacturing.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Purdy |first=Kevin |date=8 May 2019 |title=Why Samsung and iPhone X Screens Are Too Expensive to Fix |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904143805/https://it.ifixit.com/News/16303/samsung-iphone-x-oled-screens-too-expensive |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref> "These 'service packs' from Mobilesentrix are without a doubt new OEM Samsung displays," according to a former Samsung authorized technician.<ref name=":2" /> "With no viable aftermarket parts and few refurbished screens to compete with, alongside control of the pricing and supply, Samsung has few reasons to make replacements affordable for phones it and its shareholders want people to keep buying new."<ref name=":5" />
**Samsung's self-service repair part selection for their flagship models (such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, for example) [[:File:No product photos.png|provide no photos]], detailed descriptions or distinction between tools<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh82-33544a A/S Repair Kit-Oled(Comm),Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708191450/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh82-33544a |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> for these models services or parts<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Gh59-15734a Con To Con Fpcb-Frc_S928u;Sm-S |url=https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |website=samsungparts.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250901020137/https://samsungparts.com/products/gh59-15734a |archive-date=1 Sep 2025}}</ref> for said model.
***Samsung's genuine-parts store lists exactly 100 sub models of Galaxy S24, using their alternate, longer, and more confusing model numbers in their part-compatibility charts. These numbers specify carrier, region, sub-region, and color distinctions, which are unnecessary for buyers of self-service parts.<ref name=":3" /> An equally comprehensive list of all models (in the table below) from all regions lists only nine distinct models with their legible 7-digit part numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |website=gsmarena.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116024124/https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s24_ultra-12771.php |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> for the display replacement in question the part is universal to all sub models.<ref name=":4" />
{| class="wikitable"
|SM-S928B, SM-S928B/DS, SM-S928U, SM-S928U1, SM-S928W, SM-S928N, SM-S9280, SM-S928E, SM-S928E/DS
|}

===Bootloader unlocking===
[[Bootloader unlocking|Unlocking the bootloader]] of an Android device allows tech-savvy users to install a custom [https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Android ROM] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250822103721/https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/android-rom Archived]), which replaces the whole system of the device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Custom firmware |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware#Android |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Wikipedia |publisher=Wikipedia contributors |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202203145/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Custom_firmware |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>← {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Verifiability#Wikipedia_and_sources_that_mirror_or_use_it|[Wikipedia reference!]}} Many Samsung mobile devices outside the US and Canada can have their bootloader unlocked by various means, but this feature comes with many restrictions:<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260224112104/https://old.reddit.com/r/androidroot/comments/1g2xhd9/unlock_bootloader_for_newer_samsung_devices_in/ Archived])</ref>

*When the bootloader is unlocked, Samsung devices have their KNOX fuse tripped if users decided to flash an unsigned file from Samsung, which voids the warranty and restricts access to apps such as: [https://www.samsungknox.com/en/solutions/personal-apps/secure-folder Secure Folder], [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-wallet/ Samsung Wallet], [https://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/samsung-pass Samsung Pass] and [https://www.samsung.com/us/apps/samsung-health/ Samsung Health]. If an unsigned file haven't been flashed when the bootloader was unlocked, re-locking the bootloader re-gains all KNOX functionalities. These restrictions apply even after re-locking the bootloader after the KNOX E-fuse has been tripped, meaning that gaining control over your own device requires you to give away some of the functionality you paid for and possibly hurting its after-market value.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Mar 2025 |title=Trusted Computing Platform |url=https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=Samsung Knox Documentation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251223091227/https://docs.samsungknox.com/admin/fundamentals/whitepaper/samsung-knox-mobile-security/security-principles/trusted-computing-platform/ |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>
*In some instances, Samsung has sold devices capable of bootloader unlocking, but further restricted it with an update. This happened with the Galaxy Tab A 2019 (SM-T290), which had an update to its bootloader that restricted both the ability to flash new firmware and to downgrade to an older, working firmware,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Install LineageOS on Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) |url=https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/#special-requirements |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=LineageOS Wiki |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115337/https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/gtowifi/install/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260224112222/https://old.reddit.com/r/LineageOS/comments/119nz5t/bootloader_version_not_compatible_with/jabng43/?context=3 Archived])</ref> therefore restricting users to the sluggish One UI which runs notoriously bad on this device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Nov 2022 |title=Why is my device so slow |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |url-status=live |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904213328/https://it.ifixit.com/Risposte/Visualizza/756811/Why+is+my+device+so+slow |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20231114181136/https://old.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/17v87gh/how_can_i_speed_up_samsung_galaxy_tab_a_2019/ Archived])</ref>
*Devices that have shipped with OneUI 8 stable (which includes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7) or that will be updated to OneUI 8 stable already had or will have their bootloader unlocking mechanisms removed, even if the device was purchased outside of the US and Canada. This makes it impossible to downgrade or flash a new OS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-26 |title=Bootloader unlocking option removed from One UI 8.0 |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |url-status=live |website=XDA developers |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210142144/https://xdaforums.com/t/bootloader-unlocking-option-removed-from-one-ui-8-0.4751904/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*
'''Category: Home appliances'''
*According to iFixit's documentation of Samsung repair, schematic diagrams and service parts were cited in their survey, in collaboration with PIRG<ref>{{Cite web |title=Right to Repair |url=https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=pirg.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128160224/https://pirg.org/campaigns/right-to-repair/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> and Repair.org,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricting Access to Parts, Tools, and Documentation |url=https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=repair.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231183350/https://www.repair.org/restricting-access |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref> of professional repair technicians as "difficult to find service documentation"<ref name=":6">New article from ifixit

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

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

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

https://valkyrie.cdn.ifixit.com/media/2023/01/30193712/Repair-Coalition-Letter-for-FTC-Energy-Guide-Ruling-ANPR-R611004.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251022150501/https://www.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation Archived])</ref>
*Repair.org surveyed repair professionals who were able to acquire service manuals from manufactures including Samsung: "Even when they get access to those manuals, technicians sometimes don’t find the information they need. Repair manuals are often lacking fault codes and schematic diagrams needed to complete repairs."<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Paul |date=8 Feb 2023 |title=Appliance Repair Pros Struggle to Find LG and Samsung Documentation |url=https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |access-date=29 Jun 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250907182826/https://it.ifixit.com/News/71693/appliance-repair-pros-struggle-to-find-lg-and-samsung-documentation |archive-date=7 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Refusal to implement feature requests===
Samsung has refused to implement features highly requested by its user base on several occasions.

For example, a highly requested feature has been an option to always open the rear camera when the camera application is launched, regardless of which camera was in use when the camera application was last exited, to prevent the front camera from opening, resulting in missed pictures.

A "settings to remember" page already exists in the camera settings, but it only includes a setting for the camera '''mode''' (Photo, Video, ...), not the camera '''side''' (rear, front).

In October 2020, a Samsung representative stated "We are taking this as your suggestion. Thanks for providing your valuable suggestion and your suggestion is very important for us". As of late 2025, Samsung has not implemented this feature.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250510073646/https://r1.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s/how-to-always-start-rear-camera-when-opening-camera-app/td-p/7402229 How to always start rear camera when opening Camera app]</ref>

Another highly requested feature was for Samsung's web browser "Samsung Internet" to store saved pages in the download folder without [[data lock-in]]. This was requested at least since 2020, yet the request has not been acted upon as of late 2025. Some users have stored thousands of web pages using Samsung Internet before realizing they are unable to create backups or move them to external storage.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250806152342/https://forum.developer.samsung.com/t/regarding-saved-webpages/5304/1 Regarding saved webpages - Samsung Internet - Samsung Developers Community Forums & Tech Support]</ref>

As of 2025, the pre-installed camera software on Samsung smartphones is unable to turn on the device's built-in rear LED '''continuously''' in photo mode, even though this had been requested before and would be easy for Samsung to implement. This forces the user to rely on third-party applications to be able to use a built-in device feature that the hardware already is capable of, or use an external light source.

A continuous torch light in photo mode has various uses such adjusting camera settings such as focus and exposure in close-up shots in darkness, QR code scanning in darkness with no external light source, and higher eye comfort compared to the short flash. Xiaomi smartphones have had this feature since the 2010s.<ref>[https://archive.today/2025.11.03-081938/https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s24-serie/taschenlampe-soll-brennen-wenn-ein-foto-geschossen-wird/td-p/10439198 Taschenlampe soll brennen wenn ein Foto geschossen wird]</ref>

SmartSwitch for PC is now only available via the Windows Store. This updated version is not compatible with older Samsung phones thus syncing with Outlook is no longer possible. Samsung's response to this is that this user's phone is "old and unreliable" despite the fact that it was syncing perfectly just prior to the update of SmartSwitch for PC. When asked if an older version of SmartSwitch can be provided their reponse is "We can't do that." So, yet another example of attempts to force obsolescence of working hardware.

===Arbitrary restrictions===
Samsung sometimes imposes restrictions on their users that are technically not necessary. Two examples of such restrictions are on the Galaxy A series, the the lack of a manual flash option at the highest photo resolution of 50 or 64 megapixels depending on the model, meaning only automatic flash is possible, as well as the inability to set the resolution to 50 or 64 megapixels in manual mode.<ref>This can be confirmed with any Samsung Galaxy A series smartphone from 2021 to 2025.</ref>

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

===Samsung self-repair program restrictions===
{{Main|Samsung self-repair program restrictions}}

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

===Samsung sued over S22 performance throttling===
{{Main|Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle}}

In 2022, with the launch of their S22 line, it was discovered that Samsung's phones were {{Wplink|Computer cooling|thermal throttling}} while performing regular tasks. This was due to Samsung's Gaming Operation Service (GOS) software causing the phone to perform worse than expected across 10,000 different games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=9 Mar 2022 |title=Samsung answers questions about throttling in Galaxy S22 and other flagships |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gos-faq-3130847/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250914182245/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-gos-faq-3130847/ |archive-date=14 Sep 2025|access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> Citizens of South Korea filed a class-action lawsuit against Samsung on the basis of these claims and the court ultimately ruled in favor of Samsung.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Jun 2025 |title='Controversy over performance' Galaxy S22 joint lawsuit, first trial Samsung Electronics wins (total) |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250612056051004?section=search |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903020235/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250612056051004?section=search |archive-date=3 Sep 2025|access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=Yonhap News}}</ref>

===Discontinuation of support for Gear smartwatches===
Samsung [[Discontinuation bricking|completely removed support]] for it's Tizen-based Gear smartwatches in more recent Galaxy smartphones, completely preventing users of these devices (such as the Gear S, Gear S3, and Gear Sport) from connecting to these newer phones. Users of these smartwatches were notified of this change from a pop-up message in the Galaxy Wearable app.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/18dgzhg/seems_like_all_gear_s3_models_will_not_be/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20240930045916/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/18dgzhg/seems_like_all_gear_s3_models_will_not_be/ Archived])</ref> In addition, Samsung [[Storefront shutdown|terminated Galaxy Store support]] for these devices, suspending sales of paid content on September 30th, 2024, downloads of free content on June 25th, 2025 and lastly; any downloads of all owned content on September 30th, 2025. Per Samsung's ToS, no refunds for paid content were to be issued.<ref>https://seller.samsungapps.com/notice/getNoticeDetail.as?csNoticeID=0000009034 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251207134801/https://seller.samsungapps.com/notice/getNoticeDetail.as?csNoticeID=0000009034 Archived])</ref>

Despite Samsung's dubious claim that "quality" was the reason for pulling support for Gear smartwatches on newer devices, several users found the inability for the watches to connect is merely a software-level restriction that can be circumvented by installing an older version of the Galaxy Wearable app and installing additional plugins if necessary.<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260129224905/https://xdaforums.com/t/guide-get-the-gear-s-working-with-new-galaxy-phones.4701475/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250323032847/https://old.reddit.com/r/GearS3/comments/1ae2x2c/anyone_gotten_this_to_work_on_s24/ Archived])</ref>

===Ads in Family Hub refrigerators (''2025.09.16 - Present'')===
{{Main|Samsung ads in refrigerators}}
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/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203074312/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-smart-refrigerators-ads-3598564/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</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/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=The Spoon |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102114706/https://thespoon.tech/samsung-rolls-out-ads-to-family-hub-fridges/ |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>

The advertisements appear on the Cover Screen when the refrigerator display is idle, specifically affecting the Weather, Color, and Daily Board themes.<ref name=":02">{{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/ |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116151613/https://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-confirms-smart-refrigerator-ads-are-coming-3598848/ |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref> 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=":02" />

===Sued by Texas state over ACR data collection (''2025 - Present):''===
{{Main|Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection}}
On December 15, 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Samsung,<ref name="petition-samsung">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=State of Texas v. Samsung Electronics America, Inc., Original Petition |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206163119/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/Samsung%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</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/ |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Ars Technica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214045721/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</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 |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221015756/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Products==
*[[Samsung Odyssey]]
*[[Samsung SmartCam]]
*[[Samsung TV's]]
*Samsung Smartphones
*Samsung Galaxy Watches

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Samsung]]

2026-03-11T05:11:48Z

Venture18+: /* References */ replaced archive.today links and reformatted citation 10

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American social media platform based around news aggregation and forum-like "subreddits".
|Founded=2005
|Industry=Social Media
|Logo=Reddit_logo_2023.svg.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://reddit.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Reddit|'''Reddit''']] is an American social media network for social-news aggregation, content rating, and forums. As of December 2024, Reddit is the eighth most-visited website in the world. It was founded in 2005 by University of Virginia roommates Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian, as well as Aaron Swartz.

==Consumer Impact Summary==

*'''User freedom:''' Went closed-source in 2017,<ref name=":0" /> limited free API use<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Huffman |first=Steve |date=9 Jun 2023 |title=Addressing the community about changes to our API |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/reddit/comments/145bram/addressing_the_community_about_changes_to_our_api/ |website=Old Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250603012129/https://old.reddit.com/r/reddit/comments/145bram/addressing_the_community_about_changes_to_our_api/ |archive-date=3 Jun 2025}}</ref> and blocked anonymous users on VPNs in 2023,<ref name=":1" /> halted archiving posts via the Internet Archive due to "AI scraping concerns"<ref name=":2" />
*'''User Privacy:''' Had a data breach in 2018.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=1 Aug 2018 |title=We had a security incident. Here's what you need to know. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/announcements/comments/93qnm5/we_had_a_security_incident_heres_what_you_need_to/ |website=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251119040917/https://old.reddit.com/r/announcements/comments/93qnm5/we_had_a_security_incident_heres_what_you_need_to/ |archive-date=19 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Primarily funded through advertisements, has a premium subscription,requires paying for elevated API usage since 2023.<ref name=":4" />
*'''Market competition:''' Plenty; [[Imgur]], [[Facebook]], [[X Corp|X]] (formerly [[Twitter]]), [[Instagram]]

==Incidents==
===Hiding individual upvotes and downvotes, June 2014===
Since June 2014, individual upvote and downvote counts on posts are no longer publicly visible. Only the sum of votes and the percentage of upvotes are publicly visible.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150602223136/https://www.reddit.com/r/announcements/comments/28hjga/reddit_changes_individual_updown_vote_counts_no/ reddit changes: individual up/down vote counts no longer visible, "% like it" closer to reality, major improvements to "controversial" sorting : announcements] - Reddit</ref>

===Hiding sticky comment vote counts, January 2016===
Since January 2016, vote counts on comments pinned by Reddit moderators are hidden from public view and only visible to moderators of the same subreddit. This prevents the public from knowing whether moderator decisions were widely agreed upon.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20230604165556/https://old.reddit.com/r/ideasfortheadmins/comments/400on6/remove_karma_display_from_stickied_comments/ Remove Karma Display from Stickied Comments : ideasfortheadmins]</ref>

===Going closed source, September 2017===
In September 2017, Reddit reverted on their open source policy and archived their public repositories, citing difficulty to stealth launch features and desire to move away from a monorepo architecture. Users responded by noting that neither of these reasons require being closed source, and that Reddit had been slowly becoming less transparent over time.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=An update on the state of the reddit/reddit and reddit/reddit-mobile repositories |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/changelog/comments/6xfyfg/an_update_on_the_state_of_the_redditreddit_and/ |url-status=live |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212072029/https://old.reddit.com/r/changelog/comments/6xfyfg/an_update_on_the_state_of_the_redditreddit_and/ |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Data breach, August 2018===
In August 2018, Reddit suffered a data breach due to employees using SMS two-factor authentication (2FA). Leaked data included an old database containing usernames, emails, encrypted passwords, public posts and private messages from Reddit's launch date in 2005, through to May 2007. Additionally usernames and email addresses from users that received daily digests (emails containing post suggestions) sent between June 3 and June 17 2018 were also leaked.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=1 Aug 2018 |title=Reddit Breach Highlights Limits of SMS-Based Authentication |url=https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/08/reddit-breach-highlights-limits-of-sms-based-authentication/ |url-status=live |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |website=krebsonsecurity.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251205181109/https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/08/reddit-breach-highlights-limits-of-sms-based-authentication/ |archive-date=5 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref name=":5" />

===Blocking expansions, January 2022===
Since January 2022, users can block each other from commenting on their posts or comments. Before, blocking would only hide a blocked user's content from oneself and prevent a blocked user from appearing in ones notifications. Since this change, users can prevent others from commenting valid criticism and refutative arguments that would have added value to a discussion.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/blog/comments/s71g03/announcing_blocking_updates/ht701m9/ Announcing Blocking Updates] (reddit.com/r/blog) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20220216023601/https://old.reddit.com/r/blog/comments/s71g03/announcing_blocking_updates/ht701m9/ Archived])</ref>

Shortly after this change, reports piled up of the new blocking feature being used to prevent others from counter-arguing in discussions. It was also noted that preventing unwanted participants is already the purpose of communities' moderation teams, not individual users, meaning the new blocking feature gives normal users almost moderator-like powers within their own submissions. To these concerns, a Reddit administrator (employee) responded with "we're working to make sure people feel safe using our site without unduly preventing others from participating".<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Love_In_My_Heart |date=January 26, 2022 |title=We need to talk about people weaponizing the block feature. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/ModSupport/comments/sd7zsa/we_need_to_talk_about_people_weaponizing_the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203062331/https://old.reddit.com/r/ModSupport/comments/sd7zsa/we_need_to_talk_about_people_weaponizing_the/ |archive-date=February 3, 2022 |website=Reddit - r/ModSupport}}</ref>

===API paywall, June 2023===
In April 2023, Reddit announced that they would be locking API features and functionality previously accessible to its users behind a paywall, citing concerns about user generated content being trained on AI. This resulted in a backlash in the community, as alternative apps utilizing Reddit's API such as Apollo would be rendered completely useless as a result of this decision. While some users held out hope that app developers could pay this fee to keep their user base, Apollo developer Christian Selig crushed any hope of this idea, explaining that the cost of this API fee was too high and that he would be ceasing development for the foreseeable future.

Users expressed concerns that this wasn't because of AI, but rather, due to greed and an attempt to monopolize information, as Reddit is often cited as many people's go to resource for almost any topic. This sentiment resulted in one of the largest internet protests known as the Reddit Blackout. The Reddit Blackout was an event in which subreddits were closed, marked as NSFW to prevent advertisements from being displayed on them, or flooded with posts shaming Reddit's CEO, Steve Huffman. Users also edited their posts, deleted them, or deleted their Reddit accounts to shame Huffman in an attempt to reduce the value of the information.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Reddit_API_controversy "2023 Reddit API controversy"] - Wikipedia ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115133058/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Reddit_API_controversy Archived])</ref> 

===VPN blockage, December 2023===
In December 2023, Reddit began blocking VPN access to users not logged in to the site.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=16 Dec 2023 |title=Tell HN: Just noticed Reddit blocking VPN traffic. Old subdomain still works |url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38666028 |url-status=live |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |website=news.ycombinator.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708165248/https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38666028 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref>

===Advertisement deception, March 2024===
In March 2024, Reddit rolled out a feature that made ads look like they came from real users (and by extent, were "upvoted" by real users). Reddit boasted that these ads had a 28% higher click-through rate than regular ads.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Aisha |date=4 Mar 2024 |title=Reddit introduces a new ad format that looks similar to posts made by users |url=https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/14/reddit-introduces-a-new-ad-format-that-looks-similar-to-posts-made-by-users/ |url-status=live |access-date=21 Apr 2025 |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260129142204/https://techcrunch.com/2024/03/14/reddit-introduces-a-new-ad-format-that-looks-similar-to-posts-made-by-users/ |archive-date=29 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Users can hide their contribution history, June 2025===
Since June 2025, Reddit has given its users the ability to hide their posting and commenting history from public view. If this setting is enabled, the posts and comments only remain visible through subreddit pages, not profile pages. Only the account owner themselves and moderators of subreddits they have interacted with during the last 28 days can view the posting and commenting history.<ref>[https://www.neowin.net/news/you-can-now-hide-your-reddit-posts-and-comments-from-your-profile/ You can now hide your Reddit posts and comments from your profile - Neowin] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251122031310/https://www.neowin.net/news/you-can-now-hide-your-reddit-posts-and-comments-from-your-profile/ Archived])</ref>

This is different from "private profiles" on some other social media services like Twitter, where setting ones' profile to private would hide both ones profile and posts in discussion threads, limiting interaction to ones' followers.

An argument cited for private profiles is discussing sensitive topics.<ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1mioibb/you_can_now_hide_your_post_history_on_reddit/ You can now hide your post history on Reddit : privacy] - Reddit ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251115042723/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1mioibb/you_can_now_hide_your_post_history_on_reddit/ Archived])</ref> It should however be noted that Reddit already allowed people to participate on separate accounts for discussing sensitive topics that they did not wish to associate with their existing account.<ref>[https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/204535759-Is-it-ok-to-create-multiple-accounts Is it ok to create multiple accounts? – Reddit Help] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251210081414/https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/204535759-Is-it-ok-to-create-multiple-accounts Archived])</ref>

According to TechCrunch, a possible reason for this change to have user data like engagement and interests associated with a single user account, making it easier for Reddit to target advertisements.<ref>[https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/03/reddit-now-lets-you-hide-content-like-posts-and-comments-from-your-user-profile/ Reddit now lets you hide content, like posts and comments, from your user profile] - TechCrunch ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128183754/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/03/reddit-now-lets-you-hide-content-like-posts-and-comments-from-your-user-profile/ Archived])</ref>

===Blocking the Internet Archive, August 2025===
In 2025, Reddit announced it would block the indexing of its pages by the [https://archive.org Internet Archive]. This means users will no longer be able to access deleted Reddit threads.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-14 |title=“New age of internet censorship”: Reddit to block the Internet Archive from indexing its site. Here’s why it matters |url=https://www.dailydot.com/news/reddit-to-block-the-internet-archive-from-indexing-the-site/ |website=Daily Dot |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251119081125/https://www.dailydot.com/news/reddit-to-block-the-internet-archive-from-indexing-the-site/ |archive-date=19 Nov 2025}}</ref>

==References==
<references />

==See also==
*[[Lemmy]]
[[Category:Reddit]]

Tesla switches full self-driving to subscription only

2026-03-11T01:25:24Z

Venture18+: added wikilink to Elon Musk's page

On 14 January 2026, [[Tesla, Inc.|Tesla]] CEO [[Elon Musk]] announced on [[X Corp|X]] that the company would stop offering its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) (FSD) driver-assistance software as a one-time purchase and would instead offer it exclusively through a monthly subscription.<ref name="techcrunch-okane">{{cite web |last=O'Kane |first=Sean |title=Tesla will only offer subscriptions for Full Self-Driving (Supervised) going forward |url=https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/14/tesla-will-only-offer-subscriptions-for-full-self-driving-supervised-going-forward/ |website=TechCrunch |date=2026-01-14 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212035908/https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/14/tesla-will-only-offer-subscriptions-for-full-self-driving-supervised-going-forward/ |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref> The change took effect on 14 February 2026, eliminating the $8,000 USD one-time purchase option and leaving a $99 per month subscription as the only way to access FSD.<ref name="cnbc-palmer">{{cite web |last=Palmer |first=Annie |title=Musk says Tesla is moving Full Self-Driving to a monthly subscription |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/14/musk-tesla-full-self-driving-subscription-fsd.html |website=CNBC |date=2026-01-14 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204023459/https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/14/musk-tesla-full-self-driving-subscription-fsd.html |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref> Commentators described the decision as a sharp break from Tesla's years-long marketing of FSD as an investment that would appreciate in value over time.<ref name="electrek-lambert">{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=Fred |title=Tesla (TSLA) to stop selling Full Self-Driving package, moves to subscription-only: why it's a big move |url=https://electrek.co/2026/01/14/tesla-tsla-stop-selling-full-self-driving-package-subscription-only/ |website=Electrek |date=2026-01-14 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114190745/https://electrek.co/2026/01/14/tesla-tsla-stop-selling-full-self-driving-package-subscription-only/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Background==

===Full Self-Driving pricing history===

Tesla first offered Full Self-Driving as an add-on in October 2016 at a price of $3,000. The one-time purchase price was raised multiple times over subsequent years: to $6,000 in February 2019, $7,000 in August 2019, $8,000 in July 2020, $10,000 in October 2020, $12,000 in January 2022, and a peak of $15,000 in September 2022.<ref name="notatesla-history">{{cite web |title=Tesla FSD Cost and Price Increase History |url=https://www.notateslaapp.com/tesla-reference/958/tesla-fsd-price-increase-history |website=Not a Tesla App |date=2024-04-26 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212000206/https://www.notateslaapp.com/tesla-reference/958/tesla-fsd-price-increase-history |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref> Musk repeatedly stated during this period that the price would continue to rise as the software's capabilities improved, describing FSD-equipped vehicles as "appreciating assets".<ref name="electrek-lambert" />

Beginning in September 2023, Tesla reversed course and began reducing prices, first dropping FSD to $12,000 and then to $8,000 in April 2024.<ref name="insideevs-pricedrop">{{cite web |title=Tesla Drops Full Self-Driving Price From $12,000 To $8,000 |url=https://insideevs.com/news/716963/tesla-fsd-price-drop/ |website=InsideEVs |date=2024-04-22 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250626195545/https://insideevs.com/news/716963/tesla-fsd-price-drop/ |archive-date=26 Jun 2025}}</ref> Tesla also introduced an FSD subscription option in 2021, initially priced at $199 per month, which was subsequently halved to $99 per month in April 2024.<ref name="techcrunch-okane" />

===Adoption rate and unfulfilled promises===

After years of marketing, FSD adoption among Tesla buyers remained low. In October 2025, Tesla chief financial officer Vaibhav Taneja stated that only 12% of all Tesla customers had paid for FSD.<ref name="techcrunch-okane" /> The fraction of buyers purchasing FSD had reportedly been in steady decline for years before this announcement.<ref name="businessinsider-carter">{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Tom |title=Elon Musk says self-driving is Tesla's future. It's struggling to get owners to pay for it. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-full-self-driving-sales-customers-pay-fsd-2025-10 |website=BusinessInsider |date=2025-10-24 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128075230/https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-full-self-driving-sales-customers-pay-fsd-2025-10 |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

FSD remains classified as a Level 2 advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) requiring full human supervision at all times.<ref name="cnbc-palmer" /> Despite repeated promises from Musk over multiple years that Tesla vehicles would become fully autonomous through future software updates, this has not occurred. The system's official branding was changed from "Full Self-Driving" to "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" after regulatory pressure.<ref name="cadmv-corrective">{{cite web |title=Tesla Takes Corrective Action to Avoid DMV Suspension |url=https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/tesla-takes-corrective-action-to-avoid-dmv-suspension/ |website=California DMV |date=2026-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224104208/https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/tesla-takes-corrective-action-to-avoid-dmv-suspension/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===California DMV ruling===

On 16 December 2025, following a hearing held in July 2025, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adopted an administrative law judge's decision finding that Tesla's use of the terms "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving Capability" in marketing its vehicles constituted misleading advertising in violation of state law.<ref name="cadmv-ruling">{{cite web |title=DMV Finds Tesla Violated California State Law |url=https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/news-releases/dmv-finds-tesla-violated-california-state-law/ |website=California DMV |date=2025-12-16 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220030603/https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/news-and-media/news-releases/dmv-finds-tesla-violated-california-state-law/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> The ruling found that Tesla's marketing language suggested a level of autonomous capability the vehicles did not possess.<ref name="cnbc-kolodny">{{cite web |last=Kolodny |first=Lora |title=California judge rules that Tesla engaged in deceptive marketing around Autopilot |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/16/california-judge-says-tesla-engaged-in-deceptive-autopilot-marketing-.html |website=CNBC |date=2025-12-16 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123113539/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/16/california-judge-says-tesla-engaged-in-deceptive-autopilot-marketing-.html |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref> Tesla was given 60 days to take corrective action or face a 30-day suspension of its dealer license in the state.<ref name="cadmv-ruling" /> The compliance deadline of 14 February 2026 coincided exactly with the date Tesla transitioned FSD to subscription-only.<ref name="electrek-suspension">{{cite web |last=Lambert |first=Fred |title=Tesla avoids 30-day California sales suspension after dropping misleading 'Autopilot' marketing |url=https://electrek.co/2026/02/18/tesla-avoids-30-day-california-sales-suspension-after-dropping-misleading-autopilot-marketing/ |website=Electrek |date=2026-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218194958/https://electrek.co/2026/02/18/tesla-avoids-30-day-california-sales-suspension-after-dropping-misleading-autopilot-marketing/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==The announcement==

Musk's announcement was made in a post on X on 14 January 2026, which read: "Tesla will stop selling FSD after Feb 14. FSD will only be available as a monthly subscription thereafter."<ref name="musk-xpost">{{cite web |last=Musk |first=Elon |title=Post on X |url=https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2011324998653513810 |website=X |date=2026-01-14 |access-date=2026-02-20}}</ref> No formal press release or detailed explanation accompanied the announcement.<ref name="techcrunch-okane" />

Tesla did not publicly cite a specific reason for the change. However, reporting from multiple outlets identified several possible motivations:

*''Lower barrier to entry'': At $99 per month, the subscription costs far less upfront than the $8,000 one-time purchase, which could increase adoption among price-sensitive customers.<ref name="cnbc-palmer" />
*''Compensation package milestone'': Musk's 2025 CEO Performance Award, approved by shareholders, includes a requirement that Tesla achieve 10 million active FSD subscriptions as one of several milestones tied to Musk's compensation. Moving all new users to subscriptions directly advances this metric.<ref name="techcrunch-okane" />
*''Reduced legal liability'': Customers who previously purchased FSD outright did so with the expectation that the system would eventually become fully autonomous, as repeatedly promised by Musk. By shifting to subscriptions, Tesla limits new customers' claim to future capabilities, as they are paying only for the current month's functionality.<ref name="electrek-lambert" />
*''Regulatory compliance timing'': The effective date of the change matched the California DMV's deadline for Tesla to address its misleading marketing of Autopilot and FSD.<ref name="electrek-suspension" />

==Consumer impact==

===Loss of permanent ownership===

Before this change, customers who paid the one-time fee retained access to FSD for the lifetime of their vehicle, including all future software updates. Under the subscription-only model, access to FSD requires continued monthly payments, with no option to secure permanent access.<ref name="tesla-support">{{cite web |title=Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Subscriptions |url=https://www.tesla.com/support/full-self-driving-subscriptions |website=Tesla Support |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123001814/https://www.tesla.com/support/full-self-driving-subscriptions |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Customers who purchased FSD before the cutoff date retain their existing access.<ref name="insideevs-iyengar">{{cite web |last=Iyengar |first=Rishi |title=Tesla Will Stop Selling Full Self-Driving As A One-Time Package Next Month |url=https://insideevs.com/news/784386/tesla-fsd-subscription-only-2026/ |website=InsideEVs |date=2026-01-14 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260117130530/https://insideevs.com/news/784386/tesla-fsd-subscription-only-2026/ |archive-date=17 Jan 2026}}</ref> FSD access does not transfer to new owners upon vehicle resale; the feature becomes inactive when the vehicle changes hands unless the new owner subscribes separately.<ref name="insideevs-iyengar" />

===Financial implications for consumers===

At $99 per month, a customer would pay $1,188 per year for FSD access. Over the roughly 7-year period it would have taken to equal the former $8,000 one-time cost, a subscriber would pay approximately $8,316 with no asset to retain at the end.<ref name="insideevs-iyengar" /> Musk has indicated that the subscription price is likely to increase as the system becomes more capable.<ref name="teslarati-simon">{{cite web |last=Simon |first=Iqtidar |title=Tesla is shifting FSD to a subscription-only model, confirms Elon Musk |url=https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-is-shifting-fsd-to-a-subscription-only-model-confirms-elon-musk/ |website=Teslarati |date=2026-01-15 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216215316/https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-is-shifting-fsd-to-a-subscription-only-model-confirms-elon-musk/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

FSD subscriptions also do not include hardware upgrades. Vehicles that lack the required Full Self-Driving computer must have the hardware installed at an additional cost before they are eligible to subscribe.<ref name="tesla-support" /> Refunds are not available for FSD subscriptions; cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period.<ref name="tesla-support" />

===Broader context===

The shift to subscription-only access for driver-assistance features is not unique to Tesla. Other automakers such as [[Ford]] and [[wikipedia:General Motors|General Motors]] have also adopted subscription pricing for their respective driver-assistance systems.<ref name="insideevs-iyengar" /> Some competitors have continued to offer one-time purchase options alongside subscriptions; for example, [[wikipedia:Rivian|Rivian]] announced its Autonomy+ system at $49.99 per month or $2,500 as a one-time purchase.<ref name="nasdaq-fsd">{{cite web |title=Tesla to End One-Time FSD Purchase: Why the Shift Matters |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tesla-end-one-time-fsd-purchase-why-shift-matters |website=Nasdaq |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224104339/https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tesla-end-one-time-fsd-purchase-why-shift-matters |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Separately, [[wikipedia:Openpilot|openpilot]], an open-source driver-assistance system developed by [[wikipedia:Comma.ai|comma.ai]], offers comparable Level 2 functionality, including adaptive cruise control, automated lane centering, and traffic light handling, for a one-time hardware cost of $999 with no subscription fees or recurring charges.<ref name="comma-four">{{cite web |title=Introducing the comma four |url=https://blog.comma.ai/comma-four/ |website=comma.ai blog |date=2025-11-25 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251230142114/https://blog.comma.ai/comma-four/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref> The software is free, open-source, and community-developed, supporting over 300 vehicle models across multiple manufacturers as an aftermarket retrofit.<ref name="comma-openpilot">{{cite web |title=openpilot |url=https://comma.ai/openpilot |website=comma.ai |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221063646/https://comma.ai/openpilot |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name="comma-github">{{cite web |title=commaai/openpilot |url=https://github.com/commaai/openpilot |website=GitHub |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217052529/https://github.com/commaai/openpilot/ |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> The hardware is also transferable between supported vehicles, unlike Tesla's FSD, which is tied to a single vehicle.<ref name="comma-openpilot" />

==Reaction==

Tesla shares closed 1.8% lower on the day of the announcement.<ref name="cnbc-palmer" /> Electrek described the move as ending the "appreciating asset" narrative that had been central to Tesla's FSD marketing for years, noting that the shift amounted to an admission that FSD is a service rather than an asset attached to the vehicle.<ref name="electrek-lambert" /> Some financial analysts viewed the move positively for Tesla's business, with Wedbush Securities estimating that up to 20% of owners could adopt FSD subscriptions within the first year, generating more predictable recurring revenue.<ref name="dailygalaxy">{{cite web |title=It's Official: Elon Musk Confirms Tesla Will Stop Selling FSD Soon, and Current Owners May Hold a Rare Advantage |url=https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/tesla-ends-fsd-sales-elon-musk-confirms-subscription/ |website=Daily Galaxy |date=2026-01-14 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114221941/https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/tesla-ends-fsd-sales-elon-musk-confirms-subscription/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref>

On 18 February 2026, the California DMV confirmed that Tesla had taken corrective action to comply with its December 2025 ruling, stopping use of the term "Autopilot" in marketing and modifying its use of the term "Full Self-Driving" to clarify that driver supervision is required. As a result, Tesla avoided the threatened 30-day suspension of its dealer license in California.<ref name="cadmv-corrective" />

==Current status==

As of February 2026, FSD (Supervised) is available exclusively as a $99 per month subscription for eligible vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Australia, and New Zealand.<ref name="tesla-support" /> The system continues to require full driver supervision and does not make Tesla vehicles autonomous.<ref name="tesla-support" />

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Tesla]]
[[Category:Incidents]]

Tesla

2026-03-11T01:22:56Z

Venture18+: added wikilink to Elon Musk's page

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American electric vehicle and power company.
|Founded=2003
|Industry=Automotive
|Logo=Tesla_logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://tesla.com/
}}

'''[[Wikipedia:Tesla, Inc.|Tesla, Inc.]]''' (formerly '''Tesla Motors''') is a company founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003. In 2008, it was funded and taken over by [[Elon Musk]], when both original founders left their positions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schreiber |first=Barbara A. |last2=Gregersen |first2=Erik |last3=Ashburn |first3=Doug |date=21 Mar 2025 |title=Tesla, Inc. |url=https://www.britannica.com/money/Tesla-Motors |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Britannica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251119124544/https://www.britannica.com/money/Tesla-Motors |archive-date=19 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Qai group |date=29 Sep 2022 |title=Tesla: A History Of Innovation (and Headaches) |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/qai/2022/09/29/tesla-a-history-of-innovation-and-headaches/ |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Forbes |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250904040605/https://www.forbes.com/sites/qai/2022/09/29/tesla-a-history-of-innovation-and-headaches/ |archive-date=4 Sep 2025}}</ref>

==Controversies==
After the company was bought by Elon Musk it has been involved in a number of controversies such as requiring subscriptions or requiring a Tesla technician to fix 2012's Model S,<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Tesla Model s problems |url=https://www.slotcar-today.com/problems/tesla/model-s/2012 |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=SlotCar Today |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708193200/https://slotcar-today.com/problems/tesla/model-s/2012 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> With cases such as being the most prominent automaker to refuse to support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, despite the feature being available in over 90% of new vehicles sold in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 Apr 2024 |title=The Real Reason Teslas Don't Have Apple CarPlay And Android Auto |url=https://www.topspeed.com/why-teslas-dont-have-apple-carplay-android-auto/ |access-date=22 Feb 2026 |website=TopSpeed |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224104917/https://www.topspeed.com/why-teslas-dont-have-apple-carplay-android-auto/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>, limiting Standard Connectivity features to 8 years for vehicles ordered after July 20, 2022, after which owners have to pay for basic navigation and other connected services that were previously free for the life of the vehicle,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Connectivity |url=https://www.tesla.com/support/connectivity |access-date=22 Feb 2026 |website=Tesla Support |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250919115030/https://www.tesla.com/support/connectivity |archive-date=19 Sep 2025}}</ref> and selling a utility vehicle (the Cybertruck, starting around $80,000 USD) whose owner's manual states that damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cybertruck Owner's Manual: Cleaning |url=https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/cybertruck/en_us/GUID-65384C1F-86F2-44E8-A8BC-8A12E7E00A40.html |access-date=22 Feb 2026 |website=Tesla |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250604075022/https://www.tesla.com/ownersmanual/cybertruck/en_us/GUID-65384C1F-86F2-44E8-A8BC-8A12E7E00A40.html |archive-date=4 Jun 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 Apr 2024 |title=Cybertruck Turns Into Large Metal Brick After Going Through Car Wash |url=https://futurism.com/cybertruck-brick-car-wash |access-date=22 Feb 2026 |website=Futurism |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102110041/https://futurism.com/cybertruck-brick-car-wash |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>

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:Tesla|Tesla category]].

===[https://www.reuters.com/technology/tesla-workers-shared-sensitive-images-recorded-by-customer-cars-2023-04-06/ Privacy Concerns]===
Tesla employees have allegedly viewed and shared embarrassing, disturbing, and potentially explicit recordings of Tesla through internal messaging systems; Tesla claims that all recordings are anonymous, though regardless of anonymity, it raises some privacy concerns, such as the fact that employees can even access those recordings in the first place, there don't seem to be effective measures in place to prevent those videos from being shared and they use these recordings to train their artificial intelligence which posses other privacy concerns.

===Artificially disabling functionality===
Tesla was among the early automakers to implement feature gating through software updates. For example, the company introduced an "acceleration boost" for certain vehicles that increased acceleration performance once the software feature was purchased, despite the necessary hardware already being present in the car.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Agatie |first=Cristian |date=20 Nov 2024 |title=Refreshed Tesla Model 3 Gets Acceleration Boost in Certain Markets, US Still Waiting |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/refreshed-tesla-model-3-gets-acceleration-boost-in-certain-markets-us-still-waiting-243025.html |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=autoevolution |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250323001644/https://www.autoevolution.com/news/refreshed-tesla-model-3-gets-acceleration-boost-in-certain-markets-us-still-waiting-243025.html |archive-date=23 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Iqtidar |date=22 November 2024 |title=Tesla starts offering Acceleration Boost for the Model 3 Highland Long Range variant |url=https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/11/22/tesla-starts-offering-acceleration-boost-for-the-model-3-highland-long-range-variant/ |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Tesla Oracle |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251106205302/https://www.teslaoracle.com/2024/11/22/tesla-starts-offering-acceleration-boost-for-the-model-3-highland-long-range-variant/ |archive-date=6 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Tesla initially promoted the inclusion of radar hardware in its Model 3 vehicles, highlighting its role in enhancing driver assistance features. In subsequent production runs, however, the company discontinued radar hardware in new Model 3 units, while continuing to include it in higher-end models such as the Model S (and later the Model X). Later, Tesla issued an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disabled the radar hardware in existing Model 3 vehicles equipped with it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Jan 2024 |title=Tesla's Relationship With Radar |url=https://www.edge-ai-vision.com/2024/01/teslas-relationship-with-radar/ |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Edge AI and Vision Alliance |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251109192012/https://www.edge-ai-vision.com/2024/01/teslas-relationship-with-radar/ |archive-date=9 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Klender |first=Joey |date=10 Jun 2023 |title=Tesla owners claim their radar was disabled during service visits |url=https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-disables-radar-model-3-model-y-service-visits/ |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Teslarati |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107100049/https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-disables-radar-model-3-model-y-service-visits/ |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dnistran |first=Iulian |date=22 Mar 2023 |title=Elon Musk Overruled Tesla Engineers Who Said Removing Radar Would Be Problematic: Report |url=https://insideevs.com/news/658439/elon-musk-overruled-tesla-autopilot-engineers-radar-removal/ |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=InsideEVs |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250806073306/https://insideevs.com/news/658439/elon-musk-overruled-tesla-autopilot-engineers-radar-removal/ |archive-date=6 Aug 2025}}</ref> As a result, these vehicles saw changes such as a reduced range of following distance options in Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC), from 1-7 to 2-7. Reports also indicated degraded performance in driver assistance systems, including instances of unexpected braking behavior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=rwiegand |date=22 Jul 2024 |title=Unfortunate new panic braking behavior from TACC |url=https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/unfortunate-new-panic-braking-behavior-from-tacc.331045/ |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |via=Tesla Motors Club}}</ref>

Tesla has also phased out other commonly expected vehicle features, such as ultrasonic parking sensors, reportedly as a cost-saving measure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tesla Vision Update: Replacing Ultrasonic Sensors with Tesla Vision |url=https://www.tesla.com/support/transitioning-tesla-vision |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Tesla |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405105729/https://www.tesla.com/support/transitioning-tesla-vision |archive-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref> These changes are often implemented without formal announcements. Additionally, Tesla has removed dedicated rain sensors from some vehicles, with similar impacts on feature performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Jeremy |date=8 Dec 2023 |title=Are Softening Tesla Model Y Sales In Europe Really Due to $119 Worth of Sensors Removal? |url=https://www.torquenews.com/14335/are-softening-tesla-model-y-sales-europe-really-due-119-sensor-removal |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Torque News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708193200/https://www.torquenews.com/14335/are-softening-tesla-model-y-sales-europe-really-due-119-sensor-removal |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref>

===Wrongful legal threats===
In 2022, Swedish car repair company Grufman Bil AB, based in Järfälla, published a video on their YouTube channel showing a 2016 Tesla Model S with a broken rear suspension link arm (''länkarm''), a safety-critical component that had failed while driving, causing the wheel to fold under the vehicle. In the video, they demonstrated the weakness of the material by hammering on the other (intact) link arm, which also broke after several strikes. The video ended with a direct message to Tesla to fix the defect before someone got killed. The same suspension defect had previously led Chinese authorities to force Tesla to recall 30,000 Model S and Model X vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kolodny |first=Lora |date=23 Oct 2020 |title=Tesla recalls nearly 50,000 Model S and X cars in China over faulty suspension |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/23/tesla-recalls-model-s/x-cars-in-china-over-faulty-suspension.html |access-date=22 Feb 2026 |website=CNBC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103085421/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/10/23/tesla-recalls-model-s/x-cars-in-china-over-faulty-suspension.html |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Shortly after the video went viral, Tesla's law firm sent a letter to Grufman Bil claiming the video was damaging to Tesla's reputation and that Grufman Bil was using Tesla's brand to promote their own business. The letter demanded the video be removed. Grufman Bil's own lawyer said the video could legally stay up, but the company chose to take it down anyway, not wanting to risk a legal fight with a much larger corporation. Fredrik Grufman, the company's owner, stated that the goal of the video, raising awareness of a dangerous defect, had been achieved, and that authorities were already looking into it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Jul 2022 |title=Slog larm om farligt fel – Teslas advokater stoppar filmen |url=https://carup.se/larmade-om-farligt-fel-fredriks-film-stoppad-av-teslas-advokater/ |access-date=22 Feb 2026 |website=Carup.se |language=sv |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112135012/https://carup.se/larmade-om-farligt-fel-fredriks-film-stoppad-av-teslas-advokater/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Jul 2022 |title=Teslas advokater hotar svensk bilverkstad för filmpublicering |url=https://www.nyteknik.se/fordon/teslas-advokater-hotar-svensk-bilverkstad-for-filmpublicering/399884 |access-date=22 Feb 2026 |website=Ny Teknik |language=sv |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241009191903/https://www.nyteknik.se/fordon/teslas-advokater-hotar-svensk-bilverkstad-for-filmpublicering/399884 |archive-date=9 Oct 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Jan 2024 |title=Verkstad tar bort kritisk video efter brev från Teslas advokater |url=https://elbilen.se/nyheter/verkstad-tar-bort-kritisk-video-efter-brev-fran-teslas-advokater/ |access-date=22 Feb 2026 |website=Elbilen |language=sv |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251008133141/https://elbilen.se/nyheter/verkstad-tar-bort-kritisk-video-efter-brev-fran-teslas-advokater/ |archive-date=8 Oct 2025}}</ref>

===Resale restrictions===
Tesla has recently started prohibiting the resale of its vehicles within one year of purchase, imposing fines of up to $50,000 on owners who violate the policy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hood |first=Bryan |date=4 June 2024 |title=A Man Says Tesla Won't Let Him Sell His Cybertruck—Even Though It's Too Big for His Parking Spot |url=https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/tesla-cybertruck-owner-cannot-sell-ev-parking-space-1235638981/ |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Robb Report |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725093020/https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/tesla-cybertruck-owner-cannot-sell-ev-parking-space-1235638981/ |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> This is done without regard for situations that may necessitate a resale, and appears to align with practices adopted by other companies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foote |first=Brett |date=7 Jan 2022 |title=2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Will Come With One Year No-Sale Provision |url=https://fordauthority.com/2022/01/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-will-come-with-one-year-no-sale-provision/ |access-date=22 Mar 2025 |website=Ford Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918045859/https://fordauthority.com/2022/01/2022-ford-f-150-lightning-will-come-with-one-year-no-sale-provision/ |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Full Self-Driving switching to subscription only (''2026'')===
''Full Article: [[Tesla Switches Full Self-Driving to Subscription Only]]''

On 14 January, 2026, Elon Musk announced that Tesla will stop selling their "Full Self-Driving" (or "FSD") feature as a one-time purchase for $8,000 USD, instead offering only a subscription option for $99 USD per month. This policy is set to take effect on 14 February, 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Full Self-Driving (Supervised) Subscriptions |url=https://www.tesla.com/support/full-self-driving-subscriptions |url-status=live |access-date=22 Jan 2026 |website=Tesla Support |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123001814/https://www.tesla.com/support/full-self-driving-subscriptions |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Musk |first=Elon |date=14 Jan 2026 |title=Tesla will stop selling FSD after Feb 14. |url=https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2011324998653513810/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 Jan 2026 |website=X}}</ref>

==See Also==

*[[Tesla asks customers to vote against Right to Repair]]
*[[Tesla blames drivers for part failures it admits were defective]]
*[[Tesla locks battery range behind paywall]]
*[[Tesla locks heated rear seats behind paywall]]
*[[Tesla locks horsepower behind paywall]]

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

Apple

2026-03-11T01:13:50Z

Venture18+: added archive URLs, author names and 'Elon Musk' wikilink

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1976
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=Apple logo (black).svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://apple.com/
|Description=Tech company known for hardware, software, and operating systems. Has repeatedly restricted device repairs, and exerts strict control over its software ecosystem
|CompanyAlias= Apple, Inc
}}

{{Wplink|Apple Inc.|'''Apple'''}} is an American technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software, and services.

Apple's current product lineup includes hardware such as the [[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]], iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, [[Airpods|AirPods]], and Apple TV; operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS; and various software and services including Apple Pay, iCloud, Apple Arcade, and multimedia streaming services like Apple Music and [[Apple TV+]].

==Incidents==

===Repairability of Apple products in the 2000s===
Since the 2000s, Apple has focused on reducing the weight of its products as technology has advanced and become increasingly complex. This shift has contributed to challenges in repairing and upgrading their devices.

===Hardware design issues in the 2010s===
Apple had numerous hardware design issues in the 2010s, often poorly acknowledged by the company and frequently charging exorbitant amounts for repair.

*High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-28 |title=Apple faces class-action lawsuit over 2011 MacBook Pro GPU issues |url=https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251010222822/https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ |archive-date=2025-10-10 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=9to5mac}}</ref>
*the 2016-'17 MacBook Pro's screen cable skimping scandal<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Jon |date=2019-05-05 |title=Apple quietly addressed ‘Flexgate’ issue with MacBook Pro redesign |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251224195648/https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer |archive-date=2025-12-24 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*2016-2019 MacBooks butterfly keyboards<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=2020-05-04 |title=The saga of Apple’s bad butterfly MacBook keyboards is finally over |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128222108/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design |archive-date=2026-01-28 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's SSD failures<ref>{{Cite web |last=digilloyd |date=2020-04-03 |title=2019 MacBook Pro Seems to Have a High Failure Rate |url=https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708181056/https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Mac Performance Guide}}</ref>
*The announcement and cancellation of Apple AirPower<ref>{{Cite web |last=Panzarino |first=Matthew |title=Apple cancels AirPower product, citing inability to meet its high standards for hardware |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/apple-cancels-airpower-product-citing-inability-to-meet-its-high-standards-for-hardware/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401040644/https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/apple-cancels-airpower-product-citing-inability-to-meet-its-high-standards-for-hardware/ |archive-date=2019-04-01 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clover |first=Juli |date=2018-09-12 |title=After No Sign of AirPower at Today's Event Apple Wipes Most Mentions From Website |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/no-sign-of-airpower-at-september-event/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124170507/https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/no-sign-of-airpower-at-september-event/ |archive-date=2021-11-24 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=MacRumors}}</ref> due to overheating{{CitationNeeded|reason=no archived article mentioning overheating specifically}}

====Recent attempts to do better====
Recently, Apple has made efforts to improve its products, though some observers feel that its pro-consumer practices still do not match those of certain other manufacturers. This shift is thought by some to be influenced by evolving legislation.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hern |first=Alex |date=2022-10-26 |title=Apple to put USB-C connectors in iPhones to comply with EU rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212030935/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules |archive-date=2026-02-12 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> 

This includes:

*Opening an online [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] parts store.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-17 |title=Apple announces Self Service Repair |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/11/apple-announces-self-service-repair/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260203201914/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/11/apple-announces-self-service-repair/ |archive-date=2026-02-03 |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=Apple Newsroom}}</ref>
*Making the back glass of iPhones removable starting from iPhone 14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiens |first=Kyle |date=2022-09-16 |title=Inside Apple’s Secret iPhone 14 Redesign |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116032657/https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown |archive-date=2026-01-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=iFixIt}}</ref>
*Allowing alternative app stores in an update to iOS 17, in compliance with new EU legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Installing apps through alternative app distribution in the European Union |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223191001/https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767 |archive-date=2025-12-23 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref>
*Calibration tools for newly installed used parts in iOS 18,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Use Repair Assistant to finish an iPhone or iPad repair |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260208125243/https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579 |archive-date=2026-02-08 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref> which sometimes work.{{CitationNeeded}}
*An upgradeable, swappable SSD in the 2024 Mac Mini - albeit you cannot swap these units between M4 and M4 Pro units due to the internal casing's design being different without much good reason.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sorrel |first=Charlie |date=2024-11-12 |title=All Hail the Return of Upgradeable Storage! Mac mini 2024 Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251116041530/https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown |archive-date=2025-11-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=iFixit}}</ref>
*A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone 16 Plus Battery |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018203540/https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 |archive-date=2025-10-18 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref>
Many of these items have sparked allegations of [[Malicious Compliance]] and being introduced purely to make stricter right for repair legislation appear unnecessary to legislators while not doing much to improve the situation for consumers. 

For instance, pricing for parts on the [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] store is virtually identical to having the part replaced by Apple themselves (including both the price of the part and labor)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganapini |first=Cristina |date=2022-12-06 |title=Apple’s self-repair programme is not the Right to Repair we need |url=https://repair.eu/news/apples-self-repair-programme-is-not-the-right-to-repair-we-need/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209051628/https://repair.eu/news/apples-self-repair-programme-is-not-the-right-to-repair-we-need/ |archive-date=2026-02-09 |access-date=2026-03-08 |website=Right to Repair Europe}}</ref>, alternate app installation options are limited to users in the EU, still require developers to be registered with Apple, have them approve the apps and in many cases paying them fees, and the upgradeable SSDs do not use common standards such as M.2 NVME. Unlike standard SSDs, they are also not always swappable between different models and require access to a second Apple computer to provision after installation.

===Operating system downgrades===
It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an Operating System (OS) version that is no longer signed by Apple. In most cases, only the most recent version is signed. Some exceptions exist, such as certain Apple TV models and Apple Silicon Macs. Downgrading the Apple TV 4K series is not possible at all due to the lack of a USB port. On Macs with a T2 chip, the user can select from three modes of secure boot:<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607083624/https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |archive-date=7 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

*No Security: Allow any OS to run (same as turning off secure boot on a PC).
*Medium Security: Allow any OS that is signed with a secure boot certificate (default, same as turning on secure boot on a PC).
*Full Security: Only allow the latest version of macOS, do not allow any other OS.

On Macs with Apple Silicon, the user can select from two modes of secure boot:

*Permissive Security: Accessible only via recovery Terminal tools (and still enforces Apple’s secure chain for much of the boot). This is the lowest available security policy on Apple silicon but does not remove secure boot entirely in the way “No Security” used to.
*Reduced Security: Allows booting older versions of macOS trusted by Apple but still enforces signed OS policy.
*Full Security: Only the currently signed macOS version trusted by Apple can boot.

iOS devices only support Full Security mode. The device checks for a cryptographic "ticket",<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=APTicket |url=https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216234725/https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket |archive-date=2026-02-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=theapplewiki.com}}</ref> which are tied to the OS version and CPU serial number. These are provided by a server, which only provides them for the latest version (with very specific exceptions). The device refuses to boot if the ticket does not match. Workarounds exist, but with major caveats that are not viable for most users,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-27 |title=Firmware rendering |url=https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251021213054/https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading |archive-date=2025-10-21 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=theapplewiki.com}}</ref> see the technical details on [[wikipedia:SHSH_blob|SHSH blobs]].

===Class action lawsuit===
Apple was the defendant of a class-action lawsuit with claims dating back to 2017 where users noticed their phones were being artificially slowed down. Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit for up to $500 million USD.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Gael |date=9 Jan 2024 |title=Apple Starts Sending Out iPhone 'Batterygate' Settlement Payments. What to Know |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321051703/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |archive-date=21 Mar 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=CNET}}</ref> Apple claimed that this change was to benefit users who have old failing batteries, and that it wasn't for planned obsolescence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Napolitano |first=Elizabeth |date=2023-08-18 |title=Millions of Apple customers to get payments of up to $90 in iPhone "batterygate" settlement. Here's what to know. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-iphone-payment-500-million-settlement-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251228042055/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-iphone-payment-500-million-settlement-what-to-know/ |archive-date=28 Dec 2025|website=CBS News}}</ref> They later published software updates and an article explaining how users can opt out of this new "performance management" mode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone battery and performance |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618231138/https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |archive-date=18 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

Once a new OS version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to {{Wplink|iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak}} the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vajpai |first=Shreeti |date=24 Jun 2024 |title=iOS Emulators / Simulators vs Real iOS Devices |url=https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519081214/https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |archive-date=19 May 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=ContextQA}}</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update.

===Parts availability===
Many parts are not available directly from Apple. Those that are available directly from Apple may be more expensive than paying Apple to repair your device. Parts available to certified repair centers are extremely limited. Apple does not stock current generation iPad parts within GSX (See Certified Repair Centers). A limited selection of iPad parts are available from iFixit, however this can exclude some flex PCBs necessary for repairing headphone jacks.

If an Apple iPhone has GPS calibration issues and or {{Wplink|Bluetooth}} connectivity issues, Apple will do their own diagnostics. You explain to the Apple employee how and when the issues occur and you explain in detail your methods to reproduce the issues. The issues occur when your phone is in your pocket while using navigation and when you hold your phone upside down while using your Apple Beats wireless headphones. After Apple runs their diagnostics and they are not able to detect the issues, they will move onto the next step which is fully resetting your device. This is considered a standard troubleshooting procedure. When you ask the Apple store manager if they would be willing to exchange your device for a similar model if they cannot fix your device they respond with "No, because these phones are designed to be fixed". After the software reset fail, Apple will require you to leave your phone with them so they can send it to their offsite repair facility for further diagnostics. After a few days, Apple will come to the conclusion that your phone requires an entire new midsection. When asked what was replaced, Apple will inform you that the entire inside has been replaced — essentially giving you a new phone (with a new IMEI, EID, etc.) apart from the casing and screen. {{CitationNeeded}}

===Diagnostic software availability===
Calibration software for some Apple devices has only recently become available to end users. End user calibration tools have only become accessible in iOS 18. Similar calibration tools have been available to Certified Repair Centers, but are generally limited as many parts are serialized, i.e. lid sensors on MacBooks. {{CitationNeeded}}

===Certified repair centers===
Certified Repair Centers have some limited access to Apple's proprietary backend (GSX2). GSX contains many tools necessary to repair devices such as diagnostic tools, calibration tools, parts catalog, and device repair history. GSX is only accessible to repair centers Apple deems certified. GSX does not stock parts for iPads. It does not allow the calibration of parts such as lid sensors for a device, if that device does not have an open repair and purchased parts. The new iOS 18 calibration tool is very similar to Apple's ASU (GSX's diagnostic/calibration tool). Some videos of GSX can be found online. See: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8bS1AgxcY GSX - How to Gain GSX Apple Access - iOSGenius]

===Advertisements in first party apps===
In 2014, Apple and the band U2 partnered to give all iTunes users a free digital copy of their newest album at the time, ''Songs of Innocence'', which was marketed as "the biggest album release ever in history".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|title=Apple & U2 Release “Songs of Innocence” Exclusively for iTunes Store Customers|date=2014-09-09|work=Apple Newsroom|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405230217/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|archive-date=2025-04-05|url-status=live}}</ref> Many users who didn't want the album couldn't remove it from their iTunes library due to the album being listed as a "past purchase" on their account (however the album could always be "hidden").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|title=Apple's Devious U2 Album Giveaway Is Even Worse Than Spam|date=2014-09-16|first=Vijith|last=Assar|work=WIRED|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530112829/https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|archive-date=2025-05-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Some reports speculated the deal was worth 100 million dollars and was done due to the band's declining popularity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|title=Apple's U2 Album Promotion Backfires|first=Nathan|last=Rott|date=2014-09-15|work=NPR|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601154245/https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|archive-date=2025-06-01|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Bono, a member of U2, wrote in his memoir how Tim Cook reportedly said how "there’s something not right about giving [U2's] art away for free" and "the whole point of what we’re trying to do at Apple is to not give away music free. The point is to make sure musicians get paid".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|title=Apple CEO Tim Cook thought U2 putting its album on your iPhone was ‘not right’—even though he did it anyway|first=Tristan|last=Bove|date=2022-10-24|work=Fortune|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127191141/https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|archive-date=2025-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2025, Apple added a promotional offer for F1 The Movie in their Wallet application.<ref>{{Cite web |title=F1 The Movie - News |url=https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109164811/https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ |archive-date=2025-11-09 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Apple TV+ Press}}</ref> Users have mentioned how this could violate Apple's own policy on advertising, how the high price of Apple devices shouldn't justify first party ads, and the annoyance of seeing it.<ref>{{Cite web |author=u/african-nightmare |date=2025-06-24 |title=Getting ads in Apple Wallet, how to disable? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725194601/https://old.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/ |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-06-25 |work=Reddit}}</ref> For users on the iOS 26 beta, there is an option to disable "Offers & Promotions", with users on iOS 18 needing to disable notifications completely for the Wallet app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|title=iPhone customers upset by Apple Wallet ad pushing ‘F1’ movie|first=Sarah|last=Perez|date=2025-06-24|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624213223/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|archive-date=2025-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (1).jpg|Notification of the offer
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (2).jpg|Home screen of Wallet app
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (3).jpg|Apple Cash card screen
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (4).PNG|Screen when selecting "learn more"
</gallery>

===AirDrop censorship (''2022'')===
As a result of the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Apple was pressured by the Chinese government to set a time limit for the AirDrop "everyone" option for iPhones due to its impact at scheduling protests against the government to avoid censorship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|title=Apple limits AirDrop in China after its use in protests|first=Jess|last=Weatherbed|date=2022-11-10|work=The Verge|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723112204/https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, the setting was applied to all iPhones worldwide to "mitigate unwanted file sharing", meaning users will need to set their airdrop setting manually every ten minutes instead of leaving it on permanently, leaving the only other options as "contacts only" and "receiving off".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|title=Apple globally censoring this iPhone communication feature deserves renewed scrutiny|first=Zac|last=Hall|date=2025-03-17|work=9To5Mac|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723142521/https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==="Peanuts" TV Special Takeover===
In late October of 2020, Apple announced that its Apple TV+ service had become the exclusive home of the library of classic ''Peanuts'' animated specials, including ''A Charlie Brown Christmas'', ''It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown'', and ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving''. For almost 50 years, these beloved specials were shown once a year on free over-the-air TV, but as of 2020, anybody who wishes to watch them is now required to own a device that offers the Apple TV+ service and an active Apple TV+ subscription.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adalian |first=Josef |date=2020-10-19 |title=Apple TV+ Says: Welcome, Great Pumpkin |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/10/its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-streaming-apple-tv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208132132/https://www.vulture.com/2020/10/its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-streaming-apple-tv.html |archive-date=2025-12-08 |access-date=2025-11-05 |work=Vulture}}</ref>

===2024 Antitrust Lawsuit===
In March 2024, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming that the "closed garden" ecosystem Apple creates surrounding its iPhones stifles competition and innovation. The lawsuit alleges that Apple is directly forcing customers to purchase and use iPhones and their accessories and software in several ways:

*Forcing mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to offer its best customer deals exclusively to those who purchase iPhones.
*Restricting the functionality of Super apps such as WeChat.
*Forcing in-app purchases through applications such as Fortnite to be made within the App Store and taking a part of the proceeds as commission pay.
*Restricting the use of third-party digital wallets and requiring users to exclusively use Apple Pay.
*Restricting how third-party message apps can interact with iMessage.
*Restricting their HomeKit home automation system and all compatible devices to work only on Apple's products and issuing cease & desist orders against emulators designed to make HomeKit compatible with third-party products.
*Restricting compatibility of third party smart watches.

Apple is expected to go to trial in early 2027.<ref>{{cite web |last=Liedtke |first=Michael |date=2025-06-30 |title=Judge allows antitrust lawsuit against Apple to proceed |url=https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260205235908/https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf |archive-date=2026-02-05 |access-date=2025-07-14 |work=Associated Press}}</ref>

===European Union USB-C Directive 2022/2380===
As part of Directive (EU) 2022/2380, the EU mandated that all smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, and other portable electronic devices must utilize USB-C as a universal charging standard by the end of 2024, with laptops following by 2026. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-07 |title=Directive (EU) 2022/2380 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 amending Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment (Text with EEA relevance) |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2380 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250817091803/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2380 |archive-date=2025-08-17 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=EUR-Lex}}</ref>

This regulatory measure directly addresses consumer frustration with incompatible chargers types and aims to significantly reduce electronic waste. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=USB-C-Standard: Schluss mit dem Kabelwirrwarr |url=https://www.zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/ladekabel-usb-c-standard-apple-entsorgung-elektroschrott-100.html |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=zdfheute |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215214259/https://www.zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/ladekabel-usb-c-standard-apple-entsorgung-elektroschrott-100.html |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> The legislation allows manufacturers to unbundle chargers from devices, potentially saving consumers money, and ensures charging speed harmonization across compatible devices.

While Apple initially opposed the standardization, arguing that it would "stifle innovation rather than encourage it," the company ultimately conceded defeat, with Apple's head of marketing stating "we have no choice" regarding compliance. <ref name=":2" />

===European Digital Markets Act.===
This law forced many companies including Apple to change the way they operate to create a fairer competition. Read more about this law [[Digital Markets Act|here]].

====Changes Apple introduced iOS and iPadOS to comply with this law:====

*Introduced the ability to install applications from alternative marketplaces
*asks which browser and search engine should be the default one
*Developers now are allowed to publish in the EU browsers that do not use webkit

====Controversies:====

*Apple removed iPhone torrenting app iTorrent from alternative marketplace AltStore PAL, developer said that the access was revoked "without any warning". In a statement to The Verge, Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian said, “Notarization for this app was removed in order to comply with government sanctions-related rules in various jurisdictions. We have communicated this to the developer.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=August 28, 2025 |title=Apple pulls iPhone torrent app from AltStore PAL in Europe |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903102041/https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |archive-date=September 3, 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref>

===Elon Musk Lawsuit===
In August of 2025, businessman [[Elon Musk]] accused Apple of engaging in anti-competitive practices by only allowing their AI program OpenAI to reach the top of the sales chart on Apple App Store. He announced his plan to sue Apple for this practice.<ref>{{cite web |last=Durden |first=Tyler |date=2025-08-12 |title=Musk Accuses Apple Of "Unequivocal Antitrust Violation" For Favoring OpenAI In App Store Rankings |url=https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029051235/https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings |archive-date=2025-10-29 |access-date=2025-08-14 |work=ZeroHedge}}</ref> 

===Greenwashing===
Apple claims to be environmentally friendly and invests significant amounts of funds in corresponding PR campaigns,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environment {{!}} Mother Nature |url=https://www.apple.com/environment/mother-nature/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250928112101/https://www.apple.com/environment/mother-nature/ |archive-date=2025-09-28 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Apple}}</ref>  but the reality is not quite as green.

Customers are lead to think that their purchases and frequent replacement of their devices do not have a negative impact on the environment, which is not the case.

In autumn of 2025, stricter EU regulations on misleading marketing claims and a lawsuite by German environmental and consumer protection non-profit organization ''Deutsche Umwelthilfe'' have forced Apple to remove their claim of carbon neutrality on several products on their EU websites. Affected products include the Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwan |first=Ben |date=2025-11-26 |title=Wegen EU-Regeln: Apple zieht Klimaneutralitäts-Claim zurück [Due to EU regulations: Apple retracts claim of climate neutrality] |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Wegen-EU-Regeln-Apple-zieht-Klimaneutralitaets-Claim-zurueck-10711532.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129120129/https://www.heise.de/news/Wegen-EU-Regeln-Apple-zieht-Klimaneutralitaets-Claim-zurueck-10711532.html |archive-date=2026-01-29 |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Heise Online}}</ref>

====Green energy pooling====
Apple shares manufacturing capacity at Chinese/Taiwanese companies FoxConn and Pegatron with other companies. If Apple uses a hypothetical 20% of their manufacturing capacity, and company B, C, D, and E also each take up 20%, and the company doing the manufacturing runs on 20% renewably generated energy, now Apple as well as companies B, C, D, and E will each publicly claim that their manufacturing runs 100% on renewable energy. In other words, each company will claim the 20% renewable energy was used for ''their'' production.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gieselmann |first=Hartmut |date=2023 |title=Von wegen CO2-neutral – Umweltexperten werfen Apple Greenwashing vor |url=https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2023/23/2326512021124424489 |journal=c't Magazin für Computertechnik [Germany] |volume=2023 |issue=23 |pages=49 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104112550/https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2023/23/2326512021124424489 |archive-date=2025-11-04}}</ref>

====CO2 Certificates and forest projects====
…

====The packaging trick====
Apple, like many companies, regularly emphasises how environmentally friendly their packaging is and highlight advancements in this area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple 2030 – We’ve reduced our emissions by over 60% |url=https://www.apple.com/environment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250910014941/https://www.apple.com/environment/ |archive-date=2025-09-10 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Apple}}</ref>

This deliberately distracts from the fact that only a negligible fraction of the environmental footprint of an electronic device comes from the packaging, as it is made of siginificant amounts or rare earth minerals, metals and mined components and consuming vast amounts of energy, water and fuel in manufacturing and transport.

Some of the environmental advancements touted by Apple could also be argued to be environmentally beneficial side effects of purely economic decisions aimed at maximizing profit, such as shipping iPhones without chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dragan |first=Lauren |date=2023-09-12 |title=iPhones No Longer Come With a Charger or Headphones. Here’s What to Get If You Need Them. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/iphone-12-charger-headphones-options/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731104206/https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/iphone-12-charger-headphones-options/ |archive-date=2025-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

====Shredding vast amounts of fully functional devices====
In 2020, it came to light that Apple had filed a lawsuit against a recycling company, revealing that 100,000 iPhones had been illegitimately shipped to China to be sold there instead of being shredded as had been agreed with Apple.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lovejoy |first=Ben |date=2024-04-24 |title=100,000 iPhones stolen instead of scrapped; Apple accused of shredding usable devices |url=https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/18/100000-iphones-stolen-instead-of-scrapped/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725022423/https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/18/100000-iphones-stolen-instead-of-scrapped/ |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=9to5mac}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carrique |first=Felicitas |date=2020-10-04 |title=Apple sues recycling partner for reselling more than 100,000 iPhones, iPads, and Watches it was hired to dismantle |url=https://www.theverge.com/apple/2020/10/4/21499422/apple-sues-recycling-company-reselling-ipods-ipads-watches |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101232447/https://www.theverge.com/apple/2020/10/4/21499422/apple-sues-recycling-company-reselling-ipods-ipads-watches |archive-date=2026-01-01 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

These devices were likely trade-in devices from people who received a discount on a new model in exchange. Bloomberg News writes, referring to the contract with the recycler:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Austin |date=2024-04-18 |title=What Really Happens When You Trade In an iPhone at the Apple Store |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-18/apple-iphone-recycling-program-has-secrets |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250829001431/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-18/apple-iphone-recycling-program-has-secrets |archive-date=29 Aug 2025|access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref><blockquote>Even if the iPhones looked good enough for resale, Apple Inc.’s contract with GEEP (said with a hard “g”) explicitly required that every product it sent be destroyed.</blockquote>Used iPhone that are sold on the used market are a direct competition to new sales by Apple.

Apple likely does not want the public to know about these processes, since security seems to be tight around the shredding process:<blockquote>In some cases, Apple hired outside security consultants to escort trucks to its recyclers and monitor the destruction process, which the tech giant could further analyze through data reports charting scrap weights and commodity yields to ensure the input matched the output.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Austin |date=2025-03-17 |title=Apple Drops Lawsuit Against Recycler in Mystery of Missing iPhones |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-17/apple-drops-lawsuit-against-recycler-in-mystery-of-missing-iphones |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829001416/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-17/apple-drops-lawsuit-against-recycler-in-mystery-of-missing-iphones |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Bloomberg News}}</ref></blockquote>Apple later retreated the lawsuit,<ref name=":1" /> leading to speculation that it wanted to avoid having to disclose how many devices they are really having shredded. 

====iPhone recycling robot mostly a publicity stunt====
The first iteration of Apple's iPhone recycling robot, designed for the iPhone 6, was never more than a publicity stunt, according to an article by Bloomberg:<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>Liam’s precision automation, however, proved a dead end. It could handle just one iPhone model, and not that well. If a device had corroded screws or sticky insides, the robot would glitch. A person familiar with the project estimates Liam could run for about 10 minutes without human intervention. Another person says Apple at times fed the robot still-functioning iPhones and, for media demos, cherry-picked cleaner units so it didn’t crash, suggesting Liam was geared more for promotion than scalability.</blockquote>The same article cites industry insider claiming that the new iteration of the robot is only able to recycle as many devices in a year as Apple sells in just 48 hours.<ref name=":0" /> Thus, it can be assumed that the vast majority of trade-in devices are simply shredded.

===OS-Level age verification===
{{Main|Apple introduces OS-level age verification}}
On February 25, 2026, Apple rolled out the iOS Beta version 26.4, in order to comply with the [[Online Safety Act]] and other similar normatives. This version contains an [[Age verification]] system built on the operating system, blocking content that could be considered as "mature", including websites. It will be rolled on the UK, Brazil, Australia, Singapore and US states of Louisiana and Utah. Site and content blocking cannot be bypassed by [[wikipedia:Virtual_Private_Network|VPNs]] as the restrictions are in the operating system itself. The current only way to prevent being blocked is by verifying by submitting info of an existing credit card. <ref>{{Cite web |date=February 24, 2026 |title=Age requirements for apps distributed in Brazil, Australia, Singapore, Utah, and Louisiana |url=https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=f5zj08ey |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228012954/https://developer.apple.com/news/?id=f5zj08ey |archive-date=February 28, 2026 |access-date=2026-03-06 |website=Apple Devloper}}</ref>

==Products==

*[[ICloud]]
*[[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]]
*iPad
*Mac
*Apple Watch
*AirPods
*Apple TV
*Apple Vision
*Apple Pencil

*[[Apple App Store]]
*[[Apple Gatekeeper]]
*[[Xcode]]

==See also==

*[[Google]]
*[[Microsoft]]
*[[Samsung]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Apple]]

X Corp

2026-03-11T00:58:35Z

Venture18+: replaced link to Elon Musk Wikipedia page with wikilink to his page on this wiki

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=X Corp. is known for acquiring and rebranding Twitter and developing the AI model Grok.
|Founded=2023
|Industry=Social media, Artificial intelligence
|Logo=X Corp logo.svg
|ParentCompany=X.AI Corp.
|Type=Private
|Website=https://x.com/
}}
[[File:Twitter logo.svg|thumb|150x150px|Old logo of Twitter.]]
'''{{Wplink|Twitter|X}}''', formerly known as '''Twitter''', is a global social-media platform that facilitates real-time communication and the sharing of short messages, known as "tweets". Founded in 2006 by {{Wplink|Jack Dorsey}}, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, and Evan Williams, Twitter quickly became a key platform for public discourse, news, and social interaction. Known for its character-limited posts and use of hashtags (#), Twitter played a pivotal role in shaping online communication, politics, and social movements.

In 2023, Twitter underwent a significant rebranding, adopting the name X, after being acquired by [[Elon Musk]] in a high-profile deal in the previous year. Elon Musk took the company private and underwent a large sweep of leadership changes including layoffs and policy shifts. X has faced scrutiny over various issues, including content-moderation practices, the de-prioritization of accessibility features, data-privacy concerns, and its handling of user-generated content.

==Consumer impact summary==
===Lack of privacy===
*X can read private messages sent through the platform.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author= |title=X - ToS;DR |url=https://tosdr.org/en/service/195 |website=ToS;DR |date=4 Apr 2025 |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318073339/https://tosdr.org/en/service/195 |archive-date=18 Mar 2025}}</ref>
*X uses personal data collected from its website for third-part advertisements.
*Personal data collected include:
**Location data,
**What web page refers you to X,
**Content posted (tweets),
**Replies, and
**Interactions such as likes and follows.

===Lack of transparency===
Since its acquisition in 2022, X has faced a number of transparency concerns:
*In alignment with the downsizing of X, the communications department was unofficially disbanded.
*X has come under scrutiny for its unclear content-moderation policies, including what content is prohibited on the service. This stems partially from the inconsistent enforcement of platform rules.
*With the introduction of Twitter Blue, users were able to obtain a badge resembling one of an account verified to belong to a person or organization of importance. This incident blurred the lines between organic content and paid promotions.
*As of 2 February 2023, X has discontinued free access to its Application Programming Interface (API). This was replaced with paid plans.

===Censorship===
*X has the ability to delete content without prior notice and without a formal reason.<ref name=":1" />
*X has a binding [[forced arbitration]] clause in its [[terms of service]]. This includes prevention against [[Class action|class-action lawsuits.]]<ref name=":1" />
*X complied with requests and local censorship of people who are critical of Erdogan such as other political parties and politicians, LGBT organizations, journalists, and activists.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Joint Open Letter to Social Media Companies on Censorship in Türkiye |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/05/08/joint-open-letter-social-media-companies-censorship-turkiye
|website=Human Rights Watch |date=8 May 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250916171447/https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/05/08/joint-open-letter-social-media-companies-censorship-turkiye |archive-date=16 Sep 2025}}</ref>

==Incidents==
===Twitter illegally uses collected data (''May 2022'')===
In May 2022, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) fined Twitter $150 million dollars for using data collected for targeted advertisements. In 2011, Twitter had made an agreement with regulators in which it vowed not to share information gathered for security purposes with third-parties for targeted advertisements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allyn |first=Bobby |title=Twitter will pay a $150 million fine over accusations it improperly sold user data |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/05/25/1101275323/twitter-privacy-settlement-doj-ftc |website=NPR |date=25 May 2022 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251025031814/https://www.npr.org/2022/05/25/1101275323/twitter-privacy-settlement-doj-ftc |archive-date=25 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Information that was illegally used for targeted advertisements includes phone numbers and e-mail addresses. The user agreed that this information will be used for services such as two-factor authentication (2FA), account recovery, and account safeguarding.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fair |first=Leslie |title=Twitter to pay $150 million penalty for allegedly breaking its privacy promises – again |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2022/05/twitter-pay-150-million-penalty-allegedly-breaking-its-privacy-promises-again |website=FTC |date=25 May 2022 |access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525213257/https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2022/05/twitter-pay-150-million-penalty-allegedly-breaking-its-privacy-promises-again |archive-date=25 May 2022}}</ref>

===Reduction in accessibility features (''November 2022'')===
Throughout the latter half of 2022, Twitter laid off much of its staff. Among these layoffs was the accessibility team, created in 2020 to improve the use of Twitter for disabled consumers. Of the many features introduced by the team, "alt-text" was added to allow visually impaired users to hear a description of an image.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Knibbs |first=Kate |title=Twitter’s Layoffs Are a Blow to Accessibility |url=https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-layoffs-accessibility/ |website=Wired |date=21 Nov 2022 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250905183106/https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-layoffs-accessibility/ |archive-date=5 Sep 2025}}</ref>

As a result of the de-prioritization of accessibility in Twitter, alt-text badges were removed, making it more challenging for visually impaired users to identity accessible content.<ref name=":0" />

===Data hack affecting millions of users (''January 2023'')===
In January 2023, X underwent a data breach that caused millions of account e-mails to be leaked.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vallance |first=Chris |title=Twitter: Millions of users' email addresses 'stolen' in data hack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64153381 |website=BBC |date=5 Jan 2023 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211113155/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-64153381 |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> X, under the new ownership of Elon Musk, did not take the precautionary steps to prevent this incident. Before the data hack, X had underwent significant layoffs, including ones which affected the trust, safety, and security teams. This is directly linked to the weakening of security before the breach, as these teams were essential for identifying vulnerabilities and patching them. Moreover, the media communications team was disbanded, leading to a lack of transparency surrounding the issue.

===Terms of Service allows use of user content for training AI (''November 2024'')===
[[File:X Terms of Service 2024 screenshot.webp|thumb|527x527px]]
On 15 November 2024, X issued new [[Terms of Service]] (TOS) to allow artificial intelligence (AI) to train on user content:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maruf |first=Ramishah |title=X changed its terms of service to let its AI train on everyone’s posts. Now users are up in arms |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/21/tech/x-twitter-terms-of-service/index.html |website=CNN |date=21 Oct 2024 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208195110/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/21/tech/x-twitter-terms-of-service/index.html |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Terms of Service |url=https://x.com/en/tos#current |website=X Corp |date=15 Nov 2024 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126180413/https://x.com/en/tos |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>
<blockquote>"By submitting, posting or displaying Content on or through the Services, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license (with the right to sublicense) to use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, transmit, display, upload, download, and distribute such Content in any and all media or distribution methods now known or later developed, for any purpose. For clarity, these rights include, for example, curating, transforming, and translating. This license authorizes us to make your Content available to the rest of the world and to let others do the same. You agree that this license includes the right for us to (i) analyze text and other information you provide and to otherwise provide, promote, and improve the Services, including, for example, for use with and '''training of our machine learning and artificial intelligence models, whether generative or another type'''..."</blockquote>
This development raises concerns over the user's right to their own intellectual data posted on X. There is also concern over the privacy implications of private conversations being used to train a public AI. This AI may also use work by content creators, artists, and writers without compensation. [[Hidden EULA language|Being buried in a large TOS]], this is a clear example of taking away the consumer's right of ownership and not obtaining adequate disclosure.

As a response to the increased backlash, X released a feature to opt out of sharing data by navigating four different menus (Settings⇒Privacy and Safety⇒Data Sharing and Personalization⇒Grok⇒Allow your posts as well as your interactions, inputs, and results with Grok to be used for training and fine-tuning).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |title=Here’s how to stop X from using your posts to train its AI |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/26/24206904/x-grok-ai-train-turn-off |website=The Verge |date=26 Jul 2024 |access-date=4 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726163920/https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/26/24206904/x-grok-ai-train-turn-off |archive-date=26 Jul 2024}}</ref> This setting being on by default is an example of a [[dark pattern]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:X Corp]]

Flock license plate readers

2026-03-10T12:08:47Z

Venture18+: added archive URLs, properly added source dates, added author names, removed duplicate citations, added 'dead' URL-status tags, added 'registration' URL-access tag

{{ProductCargo
|Company=Flock Safety
|ProductLine=Flock Safety Falcon
|ReleaseYear=2017
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Cameras, Security, Surveillance
|Logo=Flock License plate readers (LPR).png
|Website=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers
|Description=AI-powered automated license plate reader (ALPR) system that creates "Vehicle Fingerprints" by recording license plates, vehicle characteristics, and movement patterns for law enforcement use without individual consent or warrants.
}}
'''Flock License Plate Readers''' (previously known as '''Flock Safety Falcon'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/devices/falcon|title=Falcon|work=Flock Safety |access-date=6 Dec 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222220315/https://www.flocksafety.com/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|url-status=usurped}}</ref>), are a network of AI-powered surveillance cameras that record vehicle data for law enforcement agencies. The system operates in over 5,000 communities across 49 states in the U.S.A.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamid |first=Sarah |last2=Alajaji |first2=Rindala |date=27 Jun 2025 |title=Flock Safety's Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628052030/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |archive-date=28 Jun 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}</ref> According to the company's own marketing materials, Flock performs over 20 billion vehicle scans monthly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/iVsBZ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
====Freedom====
Residents and taxpayers have no mechanism to opt out of [[Flock Safety]]'s surveillance network. The cameras operate 24/7 in public spaces, recording all passing vehicles regardless of consent. They are also placed on private premises like universities, hospitals, businesses, and neighborhood associations, which often share this data with law enforcement.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |date=19 Jun 2024 |title=FedEx's Secretive Police Force Is Helping Cops Build An AI Car Surveillance Network |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240619112629/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |archive-date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> This data can later be integrated into predictive police platforms like {{Wplink|Palantir Technologies|Palantir}}.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rettberg |first=Jill Walker |title=Machine Vision: How Algorithms are Changing the Way We See the World |date=11 Sep 2023 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons. |year=2023 |location=Google Books |pages=45-46 |language=English}}</ref>

Unlike traditional security cameras that may be avoided by choosing different routes, Flock's expanding network of over 100,000 cameras makes avoidance increasingly difficult.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Eyes On Flock |url=https://eyesonflock.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008230140/https://eyesonflock.com/ |archive-date=2025-10-08 |access-date=9 Dec 2025 |work=Eyes On Flock}}</ref> The system uses AI to create ''"Vehicle [[Device fingerprint|Fingerprints]]"'' that identify vehicles by characteristics beyond license plates, including make, model, color, aftermarket parts, window stickers, and roof racks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |date=23 Jul 2025 |title=Surveillance Company Flock Now Using AI to Report Us to Police if it Thinks Our Movement Patterns Are "Suspicious" |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/surveillance-company-flock-now-using-ai-to-report-us-to-police-if-it-thinks-our-movement-patterns-are-suspicious |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814053755/https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/surveillance-company-flock-now-using-ai-to-report-us-to-police-if-it-thinks-our-movement-patterns-are-suspicious |archive-date=14 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=American Civil Liberties Union}}</ref>

====Privacy====
While Flock Safety claims their system doesn't violate Fourth Amendment rights because ''"license plates are not personal information,"''<ref name="Flock-PE">{{Cite web |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/privacy-ethics |title=Privacy & Ethics |work=Flock Safety |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222220436/https://www.flocksafety.com/privacy-ethics |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|url-status=live}}</ref> federal courts have challenged this interpretation. In February 2024, a federal judge ruled that a lawsuit challenging Norfolk, Virginia's use of 172 Flock cameras could proceed, finding that plaintiffs had plausibly alleged the system creates a ''"detailed chronicle of a person's physical presence compiled every day."''<ref name="norfolk">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Dan |date=6 Feb 2024 |title=Judge Rules Lawsuit Challenging Norfolk's Use of Flock Cameras Can Proceed |url=https://ij.org/press-release/judge-rules-lawsuit-challenging-norfolks-use-of-flock-cameras-can-proceed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717001536/https://ij.org/press-release/judge-rules-lawsuit-challenging-norfolks-use-of-flock-cameras-can-proceed/ |archive-date=17 Jul 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Institute for Justice}}</ref>

Data collected includes location history that can reveal sensitive information about medical visits, religious attendance, political activities, and personal associations. While Flock states data is deleted after 30 days, contracts grant them ''"perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license"'' to use anonymized data indefinitely.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Terms and Conditions |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/terms-and-conditions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222220541/https://www.flocksafety.com/legal/terms-and-conditions |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref> The system shares data across a network of over 4,800 law enforcement agencies nationally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=2024 |title=Lawsuit Argues Warrantless Use of Flock Surveillance Cameras Is Unconstitutional |url=https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826013458/https://www.404media.co/lawsuit-argues-warrantless-use-of-flock-surveillance-cameras-is-unconstitutional/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=404 Media}}</ref>

====="Anonymized Data"=====
While Flock's Terms and Conditions define "Anonymized Data" as customer data that is ''"permanently stripped of identifying details and any potential personally identifiable information"'' and is rendered so that a person or entity ''"can no longer be identified directly or indirectly,"'' this definition includes information such as vehicle make, model, color, location patterns, and other non–license-plate attributes.<ref name=":1" />

Privacy researchers caution that mobility datasets labeled as "anonymized" can still be re-identified. A 2013 MIT study found that just four spatio-temporal points uniquely identified 95% of individuals in an anonymized location dataset.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=de Montjoye |first=Y.-A. |last2=Hidalgo |first2=C. A. |last3=Verleysen |first3=M. |last4=Blondel |first4=V. D. |year=2013 |title=Unique in the Crowd: The privacy bounds of human mobility |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/srep01376 |journal=Scientific Reports |volume=3 |pages=1376 |doi=10.1038/srep01376 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220062804/https://www.nature.com/articles/srep01376 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Multiple peer-reviewed studies from 2018-2024 demonstrate that "anonymized" vehicle location data can be re-identified with high accuracy. A 2022 study showed researchers could re-identify drivers from raw vehicle network data with 97% accuracy by exploiting inter-dependencies in sensor measurements.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822002139 |title=Privacy-preserving vehicle trajectory matching |website=ScienceDirect |date=2022 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240415115116/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167404822002139 |archive-date=15 Apr 2024}}</ref> Research published in the Journal of Computer Science and Technology (2022) found that even three to four location points can uniquely identify individuals.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sun |first=She |last2=Ma |first2=Shuai |last3=Song |first3=Jing-He |last4=Yue |first4=Wen-Hai |last5=Lin |first5=Xue-Lian |last6=Ma |first6=Tiejun |date=2022 |title=Experiments and Analyses of Anonymization Mechanisms for Trajectory Data Publishing |url=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |journal=Journal of Computer Science and Technology |doi=10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240804052830/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11390-022-2409-x |archive-date=4 Aug 2024}}</ref>

====Business model====
Flock operates on a subscription model charging municipalities and law enforcement agencies $2,500 USD per camera annually plus installation costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://campbellca.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=279 |title=How much does a Flock Safety camera cost? |work=City of Campbell |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251001015154/https://campbellca.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=279 |archive-date=1 Oct 2025}}</ref> Private businesses including Home Depot, Lowe's, and FedEx also deploy cameras, sharing data with law enforcement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |title=Home Depot and Lowe's Share Data From Hundreds of AI Cameras With Cops |first=Jason |last=Koebler |date=6 Aug 2025 |work=404 Media |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823135847/https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Contracts include automatic renewal clauses and limit municipal oversight capabilities, with cities unable to audit system operations or control how other agencies use shared data.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/flock_1.pdf |title=How to Pump the Brakes on Your Police Department's Use of Flock's Mass Surveillance License Plate Readers |work=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2024 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126201758/https://www.aclu.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/flock_1.pdf |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>

====Market control====
Flock Safety has rapidly expanded to become a dominant force in automated license plate recognition, operating in 49 states with over 40,000 cameras deployed. The company's network effect creates pressure for additional jurisdictions to join, as law enforcement effectiveness depends on network coverage. Several states have begun restricting access following privacy violations, with California, Illinois, and New York limiting data sharing after immigration and abortion-related tracking incidents.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.michaelrcronin.com/post/flock-blocks-ice-from-license-plate-reader-access-in-several-states |title='Flock' Blocks ICE from License Plate Reader Access in Several States |work=Yes You Can Go |date=2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112062510/https://www.michaelrcronin.com/post/flock-blocks-ice-from-license-plate-reader-access-in-several-states |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Premise of a "license plate camera"===
While marketed as "license plate readers,"' Flock cameras use what the company calls "Vehicle Fingerprint" technology which tracks vehicles using characteristics beyond just license plates. The system catalogs vehicles based on numerous distinguishing features including make, model, color, bumper stickers, dents, damage patterns, roof racks, aftermarket modifications such as wheels or spoilers, window stickers, and even mismatching paint colors.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=LPR Cameras |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |url-status=usurped |access-date=26 Oct 2025 |work=Flock Safety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045242/https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>. According to Flock's own marketing materials, the system can identify vehicles even when license plates cannot be captured, advertised as turning "images into actionable evidence — no plate required."<ref>{{Cite web |title=License Plate Readers |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222220218/https://www.flocksafety.com/products/license-plate-readers |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Flock Safety}}</ref>

Flock claims this capability is ''"unique among ALPR systems"'' and allows law enforcement to search for vehicles based on these characteristics even without a visible license plate.

This technology changes the nature of the surveillance from license plate reading to comprehensive vehicle tracking. A person could still be tracked by the unique combination of their vehicle's physical characteristics. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns that these ''"vehicle fingerprints"'' could flag vehicles based on political bumper stickers, revealing ''"information on the political or social views of the driver,"'' or economic indicators like rust or damage, potentially "endangering anyone who might not feel the need (or have the income required) to keep their car in perfect shape."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-14 |title=Things to Know Before Your Neighborhood Installs an Automated License Plate Reader |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/flock-license-plate-reader-homeowners-association-safe-problems |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221033709/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/09/flock-license-plate-reader-homeowners-association-safe-problems |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Privacy advocates note that this expanded tracking capability makes the term ''"license plate reader"'' misleading, as Flock systems create detailed vehicle profiles that persist even without readable plates. It turns any distinguishing feature of a vehicle into a tracking identifier.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stop Flock |url=https://www.stopflock.com/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Stop Flock |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222060644/https://stopflock.com/ |archive-date=22 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Patent for person identification by race and physical characteristics==
A U.S. Patent granted to Flock Group Inc. in August 2022 reveals the company has developed and patented technology to identify and classify people based on race, gender, and other physical characteristics.<ref name="patent11416545">{{Cite web |url=https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/77/9a/03/7b3b26499077d4/US11416545.pdf |title=System and Method for Object Based Query of Video Content Captured by a Dynamic Surveillance Network |website=United States Patent and Trademark Office |date=16 Aug 2022 |access-date=21 Jan 2025 |format=PDF |first1=Garrett |last1=Langley |first2=Matt |last2=Feury  |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202115638/https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/77/9a/03/7b3b26499077d4/US11416545.pdf |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref> Patent US 11,416,545 B1 describes a system that goes beyond vehicle identification to analyze human subjects captured in surveillance footage.

According to the patent documentation, when the system identifies a human being in captured footage, it uses neural network modules specifically configured to classify people by "male, female, race, etc." The patent further describes using additional neural networks to identify clothing types, estimate height and weight, and other physical characteristics of individuals.<ref name="patent11416545" /> The system can then store this classification data in searchable databases, allowing law enforcement to query for people based on these physical attributes.

The patent shows that Flock's technology is designed to create comprehensive profiles that can track individuals across multiple camera locations by matching physical characteristics. While Flock publicly markets its products as ''"license plate readers"'' focused on vehicles, this patent demonstrates the company has developed capabilities for detailed human surveillance and classification by protected characteristics including race and gender.<ref name="patent11416545" />

Privacy and civil-liberties advocates have warned that biometric/appearance-based identification and classification—especially along race and gender lines—can enable discriminatory policing and amplify harms from demographic bias and misidentification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How is Face Recognition Surveillance Technology Racist? |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=2020-06-16 |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/how-is-face-recognition-surveillance-technology-racist |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045330/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/how-is-face-recognition-surveillance-technology-racist |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NIST Study Evaluates Effects of Race, Age, Sex on Face Recognition Software |website=National Institute of Standards and Technology |date=2019-12-19 |url=https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/12/nist-study-evaluates-effects-race-age-sex-face-recognition-software |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213231602/https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/12/nist-study-evaluates-effects-race-age-sex-face-recognition-software |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> In that context, the Flock Group patent’s explicit discussion of classifying people by attributes including “race” and “male/female” suggests capabilities that extend beyond vehicle identification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=US11416545B1 - System and method for object based query of video content captured by a dynamic surveillance network |website=Google Patents |date=2022-08-16 |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US11416545B1 |access-date=2026-02-20 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204132539/https://patents.google.com/patent/US11416545B1 |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Legal challenges==

===Washington state judge declares Flock footage as public records ''(6 Nov 2025)''===
An Oregon resident filed public records requests at various police departments in the state of Washington regarding information collected from Flock cameras. The cities of Stanwood and Sedro-Woolley filed a motion to reject the resident's request, with their attorney stating that publicizing Flock footage may be a violation of privacy that could lead to stalking.

Some exemptions are given to deny public records request, particularly due to investigations. However, the judge dismissed the motion, declaring that the camera footage was "so broad and indiscriminate" with no distinction between criminal activity and casual civilian activity that the data had to be released to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingalls |first=Chris |date=6 Nov 2025 |title=Judge orders police to release surveillance camera data, raising privacy questions |url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/judge-orders-washington-police-release-surveillance-camera-data-privacy-questions/281-c2037d52-6afb-4bf7-95ad-0eceaf477864 |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=KING5 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251110233248/https://www.king5.com/article/news/investigations/investigators/judge-orders-washington-police-release-surveillance-camera-data-privacy-questions/281-c2037d52-6afb-4bf7-95ad-0eceaf477864 |archive-date=10 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jenna |date=6 Nov 2025 |title=Judge denies request to exempt Flock footage from Public Records Act |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-exempt-flock-footage-from-public-records-act/ |access-date=8 Nov 2025 |website=Herald Net |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226145253/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/judge-denies-request-to-exempt-flock-footage-from-public-records-act/ |archive-date=26 Dec 2025}}</ref>

The judge stated:<ref name=":5" /><blockquote>“I do think that the information at stake does have serious privacy implications, but that’s not the analysis for the intelligence information exemption,” she said. “You also have to make a finding that this is specific intelligence information that is compiled by investigative or law enforcement agencies, and the information that’s being compiled here does not relate to a specific case or investigation. The public already knows that these cameras exist and are operated. Many of them are in sight. The information does not disclose particular methods or procedures for gathering or evaluating intelligence information.” </blockquote>

===Norfolk federal lawsuit ''(February 2025)''===
In February 2025, Chief Judge Mark S. Davis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia denied Norfolk's motion to dismiss a landmark Fourth Amendment lawsuit. The case involves two residents whose vehicles were tracked 526 times in 4.5 months and 849 times over the same period, figures revealed in a September 2025 court filing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399|title=Virginia police used Flock cameras to track driver 526 times in 4 months, lawsuit says|work=NBC News|date=2025-09-18|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002237/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Norfolk installed 172 Flock Safety cameras in 2023 at a cost of $430,000-$516,000 annually. Police Chief Mark Talbot stated the goal was making it ''"difficult to drive anywhere of any distance without running into a camera somewhere."''<ref name="norfolk" />

Judge Davis's ruling relied on ''Carpenter v. United States'', the 2018 Supreme Court decision requiring warrants for historical cell phone location data. The court found Norfolk's ALPR network "notably similar" to the surveillance the Supreme Court deemed unconstitutional. However, courts remain divided. In November 2024, Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne in the same district denied a motion to suppress Flock evidence, holding that three vehicle snapshots don't constitute "persistent surveillance" requiring a warrant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://valawyersweekly.com/2024/11/11/mosaic-theory-rejected-flock-camera-evidence-does-not-violate-fourth-amendment/|title='Mosaic theory' rejected: Flock camera evidence does not violate Fourth Amendment|website=Virginia Lawyers Weekly|date=2024-11-11|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208113511/https://valawyersweekly.com/2024/11/11/mosaic-theory-rejected-flock-camera-evidence-does-not-violate-fourth-amendment/ |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Virginia state courts show similar disagreement. Norfolk Circuit Court Judge Jamilah LeCruise granted a suppression motion in May 2024, finding that the breadth of Flock cameras covering Norfolk requires a warrant.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/virginia-judge-rejects-alpr-evidence-without-warrant|title=Virginia Judge Rejects ALPR Evidence Without Warrant|website=Government Technology|date=2024-05-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213050025/https://www.govtech.com/public-safety/virginia-judge-rejects-alpr-evidence-without-warrant |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> Yet three other Norfolk circuit court judges denied similar motions in 2024.

===State regulatory landscape===
Only 16 states have enacted any form of ALPR regulation as of 2024 according to University of Michigan research.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse|title=Automated License Plate Readers widely used, subject to abuse|website=University of Michigan|date=2023|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112852/https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> Virginia enacted House Bill 2724 in 2025 creating annual reporting requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vscc.virginia.gov/Annual%20Reports/2024%20VSCC%20Annual%20Report%20-Law%20Enforcement%20Use%20of%20ALPR.pdf|title=2024 VSCC Annual Report - Law Enforcement Use of ALPR|website=Virginia State Crime Commission|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207225650/https://vscc.virginia.gov/Annual%20Reports/2024%20VSCC%20Annual%20Report%20-Law%20Enforcement%20Use%20of%20ALPR.pdf |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref> Illinois Public Act 103-0540 explicitly prohibits use for reproductive healthcare punishment and immigration investigations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/103/103-0540.htm|title=Public Act 103-0540|website=Illinois General Assembly|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250223092503/https://ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/103/103-0540.htm |archive-date=23 Feb 2025}}</ref>

Illinois prohibits law enforcement agencies from sharing ALPR data with other jurisdictions in relation to a person's immigration status.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Act 103-0540 |url=https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/103/PDF/103-0540.pdf |url-status=usurped |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=Illinois General Assembly |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251031232338/https://www.ilga.gov/documents/legislation/publicacts/103/PDF/103-0540.pdf |archive-date=31 Oct 2025}}</ref> New Hampshire requires a three-minute purge of data from ALPR use with the exception of ongoing investigations. <ref>{{Cite web |title=261:75-b Use of Number Plate Scanning Devices Regulated. |url=https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/title-xxi/chapter-261/section-261-75-b/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=New Hampshire General Court}}</ref>

California’s SB 34 requires public agencies using ALPR systems to implement usage and privacy policies as well as limits to data sharing. <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB34 |title=SB-34 Automated license plate recognition systems: use of data |work=California Legislative Information |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251220181318/https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160SB34 |archive-date=20 Dec 2025}}</ref> However, enforcement remains inconsistent, with a 2020 state audit finding widespread non-compliance.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/index.html |title=Automated License Plate Readers |work=California State Auditor |date=13 Feb 2020 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230930215217/https://auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/index.html |archive-date=30 Sep 2023}}</ref>

==Notable incidents==

====Illinois audit findings (2024-2025)====
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced in late August 2024 that Flock Safety violated state law by allowing U.S. Customs and Border Protection to access Illinois license plate data for immigration enforcement.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safetys-response-to-illinois-lpr-data-use-and-out-of-state-sharing-concerns|title=Flock Safety's Response to Illinois LPR Data Use and Out-of-State Sharing Concerns|website=Flock Safety|date=2024-08-25|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045435/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safetys-response-to-illinois-lpr-data-use-and-out-of-state-sharing-concerns |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> The audit of 12 local law enforcement agencies revealed unauthorized pilot programs with CBP and Homeland Security Investigations, violating Illinois law prohibiting data sharing for immigration enforcement, gender-affirming care investigations, and abortion-related matters. Following the audit, 47 out-of-state agencies were removed from access to Illinois data.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-pledges-changes-after-illinois-data-sharing-accusation|title=Flock Pledges Changes After Illinois Data-Sharing Accusation|website=Government Technology|date=2024-08-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002252/https://www.govtech.com/biz/flock-pledges-changes-after-illinois-data-sharing-accusation |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Mount Prospect, Illinois reported 262 immigration-related license plate reader searches in just the first few months of 2025. A Palos Heights detective shared Flock login credentials with a DEA agent who conducted 28 unauthorized searches of Oak Park ALPR data explicitly labeled "immigration violation."<ref name="dea">{{Cite web|url=https://unraveledpress.com/a-dea-agent-used-an-illinois-police-officers-flock-license-plate-reader-password-for-unauthorized-immigration-enforcement-searches/|title=DEA agent used Illinois cop's Flock license plate reader password for immigration enforcement searches|work=Unraveled Press|date=2025|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115628/https://unraveledpress.com/a-dea-agent-used-an-illinois-police-officers-flock-license-plate-reader-password-for-unauthorized-immigration-enforcement-searches/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref>

====California violations (2015-2025)====
California passed Senate Bill 34<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201520160sb34|title=Senate Bill 34|access-date=2025-08-27 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114051856/https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_201520160sb34 |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref> in 2015 to limit how California police departments can use and share data collected from these cameras with other state's and federal law enforcement agencies. These limits have been found to be violated on several occasions with little enforcement or consequences for the misusing departments<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/23/california-police-sharing-flock-license-plate-data/|access-date=2025-08-27|title=California cops are breaking surveillance laws|website=San Francisco Standard|date=2025-07-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118202113/https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/23/california-police-sharing-flock-license-plate-data/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref>.

A 2023 EFF investigation found 71 California police agencies in 22 counties illegally shared data with out-of-state law enforcement. San Francisco Police Department alone allowed 1.6 million illegal searches by out-of-state agencies from 2024-2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/|title=SFPD let Georgia, Texas cops illegally search city surveillance data on behalf of ICE|website=San Francisco Standard|date=2025-09-08|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118202113/https://sfstandard.com/2025/09/08/sfpd-flock-alpr-ice-data-sharing/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref> The California Attorney General filed the first enforcement action against the City of El Cajon in 2025 for sharing with 26 states.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out|title=Attorney General Bonta Sues El Cajon for Illegally Sharing License Plate Data|website=California DOJ|date=2025|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219035817/https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-el-cajon-illegally-sharing-license-plate-data-out |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===False positive incidents===

====Families detained at gunpoint====
In Española, New Mexico, 21-year-old Jaclynn Gonzales and her 12-year-old sister were held at gunpoint and handcuffed after Flock's system mistook a "2" for a "7" on their license plate, falsely flagging their vehicle as stolen.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-28 |title=License plate cover leads to traffic stop mishap |url=https://www.koat.com/article/espanola-police-license-plate-stolen-cover-traffic-stop/45361740|website=KOAT|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203063901/https://www.koat.com/article/espanola-police-license-plate-stolen-cover-traffic-stop/45361740 |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Flock Safety: Eroding Your Privacy & Keeping You Safe with Surveillance |url=https://redact.dev/blog/flock-safety-lpr-privacy-surveillance/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Redact |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045516/https://redact.dev/blog/flock-safety-lpr-privacy-surveillance/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

ALPR systems often misread license plates according to multiple investigations, leading to hardship & legal trouble for innocent civilians.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/11/human-toll-alpr-errors|title=The Human Toll of ALPR Errors|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|date=2024-11-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217071819/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/11/human-toll-alpr-errors |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Law enforcement stalking incidents===

In October 2022, Kechi, Kansas Police Lieutenant Victor Heiar was arrested and later pleaded guilty to computer crimes and stalking after using Flock cameras to track his estranged wife's movements over four months.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/|title=Kechi police lieutenant arrested for using police technology to stalk wife|work=KWCH|date=2022-10-31|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216093439/https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> In a separate Kansas incident, Sedgwick Police Chief Lee Nygaard accessed Flock data 164 times to track his ex-girlfriend before resigning after admitting to the misuse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html|title=Kansas police chief used Flock license plate cameras 164 times to track ex-girlfriend|work=Yahoo News|date=2025|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124143444/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Multiple other documented cases include Las Vegas Metro Officer Christopher Young arrested in December 2023 for stalking his ex-fiancée using police databases, and Riverside County Deputy Eric Piscatella pleading guilty in February 2024 to seven counts of misusing sheriff's department databases to stalk a woman he met at Coachella.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/?outputType=amp|title=Las Vegas police officer arrested for reportedly stalking ex-fiancée|website=FOX5 Vegas|date=2024-02-16|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213030246/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/?outputType=amp |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Abortion and reproductive healthcare tracking===
In May 2025, Johnson County, Texas sheriff's deputies used Flock's network to track a woman suspected of self-managing an abortion. They conducted searches across 83,000+ Flock cameras nationwide with the explicit reason: "had an abortion, search for female." The search accessed cameras across multiple states including those where abortion is legal. The incident led Illinois officials to investigate and subsequently block 47+ out-of-state agencies from accessing Illinois ALPR data.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/06/13/after-finding-fetal-remains-north-texas-cops-used-camera-network-to-search-for-woman/|title=After finding fetal remains, North Texas cops used camera network to search for woman|work=The Dallas Morning News|date=2025-06-13|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045557/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/texas/2025/06/13/after-finding-fetal-remains-north-texas-cops-used-camera-network-to-search-for-woman/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/05/she-got-abortion-so-texas-cop-used-83000-cameras-track-her-down|title=She Got an Abortion. So A Texas Cop Used 83,000 Cameras to Track Her Down|website=Electronic Frontier Foundation|date=2025-05-15|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260125222243/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/05/she-got-abortion-so-texas-cop-used-83000-cameras-track-her-down |archive-date=25 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Investigations and court records show that some law enforcement officers have misused Flock Safety automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems for personal, non-investigative purposes, including stalking romantic partners or monitoring civilians. These incidents highlight weaknesses & lack of internal oversight, & the reliance on post-hoc audits rather than real-time safeguards.

In Menasha, Wisconsin, police officer Cristian Morales was charged in January 2026 with misconduct in office after allegedly using the department’s Flock ALPR system to track his ex-girlfriend. Prosecutors alleged Morales conducted five unauthorized searches of his ex-partner’s vehicle in October 2025. According to the criminal complaint, Morales admitted he knew the searches were improper and cited “desperation and bad judgment.” He was placed on administrative leave, prohibited from accessing Flock systems, and released on a $10,000 cash bond pending further proceedings. Court records also show a related civil filing seeking a temporary restraining order in a domestic abuse case.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kerhin |first=Brian |date=2026-01-09 |title=Menasha police officer accused of using license plate recognition system to track his ex |url=https://fox11online.com/news/crime/menasha-police-officer-accused-of-using-license-plate-recognition-system-to-track-his-ex |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/V8GGF |archive-date=13 January 2026 |work=FOX 11 News}}</ref>

The Menasha case matches what is becoming a national pattern. In Kansas, Kechi Police Lieutenant Victor Heiar pleaded guilty in 2022 to computer crimes & stalking after using Flock cameras to monitor his estranged wife’s movements over several months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Joe |date=2022-10-31 |title=Kechi police lieutenant arrested for using police technology to stalk wife |url=https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216093439/https://www.kwch.com/2022/10/31/kechi-police-lieutenant-arrested-using-police-technology-stalk-wife/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |work=KWCH}}</ref> In another Kansas incident, Sedgwick Police Chief Lee Nygaard admitted in 2025 to accessing Flock ALPR data more than 160 times to track his ex-girlfriend and her new partner, resulting in his resignation and loss of police certification.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stavola |first=Michael |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Kansas police chief used Flock license plate cameras to track ex-girlfriend |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124143444/https://www.yahoo.com/news/kansas-police-chief-used-flock-093300946.html |archive-date=24 Jan 2026 |work=Yahoo News}}</ref>

More cases involving other surveillance systems show a similar misuse. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officer Christopher Young was arrested in 2023 for stalking his ex-fiancée using police databases, and in California, Riverside County deputy Eric Piscatella pleaded guilty in 2024 to multiple counts of misusing sheriff’s department databases to stalk a woman he met while off duty.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCandless |first=C.C. |date=2024-02-16 |title=Las Vegas police officer arrested for reportedly stalking ex-fiancée |url=https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240907035401/https://www.fox5vegas.com/2024/02/16/las-vegas-police-officer-arrested-reportedly-stalking-ex-fiancee/ |archive-date=7 Sep 2024 |work=FOX5 Vegas}}</ref>

Oversight reviews & civil liberties organizations have noted that ALPR systems enable quick searches of historical vehicle location data across wide geographic areas. This reduces practical barriers to stalking & increases the risk of abuse by authorized users. While Flock & participating agencies rely on usage policies & access logs, many cases show misuse was detected only after complaints or later audits rather than through proactive safeguards.<ref>{{cite web |date=February 22, 2023 |title=Automated License Plate Readers widely used, subject to abuse |url=https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205112852/https://stpp.fordschool.umich.edu/news/2023/automated-license-plate-readers-widely-used-subject-abuse |archive-date=5 Feb 2026 |work=University of Michigan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Nikki |date=April 16, 2024 |title=ALPR Audit Takeaways: What We Learned About Policy Gaps |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002217/https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-date=26 Dec 2025 |work=Government Technology}}</ref>

===Federal agency access===
Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains a $6.1 million contract giving 9,000+ ICE officers access to the Vigilant Solutions ALPR database containing over 5 billion location data points.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data|title=Documents Reveal ICE Using Driver Location Data From Local Police for Deportations|website=ACLU|date=2024|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220150454/https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/documents-reveal-ice-using-driver-location-data |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> The Drug Enforcement Administration operates a National License Plate Reader Program with over 10,000 license plate readers shared throughout the United States. 404 Media revealed over 4,000 searches by local and state police for federal immigration enforcement purposes, despite Flock having no formal ICE contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |date=2025 |title=ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |url-access=registration |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=404 Media}}</ref> A DEA agent was found using an Illinois police officer's credentials to conduct unauthorized immigration searches.<ref name="dea" />

===Illegal Camera Installations===
In South Carolina, Flock installed over 200 cameras without authorization, leading to a statewide moratorium on new installations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferrara |first=David |date=2024-03-11 |title=A company installed license plate cameras without permission. SC agency wants clear rules |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/news/alpr-cameras-south-carolina-flock-safety-license-plate-readers/article_787a262a-dbd2-11ee-a901-634acead588b.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=The Post and Courier |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212144432/https://www.postandcourier.com/news/alpr-cameras-south-carolina-flock-safety-license-plate-readers/article_787a262a-dbd2-11ee-a901-634acead588b.html |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

In Illinois, a Flock representative allegedly threatened a Department of Transportation official with police pressure when questioned about permit applications.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uprise RI Staff |date=2024-10-23 |title=As Flock Surveillance Cameras Proliferate in Rhode Island, Lawsuit Challenges Their Legality |url=https://upriseri.com/as-flock-surveillance-cameras-proliferate-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-challenges-their-legality/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=UPRISE RI |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241101064737/https://upriseri.com/as-flock-surveillance-cameras-proliferate-in-rhode-island-lawsuit-challenges-their-legality/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2024}}</ref>

====='''Evanston, IL'''=====
Flock was ordered to remove 18 stationary cameras. The city put the contract with Flock on a 30-day termination notice on August 26. Flock Initially appeared to comply, removing 15 of the cameras by September 8. Later, Flock was caught reinstalling all of them by the following Tuesday without authorization from the city. The city of Evanston responded with a cease-and-desist order for Flock to remove the new and unauthorized camera equipment. Because Flock reinstalled the cameras without permission, Evanston was forced to cover the cameras with tape and bags to block them from potentially logging vehicle data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Alex |date=2025-09-25 |title=City covers Flock cameras while waiting for removal |url=https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/25/city-covers-up-flock-cameras-while-waiting-for-removal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002233/https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/09/25/city-covers-up-flock-cameras-while-waiting-for-removal/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-10 |website=Evanston Roundtable}}</ref>

===City rejections and terminations===

Multiple cities have rejected or terminated Flock contracts following privacy concerns and effectiveness issues:

'''0.2% effectiveness rate, low arrests:''' Austin, Texas terminated its contract in July 2025 after an audit revealed "systematic compliance failures" and only 165 arrests from 113 million license plate scans (0.146% effectiveness rate).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/flock-ceo-responds-to-austin-backlash-as-city-contract-nears-expiration|title=Flock CEO responds to Austin backlash as city contract nears expiration|work=CBS Austin|date=2025-06-21|access-date=2025-08-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216120645/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/flock-ceo-responds-to-austin-backlash-as-city-contract-nears-expiration |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Denver City Council unanimously rejected a $666,000 contract extension in May 2025 following revelations of 1,400+ ICE-related searches in Colorado data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zialcita |first=Paolo |last2=Harris |first2=Kyle |date=2025-05-05 |title=Denver rejects $666,000 extension for license-plate surveillance cameras after backlash |url=https://denverite.com/2025/05/05/denver-rejects-flock-camera-license-plate-readers/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216120658/https://denverite.com/2025/05/05/denver-rejects-flock-camera-license-plate-readers/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Denverite}}</ref>

San Marcos, Texas voted 5-2 to deny camera expansion after discovering no required audits had been conducted since 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Velez |first=Abigail |date=2025-06-04 |title=San Marcos City Council votes to deny flock camera expansion after hours of heated debate |url=https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-marcos-city-council-votes-to-deny-flock-camera-expansion-after-hours-of-heated-debate |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=CBS Austin |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122133613/https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/san-marcos-city-council-votes-to-deny-flock-camera-expansion-after-hours-of-heated-debate |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Oak Park, Illinois terminated their contract entirely following the Illinois investigation into illegal data sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Heffernan |first=Brendan |date=2025-08-07 |title=Oak Park terminates Flock license plate reader contract |url=https://www.oakpark.com/2025/08/07/oak-park-terminates-flock-license-plate-reader-contract/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218115622/https://www.oakpark.com/2025/08/07/oak-park-terminates-flock-license-plate-reader-contract/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |work=Wednesday Journal}}</ref>

===Arizona deployments===
Sedona, Arizona became the first Arizona city to completely terminate its Flock Safety contract in September 2025 after citizen backlash. The city had installed 11 cameras in June 2025 without prior public notice at a cost of $51,146 for the first year. The council voted 5-1 to pause the program, then unanimously 7-0 on September 9 to permanently terminate after Flock CEO Garrett Langley admitted the company had been sharing data with federal agencies. Vice Mayor Holli Ploog called Flock "not an honorable company" for the conflicting data-sharing claims.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/sedona-pulls-the-plug-on-flock-safety|title=Sedona Pulls the Plug on Flock Safety|website=West Valley Families|date=2025-09-10|access-date=2025-10-05 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209130335/https://westvalleyfamilies.substack.com/p/sedona-pulls-the-plug-on-flock-safety |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Skabelund |first=Adrian |date=2025-09-11 |title=Sedona council permanently ends license plate camera program |url=https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2025-09-11/sedona-council-permanently-ends-license-plate-camera-program |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212215752/https://www.knau.org/knau-and-arizona-news/2025-09-11/sedona-council-permanently-ends-license-plate-camera-program |archive-date=12 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=KNAU}}</ref>

Flagstaff deployed 32 Flock cameras in summer 2024 at a cost of $143,100 annually. By September 2025, a petition signed by 25+ residents demanded cancellation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marizco |first=Michel |date=2025-09-01 |title=After Sedona paused Flock Safety camera system, Flagstaff is considering the same issue |url=https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-09-01/after-sedona-paused-flock-safety-camera-system-flagstaff-is-considering-the-same-issue |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045803/https://www.kjzz.org/fronteras-desk/2025-09-01/after-sedona-paused-flock-safety-camera-system-flagstaff-is-considering-the-same-issue |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=KJZZ}}</ref>

University of Arizona contracted with Flock in February 2025 for 54 ALPR cameras at $160,000 annually. Students and faculty launched a "Deflock Tucson" campaign citing concerns about tracking international students and potential data sharing with federal immigration authorities.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kunichoff |first=Yana |date=2025-09-15 |title=UA students and faculty question use of Flock Safety cameras on campus |url=https://azluminaria.org/2025/09/15/ua-students-and-faculty-question-use-of-flock-safety-cameras-on-campus/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002242/https://azluminaria.org/2025/09/15/ua-students-and-faculty-question-use-of-flock-safety-cameras-on-campus/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=AZ Luminaria}}</ref>

Casa Grande approved a $10 million "Safe City Initiative" in September 2025 including 100 license plate readers. Chief Mark McCrory reported the current 22 license plate readers led to 212 stolen vehicles identified and 168 arrests.<ref>{{cite web |last=Iverson |first=David |date=2025 |title=We mapped the city's Flock cameras |url=https://www.inmaricopa.com/we-mapped-all-flock-cameras/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220002923/https://inmaricopa.com/we-mapped-all-flock-cameras/ |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=InMaricopa}}</ref>

Despite documented deployments across Arizona including Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Surprise, Youngtown, Litchfield Park, and Yuma, the state has no ALPR-specific regulation.<ref>{{cite web |last=Grauer |first=Yael |date=2019-07-08 |title=How do automated license plate readers work? |url=https://azmirror.com/2019/07/08/how-do-automated-license-plate-readers-work/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114035603/https://azmirror.com/2019/07/08/how-do-automated-license-plate-readers-work/ |archive-date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=Arizona Mirror}}</ref>

==Security vulnerabilities==
In 2025, Flock Safety reported security vulnerabilities in its devices and submitted them to MITRE for inclusion in the National Vulnerability Database, including issues such as hard-coded credentials and improper access controls.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Gunshot Detection and License Plate Reader Security Alert |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/gunshot-detection-and-license-plate-reader-security-alert |website=Flock Safety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223045831/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/gunshot-detection-and-license-plate-reader-security-alert |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-02 |title=CVE-2025-59403 : The Flock Safety Android Collins application (aka com.flocksafety.android.collin |url=https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-59403/ |website=CVEdetails.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207014907/https://www.cvedetails.com/cve/CVE-2025-59403/ |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref> Similar security concerns have affected other ALPR systems, including exposure of default passwords and unencrypted data storage.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Quintin |first=Cooper |date=28 Oct 2015 |title=License Plate Readers Exposed! How Public Safety Agencies Responded to Major Vulnerabilities in Vehicle Surveillance Tech |url=https://www.eff.org/ur/deeplinks/2015/10/license-plate-readers-exposed-how-public-safety-agencies-responded-massive |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210130106/https://www.eff.org/ur/deeplinks/2015/10/license-plate-readers-exposed-how-public-safety-agencies-responded-massive |archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref>

This represents one of several major security disclosures in the past decade. In 2015, the Electronic Frontier Foundation documented more than 100 ALPR cameras accessible on the open internet, often without passwords or proper configuration.<ref name=":4" /> A more serious documented breach occurred in 2019, when Perceptics, LLC, a subcontractor for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, exposed approximately 105,000 license plate images and 184,000 traveler facial images.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Review of CBP's Major Cybersecurity Incident During a 2019 Biometric Pilot |url=https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-71-Sep20.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121195004/https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2020-09/OIG-20-71-Sep20.pdf |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>

In 2025 it has been discovered that the cameras run [[wikipedia:Android_Oreo|Android 8.0 (Oreo)]] an operating system with 90 security vulnerabilities. The cameras also send data unencrypted and are easily tricked by stingrays. The compute boxes have easily accessible USB-c ports leaving the device vulnerable to rubber duckies. When the power button is pressed in a specific order the device emits a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be used to gain adb access.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benn |first=Jordan |date=2025-11-16 |title=We Hacked Flock Safety Cameras in under 30 Seconds. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=uB0gr7Fh6lY |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Government accountability and oversight==

===State audit findings===
California State Auditor's February 2020 investigation found the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with a 320 million image database, had no ALPR-specific policy at all. The audit found 96% of agencies claim to have policies, but most are incomplete. Data retention periods varied wildly with no justification. LAPD maintained a minimum five-year retention period, yet couldn't demonstrate that images stored for years had investigative value. The audit found that 99.9% of the 320 million images Los Angeles stores are for vehicles that were not on a "hot list" when the image was made.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/summary.html |title=Automated License Plate Readers |website=California State Auditor |date=13 Feb 2020 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113154443/https://information.auditor.ca.gov/reports/2019-118/summary.html |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref>

New Jersey provides a contrasting model with mandatory annual audits of all 523 law enforcement agencies. The 2024 audit reported only two significant violations, both involving users who hadn't completed required training.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=2024 Audit of Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Data |url=https://nj.gov/njsp/ALPR/pdf/2024_Audit_Automated_License_Plate_Recognition_(ALPR)_Data_Collected_Utilized_NJ_Law_Enforcement_Agencies.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207224414/https://nj.gov/njsp/ALPR/pdf/2024_Audit_Automated_License_Plate_Recognition_(ALPR)_Data_Collected_Utilized_NJ_Law_Enforcement_Agencies.pdf |archive-date=7 Dec 2025 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |website=New Jersey State Police |format=PDF}}</ref>

A Government Technology analysis found that agencies often fail to audit ALPR systems regularly, leaving them "open to abuse by neglecting to institute sufficient oversight."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Nikki |date=2024 |title=ALPR Audit Takeaways: What We Learned About Policy Gaps |url=https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251226002217/https://www.govtech.com/biz/data/alpr-audit-takeaways-what-we-learned-about-policy-gaps |archive-date=26 Dec 2025 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |website=Government Technology}}</ref>

===Cost-benefit analysis===
Arizona Department of Transportation's 2008 study of generic ALPR technology (predating Flock Safety by nine years) estimated $9.98 million for a hypothetical statewide ALPR system. The projected benefit-to-cost ratio of 9.6:1 came entirely from registration and insurance compliance, not crime reduction.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/PDF/AZ637.pdf |title=Automated License Plate Recognition Technology Implementation Report |website=Arizona Department of Transportation |date=1 Jun 2008 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208050300/https://apps.azdot.gov/files/ADOTLibrary/publications/project_reports/pdf/az637.pdf |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Colorado's Office of Research and Statistics reported that while ALPR systems are expanding, independent academic research contradicts vendor claims. A 2011 George Mason University study concluded ALPRs "do not achieve a prevention or deterrent effect" on crime.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/Docs/Briefs/2024-05_InDetail-ALPR.pdf |title=Automated License Plate Readers (In Detail) |website=Colorado Division of Criminal Justice |date=1 May 2024 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212210653/https://cdpsdocs.state.co.us/ors/Docs/Briefs/2024-05_InDetail-ALPR.pdf |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Oakland Police Department reported 182 arrests from ALPR in the first year, representing 1.4% of homicides, robberies, burglaries, and firearm assaults. The Northern California Regional Intelligence Center states approximately 1-2 vehicles out of 1,000 initiate alerts — a hit rate of just 0.1-0.2%.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf |title=California Law Enforcement ALPR FAQ |website=NCRIC |date=2021 |access-date=5 Oct 2025 |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219214745/https://ncric.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/California-Law-Enforcement-ALPR-FAQ.pdf |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Mountain View Findings===

The Mountain View Police Department became aware in early January in 2026 during a department-initiated audit that for a brief period in 2024 federal agencies accessed data from the first camera in operation in the city.

“During the prior federal administration, from August to November 2024, several federal law enforcement agencies accessed Mountain View’s Flock Safety ALPR system for one camera via a 'nationwide' search setting that was turned on by Flock Safety. This setting was enabled without MVPD’s permission or knowledge. The federal agencies that accessed the one camera’s data include Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offices in Kentucky and Nashville, TN; Langley Air Force Base in Virginia; the U.S. GSA Office of Inspector General; Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada; and an Ohio Air Force Base. Flock Safety did not retain records for that time period, which means the vendor cannot determine whether searches of Mountain View’s data resulted in license plate information being shared.”<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-30 |title=City Statement {{!}} City News {{!}} Mountain View, CA |url=https://www.mountainview.gov/Home/Components/News/News/1203/284 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/CDZ2Y |archive-date=2026-02-07 |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=mountainview.gov}}</ref>

MVPD officers also uncovered that “statewide lookup” had been turned on for all the city’s cameras since the program began. This feature has been turned off by the department on January 5, 2026. The MVPD plans to present a review of the ALPR pilot program to the City Council.

On February 2, 2026 Mountain View Police Chief Mike Canfield announced that all of the city's license plate cameras are being disabled, effective immediately.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Margaretten |first=Emily |last2=Morgan |first2=Zoe |date=2026-01-30 |title=Mountain View discovers unauthorized access to license plate data |url=https://www.mv-voice.com/police/2026/01/30/amid-immigration-crackdown-mountain-view-discovers-unauthorized-access-to-license-plate-data/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222220813/https://www.mv-voice.com/police/2026/01/30/amid-immigration-crackdown-mountain-view-discovers-unauthorized-access-to-license-plate-data/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-02-07 |website=Mountain View Voice}}</ref>

==Camera locations==
The locations of many Flock Cameras have been mapped by the OpenStreetMap project. A viewer of the locations of these cameras is located here: [https://deflock.me/map ALPR Map | DeFlock]

====Cease and desist to DeFlock.me====
DeFlock.me is a website allowing users to log and view the locations of ALPRs, such as Flock products. On 30 January 2025, Flock sent a cease and desist notice to the owner of DeFlock demanding the name of the website be changed to exclude the company's brand name. The letter also stated that "the Website also implies that various license plate readers are vulnerable to security hacks [...]" which Flock alleged "[...] provides a false impression about the security of Flock Products."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matz |first=Sarah M. |title=2025 01 31 DEFLOCK CD final |url=https://www.eff.org/files/2025/02/26/2025_01_31_deflock_cd_ex-3.pdf |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=30 Jan 2025 |access-date=27 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251020035804/https://www.eff.org/files/2025/02/26/2025_01_31_deflock_cd_ex-3.pdf |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref>

==External links==
*[https://deflock.me/ DeFlock live map of active ALPRs]
*[https://www.noalprs.org/ No ALPRS movement in United States]
*[https://plateprivacy.com/ The Plate Privacy Project]
*[https://eyesonflock.com/ Eyes On Flock]
*[https://wiki.alprwatch.org/index.php/Main_Page ALPR Watch Wiki]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Automatic license plate readers]]
[[Category:Flock Safety]]

Projects:Archive everything

2026-03-10T10:59:02Z

Venture18+: /* The list */ updated some tables

This project aims to get as many reference links as possible on the wiki switched over to archival links, instead of live links.

== The need to fight link rot ==
Everywhere on the internet, you get link rot - where linked pages either get taken offline, or changed, and the link is no longer useful for its original purpose. Link rot is a doubly serious issue for the Consumer Rights Wiki, as fairly substantial points of fact about companies or incidents may hang on our references, which will often point to a company's own website. The best available way to counter link rot is through archival, and this page serves as a hub for making sure every wiki article has its references archived.

Of particular importance are any links to central pieces of evidence used to support a claim of fact related to something a company has said or done, especially if it is on the website of a company, and can be taken down by them at any time. A reference supporting a more commonly available and frequently changing fact like 'Apple's market cap is $x' is not as important to archive as a company's FAQ, but it certainly won't hurt to do so.

Certain webpages are un-usable when archived, typically due to paywalls or embedded dynamic content, and archival may not be appropriate for links leading to this kind of page. Some webpages require the use of a specific archival service (e.g. PreserveTube for YouTube links). To archive pages behind registration or date-of-birth walls that archival services cannot bypass, make a screenshot of the content after getting past the wall and upload it to Consumer Rights Wiki; content hosted on the wiki may serve as an archival of ''last-resort'', but ideally, proper archival services should be used where possible.

== What you need to do ==
The best possible option is to archive a site in as many places as possible, but any archival link is much better than none at all.

The '''minimum''' correct formatting for an archived citation requires the title, url, archive-url, and archive-date fields and will look something like this:

<code><nowiki><ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ – End of operations |url=https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250923061946/https://www.spexor-bosch.com/en/faq/faq-end-of-operations/ |archive-date=23 Sep 2025}}</ref></nowiki></code>

The full list of possible additional fields can be found here: {{Wplink|Template:Cite web}}. All you need to do is archive the relevant un-archived webpage (or find an archived copy closer to the date the reference initially accessed it), and then update the reference with the archival link.

This can either be done through the source editor (in which case citations will look like the text block above) or through the visual editor's citation tool (this can be found by clicking Insert -> More... -> Citation, or pressing crtl+shift+k).

=== Archival services ===
* [https://web.archive.org/ Internet Archive] – Primary, most popular archival service, sometimes throttles/blocks VPN IPs.
* [https://ghostarchive.org/ Ghost Archive] – Secondary archival service.
* [https://megalodon.jp/ Megalodon] – Secondary, Japanese archival service.
* [https://preservetube.com/ PreserveTube] – Specifically for archiving YouTube videos.
* [https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Special:Upload Consumer Rights Wiki] – Upload screenshots of pages for direct quoting or if an archival service cannot get past something like a registration-wall. Do not upload more of an article than is necessary for supporting the citation.

'''Archive.today has been deprecated.''' This is because they weaponised their site's visitors to DDOS some guy's blogs for bizarre internet argument reasons (which calls into question the reliability of the maintainer and site, and the ethics of using it), and it's also been alleged that they have tampered with archive pages, which hurts our ability to rely on the site as an archive which can be used to actually verify things and support the claims made in articles.

As archive.today is run by one person who has now brought a lot of scrutiny onto themselves through their actions, there's also a very real risk that they just take the site down, so where practical it would be sensible to migrate links archived using archive.today to an alternate archiving service.

The result of the Wikipedia community's discussion on this matter can be found {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/Archive.is_RFC_5|here}}.

For guidance on replacing Archive.today links, see {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Archive.today_guidance|here}}.

==The list==
Below is a table of all pages on the wiki, and the current status of their references.

Pages that are missing a references section or have an empty references section are listed as "N/A" as they either do not have links that need archiving, or if they do then those links need to be correctly moved to the references section and/or the page completed/cleaned/reformatted before adding archived links, which is beyond the scope of this project (See [[:Category:Articles in need of additional work]]). This may change if references are properly added to these pages in the future.

Last updated on 2026/03/10
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Page Name!!References Archived?!!Archived By
|-
|[[1Password]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[2021 WhatsApp privacy policy updates]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[3B CPAP Devices (3b Medical) (ReactHealth)]]||N/A||
|-
|[[3CX]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[4k Video Downloader+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Consumer Rights Wiki
|-
|[[5CA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ADDW car systems legislated in the EU]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AEG Power Tools 58V Product Line Discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AMD]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS downgrades a well-reviewed monitor panel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AT&T]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ATSC 3.0]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AWS Lightsail Won't Cancel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Acer Leap Ware smartwatch bricked by discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Acer settles online breach probe for $115k]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Consumer Rights Wiki
|-
|[[Activision Blizzard account lock and forced arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Activision discontinues Blur video game]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ad block]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Adobe CS Activation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Digital Editions' ebook DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe Lightroom]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe ToS update gives the company rights over consumers' works]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Adobe sued by FTC over hidden fees in subscription plans]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Advertising overload]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[AirAsia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Airpods]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Airthings ASA app release]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Akelius]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Alliance Laundry Solutions and Speed Queen]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Allstate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Alltech Services Inc]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Ally Financial]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ally Invest Securities]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon PhotosPlus discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon allows fraudulent product page after manual review]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon alters the content of purchased ebooks]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon locks home owner out of Amazon account over allegation by Amazon delivery driver]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Amazon revokes access to their Appstore on non-Amazon devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Amazon sued for enrolling and charging customers into Audible without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Amazon to charge non-Prime consumers to use Alexa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ancestry.com]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android Data Collection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Android Developer Verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Android System SafetyCore]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anker Battery Bank Recall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anova Culinary]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Anthem]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthem server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Anthropic]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Anti-Cheat Expert]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Anti-privacy legislation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Apple]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple's anti-repair and anti-refurbishment practices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple's planned obsolescence incidents]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple App Store]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple Gatekeeper]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Apple Media Services]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple Self Service Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple TV+]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apple authorized service provider program]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Apps deliberately refusing to work on modded devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ariston]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Arity's alleged unauthorized driver data collection through mobile apps]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Consumer Rights Wiki
|-
|[[Arlo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Article suggestions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Artificial intelligence/training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Assioma]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ASUS charges for previously free service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Asustor Drivestor NAS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Audible]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Audible class action lawsuit]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Consumer Rights Wiki
|-
|[[Audible subsidizes its streaming plan via premium credits]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Australia Competition and Consumer Act 2010]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Autel - Otofix]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Authy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||
|-
|[[Autodesk]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Autodesk Fusion360 EOL on Intel based macOS systems running open core legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Autodesk Fusion EOL on Intel based MacOS systems running OpenCore legacy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automatic content recognition]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Automotive digital rights management]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Axis]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[BMW]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW's heated seat subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[BMW's high beam assistant (HBA)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW API restrictions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BMW feature lockout scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BTicino/Legrand/Netatmo Zigbee devices refuse to connect to third-party gateways]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Backdoor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bait-and-switch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Balena]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bambu Farm Manager]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Bambu Lab]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bambu Lab Authorization Control System]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Bambu Lab LAN mode guide]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandai Namco EULA]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Bandicam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bandicam perpetual license invalidation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery Health Assistance]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Battery firmware lockout]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Belkin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Best Buy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Best Buy discontinuation of Insignia Connect]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BetterHelp]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Better Way Electronics]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bitly]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Bitly QRCodeGenerator.com QR code lockout]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bitly QR Code Preview Page Advertising]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlackVue]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Blink]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Bloatware]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bloomberg]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Bloomberg DMCA strikes GamersNexus video]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Blu-Ray Ultra-HD DRM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueCruise hands-free driving]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[BlueDriver OBD2 scanner now requires account login and collects data]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bootloader unlocking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bosch]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Bosch Cloud Dishwasher Incident]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Bosch Spexor]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Bose QuietComfort Sleepbuds doesn't allow purchasing new case]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[BowFlex, Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Box Tops for Education]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brainly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brave browser]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brilliant]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Broadband choice reduction by Brendan Carr's FCC]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Broadcom Inc.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Brother Industries Ltd.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother Refresh EZ Print Subscription Service]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother DCP-L3550CDW aftermarket toner failure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Brother printers causing issues with third party inks]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bumpgate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bunnings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bungie]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Bureau of Consumer Protection]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Burger King]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Buy now, pay later]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Buy one, get one free]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[ByteDance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CAPTCHA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CARIAD]]||N/A||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CF Moto puts previously included features behind paywall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[COBB Tuning]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[California Privacy Rights Act]]||N/A||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cambridge Analytica Scandal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cameras bricked on iPhone 13 series after iOS update]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cami Research]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canadian Bill S-209]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canadian bread price fixing]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canadian internet providers circumvent CRTC protection]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Canon]]||N/A||Internet Archive; Preserve Tube
|-
|[[Canon Camera Connect]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canon EOS Webcam Utility patch guide]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Canon ink DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canonical]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Canva Affinity Studio adds arbitration clause]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Capital One]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Capital One Shopping]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Carly]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Caveat emptor]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cerberus]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cerberus Phone Security Login with ad blocker no longer possible]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[CgNAT]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Chamberlain Group]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Change.org]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Charles Schwab]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Chase Bank]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Chrome OS ends support for school Chromebooks]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Chromium]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Cinemark]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Circular economy]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cisco Smart Licensing]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cisco Systems, Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Class action]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Clearview AI]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Click-to-cancel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Click Adventure Scam Game: Draining Consumer Wallets and Bypassing Steam Security]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Clip Studio Paint changes perpetual license to subscription model]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Clippy Campaign]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Cloud (service)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Cloudflare]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Clover Network, Inc.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Coffee Meets Bagel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Colgate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Collective Shout]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Comcast]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commercial weather apps lose summary proceedings]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Commodity Futures Trading Commission]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Common Questions, Arguments, & Responses when discussing Flock Surveillance]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; archive.today; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Commonwealth Bank collection of Biometric Data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[CompTIA]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ConnectedLife SmartDry discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consent-or-pay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Consumer Advice (UK)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Consumer Defense Code]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Consumer Financial Protection Bureau]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Consumer Technology Association]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Costco]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Costco's collection and sharing of data through Meta's tracking pixel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Covert web-to-app tracking by Meta and Yandex]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cox Communications]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crash Team Racing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Crave app refuses televisions based on production date]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Creative Fabrica licensing risks and ownership verification concerns]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cricut]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Cryptic Studios]]||N/A||
|-
|[[CursorAI adds rate limits to unlimited plans]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[DAZN]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DCS sues small YouTuber for accurate product review showing battery issues & misleading warranty]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[DJI]]||N/A||
|-
|[[DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DJI Ronin RS4 Pro]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[DSGVO-Portal]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Daily Wire + lifetime Membership Terms Scope of the Subscription]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Dark pattern]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Data brokers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Data lock-in]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[De-anonymization]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Dead star server shutdown]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deceptive language frequently used against consumers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Deep Cycle Systems]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deerrun walking pads & treadmills startup]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Delisting and shut down of Age of Empires 3]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Denon HEOS Speakers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Denuvo Anti-Tamper]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Derrimut Gym revokes 24/7 access after running sale promoting 24/7 access gym]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB)]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Device bricking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Device fingerprint]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Device lifecycle]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Deye]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Dictionary.com shuts down premium app after selling lifetime subscriptions]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Digital Fairness Act]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Digital Markets Act]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Digital rights management]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Disabling online features in retaliation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Disc rot]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Discontinuation bricking]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung Gear 360 software and services discontinued]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Discord]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Disney+ Ad Policy Change]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Disney+ Household Restrictions & Access Limitations]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Disney requires an active subscription to delete a Disney+ account]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Doordash]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Downloadable content]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[DuckDuckGo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Duolingo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Duracell Energy EV Charger]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dymo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson V10/V11 trigger design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson battery lifespan reduced by design and difficult to repair]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Dyson covers circuit board in glue]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Dyson ends relationship with third-party repair centers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[E-Bike Tuning Detection: Bosch and Yamaha’s Anti-Tampering Systems]]||N/A||
|-
|[[EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EA requires open beta players of battlefield 6 to change their motherboard bios settings]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[EBay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EBay opts-in users for AI training]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[EINSTAR VEGA hidden activation requirement before file transfer is enabled]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[EO]]||N/A||
|-
|[[EU enforcement actions against Shein for consumer rights violations]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[EVGA]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[EZVIZ]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Echelon fitness firmware lockout]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ecoflow]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[EduVULCAN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Eight Sleep]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Electron]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Electronic Arts]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Elgato forces Stream Deck users to sign up]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Elsagate]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Emerson Sensi Smart Thermostat - ST55U]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[End-user license agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Enshittification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Entities refusing to distribute copyleft licensed software under license terms]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Epic Games]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Epic Games forces third party account creation in Rocket League]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Epson printer waste ink counter restrictions]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Etoro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Eufy]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Europe-based news sites enact consent-or-pay for data tracking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[European Consumer Centre on the Lack of Quality Standards for Exalted Skins]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[EviCore]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Excessive data collection by cars]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Extron]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[F1TV concurrent streams limit]]||N/A||
|-
|[[FTC sues PepsiCo for rigging Soft Drink Competition]]||N/A||
|-
|[[FUTO]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fake memory still being sold on eBay and Amazon]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fal (AI company)]]||N/A||
|-
|[[False advertising]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Fandom]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fear of missing out]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Features on demand]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Federal Communications Commission]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Federal Trade Commission]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ferrari]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Figma]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode"]]||{{Yes}}||PreserveTube; Internet Archive
|-
|[[Fiio]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Filmora lifetime licenses terminated]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Final Draft software activation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Financial Industry Regulatory Authority]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Financial censorship]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Firefox]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Firefox introduces TOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[First-sale doctrine]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fisher price smart app]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Fitbit]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 Battery Performance Program]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Flat Earth Clock App]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Flo]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Flock Safety]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Flock Safety Nova uses dark web data for surveillance]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive (Note: No archival possible for Flock link [url excluded from IA])
|-
|[[Flock license plate readers]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Forced User Agreement on Jetbrains IntelliJ software]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced app download]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced eSIMs]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced identification]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Forced indemnification]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Forced retention of payment methods]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford ad patent]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ford repossession patent]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Formlabs]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fossify]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[FreePhoneLine revokes Lifetime VoIP service for monthly subscription model]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Free software movement]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Friend app]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Frontier Airlines Obfuscates Web Check-in Form]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Fujifilm Instax Cameras]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Funimation "Forever" Content License Revocation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Future Motion]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Futurehome Smarthub mandatory subscription fee]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GREE Electric]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GTA 5 moves to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive, Consumer Rights Wiki, Archive.today
|-
|[[Gaia GPS adds "feature" that opts all users into social media profile and location/activity sharing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Game-of-telephone privacy policy]]||N/A||
|-
|[[GameSpy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameSpy server shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GameStop]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[GameStop Short Squeeze]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Games as a service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Geeni]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Data Protection Regulation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[General Electric Refrigerators]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors (OnStar)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[General Motors data collection and sharing controversy]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Generative artificial intelligence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Genshin Impact]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gigantti pressured additional subscriptions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Gillette]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[GitHub]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Glance]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Glasswire]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[GoGuardian]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoIt changing its warranty conditions post-sale]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[GoPro Karma]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[GoPro advertises waterproof cameras despite design flaw and lack of warranty]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[GoTo Group]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Good2Go Mobile (Canada) phases out 3G network, Merges with LuckyMobile]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Goodlife now require App to access gyms]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Android restrict app sideloading]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chrome]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google Chrome automatically disables uBlock Origin]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Chromebook]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Gemini]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Google Jamboard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google LSA terms of service change]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Google OnHub]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Google Pixel 6a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel 9 Pro camera bar separates from phone body]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google Pixel Buds "Touch and Hold" discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watch]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Google Play Integrity API]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google asserts the right to seize phones during repairs]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Google forces your device to join their "Find Hub" network, hard to opt out]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Google password manager overrides third-party autofill]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[GrapheneOS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Greenwashing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Groupon]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Guardzilla]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Guide:How to circumvent Synology hard drive restrictions]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Guide - Windows 10 end of support]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HBO Max]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HBO Max downgrades lifetime subscription]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[HNGRYnsite Camera: From smart kitchen aid to e-waste]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[HP Dynamic Security]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[HP Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP Ink Cartridge ID Chip Swap Guide]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HP Instant Ink]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[HP Printers locking functionality behind ink availability]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[HP Reverb G2]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[HP adds 15 minutes to all customer service phone calls]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Happiest Baby]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hauptwerk expiration of perpetual license download]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Helldivers 2]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com]]||N/A||
|-
|[[HelloSimply.com: easy to subscribe, difficult to unsubscribe]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Hidden EULA language]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hikvision]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hisense H9G Smart TV]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Hogwarts Legacy]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Home Bargains]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Home Connect]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Honda]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Honey browser plugin controversy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Huawei]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Humane Inc.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Humble Bundle]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Humble Bundle alters terms of sale]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Hyundai Ioniq 5 N brake pad repair restrictions]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ICloud]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ID.me]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IFTTT]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[IFTTT discontinued Legacy plan]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[IKEA]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[IKEA ÅSKVÄDER]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ILife]]||N/A||
|-
|[[IPhone 6 error 53 fingerprint sensor incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[IRobot]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Imgur]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Inactive account deletion]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Inclusion of forced arbitration in Crunchyroll January 2025 TOS update]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Indeed Forced Arbitration & bundling of consent]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Infomaniak]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Insta360]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Insta360+]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Insta360 X5]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Instagram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Intel]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Intel CPUs stability issue]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Interactive Brokers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Interchangeable parts]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Internet Archive]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Internet of things]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Intuit]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Itch.io]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Itron]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Jailbreak]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Jeep]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[JetBlue Travel Credits]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[JetBrains retires CodeCanvas]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[John Deere]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[John Deere dealerships are lobbying against right to repair]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[John Deere fails to uphold right to repair agreement]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[John Deere security flaws exposed sensitive customer information]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kemper guitar amplifer modeler puts features behind paywall after firmware update]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kerbal Space Program 2]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Kernel level anti-cheats]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kernel level driver]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Keurig]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Keychron k13 pro]]||{{No}} ||
|-
|[[Keyshot]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[KFC]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kia]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[KingSong]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Kroger Grocery store electronic shelf labels & facial recognition]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Kwik Trip]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, PreserveTube
|-
|[[Kwikset Kevo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[LA Fitness makes it purposely difficult to cancel memberships]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[LG Bootloader incident]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG G4 malfunctions]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LG Television sale of personal data]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[LG refrigerator warranty scandal]]||{{No}}||
|-
|-
|[[LaLiga forces Spanish ISPs to mass-block Cloudflare IPs during Soccer Games]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Lamborghini]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[LastPass]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Lead plaintiff]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Leadwerks]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[League of Legends: Exalted Skins Exclusive Cosmetics]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Lebara]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Lemmy]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Lenovo]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Lenovo Mirage AR]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Lenovo Tablets (Android)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Lenovo X1 Carbon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Leo Express]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Liberty Safe]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lieferando]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Life360]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Life360 Terms of Service Forced Arbitration Agreement]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Lightspeed Aviation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Lincare Holdings Inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Linea Sketch revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[LinkedIn]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[List of car models with anti-ownership and anti-privacy practices]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of Google products]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of companies]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of discontinued online-only video games]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of kernel-level anti cheats]]||N/A||
|-
|[[List of phones that do not allow bootloader unlock]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[List of products and services with forced arbitration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[List of products and services with post-purchase license change]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[List of products bricked by discontinuation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[List of services without clear cancellation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Litter Robot]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[LiveRamp]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[LiveView Technologies AI Surveillance]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Logitech G HUB]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Logitech Harmony discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Louis Rossmann - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Loyalty cards]]||N/A||
|-
|[[MIRC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MagicGate]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Magic Leap]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[MakerBot]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Malicious compliance]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Malwarebytes]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[ManyCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mark Zuckerberg]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Mastercard]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Maytag]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Mazda]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Mazda DMCA takedown of open source Home Assistant app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mazda remote-start subscription]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's 2017 India Leak]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[McDonald's Japan malware attack]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, PreserveTube
|-
|[[Medical equipment]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Meetup.com account creation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mega.io]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Memrise]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz EQS rear-wheel steering requires subscription]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Mercedes Benz]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Mercury Insurance]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Merkury Innovations]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Meta]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Meta AI permanent account suspensions]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Microsoft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Microsoft Authenticator]]||{{Yes}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Copilot's recall feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Edge]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Office 365]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, Ghost Archive, PreserveTube
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Microsoft account]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Microsoft ends use of bypassnro.cmd for Windows 11]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miele]]||{{Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MikroTik ignoring WiFi disconnecting after firmware upgrade on hAP ax3 / ax2 / cAP ax]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Miku]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Miku Terms of Service and Arbitration]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Miku charges subscription for previously free features]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Milwaukee battery drm]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MinIO Object Browser: Removal of Management Features]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Minecraft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft Beta pre-1.8's lack of authentication]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Minecraft LAN gameplay paywall]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Minecraft account migration]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Minecraft enforcing undisclosed server EULA terms]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Minecraft post-purchase ownership rights changes]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MinestoreCMS converting your license without approval]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[MitID]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Model F Labs]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Moderation problems in online marketplaces]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Mojang]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Mojang shuts down community-run Minecraft servers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down their app if purifiers used with third party air filters]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Monetization overload]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Monopoly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Monoprice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Motorola]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Megalodon
|-
|[[Movies Anywhere]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Mozilla]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Mullvad VPN]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[MyFitnessPal regressive upgrade]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[NDAA has military right to repair stripped from it in favor of data as a service]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[NOOK 1st gen devices end of life]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NOYB]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NProtect GameGuard]]||N/A||
|-
|[[NVWB response to the ruling in favor of KNMI]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[NZXT]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NZXT Flex]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[NZ eRUC all-cars 24/7 GPS Surveillance proposal]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nanoleaf]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[National Security Agency]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Neato cloud shutdown]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Negative option marketing]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nestlé]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[NetLimiter]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Netatmo]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Netflix]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix Games deactivated]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Netflix delisting 23 game titles]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Netflix stream-quality controversy]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Netgate]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Newag]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ngenic forces subscription on previously “lifetime” Tune customers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nike]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nike Adapt: Smart shoes with app Integration and discontinuation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nikon]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nintendo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Nintendo's May 2025 Policy Updates]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nintendo 3rd party dock restrictions]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch Online]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nintendo Switch bans]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nissan]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Nissan shuts 2G car service in UK]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nitro PDF License Deactivating]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nitro Pro]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nixplay]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Non-disclosure agreement]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Non-fungible tokens]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[NordVPN]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Notability]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nothing]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Nothing Phone (1)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Now TV]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Nvidia]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia buys stake in Intel]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Nvidia threatens GamersNexus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Octopus Energy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Oculus (Meta) Quest 1 Deprecation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ofcom]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Okkazeo]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ola Electric disables vehicle riding modes without MoveOS+ subscription]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[OneDrive]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[OnePlus]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[OpenAI]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Opera]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Opt-out]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optimum]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Optus]]||N/A||
|-
|[[OtO Lawn discontinues solutions program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Other Channels - Video Directory]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Owlet Smart Sock 2 End of Support]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PCIe power connector design linked to melting GPU cables]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PEAK "Roots" Update]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PEAK (game)]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PETKIT Pura Max 2 — Region-Lock]]||N/A||
|-
|[[PFAS cover-up]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PHH Mortgage Corporation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PNC Bank]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PROCON]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Palantir]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Panasonic Lumix S5IIX]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Papa John's]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Paragon NTFS software license invalidation]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Part pairing]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Patreon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PayPal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PayPal Honey]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[PayPal requests ID post-purchase for cryptocurrency]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Payscore]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Pearson]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Peloton]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Peloton removes Just Run feature]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Peloton used-equipment activation fee]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Personal Information Protection Act]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the hue app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Photobucket]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pinterest]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Pitboss Grills]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Pixel 5a]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Planned obsolescence]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Plex Media Server]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Pluralsight]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Pluralsight revokes lifetime licenses]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Plutus]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Pocket Casts]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Podkicker Pro]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[PolarBackup - Cloud Storage]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Polestar]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Polestar 2]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Polestar paywalls performance update]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Positive practices]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Post-purchase EULA modification]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Predatory microtransactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Presonus removes VSL mixing app from VSL audio interfaces products line]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Price fixing]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Printer tracking dots]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Protection One 320P1 Security System]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Proton]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Protonmail]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Proven Industries v. Trevor McNally]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[PsychonautWiki Journal locks drug & interaction tracking behind Paywall]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Purism]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[QIDI 3D printer house fire]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Qantas]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Qantas sale of tickets for cancelled services (ghost flights)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Qardio]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Qualcomm]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Quidd]]||{{{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, Megalodon
|-
|[[Razer]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Razer Corp. Ends Software Degrading Consumer Devices]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Razer Pro Click and Pro Click Mini]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ReCAPTCHA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reason Studios]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Reckon]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Red Robin]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Red Shell tracker]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Red Sky Labs Muzio Player Premium post-purchase terms change]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Red Ventures]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Redbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Reddit]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Reddit made it impossible for blind Redditors to moderate]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Remote disabling]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr]]||N/A||
|-
|[[RepairShopr data privacy]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Requirement for Canon EOS Webcam Utility subscription to enable webcam features on cameras]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[ResellerRatings]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Restaurant Brands International caught training AI models using customer voices]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Retailers requiring police reports for missing items in orders]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Retroactive policy enforcement]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Retroid Pocket MINI Handheld]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Reverse engineering Bambu Connect]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Reverse engineering vs illegal hacking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Revolut blocked access for users with custom OS]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Richard Stallman]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Right to own]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Right to repair]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Ring]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Riot Vanguard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rivian]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Robinhood Financial]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Roblox]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Roblox's problematic moderation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Roborock]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Rocksmith]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rockstar Games]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Rohde & Schwarz]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Roku]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Rovio]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Ryanair]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[STMicroelectronics]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Samsung Bothersome visual and audible pop up every 2 hours on certain TV models]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung Frame TV asks for subscription to view photos]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3's camera gets artificially blocked after unlocking the bootloader]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung Odyssey]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung SmartCam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Samsung TVs]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung self-repair program restrictions]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Samsung sued over S22 performance throttle]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Sandisk Wireless Flash Drives]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sassy Saints review copyright claim]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Save Wizard]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Scopely, Inc.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Screenshot blocking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Scribd]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Seagate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Seagate sells old hard drives as new]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Seattle Avionics]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SecuROM]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive, PreserveTube
|-
|[[SecuRam installs backdoor on ProLogic series safe locks]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Secure boot]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Securities and Exchange Commission search tools]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Security]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Security through obscurity]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-destructive design]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Self-hosting]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sengled]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Serato DJ Pro / DJM-S11]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sevenhugs Smart Remote products discontinuation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sezzle]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Shopee]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Shortage of medical ventilators during COVID-19 pandemic]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Shrinkflation]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sideloading]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sig Sauer]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Signal cloud backups]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Singapore police jail woman based on data stored in car infotainment system]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SiriusXM]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Sketchfab]]||{{Yes}}||
|-
|[[Skoda Citigo Move&Fun app discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||
|-
|[[SkyDrop (Smart Irrigation)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Slashdot websites require TOS acceptance without consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smart meter]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Smartaira & plume wifi motion detection]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Smartwool]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Smartwool adds forced arbitration to EULA]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Smartyplus]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Snapchat]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Software as a service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software bricking]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Software locks]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SolaX]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sonos]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sony's attempted removal of "purchased" content]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sony Xperia turns camera monitor into subscription]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Sony x900h television]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Sophos Limited]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SoundCloud]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Special event page:Forced installation of Flock cameras in Denver, Colorado]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Spectrum]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Spore (game)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Spotify]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Spotify Car Thing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Spyware]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[StarForce Technologies]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Star Citizen]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Starlink]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Starlink replaces subscription pause with $5/mo low speeds]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Steam]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[SteelSeries]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Stellantis]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis Customer Data Breach]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stellantis in-car advertisements]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stop Killing Games]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storefront shutdown]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Storj.io constantly removes free or low cost services]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Stripe inc.]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Stångåstaden kickbacks and hidden rent]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Subaru Starlink]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Subscription service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Subway footlong pass ineligibility]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[SumUp blocks card readers]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[SunStrong Management LLC puts solar monitoring app behind paywall]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Swiffer]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Swiggy and Zomato refuse to refund customers for cancelled orders]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Switch Game Key-Card]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Synology]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile US]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[T-Mobile T-Life app screen recording controversy]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Taco Bell]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TD Ameritrade]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[TP-Link]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tado]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Take Two]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Target]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tea Dating Advice]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Team17]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[TeamViewer]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Teamviewer Terminates Perpetual Licenses]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tekken 8 retroactively introducing micro transactions]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telecom Egypt]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Telegram]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telly]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Telstra]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Temu]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terms of service]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Terumo Cardiovascular discontinues third-party repair of System 1]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tesla, Inc.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tesla Cybertruck voids warranty if Powershare feature is used]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Tesla asks customers to vote against Right to Repair]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Tesla blames drivers for part failures it admits were defective]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks battery range behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla locks heated rear seats behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Tesla locks horsepower behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tesla Powerwall]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Tesvor x500]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Texas Consumer Complaint Portal]]||{{Yes}}||Megalodon
|-
|[[Texas Instruments]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Texas Senate Bill 2420 (2025)]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[The Economist]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[The Italian digital identity wallet only supports Google-certified Android devices]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[The US undermines the Transatlantic Data Privacy Framework with the EU by firing PCLOB staff]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[The rights of residential and holiday mobile homeowners (England)]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thrive Market]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Thunderbird]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tidal updates terms without explanation or opportunity to decline]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[TikTok]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[TikTok and AI-powered ad tracking]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Tim Hortons]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Tim Hortons app collects user data without consent]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tinder]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tokyo Marui]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Tom Evans Audio copyright strike]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Tonies]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Top Contributors]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Toyota]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[TracFone Wireless, Inc.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Trump Mobile]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Trusted computing]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Turkcell Superonline]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Tuya Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Twitch]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[UK Mandatory Digital ID Rollout for Employment 2025]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[UK Online Safety Act]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[UPS]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[USAGov]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[US Mobile]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; Reveddit
|-
|[[Uber]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Uber EULA precludes jury trial]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Ubisoft]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Ubisoft forces players in single-player games to be connected to the internet to collect data]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Ubox / Anisee / RBX-B10 4G Low-Power Solar Wifi Security Camera]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[UniTranslate]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Uniform Commercial Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[United Chargers Inc puts Open Source interface access behind paywall on Grizzl-E car chargers]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Unity Engine runtime fee]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Universal Music Group has a team dedicated to eroding fair use rights]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Urban Air Adventure Park]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[User testing for mandatory paid subscription into Tado Smart Thermostat app]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; Consumer Rights Wiki
|-
|[[VMware]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VMware licensing change since acquisition by Broadcom]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VOIPO overbills customers and denys refunds]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VPN Secure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VRChat]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Value based pricing]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Valve removes arbitration requirement from Steam Subscriber Agreement]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Venmo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Veo paywalls camera features]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Verizon]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Verkada Inc.]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[VidIQ]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Video Games Europe]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Video game preservation]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Videos to Convert to Articles]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Viessmann]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Virgin Media]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Virtual Racing School]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Visa]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Visual Studio Code]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[VitalSource "Lifetime" false advertising]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Vital Proteins sells products with terms and conditions inside the container]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Vitalant]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Vivint Smart Home, Inc.]]||N/A||
|-
|[[Vizio]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archvie; Archive.today
|-
|[[Vizio fined by the FTC for collecting and selling user data without consumer consent]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Consumer Rights Wiki
|-
|[[Vizio sued over unfairly appropriated software for their SmartCast system]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Voice over LTE]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen AG - SFD(2) / UNCE - Protection of car diagnosis]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen car-location data-exposure incident]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volkswagen locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Voluntary Recall of NVIDIA Shield K1 Tablets]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Volvo VIDA]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Vont]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; Consumer Rights Wiki (Note: No archival possible for ref 14.)
|-
|[[Vulcan Strength]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Vultr]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[WKDA GmbH]]||{{No}}||
|-
|[[Wallbox Quasar]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Walmart]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Walmart's Onn devices bricked after update]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Waste ink counter]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Waymo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[WeTransfer]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Wemo]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; Consumer Rights Wiki (Note:No archival possible for ref 22.)
|-
|[[Wemo discontinuation of service]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; Consumer Rights Wiki (Note: No archival possible for ref 10.)
|-
|[[Western Digital]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today
|-
|[[Whaling (gaming industry term)]]||{{colortext|orange|Partially}}||Internet Archive; PreserveTube (Note: No archival possible for academic report 2) & 3) [Paywalled])
|-
|[[WhatsApp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Whistle pet tracker shutdown IoT fail]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Wikipedia]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) discontinuation]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.todayl PreserveTube
|-
|[[Windows installation USB drives]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wink]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Winston-Salem Journal]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Wondershare]]||{{Yes}}||Archive.today; Preservetube
|-
|[[World of Warcraft]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Wyze]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[X Corp]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Xbox]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Xbox Network]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Xcode]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xiaomi]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today
|-
|[[Xiaomi Phone unlock requirements and procedure]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Xlear]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; Consumer Rights Wiki
|-
|[[Yahoo! mandatory use of AI on all consumer services and content]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yandex]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; PreserveTube
|-
|[[YouTube]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; PreserveTube; Consumer Rights Wiki
|-
|[[YouTube age verification]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Archive.today; PreserveTube
|-
|[[Yubo]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|-
|[[Yum! Brands]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive; Ghost Archive
|-
|[[ZEN.COM blocking access for users with custom OS]]||{{Yes}}||Ghost Archive
|-
|[[Zyxel]]||{{Yes}}||Internet Archive
|}

[[Category:Projects]]

Advertising overload

2026-03-10T10:44:24Z

Venture18+: /* References */ converted bare URLs and added archive URLs

{{SloppyAI}}{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Bottom section of the article includes AI generated lists|Issue 2=Bottom section of the article NEEDS sources!}}

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

==Applications in industries==

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

===YouTube===
Here’s a breakdown of YouTube advertising, focusing on the specific ad formats and experiences across the website, iOS/Android apps, and TV platforms:

=====YouTube Ads on the Website=====

#'''Pre-Roll Ads (Video Ads)''':
#*Play before the selected video.
#*'''Types''':
#**'''Skippable Ads''': Allow users to skip after 5 seconds.
#**'''Non-Skippable Ads''': Typically 15-20 seconds long and cannot be skipped.
#'''Mid-Roll Ads''':
#*Appear during longer videos (10 minutes or more) at natural breaks.
#'''Bumper Ads''':
#*Short, non-skippable ads of 6 seconds.
#'''Display Ads''':
#*Banner ads that appear above the video suggestions sidebar.
#'''Overlay Ads''':
#*Semi-transparent banners that appear at the bottom of the video.

=====YouTube Ads on iOS/Android Apps=====

#'''Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads''':
#*Similar to the website, but often more frequent due to the higher engagement on mobile devices.
#'''Bumper Ads''':
#*Similar to the website.
#'''In-Feed Ads''':
#*Appear in the home feed or search results as promoted videos.
#'''Shorts Ads''':
#*Short, vertical video ads that appear between YouTube Shorts clips.

=====YouTube Ads on TV Platforms (Smart TVs, Streaming Devices)=====

#'''Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads''':
#*Longer pre-roll ads (up to 30 seconds) are common, as viewers are less likely to skip them.
#*Mid-roll ads are placed at natural breaks in longer videos, similar to traditional TV commercials.
#*Non-skippable ads are more prevalent
#'''Interactive Ads''':
#*Ads that allow users to interact using their remote (e.g., clicking for more information).

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

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

==Further Reading==

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

==References==
<references />

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

Collective Shout

2026-03-10T10:24:02Z

Venture18+: /* References */ set URL to 'subscription' level

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

The group became prominent in 2025 after their campaign against payment processors caused online gaming platforms [[Steam]] and [[Itch.io]] to de-list hundreds of games that are believed to victimize women.<ref>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Taylor|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/mastercard-visa-backlash-adult-games-removed-online-stores-steam-itchio-ntwnfb|title=Mastercard and Visa face backlash after hundreds of adult games removed from online stores Steam and Itch.io|website=The Guardian|date=2025-07-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216030319/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/mastercard-visa-backlash-adult-games-removed-online-stores-steam-itchio-ntwnfb |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> While the advocacy is based in Australia, their movement has had an impact on other countries. {{Citation needed}}

Some media outlets have expressed concern that the organization's censorship of adult content in the video game industry negatively impacts creative freedom.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |date=30 Jul 2025 |title=Gamers Are Furious About the Censorship of NSFW Games—and They’re Fighting Back |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823055403/https://www.wired.com/story/gamers-are-furious-about-the-censorship-of-nsfw-games-and-theyre-fighting-back |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823055403/https://www.wired.com/story/gamers-are-furious-about-the-censorship-of-nsfw-games-and-theyre-fighting-back/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |access-date=23 Aug 2025 |work=WIRED}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dodds |first=Io |date=18 Aug 2025 |title=‘Financial companies shouldn’t be in this position’: How more than 20,000 NSFW video games fell under censorship |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/video-game-censorship-visa-mastercard-b2809867.html |website=The Independent |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210210840/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/video-game-censorship-visa-mastercard-b2809867.html |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Marley |date=2 Aug 2025 |title=This Advocacy Group is Threatening Video Games as We Know It |url=https://www.cbr.com/collective-shout-video-game-censorship/ |website=CBR |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113150416/https://www.cbr.com/collective-shout-video-game-censorship/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Protest against Grand Theft Auto V (''2014'')===
In 2014, the group started a petition against ''{{Wplink|Grand Theft Auto V}}'' it read, "It's a game that encourages players to murder women for entertainment. The incentive is to commit sexual violence against women, then abuse or kill them to proceed or get 'health' points." <ref name=":0" /> The video game was banned from two Australian department stores later that year.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30328314|title='Sexually violent' GTA 5 banned from Australian stores|website=BBC|date=4 Dec 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216030420/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30328314 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

In July 2025, Collective Shout launched a public campaign "demanding credit card companies and PayPal block payments" for games on Steam and Itch.io.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Bita |first=Natasha |date=15 Jul 2025 |title=Child safety group finds 500 online 'games' role-playing rape and incest |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/education/child-safety-group-finds-500-online-games-roleplaying-rape-and-incest/news-story/b30c59f85ff22934844269cb3beff538 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/koDk8 |archive-date=18 Jul 2025 |access-date=18 Jul 2025 |work=The Australian}}</ref><ref name="RPSCS">{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=22 Jul 2025 |title=Anti-porn group who tried to ban GTA 5 claim credit for Steam's sex game crackdown |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/anti-porn-group-who-tried-to-ban-gta-5-claim-credit-for-steams-sex-game-crackdown |access-date=23 Jul 2025 |work=Rock Paper Shotgun |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251229024622/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/anti-porn-group-who-tried-to-ban-gta-5-claim-credit-for-steams-sex-game-crackdown |archive-date=29 Dec 2025}}</ref> Itch.io responded by de-indexing games with explicit content on July 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content|title=Update on NSFW content|website=Itch.io|date=24 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260129171706/https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content |archive-date=29 Jan 2026}}</ref> On July 31, they re-indexed free games with explicit content.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itch.io/t/5149036/reindexing-adult-nsfw-content|title=Reindexing adult NSFW content|website=Itch.io|date=31 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260130214640/https://itch.io/t/5149036/reindexing-adult-nsfw-content |archive-date=30 Jan 2026}}</ref>

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

The group claims to have lobbied payment processors after sending 3,000 emails to Steam and receiving no response.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam at Collective Shout |url=https://www.collectiveshout.org/tags/steam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720103220/https://www.collectiveshout.org/tags/steam |archive-date=20 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Aug 2025 |website=Collective Shout}}</ref><ref name="CBCCards">{{Cite news |last=Ore |first=Jonathan |date=31 Jul 2025 |title=How an anti-porn lobby on payment processors censored thousands of video games |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/steam-itch-takedowns-credit-cards-1.7597563 |access-date=1 Aug 2025 |work=CBC |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128053221/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/steam-itch-takedowns-credit-cards-1.7597563 |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Alongside explicit content, the group also expressed a desire to have ''{{Wplink|Detroit: Become Human}}'' de-listed from gaming platforms for purported depictions of physical abuse against women and children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barbe |first=Rebecca |date=6 Dec 2017 |title=Stop video game Detroit: Become Human, depicting child abuse being sold in Australia |url=https://www.change.org/p/the-hon-christian-porter-mp-stop-video-game-depicting-child-abuse-being-sold-in-australia |url-status=live |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=change.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113202032/https://www.change.org/p/the-hon-christian-porter-mp-stop-video-game-depicting-child-abuse-being-sold-in-australia |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref>

The owner of the journalism website ''{{Wplink|Vice (magazine)|Vice}}'' allegedly instructed certain articles related to Collective Shout to be removed from their website due to "controversial subject matter." The author of the articles and several of her co-workers resigned soon afterwards in protest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/After-payment-processors-prompt-removal-of-Steam-games-journalists-investigating-the-censorship-resign.1063259.0.html|title=After payment processors prompt removal of Steam games, journalists investigating the censorship resign|website=notebookcheck.net|date=16 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114123535/https://www.notebookcheck.net/After-payment-processors-prompt-removal-of-Steam-games-journalists-investigating-the-censorship-resign.1063259.0.html |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Collective Shout]]

Mark Zuckerberg

2026-03-10T05:18:08Z

Venture18+: added wikilinks and 'Meta' category

{{InfoboxPerson
| Name = Mark Zuckerberg
| Nationality = American
| DOB = 1984-05-14
| Industry = Social media
| Official website = https://www.facebook.com/zuck
| Image = Mark Zuckerberg.jpg
}}
''[[wikipedia:Mark_Zuckerberg|Mark Elliot Zuckerberg]]'' was born on May 14, 1984, and raised in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
==Professional background==
Zuckerberg is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of [[Meta]] Platforms Inc., which is the parent company of Facebook, [[Instagram]], [[WhatsApp]], and other digital services. He launched "TheFacebook" on February 4, 2004, while he was studying psychology and computer science at Harvard University. Facebook, originally a campus directory to connect Harvard students, expanded rapidly, reaching one million users within a year and becoming the world’s largest social network by 2009.

==Stance on consumer rights==
Zuckerberg’s stance on consumer rights is marked by a pattern of reactive concessions under legal pressure rather than proactive protection. In 2002, he hacked Harvard's security system. He accessed students' ID photos to populate a website that would allow users to rate students by looks, FaceMash, which was shut down three days later by the University.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bellis |first=Mary |title=The History of Facebook and How It Was Invented |url=https://www.thoughtco.com/who-invented-facebook-1991791 |website=ThoughtCo. |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114175736/https://www.thoughtco.com/who-invented-facebook-1991791 |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref> Publicly advocating for limited regulatory reforms, his actions regarding data privacy, antitrust, and civil rights prioritize Meta’s business model over consumer welfare. While he has consistently emphasized user control over privacy settings, his actions and business model reveal a pattern of undermining genuine data autonomy.

===Public statements supporting consumer control===
*2004: "People have very good control over who can see their information."<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Balakrishnan |first=Anita |last2=Salinas |first2=Sara |last3=Hunter |first3=Matt |date=April 9, 2018 |title=Mark Zuckerberg has been talking about privacy for 15 years - here’s almost everything he’s said |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/21/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerbergs-statements-on-privacy-2003-2018.html |work=CNBC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250608014833/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/21/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerbergs-statements-on-privacy-2003-2018.html |archive-date=8 Jun 2025}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Salinas |first=Sara |last2=Balakrishnan |first2=Anita |date=December 19, 2018 |title=Mark Zuckerberg has been talking and apologizing about privacy since 2003 - here’s a reminder of what he’s said |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/19/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-privacy-apologies.html |work=CNBC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204015031/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/19/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-privacy-apologies.html |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*2010, "What people want isn’t complete privacy. It’s control over what they share".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Clifford |first=Catherine |date=October 24, 2019 |title=19-year-old Mark Zuckerberg: ‘Issues about violating people’s privacy don’t seem to be surmountable’ |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/24/19-year-old-mark-zuckerberg-on-privacy-issues-versus-today.html |work=CNBC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250927222001/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/24/19-year-old-mark-zuckerberg-on-privacy-issues-versus-today.html |archive-date=27 Sep 2025}}</ref>
*In 2019, he acknowledged Facebook’s poor privacy reputation but pledged to build a "privacy-focused platform".<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Hern |first=Alex |date=March 7, 2019 |title=Mark Zuckerberg's privacy blogpost: what he did and didn't say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/mar/07/mark-zuckerbergs-privacy-blogpost-what-he-said-and-what-he-didnt |work=The Guardian}}</ref>

However, these statements often frame control narrowly, focusing on visibility settings rather than limiting Facebook’s own data collection or third-party sharing.

===Actions undermining control===
*Lax Data Policies: [[The Cambridge Analytica Scandal]] revealed that Facebook allowed third-party apps to harvest data from millions without explicit consent. Zuckerberg admitted, "[w]e simply did a bad job".<ref name=":0" /> Emails later suggested he was aware of privacy risks, but prioritized growth.<ref name=":2" />
*Deceptive Practices: The FTC found Facebook violated a 2012 consent decree by misleading users about data sharing.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rushe |first=Dominic |date=June 12, 2019 |title=Facebook emails seem to show Zuckerberg knew of privacy issues, report claims |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/jun/12/facebook-mark-zuckerberg-privacy-emails-report |work=The Guardian}}</ref> Attorney General Racine’s lawsuit accused Zuckerberg of personally enabling policies that exposed user data.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=AG Racine Sues Mark Zuckerberg for Failing to Protect Millions of Users' Data, Misleading Privacy Practices |url=https://oag.dc.gov/release/ag-racine-sues-mark-zuckerberg-failing-protect |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251108122756/https://oag.dc.gov/release/ag-racine-sues-mark-zuckerberg-failing-protect |archive-date=8 Nov 2025}}</ref>

*Opaque Controls: Privacy settings are buried and confusing. As critics note, "[o]ffering tools doesn’t help if they’re hard to find." One such example is ad-targeting controls being hidden under unrelated menus.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Barrett |first=Brian |date=April 10, 2010 |title=Mark Zuckerberg's Privacy Shell Game |url=https://www.wired.com/story/mark-zuckerbergs-privacy-shell-game/ |work=Wired |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108183133/https://www.wired.com/story/mark-zuckerbergs-privacy-shell-game/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*Revenue relies on monetizing user data.
**"Zuckerberg’s Law": He predicted users would share twice as much data yearly, pushing openness over privacy.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" />
**Data Hoarding: Despite [[General Data Protection Regulation]] (GDPR) style pledges, Facebook resists limits on data collection, such as opposing regulations that would curb microtargeting.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wheeler |first=Tom |date=2019-04-03 |title=Mark Zuckerberg’s call for internet rules only goes part way |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/mark-zuckerbergs-call-for-internet-rules-only-goes-part-way/ |website=The Brookings Institution |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211234240/https://www.brookings.edu/articles/mark-zuckerbergs-call-for-internet-rules-only-goes-part-way/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Major consumer protection incidents==

===Cambridge Analytica Data Scandal===
The Cambridge Analytica scandal came to light when a former employee, Christopher Wylie, leaked internal documents to journalists. These documents demonstrated the uninformed consent for the collection of personal data from up to 87 million Facebook profiles, which served political advertising purposes through Facebook's Open Graph Platform and the Facebook application "This is Your Digital Life," developed by data scientist Aleksandr Kogan at Global Science Research.<ref>[https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/10/facebook-cambridge-analytica-a-timeline-of-the-data-hijacking-scandal.html "Facebook-Cambridge Analytica: A timeline of the data hijacking scandal"] - cnbc.com - accessed 2025-02-03 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260117062336/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/10/facebook-cambridge-analytica-a-timeline-of-the-data-hijacking-scandal.html Archived])</ref> The appropriated personal data was used in the 2016 US Presidential election for Ted Cruz's and Donald Trump's campaigns.<ref>[https://www.businessinsider.com/cambridge-analytica-facebook-scandal-trump-cruz-operatives-2018-3 "There's an open secret about Cambridge Analytica in the political world: It doesn't have the 'secret sauce' it claims"] - businessinsider.com - accessed 2025-02-03 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260217160805/https://www.businessinsider.com/cambridge-analytica-facebook-scandal-trump-cruz-operatives-2018-3 Archived])</ref>

'''Deceptive Marketing'''

In 2011, the FTC found Facebook guilty of deceptive practices, including sharing data with third-party apps without user consent and misrepresenting its privacy controls. Despite a 20-year consent order, Facebook continued to face allegations of similar violations, including post-2018 complaints about lax data policies.

A photo of Zuckerberg revealed in 2016 that he keeps his own laptop camera covered with tape.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-06-22 |title=Mark Zuckerberg Puts Tape Over His Webcam |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/mark-zuckerberg-puts-tape-webcam/story?id=40040340 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=abc News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251012141042/https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/mark-zuckerberg-puts-tape-webcam/story?id=40040340 |archive-date=12 Oct 2025}}</ref>
==Regulatory response==
*Fines: Facebook paid five billion dollars to the FTC for privacy violations and faced lawsuits for deceptive practices.<ref name=":2" />
*Whistleblower Allegations: Internal documents show Zuckerberg prioritized engagement over safety, undermining claims of user control.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />

==Current status==
As of June 2025, Mark Zuckerberg remains the CEO and Chairman of Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook). He continues to lead the company's focus on the ''metaverse'', [[artificial intelligence]], and other emerging technologies.

===Recent developments===

*Meta's AI and Metaverse Push''':''' Meta is heavily investing in AI, including large language models (like LLaMA) and AI-driven products across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
*Threads and social media: ''Threads'', Meta's answer to [[X Corp|X]] (formerly ''Twitter), continues'' to grow, integrating more deeply with Instagram and the Fediverse (a decentralized social networking platform).
*Regulatory and Legal Issues''':''' Zuckerberg and Meta still face scrutiny over data privacy, antitrust concerns, and content moderation policies worldwide.

==Impact on consumer protection==
Mark Zuckerberg has significantly influenced consumer rights, both positively and negatively. His decisions have shaped digital privacy, data control, competition, and transparency, often sparking regulatory and public backlash.
*Data privacy and surveillance:
**Negative: Facebook (now Meta) has faced numerous scandals involving unauthorized data collection, including Cambridge Analytica (2018), where 87 million users’ data was harvested without consent.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cadwalladr |first=Carole |last2=Graham-Harrison |first2=Emma |date=March 17, 2018 |title=Revealed: 50 million Facebook profiles harvested for Cambridge Analytica in major data breach |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/17/cambridge-analytica-facebook-influence-us-election |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
**Positive: Meta introduced privacy tools and supported GDPR compliance in the EU, after the scandals.
*Algorithmic manipulation and mental health concerns:
**Negative: Studies revealed that Meta’s algorithms promoted harmful content, affecting mental health and spreading misinformation.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Wells |first=Georgia |last2=Horwitz |first2=Jeff |last3=Seetharaman |first3=Deepa |date=September 14, 2021 |title=Facebook Knows Instagram Is Toxic for Teen Girls, Company Documents Show |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-knows-instagram-is-toxic-for-teen-girls-company-documents-show-11631620739 |work=The Wall Street Journal |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250626231438/https://www.wsj.com/articles/facebook-knows-instagram-is-toxic-for-teen-girls-company-documents-show-11631620739 |archive-date=26 Jun 2025}}</ref>
**Positive: Meta has since introduced wellbeing features, such as screen time limits and content warnings.
*Monopoly power and reduced consumer choice:
**Negative: Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp led to antitrust lawsuits, limiting competition and consumer alternatives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2020 |title=FTC Sues Facebook for Illegal Monopolization |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/12/ftc-sues-facebook-illegal-monopolization |website=Federal Trade Commission |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126022633/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/12/ftc-sues-facebook-illegal-monopolization |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref>
**Positive: Some argue Meta’s ecosystem (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) provides convenience through integrated services.{{Citation needed|reason=Who is arguing this?}}
*Transparency and accountability:
**Negative: Facebook historically resisted transparency, including hiding internal research on harms.<ref name=":6" />
**Positive: Meta now publishes quarterly transparency reports on content moderation and government requests.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transparency Center |url=https://transparency.fb.com/ |website=transparency.fb.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240411083133/https://transparency.fb.com/ |archive-date=11 Apr 2024}}</ref>
*Ad targeting and consumer exploitation:
**Negative: Facebook’s micro-targeting has been criticized for enabling discriminatory ads <ref>{{Cite news |last=Angwin |first=Julia |last2=Parris Jr. |first2=Terry |date=October 28, 2016 |title=Facebook Lets Advertisers Exclude Users by Race |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/facebook-lets-advertisers-exclude-users-by-race |work=ProPublica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216064119/https://www.propublica.org/article/facebook-lets-advertisers-exclude-users-by-race |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> and exploiting user behavior.
**Positive: Meta has restricted some ad-targeting categories (e.g., race, religion) in response to criticism.
The impact Mark and Meta have had on consumer rights is mixed. Meta has introduced some privacy and transparency improvements, but Zuckerberg's history of data exploitation, monopolistic behavior, and algorithmic harms has significantly weakened consumer trust. Regulatory pressure continues to shape Meta’s policies, but critics argue that more systemic changes are needed.

==References==

[[Category:Individuals]]
<references />
[[Category:Meta]]

Elon Musk

2026-03-10T05:09:38Z

Venture18+: added categories related to companies

{{InfoboxPerson
| Name = Elon Musk
| Nationality = South African, Canadian, American
| DOB = 1971-06-28
| Industry = Transportation, Social media, AI
| Official website = https://xcancel.com/elonmusk
| Image = Elon Musk.webp
}}
''[[wikipedia:Elon Musk|Elon Reeve Musk]]'' was born June 28, 1971, and raised in Pretoria, South Africa.

==Professional background==

==Stance on consumer rights==

==Major consumer protection incidents==

==Regulatory response==

==Impact on consumer protection==

==References==

[[Category:Individuals]]
<references />
[[Category:Tesla]]
[[Category:X Corp]]

Elon Musk

2026-03-10T05:02:53Z

Venture18+: created page on Elon Musk, using Mark Zuckerberg's page as a template

Framework

2026-03-10T04:40:50Z

Venture18+: /* References */ reformatted author name, converted bare URL, added archive URL

{{CompanyCargo
| Description =
| Founded = 2020-01
| Industry = Computer Hardware
| Logo = Framework Computer logo.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Private
| Website = https://frame.work
}}

'''{{wplink|Framework Computer|Framework Computer, Inc.}}''' is an American personal computer manufacturer. It was founded in January 2020, by current CEO Nirav Patel. The company specializes in customization and repairability, the latter also helping the environment through making less laptops needing to be thrown out.

==Consumer impact summary==

===Freedom===
As a result of their products being highly modular and Framework not utilizing {{wplink|Right to repair#Software|parts pairing}}, consumers can heavily customize devices to their liking. Framework also offers DIY editions of their products which offers consumers the option to utilize their own sourced memory, storage and operating system.
===User Privacy===
As Framework sells solely the hardware and not the software, it doesn't need any more information than is necessary.

===Transparency===
Detailed assembly, repair and maintenance videos can be watched at the official knowledgebase<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the Framework Knowledge Base |url=https://knowledgebase.frame.work/ |url-status=live |website=Help Center |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260209003035/https://knowledgebase.frame.work/ |archive-date=9 Feb 2026}}</ref>. BIOS, firmware and driver updates are visible on e-mail subscription, knowledge base and (commentable) Framework Community posts<ref>{{Cite web |last=@ Quin_Chou |title=Framework Laptop 16 Ryzen 7040 BIOS 4.03 Release STABLE |url=https://community.frame.work/t/framework-laptop-16-ryzen-7040-bios-4-03-release-stable/79274 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=Framework Community |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205084159/https://community.frame.work/t/framework-laptop-16-ryzen-7040-bios-4-03-release-stable/79274 |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref>. No [[Forced BIOS Firmware Update|forced BIOS updates]] for Windows users.

===Business Model===
Framework's business model is to make repairable and customizable computers, at a hardware level.

===Market Control===
Framework is a relatively new player in the OEM PC sector, but in the niche they occupy, they are a significant player, mostly due to a lack of competition.

==Incidents==

===Laptop 13 61Wh Battery Swelling:===
The high energy density 61Wh battery has more swelling incidents than the previous 55Wh battery<ref>{{Cite web |last=@Adam_Schindler |date=2025-09-13 |title=61Wh Battery Inflated |url=https://community.frame.work/t/61wh-battery-inflated/75169 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=Framework Community |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251015213430/https://community.frame.work/t/61wh-battery-inflated/75169 |archive-date=15 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@John_Goerzen |date=2024-09-18 |title=Swollen Battery <1yr in, How to address? |url=https://community.frame.work/t/swollen-battery-1yr-in-how-to-address/57848 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=Framework Community |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219080248/https://community.frame.work/t/swollen-battery-1yr-in-how-to-address/57848 |archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@qemu-system-x86_64 |date=2025-11-12 |title=Battery swelling (FL13 / amd 7040 / 61Wh) |url=https://community.frame.work/t/battery-swelling-fl13-amd-7040-61wh/77653 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=Framework Community |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211210759/https://community.frame.work/t/battery-swelling-fl13-amd-7040-61wh/77653 |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref>. Framework mitigated this problem by having the battery automatic discharge down to 85% after fully charged and connected on AC adapter for more than three days<ref>{{Cite web |last=@Kieran_Levin |date=2024-10-25 |title=BIOS update required to prevent premature aging of 61Wh battery |url=https://community.frame.work/t/bios-update-required-to-prevent-premature-aging-of-61wh-battery/59580 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=Framework Community |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260110051537/https://community.frame.work/t/bios-update-required-to-prevent-premature-aging-of-61wh-battery/59580 |archive-date=10 Jan 2026}}</ref>. However, this function may interfere with manual charge limit setting.

===Laptop 16 Overheating:===
Early models have liquid metal as the thermal interface between the CPU and its heat sink, which is known to degrade, leading to worse and uneven heat transfer<ref>{{Cite web |last=@zachary_stout |date=2024-08-04 |title=Uneven CPU thermals! |url=https://community.frame.work/t/uneven-cpu-thermals/55614/1 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=Framework Community |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251008161122/https://community.frame.work/t/uneven-cpu-thermals/55614/1 |archive-date=8 Oct 2025}}</ref>.
Framework eventually changed to using Honeywell's PTM7958 phase change material, and the company provided a form for Laptop 16 owners at the time of the production change to request a phase change pad to replace their laptop's liquid metal.
<ref>
{{Cite web
| title=Our first new Framework Laptop 16 Expansion Bay module!
| url=https://community.frame.work/t/our-first-new-framework-laptop-16-expansion-bay-module/61888
| website=Framework Community
| date=2024-12-16
| access-date=2026-03-09
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818092408/https://community.frame.work/t/our-first-new-framework-laptop-16-expansion-bay-module/61888
| archive-date=2025-08-18
}}
</ref>
However, removing the liquid metal can be challenging - Framework's provided guide to replace the liquid metal with the PTM7958 pad rates the operation as "difficult", with 40 steps and an estimated time between 30 minutes and an hour.
<ref>
{{Cite web
| url=https://guides.frame.work/Guide/Liquid+Metal+-%3E+PTM+7958/402
| title=Liquid Metal -> PTM 7958
| website=Framework Guides
| date=2025-04-07
| access-date=2026-03-09
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303171447/https://guides.frame.work/Guide/Liquid+Metal+-%3E+PTM+7958/402
| archive-date=2026-03-03
}}
</ref>
One owner described the process as "quite a chore", though they only ended up taking "20-30 minutes to finish".
<ref>{{Cite web |author=Pham |first=Linh |date=2025-09-09 |title=Framework Laptop 16: Replacing Liquid Metal with PTM |url=https://linhpham.org/blog/2025/framework-laptop-16-replacing-liquid-metal-ptm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260310043512/https://linhpham.org/blog/2025/framework-laptop-16-replacing-liquid-metal-ptm/ |archive-date=2026-03-10 |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=linhpham.org}}</ref>

==Positivities==

===Assisting repairability:===
Framework utilizes QR codes on parts of their devices which users can scan to get support, view guides, order replacements or upgrades.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Try It Out |url=https://frame.work/try-it-out |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=Framework |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240531114153/https://frame.work/try-it-out |archive-date=31 May 2024}}</ref>

===Highly favourable reviews on iFixit:===
The Laptop 12,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chamberlain |first=Elizabeth |date=2025-06-18 |title=Tough, Tiny, and Totally Repairable: Inside the Framework 12 |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/111201/tough-tiny-and-totally-repairable-inside-the-framework-12 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122144331/https://www.ifixit.com/News/111201/tough-tiny-and-totally-repairable-inside-the-framework-12 |archive-date=22 Jan 2026}}</ref> 13<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dixon |first=Taylor |date=2021-07-28 |title=Framework Laptop Teardown: 10/10, But is it Perfect? |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/51614/framework-laptop-teardown-10-10-but-is-it-perfect |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118164148/https://www.ifixit.com/News/51614/framework-laptop-teardown-10-10-but-is-it-perfect |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref> and 16<ref>{{Cite web |last=iFixit |date=2024-01-23 |title=The Framework 16 Teardown!-Best Teardown of the year already?? |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y8uv8fajOrc |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Y8uv8fajOrc |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> have all received highly favourable reviews on [https://www.ifixit.com iFixit], a pro consumer repair outlet, for their repairability.

==Products==

*'''Framework Desktop (''February 2025''):''' a mini-computer designed to have it's case be more customizable through tiles that are able to be taken out and put back somewhere else.

*'''Framework Laptop 12 (''February 2025''):''' is told as being a customizable laptop with 360° support and it comes with a stylus, being able to practically be used as a tablet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Framework {{!}} Order your Framework Laptop 12 now |url=https://frame.work/laptop12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110160719/https://frame.work/laptop12 |archive-date=January 10, 2026 |website=frame.work}}</ref>

*'''Framework Laptop 13 (''July 2021''):''' is closer to your usual laptop, but is more repairable, it is seen as the most popular option by far from the other products.

*'''Framework Laptop 16 (''March 2023''):''' It is the second most popular option and offers more customization than the Laptop 13. It can provide greater performance, and its keyboard is customizable, allowing it to be removed and repositioned. The keypad can also be removed and replaced with lighting modules, enabling a higher level of personalization.

==See also==

*Framework About Us: https://frame.work/about
*Framework Guides: https://guides.frame.work/

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

File:Elon Musk.webp

2026-03-08T18:56:30Z

Venture18+: Image on Elon Musk's Wikipedia page as of March 2026

== Summary ==
Image on Elon Musk's Wikipedia page as of March 2026
== Licensing ==
{{From Wikimedia}}

Casey Stefanski

2026-03-08T18:50:12Z

Venture18+: added 'Individuals' category, archive URLs, publication names and author name

[[File:Casey-headshot-2-1-796x1024.jpg|alt=Casey Stefanski|thumb| Casey Stefanski ]]

Casey Stefanski is an American child safety advocate and the Executive Director of the [[Digital Childhood Alliance]], a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization founded in 2025. She is a mother of three and a retired collegiate athlete who has worked in child safety advocacy since 2012.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Digital Childhood Alliance |date=April 14, 2025 |title=Meet Digital Childhood Alliance Executive Director: Casey Stefanski. |url=https://www.digitalchildhoodalliance.org/meet-digital-childhood-alliance-executive-director-casey-stefanski/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/ctSaM |archive-date=March 8, 2026}}</ref>

Stefanski earned a degree in public policy and economics from the University of Chicago and has Capitol Hill experience working on policy issues. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with her family.<ref name=":0" />

==Career==

===National Center on Sexual Exploitation (2012–2025)===
Prior to her current role, Stefanski spent over a decade at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), an organization focused on combating sexual exploitation. She held multiple positions, including Director of Development, Deputy Executive Director, and Senior Director of Global Partnerships and Events.<ref name=":0" />

In her most prominent role, Stefanski helped establish and develop the Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation (CESE) Global Summit, which brought together organizations and advocates working against sexual exploitation worldwide. Under her leadership, the coalition grew to more than 600 member organizations.<ref name=":0" />

She was credited with helping NCOSE expand its grassroots advocacy and policy initiatives, and worked on corporate engagement to shift company policies regarding exploitation issues.<ref name=":0" />

===Digital Childhood Alliance (2025–present)===
In April 2025, Stefanski became Executive Director of the newly founded [[Digital Childhood Alliance]]. The organization, formed as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit coalition, comprises more than 50 child advocacy organizations focused on making technology safer for children and empowering parents.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Digital Childhood Alliance |title=Our Team. |url=https://www.digitalchildhoodalliance.org/our-team/}}</ref>

The Digital Childhood Alliance's primary legislative focus is the App Store Accountability Act (ASAA), which would require app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental approval before minors can download apps or make purchases.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Digital Childhood Alliance |title=App Store Accountability Act. |url=https://www.digitalchildhoodalliance.org/asaabill/}}</ref>

According to Stefanski, the ASAA aims to ensure compliance with COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) and protect children from access to inappropriate content and applications.<ref name=":1" />

==Controversy==

===Tech Company Funding Disclosure (May 2025)===
<div class="controversy-box">
⚠️ Funding Transparency Issue: In May 2025, Stefanski faced scrutiny over undisclosed tech company funding after refusing to answer direct questions about the organization's donors.
</div>

During testimony before the Louisiana State Senate Finance Committee on May 29, 2025, Louisiana Senator Jay Morris directly asked Stefanski, "Are you funded by tech companies?" Stefanski initially deflected and claimed she felt uncomfortable answering the question. When pressed for a direct yes-or-no answer, she eventually acknowledged that the Digital Childhood Alliance receives funding from tech companies but refused to identify which ones.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=McKendry |first=Nolan |date=May 29, 2025 |title=Senator presses Digital Childhood Alliance on tech industry ties |url=https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_e97200f8-13d0-4b1f-90a9-e9a7093d329f.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530051109/https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_e97200f8-13d0-4b1f-90a9-e9a7093d329f.html |archive-date=May 30, 2025 |work=Louisiana}}</ref><blockquote>"Are you funded by tech companies?" Morris asked. Stefanski "squirmed, deflected and claimed she 'didn't feel comfortable' answering." When Morris pressed for a simple yes or no answer, Stefanski eventually admitted they receive tech company funding but flatly refused to name which companies.</blockquote>When Senator Morris asked, "So, you're not going to tell us who's actually supporting it?" Stefanski declined to provide specifics beyond naming the father of the Digital Childhood Alliance's founder as the organization's largest individual donor.<ref name=":2" />

===Meta Funding Exposed (December 2025)===
In December 2025, investigative reporting revealed that [[Meta]] (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) is a significant funder of the Digital Childhood Alliance—information that Stefanski had declined to disclose during her May 2025 legislative testimony.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Lenney |first=Brian |date=December 8, 2025 |title=Meta's manipulation disguised as child safety. |url=https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2025/12/07/child-safety-bill-backed-by-meta/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215163841/https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2025/12/07/child-safety-bill-backed-by-meta/ |archive-date=February 15, 2026 |work=Deseret News}}</ref>

According to reporting, Meta also acknowledged having "collaborated with [[Digital Childhood Alliance]]."[5] Multiple sources, including Insurance Journal, documented that Meta is helping fund the organization.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Birnbaum |first=Emily |date=July 25, 2025 |title=Meta Clashes With Apple, Google Over Child Age Check Legislation. |url=https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2025/07/25/833246.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925014626/https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2025/07/25/833246.htm |archive-date=September 25, 2025 |work=Insurance Journal}}</ref>

===Conflict of Interest Allegations===
Critics have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, arguing that Stefanski's organization is advocating for policies that directly benefit its largest funder, Meta, while claiming to represent independent child safety advocacy.<ref name=":3" />

The concern centers on the [[App Store Accountability Act]], which would require comprehensive age verification systems at app stores. Critics argue that such systems disproportionately burden Meta's smaller competitors while benefiting Meta, which already has extensive verification and data collection infrastructure.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>The organization claiming to represent concerned parents is quietly funded by Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The same company whose own internal research proved its platforms devastate teenage girls' mental health is now bankrolling campaigns that blame everyone except itself.</blockquote>Critics contend that the ASAA "accomplishes nothing except creating expensive verification systems that [[Meta]]'s competitors must build and pay for."<ref name=":3" />

===501(c)(4) Status and Regulatory Structure===
The [[Digital Childhood Alliance]]'s organization as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit allows it to engage in unlimited political advocacy and lobbying while not being required to publicly disclose its donors.<ref name=":2" /> This legal structure explains why Stefanski was able to decline answering questions about her organization's funding sources during legislative testimony.

==Public Statements and Positioning==
Stefanski has stated that parental controls and existing tools are insufficient to protect children online, arguing that technology companies currently treat 13-year-olds as adults on their platforms. She has advocated for raising the age of digital accountability to 16.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sumlin |first=Hayden |date=November 10, 2025 |title=Legislator workshops legislation to keep kids safe online. |url=https://www.appenmedia.com/news/legislator-workshops-legislation-to-keep-kids-safe-online/article_553c0a56-2c27-406d-9add-37515a317321.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251203020527/https://www.appenmedia.com/news/legislator-workshops-legislation-to-keep-kids-safe-online/article_553c0a56-2c27-406d-9add-37515a317321.html |archive-date=December 3, 2025 |work=appenmedia.com}}</ref>

Regarding app stores specifically, Stefanski has characterized them as "digital gatekeepers of our children's lives" that "control what gets through, but until now, they've had zero accountability."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stokel-Walker |first=Chris |date=Jan 12, 2026 |title=The Drive For Age Assurance Is Turning App Stores Into Childhood Regulators |url=https://www.techpolicy.press/the-drive-for-age-assurance-is-turning-app-stores-into-childhood-regulators/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260219164225/https://www.techpolicy.press/the-drive-for-age-assurance-is-turning-app-stores-into-childhood-regulators/ |archive-date=February 19, 2026 |work=www.techpolicy.press}}</ref>

==References==

[[Category:Individuals]]
<references />

Digital Childhood Alliance

2026-03-08T17:44:58Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added archive URLs, author name and publication names; removed duplicate wikilinks to Stefanski's page

The Digital Childhood Alliance is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization that operates as a coalition of child safety advocacy groups.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Lenney |first=Brian |date=Dec 7, 2025 |title=Opinion: The ‘child safety’ bill that’s actually protecting Meta |url=https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2025/12/07/child-safety-bill-backed-by-meta/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215163841/https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2025/12/07/child-safety-bill-backed-by-meta/ |archive-date=2026-02-15 |work=Deseret News}}</ref> The coalition includes more than 50 child advocacy groups, including prominent conservative organizations such as the Institute for Family Studies, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, and the Heritage Foundation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watson |first=Eric |date=February 28, 2025 |title=Over 50 conservative groups form Digital Childhood Alliance to push for child safety online |url=https://pixelkin.org/2025/02/28/over-50-conservative-groups-form-digital-childhood-alliance-to-push-for-child-safety-online/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724113123/https://pixelkin.org/2025/02/28/over-50-conservative-groups-form-digital-childhood-alliance-to-push-for-child-safety-online/ |archive-date=2025-07-24 |work=pixelkin.org}}</ref>
==Funding and transparency==
The Digital Childhood Alliance has received funding from [[Meta]], according to reporting by multiple sources.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Birnbaum |first=Emily |date=July 25, 2025 |title=Meta Clashes With Apple, Google Over Child Age Check Legislation |url=https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2025/07/25/833246.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925014626/https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2025/07/25/833246.htm |archive-date=2025-09-25 |work=Insurance Journal}}</ref> Meta is also collaborating with the organization, which leads advocacy efforts for app store identity verification (a.k.a [[age verification]]) legislation.

[[Casey Stefanski]], the executive director of the Digital Childhood Alliance, testified before the Louisiana State Senate that the organization receives funding from tech companies, including [[Meta]], but initially declined to provide specifics about which companies fund the organization. Stefanski confirmed that she "didn't feel comfortable" answering direct questions about tech company funding initially. When pressed for a yes-or-no answer about whether tech companies provide funding, she eventually confirmed they do but refused to name them. The organization is registered as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, a classification that allows for political advocacy without requiring disclosure of donors.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McKendry |first=Nolan |date=May 29, 2025 |title=Senator presses Digital Childhood Alliance on tech industry ties |url=https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_e97200f8-13d0-4b1f-90a9-e9a7093d329f.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530194139/https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_e97200f8-13d0-4b1f-90a9-e9a7093d329f.html |archive-date=2025-05-30 |work=Louisiana}}</ref>

==App Store Accountability Act advocacy==
The Digital Childhood Alliance is a coalition of conservative groups leading efforts to pass app store age verification legislation. The organization's primary legislative focus is the [[App Store Accountability Act]], which would require age verification at the point of app store access. The organization's official materials state that the App Store Accountability Act "has garnered support from leading child safety organizations, including the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and the Institute for Family Studies, as well as major tech companies like Meta."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Digital Childhood Alliance. |first= |title=App Store Accountability Act FAQ. |url=https://www.digitalchildhoodalliance.org/faq/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803081506/https://www.digitalchildhoodalliance.org/faq/ |archive-date=2025-08-03 |website=www.digitalchildhoodalliance.org}}</ref>

==Regulatory complaints==
The alliance has filed complaints with the [[Federal Trade Commission]] against [[Apple]] and [[Google]] regarding app store practices.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kaminski |first=Anna |date=March 5, 2026 |title=Tech companies vie for influence over Kansas app store age verification legislation |url=https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/05/tech-companies-vie-for-influence-over-kansas-app-store-age-verification-legislation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260308173950/https://kansasreflector.com/2026/03/05/tech-companies-vie-for-influence-over-kansas-app-store-age-verification-legislation/ |archive-date=2026-03-08 |work=Kansas Reflector}}</ref>

==Public scrutiny==
In December 2025, investigative reporting exposed the Meta funding relationship that Stefanski had declined to disclose publicly during legislative testimony.<ref name=":0" /> Critics have argued that the funding arrangement creates a conflict of interest, as the organization advocates for policies that benefit Meta while preventing accountability for [[Meta]]'s own platform practices regarding minors.

==References==
<references />
==External Links==
• Digital Childhood Alliance official website - [https://www.digitalchildhoodalliance.org/]

Flock Safety

2026-03-08T16:33:39Z

Venture18+: /* References */ reformatted citation 2 URL

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2017
|Industry=Surveillance Technology
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.flocksafety.com,
|Description=Flock Safety is an American surveillance technology company that develops and operates a mass surveillance system combining automated license plate readers (LPRs), video surveillance cameras, gunshot detection, drones, and data analytics platforms used by thousands of law enforcement agencies and private entities across the United States.
|Logo=Flock Safety Logo (2025).svg
}}

'''{{Wplink|Flock Safety}}''' is a technology company that creates and operates an extensive surveillance network using automated license plate readers (ALPRs) and related technologies.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=23 Oct 2025 |title=Highlights from Denver's Flock camera town hall – Mayor didn't show up |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dkIiLWuXBE |access-date=30 Oct 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |type=Video |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=1dkIiLWuXBE |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Flock was founded in 2017 by Georgia Tech alumni Garrett Langley (CEO), Matt Feury (CTO), and Paige Todd (CPO), beginning as a side project where they built their first surveillance cameras by hand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edmonson |first=Crystal |date=22 Aug 2023 |title=Flock Safety cameras help police amid worker shortage, CEO Garrett Langley says |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2023/08/22/flock-safety-ceo-garrett-langley-podcast.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=dead |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |website=Atlanta Business Chronicle}}</ref> The company operates on a "surveillance as a service" business model, owning and maintaining camera infrastructure while charging recurring fees to law enforcement agencies, private communities, and businesses for access to its surveillance data and network.<ref name="FlockFunding">{{Cite web |title=Accelerating Innovation: Flock Secures $275 Million to Advance Crime-Solving Technology |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-secures-major-funding |website=Flock Safety |date=13 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222220945/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-secures-major-funding |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

As of mid-2025, independent reporting and public records indicate the Flock network comprised more than 80,000 AI-enabled cameras nationwide.<ref name="Koebler2025">{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |title=CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide |url=https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |website=404 Media |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=29 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825211512/https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Flock's materials state deployments in roughly 5,000 communities, and the company reports the system processes "over 20 billion" vehicle scans per month; these latter two figures are company-provided and should be read as Flock's claims rather than independently verified totals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City Leaders Choose Flock Safety: A Proven, Community-Focused Public Safety Solution |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/city-leaders-choose-flock-safety-a-proven-community-focused-public-safety-solution |website=Flock Safety |date=28 May 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221008/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/city-leaders-choose-flock-safety-a-proven-community-focused-public-safety-solution |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Real-Time Vehicle Leads, Nationwide |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/national-lpr-network |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221124/https://www.flocksafety.com/products/national-lpr-network |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=FlockOS |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-os |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221144/https://www.flocksafety.com/products/flock-os |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

The company reported surpassing roughly $300 million in annual recurring revenue. In March 2025, it closed a $275 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, which independent reporting estimated valued the company at about $7.5 billion.<ref name="FlockFunding" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hu |first=Krystal |title=US startup Flock Safety raises $275 million to fund manufacturing plant, R&D |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-startup-flock-safety-raises-275-million-fund-manufacturing-plant-rd-2025-03-13/ |website=Reuters |date=13 Mar 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/JaV0t |archive-date=13 Mar 2025}}</ref> As of 2025, the company has raised a total of $957.5 million in funding.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=MacBride |first=Elizabeth |title=Flock Safety: 2025 CNBC Disruptor 50 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/flock-safety-cnbc-disruptor-50.html |website=CNBC |date=10 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612102045/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/10/flock-safety-cnbc-disruptor-50.html |archive-date=12 Jun 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
===Privacy===
Critics, including civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that Flock's mass surveillance network violates privacy rights and represents a form of constant public monitoring that differs fundamentally from traditional, fleeting police observation.<ref name="ACLUStanley">{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=Flock's Aggressive Expansions Go Far Beyond Simple Driver Surveillance |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-roundup |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819025249/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-roundup |archive-date=19 Aug 2025}}</ref> A lawsuit filed in 2024 challenges the constitutionality of warrant-less searches of ALPR databases; courts have split on the issue in different jurisdictions, and rulings continue to be appealed. For example, a federal complaint in ''Schmidt v. City of Norfolk'' (E.D. Va.) alleges repeated location logging by ALPRs, while appellate activity in related Virginia cases continued into 2025. Readers should consult the cited court documents and reporting for further developments.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Collier |first=Kevin |title=Police cameras tracked one driver 526 times in four months, lawsuit says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |website=NBC News |date=18 Sep 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918133508/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/virginia-police-used-flock-cameras-track-driver-safety-lawsuit-surveil-rcna230399 |archive-date=18 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Flock Applauds Virginia Court of Appeals Ruling Affirming Constitutionality of LPR Cameras |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-applauds-virginia-court-of-appeals-ruling-affirming-constitutionality-of-lpr-cameras |website=Flock Safety |date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221255/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-applauds-virginia-court-of-appeals-ruling-affirming-constitutionality-of-lpr-cameras |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The system does not offer a public opt-out mechanism.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Leaving the Door Wide Open: Flock Surveillance Systems Expose Washington Data to Immigration Enforcement |url=https://jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/2025/10/21/leaving-the-door-wide-open/ |website=University of Washington Center for Human Rights
|date=21 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251113234912/https://jsis.washington.edu/humanrights/2025/10/21/leaving-the-door-wide-open/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref> This raised concerns about the potential for misuse, profiling, and long-term monitoring of individuals and their associations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamid |first=Sarah |last2=Alajaji |first2=Rindala |title=Flock Safety's Feature Updates Cannot Make Automated License Plate Readers Safe |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=27 Jun 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250628052030/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/06/flock-safetys-feature-updates-cannot-make-automated-license-plate-readers-safe |archive-date=28 Jun 2025}}</ref>

Specific privacy violations include:
*Warrant-less tracking and data sharing: Flock's business model enables a nationwide data-sharing network that allows thousands of law enforcement agencies to access location data without warrants or reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing.<ref name="ACLUStanley" />

*Expanded audio surveillance: In 2025, Flock announced that its Raven gunshot detection systems would begin listening for "human distress" sounds, such as screaming, expanding beyond gunshot detection to voice monitoring.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guariglia |first=Matthew |title=Flock's Gunshot Detection Microphones Will Start Listening for Human Voices
|url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flocks-gunshot-detection-microphones-will-start-listening-human-voices |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029213640/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flocks-gunshot-detection-microphones-will-start-listening-human-voices |archive-date=29 Oct 2025}}</ref>

*Undermining state shield laws: Despite state laws protecting healthcare access, out-of-state officers from jurisdictions that criminalize abortion or gender-affirming care can access Flock data on residents of protective states.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maass |first=Dave |title=Flock Safety and Texas Sheriff Claimed License Plate Search Was for a Missing Person. It Was an Abortion Investigation. |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007134746/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref>

*Immigration enforcement: Research from the University of Washington Center for Human Rights documented systematic access to Flock data by federal immigration authorities, often in violation of state laws.<ref name=":0" /> This occurred through three methods: "front door" access, where agencies directly shared data with Border Patrol; "back door" access via a default "National Lookup" setting that granted federal access without explicit local authorization; and "side door" searches where local officers ran searches on behalf of ICE.<ref name=":0" />

*Contractual privacy overreach: The ACLU of Massachusetts found that Flock's default service agreement grants the company a "worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free" license to disclose agency data for "investigative purposes," even if a local police department has chosen to restrict data-sharing with other agencies.<ref name="ACLUStanley2">{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=Flock Can Share Driver-Surveillance Data Even When Police Departments Opt Out, And Other Flock Developments |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-massachusetts-and-updates |website=American Civil Liberties Union |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=6 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024234020/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-massachusetts-and-updates |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref>

===Business model===
Flock Safety operates on a subscription-based "safety-as-a-service" model.<ref name="Sacra">{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety revenue, growth rate & funding |url=https://sacra.com/c/flock-safety/ |website=Sacra |url-access=limited |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251123150450/https://sacra.com/c/flock-safety/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref> The company charges approximately $2,500 per camera annually, plus a one-time installation fee.<ref name="Sacra" /> This subscription includes maintenance, software updates, and data hosting. Forbes reported in 2025 that a single license plate reader camera costs between $3,000 and $3,500, with additional fees for the FlockOS platform.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=AI Startup Flock Thinks It Can Eliminate All Crime In America |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |website=Forbes |date=3 Sep 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903144312/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2025/09/03/ai-startup-flock-thinks-it-can-eliminate-all-crime-in-america/ |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref> This model has proven highly successful, with the company reporting over $300 million in annual recurring revenue as of 2024, reflecting a 70% year-over-year increase.<ref name="FlockFunding" />

Flock's AI-enabled cameras capture detailed vehicle "[[Device fingerprint|fingerprints]]" — including make, model, color, bumper stickers, damages, and other distinguishing characteristics — in addition to license plates,<ref name=":4" /> with footage retained for thirty days before deletion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Flock Safety Eliminates Neighborhood Crime While Protecting Resident Privacy |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/how-flock-safety-protects-resident-privacy |website=Flock Safety |date=11 Mar 2019 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221357/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/how-flock-safety-protects-resident-privacy |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The company's network benefits from strong network effects. Investor Andreessen Horowitz has stated the system's power grows with adoption, as "digital evidence can be pooled across different law enforcement agencies," creating network effects that increase surveillance capabilities as more agencies join.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ulevitch
|first=David |last2=George |first2=David |title=Investing in Flock Safety |url=https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-flock-safety/ |website=Andreessen Horowitz |date=13 Jul 2021 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928171419/https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-flock-safety/ |archive-date=28 Sep 2023}}</ref> As cameras are deployed across more jurisdictions, participating agencies gain access to a broader shared data pool.

Flock initially focused on homeowner's associations — which still account for roughly 40% of its business — before expanding rapidly into law enforcement and enterprise sectors, illustrating a "land-and-expand" growth strategy.<ref name="Sacra" /> Major venture capital firms have invested heavily, signaling strong market confidence. In March 2025, a funding round of $275 million was led by Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from Green Oaks Capital, Bedrock Capital, and Tiger Global, among others, valuing the company at $7.5 billion.<ref name="FlockFunding" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pavri |first=Rezwan D. |last2=Conklin |first2=Colin G. |title=Wilson Sonsini Advises Flock Safety on $275 Million Financing |url=https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/wilson-sonsini-advises-flock-safety-on-dollar275-million-financing.html |website=Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati |date=14 Mar 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250315234904/https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/wilson-sonsini-advises-flock-safety-on-dollar275-million-financing.html |archive-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref> Major corporate clients include retailers like {{Wplink|Lowe's}} and {{Wplink|FedEx}}, mall operator {{Wplink|Simon Property Group}}, and healthcare provider {{Wplink|Kaiser Permanente}}.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=America's Biggest Mall Owner Is Sharing AI Surveillance Feeds Directly With Cops |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/05/06/simon-property-and-flock-safety-feed-ai-surveillance-feeds-to-the-cops/ |website=Forbes |date=6 May 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203012902/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/05/06/simon-property-and-flock-safety-feed-ai-surveillance-feeds-to-the-cops/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brewster |first=Thomas |title=FedEx's Secretive Police Force Is Helping Cops Build An AI Car Surveillance Network |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |website=Forbes |date=19 Jun 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128023325/https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2024/06/19/fedex-police-help-cops-build-an-ai-car-surveillance-network/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

Strategic acquisitions and infrastructure investment fuel the company's expansion. Following its acquisition of Aerodome in October 2024, Flock Safety is building a 100,000-square-foot U.S.A. manufacturing facility for drone production.<ref name=":1" />

==Surveillance technology==
{{Main|Flock license plate readers}}

Flock Safety offers an integrated ecosystem of surveillance hardware and software marketed as a public safety platform.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety Product Hub |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/products |website=Flock Safety |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221459/https://www.flocksafety.com/products |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The hardware component includes solar-powered ALPRs;<ref name=":2" /> video cameras with AI-powered analytics for people and vehicle detection;<ref name=":2" /> acoustic sensors that identify gunshots and breaking glass for real-time alerts;<ref name=":2" /> and drones acquired through Aerodome for "drone as first responder" systems automatically dispatched to emergency calls.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Expands Into Drones |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-expands-into-drones-for-law-enforcement-with-acquisition-of-aerodome |website=Flock Safety |date=17 Oct 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221554/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/flock-safety-expands-into-drones-for-law-enforcement-with-acquisition-of-aerodome |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Specific product models include the Falcon and Sparrow license plate readers, as well as the Raven gunshot detection system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katz-Lecabe |first=Mike |title=Dissection of Flock Safety Camera |url=https://www.chrp.org/blog/dissection-of-flock-safety-camera |website=The Center for Human Rights and Privacy |date=1 Apr 2022 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430151222/https://www.cehrp.org/dissection-of-flock-safety-camera/ |archive-date=30 Apr 2022}}</ref> Flock's software integrates with police vehicle systems, including widely-used {{Wplink|Axon Enterprise|Axon}} dashcams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Axon Partners with Flock Safety to Enhance Security for Cities and Neighborhoods |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-partners-with-flock-safety-to-enhance-security-for-cities-and-neighborhoods-301033947.html |website=PR Newswire |date=2 Apr 2020 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404123408/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axon-partners-with-flock-safety-to-enhance-security-for-cities-and-neighborhoods-301033947.html |archive-date=4 Apr 2020}}</ref>

The software platform includes FlockOS, a real-time crime center platform that enables users to view maps and geographic data, body camera and drone feeds, 911 call data, as well as traffic camera and acoustic sensor data.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Evolution of FlockOS: How Customer Feedback Continues to Shape the Future |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/the-evolution-of-flockos-how-customer-feedback-continues-to-shape-the-future |website=Flock Safety |date=5 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221633/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/the-evolution-of-flockos-how-customer-feedback-continues-to-shape-the-future
|archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> FlockOS enables the National LPR Network, a nationwide database for sharing and searching LPR data across jurisdictions; and Flock Nova, a data analytics platform that integrates LPR data with law enforcement systems, such as Records Management Systems (RMS) and Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), to identify patterns.<ref name=":2" />

==Incidents==
===The FBI is accused in pending lawsut to use Flock data to "create a domestic terrorist" (February 2026)===
in a recent reporting by LegalEagle on Youtube https://youtu.be/ZRZoGc3Wdpo?t=1138 at timestamp 18:58 Court documents are shown where Law enforcement collects 30 days of movements from Flock cameras (after the fact) in efforts to "construct the appearance the person is a domestic terrorist", the release of this footage was denied to ensure people not know where the cameras are in order to avoid them. this was in part of the ICE operation "Midway Blitz"
===Wrongful package theft accusation in Bow Mar, Colorado (September 2025)===
On 27 September 2025, Columbine Valley Police Sgt. Jamie Milliman wrongfully accused Denver resident Chrisanna Elser of package theft, relying exclusively on Flock Safety license plate reader data that placed her vehicle in Bow Mar during the robbery.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Kenney |first=Andrew |title=Police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of package theft. She had her own evidence |url=https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ |website=Denverite |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251028180112/https://denverite.com/2025/10/27/bow-mar-flock-cameras-accusation/ |archive-date=28 Oct 2025}}</ref> The officer asserted "zero doubt" about her guilt, telling her verbatim, "It is locked in. There is zero doubt. I wouldn't have come here unless I was 100% sure." He also bragged about the extensive surveillance network, stating "You can't get a breath of fresh air, in or out of that place, without us knowing."<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Prentzel |first=Olivia |title=After police used Flock cameras to accuse a Denver woman of theft, she had to prove her own innocence |url=https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ |website=The Colorado Sun |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251112221400/https://coloradosun.com/2025/10/28/flock-camera-police-colorado-columbine-valley/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref> When Elser denied the accusation, Milliman refused to show her the supposed evidence, stating, "You have not been honest with me, so I'm not going to extend you any courtesy of showing you a video when I don't need to."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coon |first=Anna |title=Police use Flock cameras to wrongfully accuse Denver woman of theft |url=https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ |website=KDVR |date=28 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251103031304/https://kdvr.com/news/local/police-use-flock-cameras-to-wrongfully-accuse-denver-woman-of-theft/ |archive-date=3 Nov 2025}}</ref> Elser was compelled to compile extensive exculpatory evidence, including dashcam footage, Google Timeline data, witness statements, and surveillance images from her tailor. She ultimately submitted a seven-page affidavit and a voluminous Google Drive folder to prove her innocence.<ref name=":5" /> The summons was voided several weeks later after Police Chief Bret Cottrell reviewed her evidence, writing, "After reviewing the evidence you have provided (nicely done btw), we have voided the summons that was issued." However, the department provided neither an apology nor an explanation.<ref name=":6" />

===Denver contract and surveillance controversy (October 2025 ongoing)===
On 22 October 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston unilaterally renewed the city's contract with Flock Safety through an emergency executive order just hours before a town hall protest, after the Denver City Council had unanimously rejected the contract 12-0.<ref name="cbsdenver">{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Chierstin |title=Some on the Denver City Council upset after Mayor Mike Johnston moves forward with controversial Flock cameras |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-camera-denver-city-council-mayor/ |website=CBS News Colorado |date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251030171650/https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/flock-camera-denver-city-council-mayor/ |archive-date=30 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref name="coloradopolitics">{{Cite web |last=Grigsby |first=Deborah |title=Anger grows as Denver mayor extends Flock camera contract |url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/10/23/anger-grows-as-denver-mayor-extends-flock-camera-contract/ |website=Colorado Politics |date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024231906/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/2025/10/23/anger-grows-as-denver-mayor-extends-flock-camera-contract/ |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref> The council's rejection was due to a lack of guardrails around data access and privacy concerns.<ref name="cbsdenver" /> The mayor's move, described by Councilwoman Shontel Lewis as "'king' behavior," bypassed the democratic process and sparked immediate public backlash.<ref name="cbsdenver" /> A town hall protest organized by consumer advocate Louis Rossmann drew close to 700 attendees, filling a main conference room and overflow spaces.<ref name="coloradopolitics" /><ref name=":7" /> Rossmann had also published a guide for residents to oppose the cameras.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=A guide to de‑flocking Denver: here's EXACTLY what you need to do, step‑by‑step. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxJIp_4RaWk |website=[[YouTube]] |date=20 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |type=Video |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=cxJIp_4RaWk |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> The new, no-cost five-month extension included new safeguards, such as a $100,000 fine on Flock for any unauthorized data sharing and cutting off access for all jurisdictions outside of the Denver Police Department.<ref name="cbsdenver" /><ref name="coloradopolitics" /> The mayor's office cited the technology's role in recovering stolen vehicles and solving homicides, while critics remained concerned about executive overreach and the system's potential for misuse.<ref name="cbsdenver" /><ref name="coloradopolitics" />

===Data sharing with federal immigration authorities (Ongoing)===
Federal immigration enforcement agencies systematically accessed Flock's license plate data through multiple methods despite state laws prohibiting such sharing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler
|first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=ICE Taps into Nationwide AI-Enabled Camera Network, Data Shows |url=https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |website=404 Media |date=27 May 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527141200/https://www.404media.co/ice-taps-into-nationwide-ai-enabled-camera-network-data-shows/ |archive-date=27 May 2025}}</ref> This included direct "front door" access where at least eight Washington law enforcement agencies enabled 1:1 data sharing with the U.S. Border Patrol,<ref name=":0" /> "back door" access where Border Patrol searched data from at least ten Washington police departments without explicit authorization,<ref name=":0" /> and "side door" searches where local officers conducted searches on behalf of ICE, visible only when officers typed reasons like "ICE" into search fields.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |title=CBP Had Access to More than 80,000 Flock AI Cameras Nationwide |url=https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |website=404 Media
|date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825211512/https://www.404media.co/cbp-had-access-to-more-than-80-000-flock-ai-cameras-nationwide/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> Internal Flock data revealed that CBP had access to more than 80,000 cameras nationwide, with searches conducted in multiple states, potentially violating state sanctuary laws.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=John |title=License plate camera company halts cooperation with federal agencies among investigation concerns |url=https://abc7.com/post/flock-safety-license-plate-camera-company-halts-cooperation-federal-agencies-among-investigation-concerns-including-il/17653876/ |website=ABC7 |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827010855/https://abc7.com/post/flock-safety-license-plate-camera-company-halts-cooperation-federal-agencies-among-investigation-concerns-including-il/17653876/ |archive-date=27 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Investigation of abortion seeker (May 2025)===
A Johnson County, Texas sheriff's officer conducted a nationwide surveillance operation using Flock Safety's network to track a woman who had a self-managed abortion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=A Texas Cop Searched License Plate Cameras Nationwide for a Woman Who Got an Abortion |url=https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/ |website=404 Media |date=29 May 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250529181049/https://www.404media.co/a-texas-cop-searched-license-plate-cameras-nationwide-for-a-woman-who-got-an-abortion/ |archive-date=29 May 2025}}</ref> The search spanned 6,809 different Flock networks and queried data from over 83,000 cameras across multiple states.<ref name=":0" /> The officer specifically searched Flock camera data from Yakima and Prosser, Washington, accessing surveillance data from jurisdictions where abortion is legally protected to investigate someone from a restrictive state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |last2=Cox |first2=Joseph |title=Police Said They Surveilled Woman Who Had an Abortion for Her 'Safety.' Court Records Show They Considered Charging Her With a Crime |url=https://www.404media.co/police-said-they-surveilled-woman-who-had-an-abortion-for-her-safety-court-records-show-they-considered-charging-her-with-a-crime/ |website=404 Media |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007135454/https://www.404media.co/police-said-they-surveilled-woman-who-had-an-abortion-for-her-safety-court-records-show-they-considered-charging-her-with-a-crime/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref> While police initially claimed the surveillance was for the woman's "safety," internal documents revealed the case was officially logged as a "death investigation" and detectives had consulted the district attorney about charging the woman.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Epstein |first=Gideon |title=Flock Gives Law Enforcement All Over the Country Access to Your Location |url=https://data.aclum.org/2025/10/07/flock-gives-law-enforcement-all-over-the-country-access-to-your-location/ |website=ACLU Massachusetts |date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018052911/https://data.aclum.org/2025/10/07/flock-gives-law-enforcement-all-over-the-country-access-to-your-location/ |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref> The incident sparked a congressional investigation and led to multiple jurisdictions re-evaluating their Flock contracts over concerns about reproductive rights surveillance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stanley |first=Jay |title=I'm Hearing About More Pushback Against Flock, Fueled by Concern Over Anti-Immigrant Uses |url=https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-pushback |website=ACLU |date=21 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821161654/https://www.aclu.org/news/privacy-technology/flock-pushback |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref>

===Paused federal pilots and systemic data sharing with federal agencies (August 2025)===
Flock Safety announced it was pausing all ongoing pilot programs with Department of Homeland Security agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Langley |first=Garrett |title=Ensuring Local Compliance |url=https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/ensuring-local-compliance |website=Flock Safety |date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221731/https://www.flocksafety.com/blog/ensuring-local-compliance |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The company stated this pause was to "ensure local compliance" and admitted its previous public statements had "inadvertently provided inaccurate information" about the level of federal access to its network.<ref name=":3" />

This decision followed investigations revealing systemic data sharing with federal immigration authorities that potentially violated state laws in Washington, Illinois, and other states with sanctuary protections.<ref name=":0" /> A University of Washington Center for Human Rights report documented three methods of federal access:

*Front door access: At least eight Washington law enforcement agencies, including police departments in Yakima and Wenatchee, enabled direct data sharing with U.S. Border Patrol.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="wenatchee">{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Jordan |title=Flock Safety setting allowed U.S. Border Patrol access to Wenatchee Valley license plate data without police knowledge |url=https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/flock-safety-setting-allowed-u-s-border-patrol-access-to-wenatchee-valley-license-plate-data/article_8335941e-161c-594d-bc51-a56e0bd7251b.html |website=The Wenatchee World |date=27 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251103210114/https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/local/flock-safety-setting-allowed-u-s-border-patrol-access-to-wenatchee-valley-license-plate-data/article_8335941e-161c-594d-bc51-a56e0bd7251b.html |archive-date=3 Nov 2025}}</ref>

*Back door access: A default "National Lookup" setting allowed Border Patrol to access data from at least ten Washington agencies without explicit authorization. Police chiefs in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee stated they were unaware of this setting and disabled it upon discovery.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="wenatchee" />

*Side door searches: Law enforcement officers conducted searches on behalf of ICE, visible only when officers typed reasons like "ICE" or "illegal immigration" into search fields.<ref name=":0" /> A public interest law firm noted Flock's pause of direct federal access does little to prevent this workaround, as "federal law enforcement cannot directly access this trove of information; they can just ask other Flock customers to run searches or share log-in information."<ref name="ij">{{Cite web |last=King |first=Dan |title=Public Interest Law Firm Responds to Flock Safety Pausing Federal Access to License Plate Reader Cameras |url=https://ij.org/press-release/public-interest-law-firm-responds-to-flock-safety-pausing-federal-access-to-license-plate-reader-cameras/ |website=Institute for Justice |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250925231824/https://ij.org/press-release/public-interest-law-firm-responds-to-flock-safety-pausing-federal-access-to-license-plate-reader-cameras/ |archive-date=25 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Consumer complaints about business practices===
Multiple independent user reviews on {{Wplink|Trustpilot}}, as well as reports from legal advocacy groups, detail a range of consumer complaints against Flock Safety. These issues span predatory billing practices, unreliable hardware, inadequate customer support, and concerns over the value and ethics of the service.

*Predatory billing and contract issues: Customers report aggressive auto-renewal practices. One review alleges the company sent termination notices to the incorrect party and then enforced an auto-renewed two-year contract for nearly $10,000, demanding payment because the customer did not provide a thirty-day termination notice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fiala |first=Steven |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Steven Fiala on 1/8/2025 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/677ef12bc84c2a5269f7cb9c |website=Trustpilot |date=8 Jan 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108013844/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/677ef12bc84c2a5269f7cb9c |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> Another customer claimed the company would not offer a refund for cameras they found to be useless, describing the system as a "rip off."<ref name="TrustPilot RR">{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Ruben |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Ruben Rodriguez on 10/13/2023 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65292d1cd90a6358742b453b |website=Trustpilot |date=13 Oct 2023 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108014407/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65292d1cd90a6358742b453b |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> The Institute for Justice has raised concerns that Flock tries to "lock customers into its products."<ref name="ij" />

*Poor camera reliability and performance: Reviews frequently cite hardware failures and poor video quality. One neighborhood reported that a camera, costing $4,000 per year, was operational for only nine days before failing and had been offline for 25% of its total service time.<ref name="TrustPilot SE">{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Steve |title=Flock Safety reviewed by Steve Elliott on 6/20/2025 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68553b4c0981a42b5f818398 |website=Trustpilot |date=20 Jun 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108020837/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/68553b4c0981a42b5f818398 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> Another customer complained that the cameras are "not live" and lack night vision, concluding that a "$300 video camera system from Harbor Freight is 100% better."<ref name="TrustPilot RR" />

*Inadequate customer support: Numerous complaints have been made about poor customer service, particularly among smaller communities and organizations. One reviewer felt that the company is "focused on big city/county government contracts" and that "little guys are at the back of the line for support."<ref name="TrustPilot SE" /> The company's profile on TrustPilot indicates that it has not replied to negative reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flock Safety Reviews |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/flocksafety.com |website=TrustPilot |date= |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108022250/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/flocksafety.com |archive-date=8 Jan 2026 |quote=Hasn’t replied to negative reviews}}</ref>

*Ethical and legal concerns: Some criticisms extend beyond business practices to the product's societal impact. Major civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have published analyses raising significant privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns about the technology.<ref name="ACLUStanley" /> The ACLU has also published analyses raising considerable privacy concerns about the technology.<ref name="ACLUStanley2" />

==Lawsuits==
===''Schmidt v. City of Norfolk'' (18 September 2025)===
A lawsuit in Norfolk, VA, revealed that the city's ALPR system has logged the location of a plaintiff's vehicle 526 times in 4 months.<ref name=":9" /> The second plaintiff had their vehicle's position logged 849 times in a similar time period. The ALPR system is provided by Flock to the Norfolk Police Department in a deal costing $2.2 million, in return for Flock providing services through to the end of 2027. The camera installation began in 2023 and, at present, there are 176 cameras around the city. The lawsuit is requesting that the plaintiff's data be deleted and the cameras be turned off, arguing that these actions constitute an infringement of the Fourth Amendment and a warrant-less search. Flock counters this assertion by claiming that "LPRs do not constitute a warrant-less search because they take point-in-time photos of cars in public and cannot continuously track the movements of any individual." This legal position was supported by a ruling from the Virginia Court of Appeals in October 2025, which reversed a lower court and found that warrant-less use of Flock's system does not violate the Fourth Amendment.<ref name=":10" />

===''United States v. Martin'' (11 October 2024)===
In ''United States v. Martin'' (E.D. Va.), the district court denied a motion to suppress evidence obtained via an ALPR network, issuing a memorandum opinion on 11 October 2024. The court concluded that the images at issue were point-in-time photographs of vehicles on public roads and therefore did not establish a reasonable expectation of privacy for purposes of the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payne |first=Robert E. |title=MEMORANDUM OPINION, United States v. Martin, No. 3:23-cr-150 (E.D. Va. Oct. 11, 2024) |url=https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/united-states-v-martin-1056100094 |url-access=limited |website=vLex |date=11 Oct 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260108024629/https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/united-states-v-martin-1056100094 |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> 

Legal commentators have treated the ruling as a persuasive decision supporting warrant-less searches of ALPR/Flock databases in that jurisdiction; however, it remains a district-court decision and not binding precedent outside the Eastern District of Virginia. Courts in other jurisdictions have reached different conclusions on the warrant requirements for ALPR searches.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grosdidier |first=Pierre |title=Authorities can search Flock databases without a warrant |url=https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67513 |website=Texas Bar Journal |date=Apr 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250418012511/https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=articles&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67513 |archive-date=18 Apr 2025}}</ref>

===Public records lawsuits in Washington (2025)===
Multiple public-records disputes over Flock camera data have led to litigation in Washington. In one high-profile example, the cities of Sedro-Woolley and Stanwood filed a declaratory-judgment action in Skagit County (Case No. 25-2-00717-29), asking a court to declare that images and data stored in Flock's AWS cloud are not "public records" under the Washington Public Records Act (PRA) unless and until a public agency accesses and downloads them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Guildner |first=Emily |title=City of Sedro-Woolley and City of Stanwood v. Jose Rodriguez — Complaint for Declaratory Judgment |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/901263718/City-of-Sedro-Woolley-v-Jose-Rodriguez-Complaint-for-Declaratory-Judgement |website=Scribd |date=16 Jul 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222221830/https://www.scribd.com/document/901263718/City-of-Sedro-Woolley-v-Jose-Rodriguez-Complaint-for-Declaratory-Judgement |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> The dispute became contested in multiple forums after the requester filed his own suit and responsive filings, alleging that the cities had violated the PRA. While the litigation proceeds, some municipalities have paused or disabled Flock camera deployments pending a judicial ruling on whether the raw images and data must be released as public records.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peterson |first=Jenna |title=Stanwood pauses Flock cameras amid public records lawsuits |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-pauses-flock-cameras-amid-public-records-lawsuits/ |website=HeraldNet |date=10 Sep 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911213648/https://www.heraldnet.com/news/stanwood-pauses-flock-cameras-amid-public-records-lawsuits/ |archive-date=11 Sep 2025}}</ref>

===Norfolk Circuit Court warrant requirement (2024-2025)===
In June 2024, a Norfolk Circuit Court judge granted a defendant's motion to suppress evidence obtained from the city's Flock ALPR system, ruling that, in that case, warrant-less access to the system implicated the Fourth Amendment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=King |first=Katie |title=Norfolk judge rejects police Flock camera evidence without warrant |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/15/one-nation-under-watch-norfolk-judge-rejects-police-flock-camera-evidence-without-warrant/ |website=The Virginian-Pilot |date=15 Jun 2024 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702005515/https://www.pilotonline.com/2024/06/15/one-nation-under-watch-norfolk-judge-rejects-police-flock-camera-evidence-without-warrant/ |archive-date=2 Jul 2024}}</ref>

That trial-court ruling was later reversed by the Virginia Court of Appeals in ''Commonwealth v. Church'' in Oct 2025, which concluded the circuit court erred and held that the ALPR images at issue were point-in-time photographs of vehicles in public and therefore did not require a search warrant; the appellate court reversed the suppression and remanded for further proceedings.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beales |first=Randolph A. |title=Commonwealth v. Ronnie D. Church, No. 0737-25-1 (Va. Ct. App. Oct. 2025) (unpublished opinion) |url=https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/0737251.pdf |website=Virginia Court System |date=14 Oct 2025 |access-date=7 Jan 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251028232244/https://www.vacourts.gov/static/opinions/opncavwp/0737251.pdf |archive-date=28 Oct 2025 |format=PDF}}</ref>

==External links==
*[https://deflock.me/ DeFlock: ALPR Location Map]
*[https://www.noalprs.org/ No ALPRs: Advocacy Group]
*[https://www.eff.org/issues/license-plate-readers EFF: License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.aclu.org/issues/privacy-technology/surveillance-technologies/aclu-works-stop-license-plate-reader-surveillance ACLU: License Plate Reader Surveillance]
*[https://www.wired.com/tag/automated-license-plate-readers/ Wired: Automated License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.vice.com/en/topic/automated-license-plate-readers Vice: Automated License Plate Readers]
*[https://www.technologyreview.com/tag/surveillance/ MIT Technology Review: Surveillance]
*[https://www.flock-restrictions.org/ Flock Restrictions: Policy Tracking]
*[https://www.urban.org/features/how-police-use-technology Urban Institute: Police Technology Use]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Axis

2026-03-08T15:22:05Z

Venture18+: /* References */ replaced archive.today link in citation 9

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=1984
|Industry=Security
|Logo=Axis.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://axis.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Axis_Communications|'''Axis''']] is a video surveillance company with approximately 4,000 employees across more than 50 countries that was founded in 1984 and headquartered in Lund, Sweden.<ref>Axis website, https://www.axis.com/en-us/about-axis

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118192802/https://www.axis.com/en-us/about-axis Archived] 2025-01-18</ref>

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

==Incidents==

===Closure of Axis Companion Classic===
Released in 2016,<ref name=":0">Companion software release notes, https://www.axis.com/ftp/pub_soft/cam_srv/cam_companion/latest/relnote.txt

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118183233/https://www.axis.com/ftp/pub_soft/cam_srv/cam_companion/latest/relnote.txt Archived] 2025-01-18 </ref> Axis Companion Classic (formerly just Axis Companion) was a freely provided software for Axis account owners to be able to setup, configure, & manage cameras on the network. It also allowed a remote viewing feature for an iOS or Android Companion app to be able to view camera feeds remotely.

===Removal of remote access support===
Axis signaled that they would be removing remote access for any new sites created after March 31, 2023.<ref name=":0" /> Their software was updated in version 3.74.000 (released on March 15, 2023) to notify customers.<ref name=":1">Axis Companion FTP download site, [https://www.axis.com/ftp/pub_soft/cam_srv/cam_companion/]

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118183555/https://www.axis.com/ftp/pub_soft/cam_srv/cam_companion/ Archived] 2025-01-18</ref>

When version 3.75.000 was released on March 24, 2023,<ref name=":1" /> '''the only change was to prevent users from being able to enable remote access to camera feeds for new sites.'''

<blockquote>Release Notes:

''Changes since 3.75.000''

''========================''

''No Secure Remote Access on new sites created after 2023-03-31.''</blockquote>

If a consumer never updated to this or later versions, all remote access would continue to work and consumers could continue to create new sites without restriction.<ref name=":0" />

'''This restriction removes functionality without providing any benefit to the customer.'''

===Axis Companion===
As part of their efforts to upgrade software while retaining legacy setups, Axis created Axis Companion after renaming the previous Companion to Companion Classic.

===Removal of third-party SD card support===
Starting June 27, 2024, Axis removed support for any new device configurations in Companion with third-party SD cards.<ref name=":2">Policy update regarding 3rd Party SD Cards, https://www.axis.com/dam/public/11/2e/29/axis-surveillance-cards-now-required-en-US-443994.pdf

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118190032/https://www.axis.com/dam/public/11/2e/29/axis-surveillance-cards-now-required-en-US-443994.pdf Archived] 2026-01-18</ref> This policy change effectively forces customers to purchase Axis-branded storage solutions for any new installations, while existing installations using third-party SD cards would continue to function.<ref name=":2" />

The company justifies this change by claiming their SD cards are optimized for surveillance applications and offer greater functionality and endurance.<ref>NetworkWebcams.co.uk article to explain pricing https://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/blog/why-use-axis-sd-surveillance-cards-in-ip-cameras/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250916223323/https://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/blog/why-use-axis-sd-surveillance-cards-in-ip-cameras/ Archived])</ref> This change also coincides with Axis' expansion of proprietary storage requirements across their product lines, including their Camera Station Edge platform which similarly mandates the use of Axis-branded SD cards.<ref name=":3">FAQ for Axis Edge, https://faq.axis.com/s/article/third-party-sd-cards-as-recording-storage-in-my-vms-solution</ref>

===Axis SD cards===
Axis sells proprietary SD cards manufactured by SanDisk,<ref>Technical Datasheet of Axis 256GB SD Card https://www.axis.com/dam/public/55/dd/19/datasheet-axis-surveillance-card-256-gb-en-US-417022.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250709004324/https://www.axis.com/dam/public/55/dd/19/datasheet-axis-surveillance-card-256-gb-en-US-417022.pdf Archived])</ref> marketed under their own brand with claims of specialized optimization for surveillance applications. These cards come with a five-year warranty and are claimed to have up to six times more endurance than standard SD cards.<ref>NetworkWebcams.co.uk article to explain pricing https://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/blog/why-use-axis-sd-surveillance-cards-in-ip-cameras/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250916223323/https://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/blog/why-use-axis-sd-surveillance-cards-in-ip-cameras/ Archived])</ref>

====Pricing and market position====
As of 2025, Axis' SD cards are sold at approximately five times the price of comparable third-party SD cards<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250125114540/https://camcentral.net/product/axis-surveillance-card-256gb/ Pricing 256GB Axis SD Card], Pricing 256GB Samsung SD Card, https://archive.ph/CM2z8</ref> despite being based on standard SanDisk hardware. The company's transition to requiring these proprietary cards across their product lines creates a closed ecosystem where consumers must purchase storage solutions exclusively from Axis at premium prices.

====Platform lock-in====
The requirement for Axis-branded SD cards is now being implemented across multiple Axis platforms:

*Axis Companion (new installations after June 27, 2024)<ref name=":2" />
*Camera Station Edge platform<ref name=":3" />

This represents a shift from open hardware compatibility to a closed ecosystem where customers have to buy Axis-branded storage at sky-high prices to maintain full functionality of their security system.

==Products==
{{Ph-C-P}}

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

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

Self-hosting

2026-03-08T15:11:30Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added archive URL

'''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]], compared to which it provides significantly more control over how the services are provided at the cost of responsibility for setting them up and keeping them operational over time.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=About self-hosting |url=https://doc.yunohost.org/en/admin/about_self_hosting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217054550/https://doc.yunohost.org/en/admin/about_self_hosting/ |archive-date=2025-12-17 |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=Yunohost}}</ref>

It is typically taken up as a hobby, but enthusiasts report practical benefits as reasons to do this too, such as lower costs, less privacy concerns and greater flexibility.<ref name=":1">{{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> Some enjoy the feeling of independence and a sense of autonomy it brings, for some it's an alternative to digital services offered on worse terms than self-hosting can provide, and sometimes it's a viable alternative when commercial service providers make sudden significant changes detrimental to their users.<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>

==Origin of the practice==
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)]].

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}}

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.

==Use cases==

===Standalone digital services===
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.

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.

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.

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.

===Digital services for "connected" products===
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".

Most of the time, product manufacturers do not allow users to specify their own servers for these services. 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). When using a self-hosted server these such actions can be prevented by cutting access to manufacturer's servers while preserving product functionality; however, most of the time it's not officially supported.

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>.

==Typical arrangements==

===Consumer-grade PC===
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.

Because most self-hosted servers are typically used by only a few users in practice<ref name=":1" />, hardware requirements for some of the most popular services can be meager<ref name=":0" /><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 or cheap computers, which can be seen as a step towards [[circular economy]].

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], [https://ubuntu.com/server Ubuntu Server], and [https://www.freebsd.org/ FreeBSD] for a more do-it-yourself experience, or an OS purpose-built for self-hosting such as [https://yunohost.org/ YunoHost] or [https://umbrel.com/ UmbrelOS] which guides its users through some of the complexities of the process. In some more niche circumstances, [https://www.openbsd.org/ OpenBSD] might be preferred to other options as a server operating system due to its focus on security and simplicity.

===Network-attached storage (NAS)===
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=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114021534/https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/network-attached-storage |archive-date=14 Nov 2025|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.

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.

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.

===Server hosting provider===
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.

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.

===Specialized server hardware===
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.

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>

==Self-hosted applications relevant to consumer rights==
{{Incomplete section}}

===[https://www.home-assistant.io/ Home Assistant]===
One of the most prominent free & open source projects in self-hosted home automation space.

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>

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.

===[https://nextcloud.com/ Nextcloud]===
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.

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:

*[https://www.davx5.com/ DAVx⁵], a synchronization app for calendars, contacts and tasks on Android over the standard DAV protocols that Nextcloud implements
*[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
*[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
*[https://github.com/scubajeff/lespas Les Pas], a photo album Android app, automating photo uploads and browsing both local and remote photo albums
*Apps that rely entirely on files for storage and can access Nextcloud through the operating system's interfaces and a Nextcloud client

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]].

===Network-wide ad blockers===
{{Main|Ad block}}
Software suites that block access to advertising platforms to devices on the local network.

While limited in what kinds of ads they are capable of blocking, they work where installing a more advanced ad blocker is more difficult or impossible, such as on devices with heavily locked down software or within individual applications.

Examples: [https://pi-hole.net/ PiHole], [https://adguard.com/en/adguard-home/overview.html AdGuard Home].

===Other useful tools===

*[https://www.truenas.com/ TrueNAS], [https://www.openmediavault.org/ OpenMediaVault], [https://unraid.net/ Unraid]: Stores files on a server and makes them available to multiple devices
*[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 server and install services on it using a familiar app store paradigm
*[https://www.proxmox.com/ Proxmox VE]: Allows users to host multiple services isolated from each other on one server
*[https://mailcow.email/ Mailcow], [https://mailu.io/2024.06/# Mailu], [https://modoboa.org/en/ Modoboa]: Email servers that allow users to send and receive emails without the data collection of free mail services or the price of paid mail services
*[https://jitsi.org/jitsi-meet/ Jitsi Meet], [https://bigbluebutton.org/ BigBlueButton]: Video conferencing without relying on third party servers
*[https://matrix.org/ Matrix], [https://xmpp.org/ XMPP]: Federated messaging platforms
*[https://jellyfin.org/ Jellyfin]: Allows for media hosting with various clients for different devices to access the server

==Further reading==

*[[Cloud (service)]]
*[[Local Area Network]]
*[[Right to own]]
*[[Software as a service]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Common terms]]

Voice over LTE

2026-03-03T13:37:33Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added archive URLs

'''{{Wplink|Voice over LTE|Voice over Long-Term-Evolution}}''' or '''VoLTE''' is a type of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calling that allows voice calls to be made over the 4G/LTE (Long-Term Evolution) mobile networks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VoLTE (Voice of LTE) - Networks |url=https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/networks/ip_services/volte/ |website=GSMA |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615205621/https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/networks/ip_services/volte/ |archive-date=15 Jun 2024}}</ref>
[[File:VoLTE Settings - Android 12 - Xperia 1 II.png|thumb|654x654px|VoLTE Settings - Android 12 - Xperia 1 II]]
Unlike 2G or 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G/NR are data-only standards and have no built-in calling functionality, let alone one as well standardized as the traditional Circuited Switched calling from 2G and 3G (GSM/UMTS). This poses an issue for consumers, since enabling 4G or 5G calling on devices requires explicit carrier software or firmware support, including for Emergency Calling. Two identical phones running different carrier software can have different VoLTE Calling and Emergency Calling functionality on various networks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VoLTE - Documents - Networks
|url=https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/networks/documents-volte/ |website=GSMA |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250118000608/https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/networks/documents-volte/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2025}}</ref>

Voice over LTE, aka '4G Calling', is a software-/firmware-based calling solution for mobile sector. The world has used VoIP Calling for decades, but introducing VoIP data based calling into the mobile sector has proven very difficult. VoLTE devices have been around since as early as 2013. Over many years, however, the industry has failed to ensure interoperability.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |first=Rudolf |last=van der Berg |title=Ensuring continuity of access to emergency services in the transition to IMS/VoLTE services |url=https://eena.org/blog/webinars/volte-standardisation-problem/ |website=EENA |date=22 Sep 2022 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930200938/https://eena.org/web/20220930200938/https://eena.org/blog/webinars/volte-standardisation-problem/ |archive-date=30 Sep 2022}}</ref>

With 2G or 3G still in service, consumers do not experience any loss in device functionality by switching to a competing provider. However, with the shutdown of 2G/3G services, consumers may no longer make nor receive standard phone calls on their existing 4G devices with their preferred mobile carriers. This also impacts Emergency Calls and Roaming Calls, as not all devices that support VoLTE calling can place Emergency Calls or Roaming Calls over 4G.

Due to the compatibility and standardization issues with VoLTE, the ability for consumers to use devices purchased from any provider in the world will no longer exist like it did with 2G and 3G (Circuit Switched) networks.

Currently, phone carriers can use this telco specific VoLTE firmware requirement as a stealthy way of network locking their devices, which prevents customers from switching to competitors or from using 'BYO' devices.<ref>{{Cite web |first=James |last=Parker |title=Australia's 3G shutdown: Why your 4G/5G phone is now blocked |url=https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/australias-3g-shutdown-why-your-4g5g-phone-is-now-blocked,19159 |website=Independent Australia |date=12 Nov 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112002654/https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/australias-3g-shutdown-why-your-4g5g-phone-is-now-blocked,19159 |archive-date=12 Nov 2024}}</ref> Handset makers and network operators also engage in behavior that restricts the use of devices on different networks and otherwise anti-competitive behavior.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Jul 2024 |title=3G Shutdown Inquiry - Committee Hansard |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=committees/commsen/28167/&sid=0000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708223313/https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=committees/commsen/28167/&sid=0000 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |website=Parliament of Australia}}</ref>

==Issues with device compatibility==
VoLTE has been supported with Qualcomm Snapdragon Chipsets since at least 2013/2014 (e.g., Snapdragon 800/801), but not all Android devices that have been sold have VoLTE enabled by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 Processor |url=https://www.qualcomm.com/products/mobile/snapdragon/smartphones/snapdragon-8-series-mobile-platforms/snapdragon-processors-800 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708223316/https://www.qualcomm.com/products/mobile/snapdragon/smartphones/snapdragon-8-series-mobile-platforms/snapdragon-processors-800 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |website=Qualcomm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Qualcomm Announces First Large-Scale Commercial VoLTE Launch in Japan |url=https://www.qualcomm.com/news/releases/2014/07/qualcomm-announces-first-large-scale-commercial-volte-launch-japan |website=Qualcomm |date=7 Jul 2014 |access-date=
|url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> In many instances, devices will also lack the correct carrier network configurations/profiles to support VoLTE calling on all networks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New GSMA VoLTE Specification Removes Market Fragmentation |url=https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/article/new-gsma-volte-specification-removes-market-fragmentation/
|website=GSMA |date=29 Jul 2016 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240808151736/https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/article/new-gsma-volte-specification-removes-market-fragmentation/ |archive-date=8 Aug 2024}}</ref>

Unlike calling with 2G and 3G, there is no single configuration for VoLTE that all devices and networks universally support. Some networks support the GSMA IR.92 'Open Market Device' Configuration.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |first=James |last=Parker |title=How to Check for Working 4G VoLTE Calling on Android Handsets |url=https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/how-to-check-for-working-volte-calling-on-android-8c343362ecfe |website=Medium |date=31 Aug 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925070814/https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/how-to-check-for-working-volte-calling-on-android-8c343362ecfe |archive-date=25 Sep 2024}}</ref> This configuration is intended as a generic/global VoLTE configuration that can be used by Open Market (non-carrier) devices.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Doug |last=Makishima |title=ITU Workshop on "Voice and Video over LTE" |url=https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/conformity-interoperability/20150112/Documents/Abstracts%20and%20Presentations/S3P5_Doug_Makishima.pdf |website=ITU |date=1 Dec 2015 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121055206/https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/Workshops-and-Seminars/conformity-interoperability/20150112/Documents/Abstracts%20and%20Presentations/S3P5_Doug_Makishima.pdf |archive-date=21 Jan 2022 |format=PDF}}</ref> 4G/LTE Devices that lack native VoLTE calling support are reliant on 2G/3G Networks to make or receive calls (via Circuit Switched Fallback - CSFB). Without either 2G or 3G Networks, those devices do not have call service.

A device may be marketed as having VoLTE support. However, the device may only make calls on some networks due to varying network configurations and VoLTE standardization issues.<ref name="EENA2022">{{Cite web |author=@eena112 |title=EENA 2022: Access to emergency services is being impacted by the lack of VoLTE interoperability |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHjyLmFt-eg |website=[[YouTube]] |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=sHjyLmFt-eg |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In some instances, the retail versions of devices have been sold without VoLTE Calling on any networks (depending on brand/market/region). However, the exact same device purchased directly from a carrier (with carrier software) will support VoLTE on that carrier network.<ref name="HughVoLTE">{{Cite web |last=Jeffreys |first=Hugh |date=25 Nov 2023 |title=Carriers are Killing 4G & 3G Devices - Your 4G Phone May Soon Stop Working |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6qb9dml6So |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q6qb9dml6So |archive-date=24 February 2026 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Hugh
|last=Jeffreys |title=Australia Blocked Internationally Purchased 4G/5G Phones As Part of 3G Shutdown - Starting 28th Oct |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPlTz-3estM |website=[[YouTube]]
|date=28 Sep 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=RPlTz-3estM |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Equally, some handsets purchased from another carrier or from another market may not be configured (in software) to support VoLTE on all networks within a given country. This issue primarily affects Android Phones and non-Apple devices. The iPhone 6 (2014) with iOS 10 and other newer devices support VoLTE calling on most networks. On the iPhone 5 and 5s, though, 4G/LTE devices do not support VoLTE calling.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone 6 - Technical Specifications |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/111954 |website=[[Apple]] |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426223523/https://support.apple.com/en-us/111954 |archive-date=26 Apr 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I enable VoLTE on my mobile phone? |url=https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/enable-volte-mobile-phone |website=Telstra |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117201816/https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/enable-volte-mobile-phone |archive-date=17 Jan 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Téléphones mobile : compatibilité VoLTE / VoWiFi - Forfait Free 5G |url=https://assistance-1.free.fr/mobile/terminaux/ |website=free.fr |date=
|access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711214200/https://assistance-1.free.fr/mobile/terminaux/ |archive-date=11 Jul 2025 |language=fr}}</ref>

For example, for an Android device to have VoLTE Calling on the [[Telstra]] network, the device must run a Telstra Modem Configuration. Devices that run the GSMA 'Open Market Device' configuration or another carrier's configuration cannot get working VoLTE calling on the Telstra network. This limitation prevents Telstra customers from using Open Market Devices which do not have native firmware support for the Telstra Network. Open Market configuration devices can work on competing Australian providers Optus & Vodafone.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="HughVoLTE" />

With some Qualcomm based Android devices, it is possible to modify the device firmware with special software and then manually load a compatible carrier modem configuration.<ref name=":1" /> By modifying the firmware, customers can use VoLTE calling; however, the carrier may not recognize those devices as supported despite working correctly.

For example, starting in May 2024, Telstra began forcing a pre-recorded message with all outbound calls advising affected customers to upgrade in advance of the 3G shutdown in August of that year. However, even customers with modified and working VoLTE devices on Telstra were hearing the message every time they made a 4G VoLTE call.<ref>{{Cite web
|author=Big-Performer2942 |title=Unlock VoLTE in Australia Oneplus 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |url=https://reddit.com/r/oneplus/comments/1aebdxz/unlock_volte_in_australia_oneplus_5_6_7_8_9/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=29 Jan 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250311203950/https://old.reddit.com/r/oneplus/comments/1aebdxz/unlock_volte_in_australia_oneplus_5_6_7_8_9/  |archive-date=11 Mar 2025}}</ref> This is due to Telstra relying on established lists of 'compatible' devices they sold (i.e. Device IMEI/TAC codes).<ref>{{Cite web |first=Hugh |last=Jeffreys |title=Australia's New Firewall IMEI BLOCKED 516,875 Active Phones Overnight + Tourists Phones Blocked |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIJavqEzEIw |website=[[YouTube]] |date=10 Nov 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=zIJavqEzEIw |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>
[[File:Android IMS Status for Voice over LTE.jpg|thumb|280x280px|Android IMS Status for Voice over LTE]]
Android users are able to confirm if VoLTE is working by checking for the Device 'IMS Status' within a hidden Radio Info Debug menu.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |first=Parth |last=Shah
|first2=Irene |last2=Okpanachi |title=The top Android secret codes that everyone should know |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/best-secret-codes-for-android/ |website=Android Police
|date=25 Dec 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231204635/https://www.androidpolice.com/best-secret-codes-for-android/ |archive-date=31 Dec 2024}}</ref>

If the IMS Status shows "'''IMS Registration: Registered'''" and "'''Voice over LTE: Available'''" then VoLTE is enabled and working. An IMS Status of "'''Not Registered'''" and "'''Voice over LTE: Unavailable'''" indicates VoLTE is not enabled or working. However, the IMS Status debug ''does not'' confirm working 4G Emergency Calling support.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |first=James |last=Parker |title=The Little Known Problems with VoLTE Emergency Calling |url=https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/the-little-known-problems-with-volte-emergency-calling-3d4cdaf0e042 |website=Medium
|date=1 Sep 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902131013/https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/the-little-known-problems-with-volte-emergency-calling-3d4cdaf0e042 |archive-date=2 Sep 2024}}</ref>

For VoLTE calling to be "Available" on a device, VoLTE has to be both provisioned/enabled in the firmware, and a carrier compatible modem configuration/profile must be loaded on the device. Typically, the modem configurations are automatically loaded by the device firmware when inserting a sim card. However, not all devices are configured to detect the sim cards for all networks and enable VoLTE Calling.<ref name=":1" />

The IMS Status debug can also indicate if Wi-Fi Calling (Voice over Wi-Fi) and Video Calling (VoLTE/Video Telephony) are available. ''(Note: For Wi-Fi Calling to say Available, the device has to be connected to a suitable Wi-Fi Network).''

Additionally, devices with a "UT Interface" status of "Unavailable" will be unable to change Call Forwarding or Call Busy Settings over 4G/LTE. ''Note: UT Interface is not required for VoLTE Calling. UT Interface is only required to change supplementary service settings (i.e. call forwarding) on a 4G/LTE only network. Devices without an "Available" UT Interface are reliant on 2G/3G networks to change call forwarding/busy settings.''

==VoLTE emergency calling==
[[File:VoLTE Emergency Calling Android 8.0.png|thumb|391x391px|VoLTE Emergency Calling Android]]
Not all devices that have been sold as 'VoLTE capable' support making calls to Emergency Numbers over 4G/LTE with VoLTE.<ref name=":2" /> Some carriers and manufacturers have disabled the ability for phones to call Emergency Services with VoLTE and the devices reliant on 2G or 3G Networks to make calls to Emergency Services.<ref>{{Cite journal |first=Freddie |last=McBride
|first2=Rudolf |last2=van der Berg |orig-date=Sep 2022 |title=The Potential Perils of 2G and 3G Switch Offs |url=https://eena.org/knowledge-hub/press-releases/the-potential-perils-of-2g-and-3g-switch-offs/ |journal=Crisis Response Journal |date=12 Sep 2022 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912082925/https://eena.org/web/20220912082925/https://eena.org/knowledge-hub/press-releases/the-potential-perils-of-2g-and-3g-switch-offs/ |archive-date=12 Sep 2022}}</ref>

In 2022 at the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) Conference, Telecoms Expert Rudolf van der Berg made a presentation to the Conference outlining serious compatibility issues with VoLTE Calling and Emergency Calling. One of the major issues he raised is that many 4G/LTE Phones (both European & International) are completely unable to call (911/112) Emergency services without the presence of 2G/3G (Circuit Switched Calling) Networks.<ref name="EENA2022" />

These issues are not well known to the general public. However, in his EENA presentation, he said these issues are '''''"Common Knowledge"''''' in the industry and that '''''"[...] there is nobody who feels responsible to fix this."'''(16:45)'' <ref name="EENA2022" />

On a slide in his presentation, it said "'...[the] telecom sector will deny [there's a problem], be angry over 5G investment, and bargain for half-baked measures [...]'"

A device can have working VoLTE calling (IMS Registration) on a network but may not be able to successfully make calls to emergency numbers over 4G. For Android devices, there are methods to test a device for 4G Emergency Calling support; however, such testing may require third-party software and tools to perform. Simply dialing an Emergency Number on a 4G device is ''not'' sufficient to test if a device can make VoLTE Emergency Calls.<ref name=":0" />

Depending on signal strength and other factors, a device may default to 2G or 3G networks (if available). Furthermore, a 4G/LTE device may say ''"Emergency Calls Only"'' within the system settings or notifications area, but that message does not prove the device can actually make an Emergency call over 4G/LTE.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, a device may be configured for 4G Emergency Calls in a given region but fail to connect when placing a 4G Call in another country or on another network. These devices will generally get stuck on 'calling' and the call will never go through, even though a 2G or 3G network is available.

Prior to the March 2024 switch-off of 3G networks in Australia, the Federal Government announced that more than 740,000 4G VoLTE enabled phones would no longer be able to call Emergency Services after the 3G Networks were switched off.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Jane |last=Norman |title=More than a million older 4G mobile phones at risk of being blocked from making triple-0 calls in 3G shutdown |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-08/million-iphone-android-devices-caught-out-3g-shutdown/103673864 |website=ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) |date=7 Apr 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407203742/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-08/million-iphone-android-devices-caught-out-3g-shutdown/103673864 |archive-date=7 Apr 2024}}</ref> In early April 2024, this number was increased to more than 1 million devices.

[[Telstra]] was originally set to switch off their 3G Network on 30 June 2024. Telstra extended their switch off to 31 August in early May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Jane |last=Norman |title=Telstra delays 3G network shutdown until August amid concerns about access to emergency calls |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-06/telstra-to-extend-3g-network-shutdown/103808110
|website=ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) |date=5 May 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506000358/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-06/telstra-to-extend-3g-network-shutdown/103808110 |archive-date=6 May 2024}}</ref> On 14 August 2024, Telstra and Optus further extended the 3G switch off date to 28 October 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telstra and Optus announce extension to 3G network closures |url=https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2024/08/optus-and-telstra-announce-extension-to-3g-network-closures |website=OPTUS |date=14 Aug 2024 |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814043059/https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2024/08/optus-and-telstra-announce-extension-to-3g-network-closures |archive-date=14 Aug 2024}}</ref> Vodafone completed their 3G switch off in early January 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=We have switched off our 3G Network |url=https://www.vodafone.com.au/support/network/3g-closure |website=Vodafone Australia |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205163313/https://www.vodafone.com.au/support/network/3g-closure |archive-date=5 Dec 2024}}</ref>

==Qualcomm modem configurations and VoLTE compatibility==
Below are two tables of Qualcomm Modem configurations that were tested on Australian 4G/LTE Networks (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone AU/TPG Telecom) in addition to 000 'Triple Zero' (112) 4G Emergency Calls. The modem configurations/profiles specify the exact settings a device modem needs to use in order to communicate with a particular carrier network. This can include information for VoLTE Calling, Wi-Fi Calling, Video Calling and band aggregation, amongst other factors.

As raised in the 2022 EENA Presentation by Rudolf van der Berg, phones in many countries have been specifically configured via software/firmware to block access to Emergency Services over 4G and entirely rely on 2G/3G.<ref name="EENA2022" />

As shown in the below tables, there are major inconsistencies when making VoLTE calls between various networks. Only about ≈33% of the various tested network configurations support emergency calling over 4G.

It is also worth noting that devices running the Singtel Modem Configuration do not work on the Optus network despite Singtel being the parent company. 4G Emergency calls also do not work with the tested Singtel Modem Configurations. As shown below, devices running a generic GSMA IR.92 'Open Market Device' VoLTE configuration can work on competing Australian networks Optus & Vodafone/TPG including for Emergency Calls on all Australian networks.
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:left;"
|+MBN modem configurations: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset (2016) test results<ref name=":0" />
|- style="background-color:#D9D9D9;"
!MBN modem configurations Qualcomm SD 820 chipset (2016)
!Network name
! colspan="2" |Country
! style="background-color:#FF0;" |'No Sim' VoLTE Emergency Calls
!Optus VoLTE
!Vodafone AU VoLTE
!Telstra VoLTE
|-
|bell_ims_tar.mbn
|Bell CA
| colspan="2" |Canada
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|bouygues_france_volte_vilte_tar.mbn
|Bouygues Telecom
| colspan="2" |France
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|china_mobile_hk_ims_tar.mbn
|China Mobile HK
| colspan="2" |China/HK
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|cht_ims_tar.mbn
|Chunghwa Telecom
| colspan="2" |Taiwan
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|claro_br_ims_tar.mbn
|Claro
| colspan="2" |Brazil
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|du_ims_tar.mbn
|Du Mobile
| colspan="2" |UAE
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|ee_ims_tar.mbn
|EE
| colspan="2" |UK
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|emt_estonia_ims_tar.mbn
|EMT/Telia Estonia
| colspan="2" |Estonia
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|hutch_uk_ims_tar.mbn
|3 (Three) UK
| colspan="2" |UK
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|hutch_uk_volte_vowifi_tar.mbn
|3 (Three) UK
| colspan="2" |UK
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|- style="background-color:#E2EFD9;"
|ir51_ir92_ims_gte_tar.mbn
|VoLTE + WiFi Call
| colspan="2" |GSMA Open Mkt
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|- style="background-color:#E2EFD9;"
|ir92_ims_gte_tar.mbn
|GSMA IR.92 VoLTE
| colspan="2" |GSMA Open Mkt
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|optus_ims_tar.mbn
|Optus
| colspan="2" |Australia
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|orange_france_ims_tar.mbn
|Orange FR
| colspan="2" |France
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|orange_poland_ims_tar.mbn
|Orange PL
| colspan="2" |Poland
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|orange_spain_ims_tar.mbn
|Orange ES
| colspan="2" |Spain
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|reliance_jio_ims_tar.mbn
|Jio Mobile
| colspan="2" |India
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|rogers_ims_tar.mbn
|Rogers CA
| colspan="2" |Canada
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|sfr_france_ims_tar.mbn
|SFR FR
| colspan="2" |France
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|singtel_ims_tar.mbn
|Singtel SG
| colspan="2" |Singapore
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|starhub_ims_tar.mbn
|Starhub SG
| colspan="2" |Singapore
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|swisscom_switzerland_ims_tar.mbn
|Swisscom CH
| colspan="2" |Switzerland
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|amss_fsg_dora_tar.mbn
|Default Config
| colspan="2" |Global
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|tele2_netherlands_ims_tar.mbn
|Tele2 NL
| colspan="2" |Netherlands
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|telefonica_germany_ims_tar.mbn
|O2 DE
| colspan="2" |Germany
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|telefonica_spain_ims_tar.mbn
|O2 ES
| colspan="2" |Spain
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|telefonica_uk_ims_tar.mbn
|O2 UK
| colspan="2" |UK
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|telekom_czech_ims_tar.mbn
|T Mobile CZ
| colspan="2" |Czech
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|telekom_germany_ims_tar.mbn
|Telekom DE
| colspan="2" |Germany
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|telstra_ims_tar.mbn
|Telstra
| colspan="2" |Australia
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
|-
|vha_ims_tar.mbn
|Vodafone AU
| colspan="2" |Australia
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|vodafone_germany_ims_tar.mbn
|Vodafone DE
| colspan="2" |Germany
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|vodafone_nl_ims_tar.mbn
|Vodafone NL
| colspan="2" |Netherlands
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|vodafone_spain_ims_tar.mbn
|Vodafone ES
| colspan="2" |Spain
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|vodafone_uk_ims_tar.mbn
|Vodafone UK
| colspan="2" |UK
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|- style="background-color:#F2F2F2;"
| colspan="4" style="font-style:italic; border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2" |''* = Estimated Result based on other network testing - Tested Q2 2024''
| colspan="4" style="text-align:right;" |''Test Device: Sony Xperia XP F8131 - 2018 Android 8.0 Firmware''
|}

For reference, the Snapdragon 820 chipset (2016) was used in some of the following devices:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phone Finder - Snapdragon 820 + 821 Devices |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?sChipset=2,3 |website=GMSArena |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120165014/https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?sChipset=2,3 |archive-date=20 Jan 2025}}</ref>

*Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge (USA)
*Sony Xperia XZ
*OnePlus 3
*LG G5
*Google Pixel 1 (Snapdragon 821)
*HTC 10
*HTC U Ultra (Snapdragon 821)

{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="vertical-align:middle;"
|+MBN modem configurations: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset (2017) test results<ref name=":0" />
|- style="background-color:#D9D9D9;"
!MBN modem configurations Qualcomm SD 835 chipset (2017)
! colspan="2" |Network name
!Country
! style="background-color:#FF0;" |'No Sim' VoLTE Emergency Calls
!Optus VoLTE
!Vodafone AU VoLTE
!Telstra VoLTE
|-
|bouygues_france_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Bouygues Telecom
|France
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|ee_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |EE
|UK
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|emt_estonia_volte_vilte_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |EMT/Telia Estonia
|Estonia
| style="background-color:#F00;" |'''NO - Call Fails'''
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|hutch_uk_volte_vowifi_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |3 (Three) UK
|UK
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|- style="background-color:#E2EFD9;"
|ir51_ir92_ims_gte_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |VoLTE + WiFi Call
|GSMA Open Mkt
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|- style="background-color:#E2EFD9;"
|ir51_ir92_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |VoLTE + WiFi Call
|GSMA Open Mkt
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|kpn_netherlands_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |KPN NL
|Netherlands
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|optus_au_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Optus
|Australia
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|orange_france_pp_volte_vowifi_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Orange FR
|France
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#ED4335;" |No
|-
|orange_france_volte_vowifi_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Orange FR
|France
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|orange_romania_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Orange RO
|Romania
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|orange_spain_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Orange ES
|Spain
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|tele2_netherlands_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Tele2 NL
|Netherlands
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|telefonica_uk_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |O2 UK
|UK
| style="background-color:#F00;" |'''NO - Call Fails'''
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|telekom_netherlands_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |T-Mobile NL
|Netherlands
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|telia_lithuania_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Telia Lithuania
|Lithuania
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|telkom_za_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Telkom ZA
|South Africa
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|telstra_au_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Telstra
|Australia
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
|-
|vha_au_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Vodafone AU
|Australia
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#B7E1CD;" |Yes
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|vodacom_za_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Vodacom ZA
|South Africa
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|vodafone_germany_volte_vowifi_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Vodafone DE
|Germany
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|vodafone_spain_ims_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Vodafone ES
|Spain
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|-
|vodafone_uk_volte_vowifi_tar.mbn
| colspan="2" |Vodafone UK
|UK
| style="background-color:#F00;" |'''NO - Call Fails'''
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No *
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
| style="background-color:#EA4335;" |No
|- style="background-color:#F2F2F2;"
| colspan="4" style="font-style:italic; border-right:1px solid #f2f2f2" |''* = Estimated Result based on other network testing - Tested Q2 2024''
| colspan="4" style="text-align:right;" |''Test Device: Sony Xperia XZ1 (XZ1C/XZP) - 2019 Android 9.0 Firmware''
|}

The Snapdragon 835 chipset (2017) was used in some of the following devices:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phone Finder - Snapdragon 835 Devices |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?sChipset=1 |website=GSMArena |date= |access-date=30 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120130228/https://m.gsmarena.com/results.php3?sChipset=1 |archive-date=20 Jan 2025}}</ref>

*Samsung Galaxy S8 (USA & China)
*Samsung Galaxy Note 8 (USA & China)
*Sony Xperia XZ Premium
*Sony Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact
*OnePlus 5 and 5T
*LG V30
*Google Pixel 2
*HTC U11 and U11+

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:VoLTE]]

Breville Coffee Maker

2026-03-03T13:08:48Z

Venture18+: converted external link to proper citation

{{ProductLineCargo
|Company=Breville
|ReleaseYear=2003
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Espresso Machine
|Website=https://www.breville.com/en-us/shop/espresso
}}
{{Ph-C-Int}}

==Consumer-impact summary==
Breville (marketed as Sage in some regions) is one of the most popular home espresso machine brands, yet it consistently fails to support user repairability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2026 |title=PSA: Breville warranty & customer service are not what you expect |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1qh8bbt/psa_breville_warranty_customer_service_are_not/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303130554/https://old.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/1qh8bbt/psa_breville_warranty_customer_service_are_not/ |archive-date=March 3, 2026 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/BuyItForLife}}</ref> They use many proprietary parts in their machines which are not available to the general public and push their service centers.

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

==Products==
{{Ph-C-P}}

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

ASUS charges for previously free service

2026-03-03T12:56:26Z

Venture18+: /* References */ reformatted bare citations, removed duplicate citations and re-archived tweet to GhostArchive

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=ASUS
|StartDate=2023-5
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=ROG, Zenfone
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type=Digital Restrictions, False Advertising, Firmware Lockout
|Description=On May 2023, without giving a notice to the users, ASUS removed the ability for owners of the Zenfone and ROG Android phones to access the bootloader tools. As a follow-up, in Early 2024, ASUS began charging 185 euros for bootloader unlocking.
}}
The ASUS boot loader unlocking tool disappearing is a prime example of how device ownership rights have eroded, where functionality that was present at the time of sale is no longer present years down the line.

==Background==
[[ASUS]] used to provide free bootloader unlocking capabilities for their Zenfone & Republic of Gamers (ROG) Android phones.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=C. Scott |date=2024-04-05 |title=ASUS refunds Zenfone buyer for failing to provide bootloader unlock tools as promised |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215020008/https://www.androidauthority.com/asus-bootloader-unlock-settlement-3431818/ |archive-date=2025-12-15 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> This feature was actively advertised & was part of the company's appeal to tech-savvy consumers.

===Timeline of Events===
*In May 2023, ASUS disabled their bootloader unlocking tools without warning<ref name=":0" />
*The company began removing posts about bootloader unlocking from their ZenTalk forums<ref name=":0" />
*Forum moderators claimed the tools were "under maintenance" or being "overhauled for compliance reasons" without providing timeframes for restoration<ref name=":0" />
*By early 2024, ASUS began charging approximately €185 (excluding VAT) for bootloader unlocking<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-06 |title=Asus says they will unlock my bootloader for ...money. |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223031547/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 |archive-date=2026-02-23 |website=xdaforums.com}}</ref>

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

*'''Removal of Advertised Features''': The bootloader unlocking capability was an advertised feature that influenced people's buying decision, which was later removed.
*'''Lack of Transparency''': ASUS provided minimal communication about the change in policy, with documented cases of forum posts being removed & only vague explanations being provided.<ref name=":0" /> In one of their communications with a customer, they seem to have accidentaly shared internal communication templates revealing the discontinuation of the bootloader unlock tool, without making any public announcements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-06 |title=UPDATE: Unoff.BL unlock 24.01.20. Asus CLOSED this method! |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/update-unoff-bl-unlock-24-01-20-asus-closed-this-method.4649465/post-89761447/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/hIXtC |archive-date=2026-03-03 |website=xdaforums.com}}</ref>
*'''Monetization of Previously Free Features''': The transition from a free service to a paid one, costing €185 (excluding VAT), is a significant change in the product's pricing structure after purchase<ref name=":1" />
*'''Extended Device Lifespan Impact''': The change affects consumers' ability to maintain & update their devices beyond ASUS's official support window, which has been documented as "one of the worst software support commitments in the Android world"<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Lawsuit against asus over bootloader unlocking.jpg|thumb|Document of customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. Credit Mishaal Rahman on twitter<ref>https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083 ([https://ghostarchive.org/archive/TFKv1 Archived] 2026-03-03 through GhostArchive)</ref> for this document showing the customer suit against ASUS]]
[[File:ASUS concedes defeat to customer who filed small claims court suit.png|alt=email from ASUS in response to customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. |thumb|email from ASUS in response to customer small claims suit against ASUS over bootloader unlocking. Credit to Mishaal Rahman on twitter for providing the screenshot. <ref>https://x.com/MishaalRahman/status/1776306579979047083/photo/1
</ref>]]

==Legal Implications==
This led to at least one successful legal challenge. In March 2024, a UK customer took ASUS to small claims court over this and got a full refund for both the device & the court fees, totaling £770 (~$973). This case potentially sets a precedent for other consumers affected by the policy change.<ref name=":0" />

===Consumer Response===
The response from the consumer community has been notably negative, with documented concerns about:
*The high cost of the unlocking service (€185 excluding VAT)<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/post-89720356 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223031547/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref>
*The principle of charging for a previously free feature<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215232054/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref>

===EU Warranty Implications===
This has additional implications in the European Union, where:
*It is illegal to deny warranty repairs based on software modifications<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215232054/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref>
*ASUS has been reported to deny warranty service for devices with unlocked bootloaders, despite this legal protection<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215232054/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref>
*The company has offered "one time warranty repairs" with the condition of relocking the bootloader<ref>https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215232054/https://xdaforums.com/t/asus-says-they-will-unlock-my-bootloader-for-money.4685488/#post-89720356 Archived])</ref>

==References==
<references />

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

Otter.ai

2026-02-28T21:38:41Z

Venture18+: fixed categories

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2016
|Industry=Transcription software
|Logo=Otter.ai logo.png
|Type=Private
|Website=https://otter.ai/
|Description=Develops speech-to-text transcription applications with AI and machine learning
}}
{{Ph-C-Int}}

[[wikipedia:Otter.ai|'''Otter.ai, Inc''']] is a transcription software company. The company develops speech to text transcription applications using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Its software, called Otter, shows captions for live speakers, and generates written transcriptions of speech.

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

==Incidents==
{{Ph-C-Inc}}

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

==Products==
{{Ph-C-P}}

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Otter.ai]]
[[Category:Artificial intelligence]]

Otter.ai

2026-02-28T20:55:02Z

Venture18+: started paragraph (partially copied over from its Wikipedia page) and edited categories

Otter.ai

2026-02-28T20:05:20Z

Venture18+: Created page on Otter.ai

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2016
|Industry=Transcription software
|Logo=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5f/Otter.ai_company_logo.png
|Type=Private
|Website=https://otter.ai/
|Description=Develops speech-to-text transcription applications with AI and machine learning
}}
{{Ph-C-Int}}

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

==Incidents==
{{Ph-C-Inc}}

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

==Products==
{{Ph-C-P}}

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Ford

2026-02-27T18:25:16Z

Venture18+: reformatted bare citations and removed duplicate citations

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1903
|Industry=Automotive
|Logo=Ford.png
|Type=Public
|Website=https://ford.com/
|Description=Automobile company which collects user data and sells it to third parties for advertising. Highest number of vehicle recalls in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
}}

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

==Consumer protection summary==

===User privacy===
:Ford’s data collection practices and privacy policies have raised significant concerns:
:*Extensive data collection: Ford collects a wide range of personal and vehicle data, including location, driving behavior (speed, braking), voice commands, media preferences, and even passenger information. This data is linked to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which can be tied to individual users.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Privacy |url=https://www.ford.com/help/privacy/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210074703/https://www.ford.com/help/privacy/ |archive-date=February 10, 2026 |website=Ford}}</ref>
:*Data collected includes purchase history, financial information, coarse and precise location data, contact information, identifiers (e.g., VIN, account ID), user-generated content (e.g., voice recordings from smart features), search and browsing history for advertising purposes, usage data, sensitive information (under "Inferences"), diagnostics, and more.<ref name=":0" />
:*Aggregates data from external sources as well, including users' social media posts.<ref name=":0" />
:*Privacy policy is designed to prevent quickly searching for important terms.<ref name=":0" />
:*Lack of transparency and control: Users are often unaware of the scope of data collection, and Ford’s policies allow sharing with affiliates, dealers, advertisers, and law enforcement. The company reserves the right to override location settings in certain circumstances (e.g., repossession, legal requests).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Elvy |first=Stacy-Ann |title=Paying for Privacy and the Personal Data Economy |url=https://www.columbialawreview.org/content/paying-for-privacy-and-the-personal-data-economy/ |website=Columbia Law Review |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251104161409/https://www.columbialawreview.org/content/paying-for-privacy-and-the-personal-data-economy/ |archive-date=4 Nov 2025}}</ref>
:*Security vulnerabilities: Past incidents, such as cybersecurity flaws in the FordPass app and exposed customer records, highlight risks of data breaches. Ford has been criticized for dismissing external reports of vulnerabilities.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=August 15, 2023 |title=Ford |url=https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/privacynotincluded/ford/ |website=mozillafoundation.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223043744/https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/privacynotincluded/ford/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>
:*According to CCPA Metrics from 2023, there were 96 requests for data to be deleted, and seven of these requests were denied.<ref name=":0" />
===User freedom===
:*Limited opt-out options: Ford’s default settings opt users into data collection, with no clear path to fully delete data. Passengers and secondary drivers must also be informed of data collection, placing the burden on the primary user.<ref name=":0" />
:*Forced connectivity: Features like FordPass require data sharing for basic functionalities (e.g., remote start, tire pressure checks), limiting user choice.<ref name=":3" />
===Business model===
:*Data monetization: Ford’s business model leverages user data for targeted advertising, joint marketing, and partnerships (e.g., Sirius XM). This aligns with broader industry trends where data is a revenue driver.
:*AI and surveillance: Investments in AI (e.g., Baidu’s SYNC system in China) enable deeper user profiling, raising ethical questions about surveillance and consent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marr |first=Bernard |date=July 2, 2021 |title=The Amazing Ways The Ford Motor Company Uses Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning |url=https://bernardmarr.com/the-amazing-ways-the-ford-motor-company-uses-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning/ |website= |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219172306/https://bernardmarr.com/the-amazing-ways-the-ford-motor-company-uses-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning/ |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Acquisition of Freedom Ford Sales Limited by 1911265 Alberta Ltd. |url=https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/position-statements/acquisition-freedom-ford-sales-limited-1911265-alberta-ltd |website=Competition Bureau Canada |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250820052528/https://competition-bureau.canada.ca/en/how-we-foster-competition/education-and-outreach/position-statements/acquisition-freedom-ford-sales-limited-1911265-alberta-ltd |archive-date=20 Aug 2025}}</ref>
===Market control===
:*Dealership consolidation: Ford’s acquisitions of dealerships (e.g., Freedom Ford) have drawn scrutiny from competition regulators. While deemed non-antitrust, such consolidation can reduce local competition and consumer choice.<ref name=":4" />
:*Dependence on connected services: By integrating AI and IoT (e.g., autonomous vehicles, CarStory analytics), Ford reinforces market dominance in connected car technology, potentially stifling smaller competitors.

===Anti-consumer practices===

:*[[Ford ad patent|Patents regarding consumer data]]
::Ford has secured patents for systems that are unrelated to core driving functions and involve consumer data collection. One patented system can deliver targeted advertisements based on in-vehicle conversations, while another relates to vehicle repossession and allows for access restrictions (e.g., in cases of missed payments). Ford has clarified that holding these patents does not necessarily mean they will be implemented in future products. However, the existence of such systems could influence consumer perceptions of the company and affect their willingness to accept certain sales terms.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Gitlin |first=Jonathan M. |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Ford files patent for system that could remotely repossess a car |url=https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/03/ford-files-patent-for-system-that-could-remotely-repossess-a-car/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223043817/https://arstechnica.com/cars/2023/03/ford-files-patent-for-system-that-could-remotely-repossess-a-car/ |archive-date=February 23, 2026 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smalley |first=Suzanne |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Ford seeks patent for tech that listens to driver conversations to serve ads |url=https://therecord.media/ford-patent-application-in-vehicle-listening-advertising |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260101115700/https://therecord.media/ford-patent-application-in-vehicle-listening-advertising |archive-date=January 1, 2026 |website=therecord.media}}</ref>

:*Engineering practices
::Some engine designs use a rubber belt—rather than a metal chain—to drive the oil pump. This belt operates submerged in engine oil and may wear out prematurely, potentially leading to a sudden loss of oil pressure. Additionally, they have released transmission systems in certain ''Fiesta'' and ''Focus'' models that have experienced issues, including loss of power during acceleration, gear shifting, or at constant speeds, as well as unintended acceleration. It has been reported that a software update rendered a vehicle inoperable.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Braithwaite-Smith |first=Gavin |date=February 23, 2026 |title=BBC Watchdog shines light on Ford EcoBoost wet belt problem |url=https://garagewire.co.uk/news/bbc-watchdog-ford-ecoboost-wet-belt-problem/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223043859/https://garagewire.co.uk/news/bbc-watchdog-ford-ecoboost-wet-belt-problem/ |archive-date=February 23, 2026 |website=garagewire.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Phoebe Wall |date=July 11, 2019 |title=Ford knew Focus, Fiesta models had flawed transmission, sold them anyway |url=https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/cars/ford/2019/07/11/ford-focus-fiesta-transmission-defect/1671198001/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221023357/https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/cars/ford/2019/07/11/ford-focus-fiesta-transmission-defect/1671198001/ |archive-date=February 21, 2026 |website=Detroit Free Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2023 |title=Automatic Software Update Bricked my Truck |url=https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/automatic-software-update-bricked-my-truck.96624/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250415151514/https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/automatic-software-update-bricked-my-truck.96624/ |archive-date=April 15, 2025 |website=www.fordraptorforum.com}}</ref>

:Ford has had the highest number of vehicle recalls in the U.S. in 2021, 2022, and 2023. While recall volume can be influenced by market share, larger automakers often have more recalls, it may also reflect differences in production quality compared to competitors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NHTSA Recalls by Manufacturer |url=https://datahub.transportation.gov/stories/s/NHTSA-Recalls-by-Manufacturer/38mw-dp8u/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203181946/https://datahub.transportation.gov/stories/s/NHTSA-Recalls-by-Manufacturer/38mw-dp8u/ |archive-date=February 3, 2026 |website=datahub.transportation.gov}}</ref>

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

Deceptive language frequently used against consumers

2026-02-27T17:56:37Z

Venture18+: /* References */ properly added archive for citation 2 and reformatted citation 3 (also added archive for the latter)

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Tone issues}}
Deceptive language used by companies to impede the rights of consumers while appearing benevolent comes in many forms. Many of them can be boiled down to a few principles.

=="For the safety of the consumer"==
This is one of the most cited reasons to restrict what a consumer is allowed to do with their property. It is used to fight against right-to-repair legislation, restrict downloading of apps unless provided by Google or Apple, etc. Some notable incidents include:

===Google comparing APK restrictions to airport security===
For many years, one of the primary selling points of Android smartphones was that no big corporation could gatekeep what the user can run on their phones. But starting with Android 17 in 2026, only developers manually approved by Google can create APKs that install on Android.

Developers applying for approval are required to violate their privacy by disclosing their real-life identity to Google.

Google used false benevolence to excuse this restriction:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Temelkov |first=Ilia |date=2025-08-25 |title=Google will make sideloading apps way more difficult from next year |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-will-make-sideloading-apps-way-more-difficult-from-next-year_id173542 |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=PhoneArea |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115170744/https://www.phonearena.com/news/Google-will-make-sideloading-apps-way-more-difficult-from-next-year_id173542 |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref>

<blockquote>
Google says you should think of the new requirements like checking IDs at the airport.
</blockquote>Google is implying to users that "because it's necessary and accepted there, it's just as necessary here too". This is an invalid comparison given that airplanes belong to their respective airlines while a smartphone belongs to the person who purchased it. It is more similar to Google installing an airport security station infront of home owners' doorsteps. Google takes ownership away from smartphone buyers by assuming the final authority on which software can run on Android devices.

===Storage access restrictions in Android===
From [https://archive.today/2025.08.08-192814/http://web.archive.org/web/20250621212750/https://source.android.com/docs/core/storage/traditional source.android.com]:

<blockquote>
Third-party apps must go through the Storage Access Framework to interact with files on portable storage; direct access is explicitly blocked for privacy and security reasons.
</blockquote>

The only "security" storage access framework actually gives the user is that it prevents them from granting access to the root directory of the external storage (not to be confused with "root access" which gives the device owner superuser privileges).

Storage Access Framework is no replacement for legacy storage access given its slowness from its large processing overhead. The performance loss may be concealed to some extent from the fast hardware smartphones have nowadays, but even then, it increases battery usage. In addition, it breached compatibility with all apps previously developed over the span of several years.<ref name="SAF">[https://www.xda-developers.com/android-q-storage-access-framework-scoped-storage/ The Storage Access Framework is the only way for apps to work with all your files in Android Q. And it's terrible.] - XDA developers ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260222042955/https://www.xda-developers.com/android-q-storage-access-framework-scoped-storage/ Archived])</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=14 Apr 2017 |title=Horrible access storage framework performance |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/65dn8x/horrible_access_storage_framework_performance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823190730/https://old.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/65dn8x/horrible_access_storage_framework_performance/ |archive-date=23 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/androiddev}}</ref>

===Non-replaceable batteries since the Samsung Galaxy S6===
Justin Denison, Samsung's public relations person, said:<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8mfEud8n4c Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2015 - Livestream (Replay] ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=U8mfEud8n4c Archived])</ref>

<blockquote>We refused to do this for some time. That's because we didn't want to have a built-in battery, until we were absolutely sure that users would feel confident about charging their phones. </blockquote>
===OnePlus "encrypted" batteries===
The OnePlus Pad has a serialized battery, meaning the device detects repairs not approved by OnePlus, which can result in functionality being disabled. This is an anti-repair practice first seen on Apple iPhone 11.

However, OnePlus marketed this practice as "encrypting" the battery. Given that people associate "encryption" with something positive (for example end-to-end encryption on a messaging service), OnePlus attempted to "recycle" this word to glorify an anti-repair practice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2023-02-08 |title=Oneplus' tablet uses an encrypted battery; how's that for repairability? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgtFSHCGNIk |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=YouTube |type=Video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=UgtFSHCGNIk |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=2023-02-07 |title=OnePlus takes on the iPad with the OnePlus Pad |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/02/oneplus-takes-on-the-ipad-with-the-oneplus-pad/ |access-date=2025-10-01 |work=Ars Technica |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118200050/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/02/oneplus-takes-on-the-ipad-with-the-oneplus-pad/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref>

==="Web Environment Integrity API" by Google===
Google tried to implement Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) on the Internet, giving it the name "Web Environment Integrity API".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0i0Ho-x7s_U Google's trying to DRM the internet, and we have to make sure they fail] - Louis Rossmann ([https://www.brighteon.com/1f4125e9-f0cd-46a3-bf38-0ff22881c0f9 Brighteon mirror], [https://old.bitchute.com/video/Jl7ze8KjhWvK/ BitChute mirror]) ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=0i0Ho-x7s_U Archived])</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bruchon |first=Jody |date=2023-07-22 |title=Web Environment Integrity Must Be Stopped: Enslavement By "Remote Attestation" |url=https://www.jodybruchon.com/2023/07/22/web-environment-integrity-must-be-stopped-enslavement-by-remote-attestation/ |access-date=2025-10-01 |website=jodybruchon.com |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251201031758/https://www.jodybruchon.com/2023/07/22/web-environment-integrity-must-be-stopped-enslavement-by-remote-attestation/ |archive-date=1 Dec 2025}}</ref>

=="To enhance our services"==

===Samsung "offers additional content" by advertising on refrigerators===
This is an update message shown on a Samsung refrigerator:

[[File:Samsung-refrigerator-ads-update-changelog-scaled.jpg|center|320px]]

<blockquote>
To enhance our service and offer additional content to users, advertisements will be displayed [...]
</blockquote>

Despite using benevolent-seeming phrases such as "enhance our service" and " offer additional content", the actual aim of the change was to place large and obtrusive adverts in users' homes.

=="To streamline the experience"==
===Fewer ports on modern laptops===
In the 2000s and early 2010s, three or four USB ports built into laptops were not uncommon. Modern laptops in contrast usually feature one or two USB-A ports and might feature an USB-C port, in addition to less modular and less upgradeable parts. In reality, this has the opposite effect: due to fewer built-in ports on their laptops, the user is forced to carry hubs and adapters to be able to use the same functionality as before, which outweighs any portability benefit that the thinness might have afforded. Netbooks already existed as the category of laptops for people primarily interested in thinness.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Victor |date=2022-11-24 |title=Why are so many laptops having less ports? |url=https://www.easydongle.com/why-do-new-laptops-have-less-ports/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118151642/https://www.easydongle.com/why-do-new-laptops-have-less-ports/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025|access-date=2025-10-02 |website=easydongle.com}} </ref>

===Google wants to help cleaning up MicroSD cards by denying normal write access===
MicroSD cards became a major selling point of Android smartphones compared to iPhones, allowing the expansion of the storage capacity by multiple times at a time where smartphone internal storage capacities were only in the double-digit gigabytes. In addition, MicroSD cards make it easy to rescue data from a broken smartphone and to get immediate free storage within minutes without hour-long file transfers.

In Android 4.4 KitKat, Google revoked normal write access to the MicroSD card through applications installed by the user, with the exception of folders dedicated to each app at "<code>Android/data/(package name)</code>". The write access could not be restored through a setting in the menu, only through rooting.

Google's argument was to ensure no app can leave files behind after uninstallation:

<blockquote>
The WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission must only grant write access to the primary external storage on a device. Apps must not be allowed to write to secondary external storage devices, except in their package-specific directories as allowed by synthesized permissions. Restricting writes in this way ensures the system can clean up files when applications are uninstalled.
</blockquote>

So they brought it back with Android 5.0, however only through Google's Storage Access Framework, which comes with a large processing overhead, resulting in slower speeds, especially when handling a high number of files.<ref name="SAF" /><ref name=":0" />

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Common terms]]

Audible subsidizes its streaming plan via premium credits

2026-02-27T17:41:17Z

Venture18+: /* Audible updates their royalty structure */ reformatted external link

{{Incomplete}}
{{OngoingEvent}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=Audible
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=
|Description=
}}
'''[[Audible]],''' an audiobook marketplace and subsidiary of [[Amazon]], is changing its royalty structure to subsidize its streaming service with premium credit purchases.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Daniel |date=2025-08-25 |title=Nail in Audible's coffin |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BJIZA_OpDw |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=2BJIZA_OpDw |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Hartness |first=John |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=AUTHORS ASSEMBLE! Audible generative AI takeover {{!}} How this hurts Authors and Narrators |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLKQAASI6y0 |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}} ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=wLKQAASI6y0 Archived])</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Daniel |date=12 Aug 2025 |title=Audible is Broken |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhTmMv_s578 |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=xhTmMv_s578 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Learn more about audio books with virtual voice |url=https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G3QRL9HQNF273Q2H |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825204046/https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G3QRL9HQNF273Q2H |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=[[Amazon]]}}</ref> In August 2025, the new structure took effect. It works by spreading the reader's plan value and premium credits across all books the reader listened to during the month, regardless of whether or not the audiobook was purchased or streamed using Audible's streaming service.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Robin |date=8 August 2025 |title=Convince Audible to revise it's New Royalty Model |url=https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-it-s-new-royalty-model |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=[[Change.org]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250826122705/https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-it-s-new-royalty-model |archive-date=26 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |author=paigevoice |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Audible's new royalty mess |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QZEEXOtJik |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=8QZEEXOtJik |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Background==
Audible, founded in 1995, is the longstanding global market leader for purchasing and listening to audiobooks.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Lucy |date=2025-05-13 |title=Audible unveils plans to use AI voices to narrate audio books |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/13/audible-unveils-plans-to-use-ai-voices-to-narrate-audiobooks |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032613/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/13/audible-unveils-plans-to-use-ai-voices-to-narrate-audiobooks |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Since 2020, Audible has offered two plan-types to consumers: a premium plan that gives credits consumers can use to purchase audiobooks and a non-premium plan that allows consumers to stream an Audible-curated selection of audiobooks.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=24 Aug 2020 |title=All-You-Can-Listen Membership Option, Audible Plus, Rolls Out in Preview |url=https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/all-you-can-listen-membership-option-audible-plus-rolls-out-in-preview |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=[[Audible]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114094841/https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/all-you-can-listen-membership-option-audible-plus-rolls-out-in-preview |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref> Common knowledge suggests if a credit is spent on an audiobook, the author and audible split that credit by some agreed upon percentage.<ref name=":5" /> For an audiobook streamed through Audible, it is reasonable to expect the subscription price is split between all streamed audiobooks for the given month.

==Consumer rights impact summary==

===Digital ownership erosion===
Since 2020, Audible has been shifting more focus on its [[Subscription service|streaming service]]. In August 2025, Audible unveiled a new royalty structure to siphon money from credit purchases to subsidize their streaming library.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" />

===Disingenuous pricing structure===
In August 2025, Audible rolled out their new royalty structure which fundamentally changes how authors are paid when their books are streamed. Instead of the streaming plan being primary funding method for streamed books (via an up-front fee), the new structure takes the reader's plan value, adds the value of any additional credits used, and then divides that value among the titles the reader listened to over the month.<ref name=":6" />

===Streaming favors larger authors and publishers===
Audible determines which authors and books are included as part of its streaming library.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenwood |first=Allan |date=15 Sep 2023 |title=Discussion on "I really wish more authors would use the audible plus catalog for their first books, it's hard to test new stuff." |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/16jzbsq/i_really_wish_more_authors_would_use_the_audible/k0sxsc7/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Sep 2025 |website=Reddit.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032659/https://old.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/16jzbsq/i_really_wish_more_authors_would_use_the_audible/k0sxsc7/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This disproportionately favors larger, more established authors and publishers who can negotiate premium rates with Audible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathews |first=J.R. |date=17 Sep 2023 |title=Comment on "I really wish more authors would use the audible plus catalog for their first books, it's hard to test new stuff." |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/16jzbsq/i_really_wish_more_authors_would_use_the_audible/k0ywscj/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Sep 2025 |website=Reddit.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032729/https://old.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/16jzbsq/i_really_wish_more_authors_would_use_the_audible/k0ywscj/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> In 2022, via his blog, Brandon Sanderson says: <ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanderson |first=Brandon |date=22 Dec 2022 |title=State of the Sanderson 2022 |url=https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/state-of-the-sanderson-2022 |url-status=live |access-date=7 Sep 2025 |website=Brandon Sanderson's Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201134053/https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/state-of-the-sanderson-2022 |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

<blockquote>However, they treat authors very poorly. Particularly indie authors. The deal Audible demands of them is unconscionable, and I’m hoping that providing market forces (and talking about the issue with a megaphone) will encourage change in a positive direction.</blockquote>This quote highlights two things: that the idea that Audible treats their indie authors poorly and that a very large author can directly negotiate with Audible where indie author cannot.

==Audible updates their royalty structure==
In the past, if you wanted to purchase an audiobook on Audible, you purchased a credit and then used that credit to buy the audiobook you desired.<ref name=":5" /> The understanding was the cut of the credit that went towards the author, only went to the author of the audiobook that was purchased. In August 2025, Audible unveiled a new royalty structure combining its credit-based sales with its streaming service, creating a system that indirectly pushes authors toward the streaming environment.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-11 |title=Audible's New Royalty Model: More Opportunities for Authors and Publishers |url=https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/audibles-new-royalty-model-more-opportunities-for-authors-and-publishers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711211955/https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/audibles-new-royalty-model-more-opportunities-for-authors-and-publishers |archive-date=11 Jul 2024 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Audible}}</ref> When a user purchases a book using a credit and also streams another title in the same month, the royalty pool from that single credit is split between both the purchased and streamed works.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":5" /> While financially efficient for Audible, this structure dilutes the revenue earned per title and forces authors to subsidize the growth of Audible's streaming catalog.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8" /> Even if authors opt-out of the streaming catalog, they are not protected from the royalty split.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" /> Audible has created a system that encourages the streaming catalog to be increasingly populated by works that can be produced cheaply or en masse, such as AI-generated content. Over time, this dynamic risks reducing the diversity and sustainability of high-quality content, narrowing consumer choice.

A petition at change.org has been made to convince Amazon to change this.<ref name=":8" />

==Lawsuit over royalties==
In June 2025, a federal judge allowed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon/Audible to proceed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarcella |first=Mike |date=2025-06-20 |title=Amazon must face authors' lawsuit over audiobook distribution, US judge rules |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/amazon-must-face-authors-lawsuit-over-audiobook-distribution-us-judge-rules-2025-06-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/IHC4I |archive-date=27 Feb 2026 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website={{Wplink|Reuters}}}}</ref> The lawsuit, filed by independent author Christine DeMaio (CD Reiss), alleges Audible discriminates against authors who do not participate in its 90-day exclusivity program by offering higher royalties (40% vs. 25%), potentially violating antitrust laws. The court found sufficient grounds to move forward.

==Consumer response==
Authors and listeners alike have reacted strongly against the royalty structure change, pointing out the underhanded feel of the royalty distribution change and harm streaming has caused the artistic industries.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" />

One user expressed displeasure at the restructured royalties: <ref name=":8" /><blockquote>
I've been a plus user for years. Learning that how it's been restructured is actively harming the indie authors I discovered through this platform is disappointing. If you won't correct this then I'll have to take my business elsewhere.</blockquote>Another user on the petition said: <ref name=":8" /><blockquote>
I've been an Audible subscriber for years (at least 12... maybe more... I don't know). If I'm being honest, I've never given much thought to exactly how my Premium Plus membership is being divvied up, but I can tell you for sure, the proposed Audible breakdown is not how I would have guessed or expected it to be done.</blockquote>
The user hawaiianshirtwizzard9542 on where they expect their audible credit to go:<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>
When I spend money on a credit, I assumed the full value (or whatever agreed upon percentage of that credit) was going to that one author. Never in my life would I have expected that part of that credit would go to some pool of authors I wasn’t paying for. Audible thinks its users are stupid and I’ve had enough.</blockquote>
The user RariettyC said: <ref name=":4" /><blockquote>
God, the streaming/subscription model really is tearing through artistic industries. I feel like so much of the conversations I see are surrounding Netflix, Spotify, and other platforms’ devaluing movies, TV shows, music, and video games but every single artistic field seems to be shifting towards more power and profit going to conglomerates who control access rather than the actual creatives who created.</blockquote>
The user sacredwisp said: <ref name=":4" /><blockquote>
They're obviously doing this intentionally to get more people over to the new system, because it benefits them more long term.</blockquote>

==Audible's response==
Audible frames the royalties change as one that "prioritizes equity, flexibility, and insight for creators".<ref name=":6" /> The platform says the new royalty model creates new opportunities for smaller authors by allowing all titles to generate revenue. Audible has not yet responded directly to the petition.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Audible]]

Audible subsidizes its streaming plan via premium credits

2026-02-27T17:32:39Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added Ghost Archive link to citation 13

{{Incomplete}}
{{OngoingEvent}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=Audible
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=
|Description=
}}
'''[[Audible]],''' an audiobook marketplace and subsidiary of [[Amazon]], is changing its royalty structure to subsidize its streaming service with premium credit purchases.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Daniel |date=2025-08-25 |title=Nail in Audible's coffin |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BJIZA_OpDw |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=2BJIZA_OpDw |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Hartness |first=John |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=AUTHORS ASSEMBLE! Audible generative AI takeover {{!}} How this hurts Authors and Narrators |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLKQAASI6y0 |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}} ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=wLKQAASI6y0 Archived])</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Daniel |date=12 Aug 2025 |title=Audible is Broken |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhTmMv_s578 |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=xhTmMv_s578 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Learn more about audio books with virtual voice |url=https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G3QRL9HQNF273Q2H |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825204046/https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G3QRL9HQNF273Q2H |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=[[Amazon]]}}</ref> In August 2025, the new structure took effect. It works by spreading the reader's plan value and premium credits across all books the reader listened to during the month, regardless of whether or not the audiobook was purchased or streamed using Audible's streaming service.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Robin |date=8 August 2025 |title=Convince Audible to revise it's New Royalty Model |url=https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-it-s-new-royalty-model |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=[[Change.org]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250826122705/https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-it-s-new-royalty-model |archive-date=26 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |author=paigevoice |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Audible's new royalty mess |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QZEEXOtJik |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=8QZEEXOtJik |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Background==
Audible, founded in 1995, is the longstanding global market leader for purchasing and listening to audiobooks.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Lucy |date=2025-05-13 |title=Audible unveils plans to use AI voices to narrate audio books |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/13/audible-unveils-plans-to-use-ai-voices-to-narrate-audiobooks |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032613/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/13/audible-unveils-plans-to-use-ai-voices-to-narrate-audiobooks |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Since 2020, Audible has offered two plan-types to consumers: a premium plan that gives credits consumers can use to purchase audiobooks and a non-premium plan that allows consumers to stream an Audible-curated selection of audiobooks.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=24 Aug 2020 |title=All-You-Can-Listen Membership Option, Audible Plus, Rolls Out in Preview |url=https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/all-you-can-listen-membership-option-audible-plus-rolls-out-in-preview |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=[[Audible]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114094841/https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/all-you-can-listen-membership-option-audible-plus-rolls-out-in-preview |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref> Common knowledge suggests if a credit is spent on an audiobook, the author and audible split that credit by some agreed upon percentage.<ref name=":5" /> For an audiobook streamed through Audible, it is reasonable to expect the subscription price is split between all streamed audiobooks for the given month.

==Consumer rights impact summary==

===Digital ownership erosion===
Since 2020, Audible has been shifting more focus on its [[Subscription service|streaming service]]. In August 2025, Audible unveiled a new royalty structure to siphon money from credit purchases to subsidize their streaming library.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" />

===Disingenuous pricing structure===
In August 2025, Audible rolled out their new royalty structure which fundamentally changes how authors are paid when their books are streamed. Instead of the streaming plan being primary funding method for streamed books (via an up-front fee), the new structure takes the reader's plan value, adds the value of any additional credits used, and then divides that value among the titles the reader listened to over the month.<ref name=":6" />

===Streaming favors larger authors and publishers===
Audible determines which authors and books are included as part of its streaming library.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenwood |first=Allan |date=15 Sep 2023 |title=Discussion on "I really wish more authors would use the audible plus catalog for their first books, it's hard to test new stuff." |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/16jzbsq/i_really_wish_more_authors_would_use_the_audible/k0sxsc7/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Sep 2025 |website=Reddit.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032659/https://old.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/16jzbsq/i_really_wish_more_authors_would_use_the_audible/k0sxsc7/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This disproportionately favors larger, more established authors and publishers who can negotiate premium rates with Audible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathews |first=J.R. |date=17 Sep 2023 |title=Comment on "I really wish more authors would use the audible plus catalog for their first books, it's hard to test new stuff." |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/16jzbsq/i_really_wish_more_authors_would_use_the_audible/k0ywscj/ |url-status=live |access-date=7 Sep 2025 |website=Reddit.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032729/https://old.reddit.com/r/litrpg/comments/16jzbsq/i_really_wish_more_authors_would_use_the_audible/k0ywscj/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> In 2022, via his blog, Brandon Sanderson says: <ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanderson |first=Brandon |date=22 Dec 2022 |title=State of the Sanderson 2022 |url=https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/state-of-the-sanderson-2022 |url-status=live |access-date=7 Sep 2025 |website=Brandon Sanderson's Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201134053/https://www.brandonsanderson.com/blogs/blog/state-of-the-sanderson-2022 |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

<blockquote>However, they treat authors very poorly. Particularly indie authors. The deal Audible demands of them is unconscionable, and I’m hoping that providing market forces (and talking about the issue with a megaphone) will encourage change in a positive direction.</blockquote>This quote highlights two things: that the idea that Audible treats their indie authors poorly and that a very large author can directly negotiate with Audible where indie author cannot.

==Audible updates their royalty structure==
In the past, if you wanted to purchase an audiobook on Audible, you purchased a credit and then used that credit to buy the audiobook you desired.<ref name=":5" /> The understanding was the cut of the credit that went towards the author, only went to the author of the audiobook that was purchased. In August 2025, Audible unveiled a new royalty structure combining its credit-based sales with its streaming service, creating a system that indirectly pushes authors toward the streaming environment.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-11 |title=Audible's New Royalty Model: More Opportunities for Authors and Publishers |url=https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/audibles-new-royalty-model-more-opportunities-for-authors-and-publishers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711211955/https://www.audible.com/about/newsroom/audibles-new-royalty-model-more-opportunities-for-authors-and-publishers |archive-date=11 Jul 2024 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Audible}}</ref> When a user purchases a book using a credit and also streams another title in the same month, the royalty pool from that single credit is split between both the purchased and streamed works.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":5" /> While financially efficient for Audible, this structure dilutes the revenue earned per title and forces authors to subsidize the growth of Audible's streaming catalog.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":8" /> Even if authors opt-out of the streaming catalog, they are not protected from the royalty split.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" /> Audible has created a system that encourages the streaming catalog to be increasingly populated by works that can be produced cheaply or en masse, such as AI-generated content. Over time, this dynamic risks reducing the diversity and sustainability of high-quality content, narrowing consumer choice.

A petition at change.org has been made to convince Amazon to change this. https://www.change.org/p/convince-audible-to-revise-its-new-royalty-model?source_location=psf_petitions

==Lawsuit over royalties==
In June 2025, a federal judge allowed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon/Audible to proceed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarcella |first=Mike |date=2025-06-20 |title=Amazon must face authors' lawsuit over audiobook distribution, US judge rules |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/amazon-must-face-authors-lawsuit-over-audiobook-distribution-us-judge-rules-2025-06-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/IHC4I |archive-date=27 Feb 2026 |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website={{Wplink|Reuters}}}}</ref> The lawsuit, filed by independent author Christine DeMaio (CD Reiss), alleges Audible discriminates against authors who do not participate in its 90-day exclusivity program by offering higher royalties (40% vs. 25%), potentially violating antitrust laws. The court found sufficient grounds to move forward.

==Consumer response==
Authors and listeners alike have reacted strongly against the royalty structure change, pointing out the underhanded feel of the royalty distribution change and harm streaming has caused the artistic industries.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8" />

One user expressed displeasure at the restructured royalties: <ref name=":8" /><blockquote>
I've been a plus user for years. Learning that how it's been restructured is actively harming the indie authors I discovered through this platform is disappointing. If you won't correct this then I'll have to take my business elsewhere.</blockquote>Another user on the petition said: <ref name=":8" /><blockquote>
I've been an Audible subscriber for years (at least 12... maybe more... I don't know). If I'm being honest, I've never given much thought to exactly how my Premium Plus membership is being divvied up, but I can tell you for sure, the proposed Audible breakdown is not how I would have guessed or expected it to be done.</blockquote>
The user hawaiianshirtwizzard9542 on where they expect their audible credit to go:<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>
When I spend money on a credit, I assumed the full value (or whatever agreed upon percentage of that credit) was going to that one author. Never in my life would I have expected that part of that credit would go to some pool of authors I wasn’t paying for. Audible thinks its users are stupid and I’ve had enough.</blockquote>
The user RariettyC said: <ref name=":4" /><blockquote>
God, the streaming/subscription model really is tearing through artistic industries. I feel like so much of the conversations I see are surrounding Netflix, Spotify, and other platforms’ devaluing movies, TV shows, music, and video games but every single artistic field seems to be shifting towards more power and profit going to conglomerates who control access rather than the actual creatives who created.</blockquote>
The user sacredwisp said: <ref name=":4" /><blockquote>
They're obviously doing this intentionally to get more people over to the new system, because it benefits them more long term.</blockquote>

==Audible's response==
Audible frames the royalties change as one that "prioritizes equity, flexibility, and insight for creators".<ref name=":6" /> The platform says the new royalty model creates new opportunities for smaller authors by allowing all titles to generate revenue. Audible has not yet responded directly to the petition.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Audible]]

Belkin

2026-02-27T17:29:58Z

Venture18+: /* References */ re-archived citation 4 with Wayback Machine alternative

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American consumer electronics company focused on phone and computer accessories.
|Founded=April 18, 1983
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=Belkin logo.png
|ParentCompany=Foxconn Interconnect Technology
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://www.belkin.com
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Belkin|Belkin]]''' (stylised belkin) is an American electronics company, headquartered in El Segundo, California. It produces phone and computer accessories and connectivity devices, such as powerbanks, wireless chargers, and screen protectors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kastrenakes |first=Jacob |date=2018-03-27 |title=Foxconn buys Belkin, Linksys, and Wemo |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/26/17166272/foxconn-buys-belkin-fit-linksys-wemo |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250714165148/https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/26/17166272/foxconn-buys-belkin-fit-linksys-wemo |archive-date=14 Jul 2025 }}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
'''Business model:''' Belkin remotely disables perfectly functional devices in order to sell new ones, a practice known as [[discontinuation bricking]].

==Incidents==
===End of support for Wemo smart devices (''10 Jul 2025'')===
{{Main|Belkin Wemo discontinuation of service}}
Belkin [[Wemo]] smart home devices require cloud connectivity to work. On July 10, 2025, Belkin announced the shutdown of cloud services supporting most Wemo devices, effective January 31, 2026.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-10 |title=Belkin Official Support - Wemo Support Ending – What You Need to Know |url=https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Belkin Official Support |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711172157/https://www.belkin.com/support-article/?articleNum=335419 |archive-date=11 Jul 2025 }}</ref> These devices remain for sale on Belkin's Amazon WeMo store<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement |url=https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220201917/https://www.amazon.com/Wemo-Smart-Plug-Thread-Products/dp/B09T4S3QKC |archive-date=20 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com: Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Tech Gifts - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up : Tools & Home Improvement}}</ref> and advertising them as working with Google, Alexa, & more.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Wemo |url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260227172544/https://www.amazon.com/stores/Wemo/page/E33F6EA2-93FC-48CD-8BF6-EE10D5398795 |archive-date=2026-02-27 |access-date=2025-07-13 |website=Amazon.com: Wemo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Preston |first=Dominic |date=2025-07-11 |title=Belkin is ending support for nearly all its Wemo smart home devices |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/705136/belkin-wemo-smart-home-support-ending-homekit-thread |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=The Verge |language=en-US |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250711204531/https://www.theverge.com/news/705136/belkin-wemo-smart-home-support-ending-homekit-thread |archive-date= 11 Jul 2025 }}</ref>

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

Yum! Brands

2026-02-27T17:18:30Z

Venture18+: added irrelevance tag, because subject doesn't seem to be relevant to cases of "new" consumer exploitation

{{irrelevant}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1977-11-08
|Industry=Food
|Logo=Yum! Brands logo.svg.png
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.yum.com/
}}[[wikipedia:Yum!_Brands|Yum! Brand]], formally Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc., was founded in 1977 as a subsidiary to [[wikipedia:PepsiCo#Distribution_to_children|PepsiCo, Inc.]] after acquiring [[KFC]], [[Pizza Hut]], and [[Taco Bell]]. PepsiCo Inc left the restaurant business in January 1997, resulting in the creation of Tricon Global Restaurants, Inc as parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell originally.

On March 2002, [https://tacobell.fandom.com/wiki/Yorkshire_Global_Restaurants Yorkshire Global Restaurants] announced a merger with Tricon Global Restaurants to form Yum! Brands, being finalized on may 8, 2002, acquiring A&W and Long John Silver's chains. On January 2011, Yum announced plans to remove Long John Silver's and A&W brands to better focus on KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, selling on September to A Great American Brand and LJS Partners LLC.

Yum Brands is the parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Habit Burger & Grill, Heartstyles, Tictuk Technologies, Kvantum, and Dragontail Systems, making it one of the largest fast food companies, with a revenue of $8.21 Billion on December 31, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-26 |title=Yum Brands Revenue |url=https://www.wallstreetzen.com/stocks/us/nyse/yum/revenue |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-26 |website=Wallstreet Zen}}</ref>, with its most largest subsidiary being Taco Bell. <ref>{{Cite web |first=Darius |date=2013-09-17 |title=Yum! Brands Marketcap, Net Worth, Competitors, Revenue, 2025 |url=https://www.companieshistory.com/yum-brands/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-26 |website=Companies History}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Betz |first=Brandy |date=2018-10-02 |title=5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Yum! Brands |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/04/19/5-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-yum-brands.aspx |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-26 |website=The Motley Fool}}</ref>

==Consumer-impact summary==

*Food Safety Violations

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Food Safety Violations===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}

In 2014, Yum Brands, along with other fast food companies like McDonald's and Starbucks in China, discovered that their meat supplier, Shanghai Husi Food Co., supplied them with expired or rotten meat, as a result of this incident their revenue dropped by 10%.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-07-15 |title=KFC owner Yum sales take another hit in China |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-33532449 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Economy |first=Elizabeth |date=2014-07-31 |title=Yum, Yum, Yum: Another Food Safety Scandal Rocks Multinationals in China |url=https://www.cfr.org/articles/yum-yum-yum-another-food-safety-scandal-rocks-multinationals-china |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=Council on Foreign Relations}}</ref> Yum Brands responded by issuing an apology to customers, offering rewards to whistleblowers for exposing safety violations, and requiring managers review suppliers regularly.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parsons |first=Heidi |date=2014-08-01 |title=Food Safety Fears Cause Consumers to Boycott Yum, McDonald's Restaurants in China |url=https://www.food-safety.com/articles/2892-food-safety-fears-cause-consumers-to-boycott-yum-mcdonalds-restaurants-in-china |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=Food Safety Magazine}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Restaurant Brand International]]
*[[McDonald's]]
*[[Wendy's]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Canadian bread price fixing

2026-02-25T18:11:35Z

Venture18+: added 'irrelevance' tag, with reason: Subject doesn't seem to fit within niche of "new" consumer protection

{{irrelevant|reason="Subject doesn't seem to fit within niche of "new" consumer protection"}}
{{Incomplete}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Canada Bread, Weston Foods, Walmart Canada, Giant Tiger, Sobeys, Metro
|StartDate=2001
|EndDate=2015
|Status=Resolved
|ProductLine=Bread
|Product=Bread, Bagels, Naan
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Price Fixing
|Description=From 2001 to 2015, many companies colluded in what can be described as a cartel, fixing bread prices in Canada
}}From 2001 to 2015<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=The Canadian Press |date=2024-07-25 |title=Loblaw, George Weston to pay $500M for bread price-fixing scheme in record antitrust settlement |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/loblaw-bread-price-settlement-1.7274820 |website=CBC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208135642/https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/loblaw-bread-price-settlement-1.7274820 |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref> or 2017<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Sagan |first=Aleksandra |date=2018-01-31 |title=Bakers, grocers involved in 16-year price-fixing conspiracy: Competition Bureau |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/bakers-grocers-involved-in-16-year-price-fixing-conspiracy-competition-bureau/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250522214903/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/bakers-grocers-involved-in-16-year-price-fixing-conspiracy-competition-bureau/ |archive-date=22 May 2025}}</ref>, Canadian retailers, including Walmart Canada, Metro, Giant Tiger and Sobeys, colluded to fix prices of bread<ref name=":0" />. In a class action lawsuit that followed, the collusion was described as a cartel<ref>{{Cite web |last=GOVAN |first=JAMES |date=2020-03-25 |title=Originating Application – Bread Cartel – March 25, 2020 |url=https://lpclex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Originating-Application-BREAD-Notified-25MAR2020.pdf |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250315064240/https://lpclex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Originating-Application-BREAD-Notified-25MAR2020.pdf |archive-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref>

==Price fixing==
For 14 or 16 years, the price of bread and other products such as bagels and naan was artificially inflated in a collusion of the biggest retailers in Canada.<ref name=":1" />

==Investigation==
An investigation by the Competition Bureau was launched after an informant from Loblaw Ltd tipped them off<ref name=":1" />

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

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

==See also==

[[Class action]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Canadian incidents]]

Consent-or-pay

2026-02-24T13:58:21Z

Venture18+: replaced archive.today link in citation 7

'''Consent-or-pay''', also known as '''consent-or-okay''', is a business model implemented in response to the European Union's ''[[General Data Protection Regulation]]'' [[General Data Protection Regulation|(GDPR)]]. Under this model, users of a website are presented with a choice to either:

*'''Consent''' to the use of cookies and personal data for targeted advertising, '''or'''
*'''Pay''' a monthly fee to access the service without tracking.

The practice has been the subject of discussion among regulators, policymakers, and consumer advocates, with many viewing the practice as undermining the principle of meaningful consent within the General Data Protection Regulation. Consent-or-pay has been adopted by a number of large online platforms and news organizations. As of August 2025, 16 of the 50 largest UK news websites had implemented a consent-or-pay model.<ref name="Press Gazette">{{Cite web |first=Charlotte |last=Tobitt |title=Press Gazette, More UK news publishers are adopting 'consent or pay' advertising model |url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/consent-or-pay-uk-publishers-advertising-2025/ |url-access=limited |date=21 Aug 2025 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821204423/https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/consent-or-pay-uk-publishers-advertising-2025/ |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref>

==Background==
{{Main|General Data Protection Regulation}}

The General Data Protection Regulation was enacted in 2018 with the objective of protecting online users from extensive data collection by companies. The regulation requires companies to obtain user consent for data collection, which is typically facilitated through an opt-in banner or pop-up on a website.

Some companies reported a negative impact on revenue following the regulation's implementation<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Mititelu |first=Andra |date=2023 |title=As the Open Marketplace Fails, Advertisers Are Turning to Publishers to Reach Audiences |url=https://advertisingweek.com/as-the-open-marketplace-fails-advertisers-are-turning-to-publishers-to-reach-audiences/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927212627/https://advertisingweek.com/as-the-open-marketplace-fails-advertisers-are-turning-to-publishers-to-reach-audiences/ |archive-date=27 Sep 2023 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=Advertising Week}}</ref>, as the scale of data collection for targeted advertising was reduced. The consent-or-pay model emerged as an approach to address this change.

==How it works==
When a user visits a website, a pop-up consent window is displayed. While traditional options were to '''Accept''' or '''Reject''' cookies, the consent-or-pay model presents users with the options to '''Accept or Pay'''.

*The payment is typically a monthly fee (e.g. £1.99 per month).
*Many sites employing this model were previously free-to-access and funded primarily through advertising.
*Users must now either pay with their personal data or with a monetary fee.

This effectively introduces a paywall for content that is considered freely available, even in the absence of a traditional subscription model.

==Why it is a problem==

===Invalid consent===
This binary choice model raises questions about the validity of consent as users are required to choose between two options, both of which involve a form of payment for content that is considered free.

===Lack of informed consent===
Companies typically state that cookies and data collection are for "personalized ads" and "improving services." The extent to which user data is stored, shared with third-parties, sold to data brokers, or potentially exposed in data breaches is often not detailed. This may lead to users underestimating the long-term implications of sharing their personal data.

===False equivalence===
The consent-or-pay model equates the value of a user's data to a specific monetary amount. The methodology for calculating this equivalent monthly fee comes into question as it is difficult to ascertain the precise advertising revenue generated from an individual user. The fee is often based on an average revenue per user (ARPU) metric, which applies a generalized value to all users regardless of their individual engagement with advertisements and despite studies suggesting that data cannot be fairly valued<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fleckenstein |first=Mike |date=26 Jan 2023 |title=A Review of Data Valuation Approaches and Building and Scoring a Data Valuation Model |url=https://hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/1qxkrnig/release/1 |website=HDSR. MIT Press |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251121151158/https://hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/1qxkrnig/release/1 |archive-date=21 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Diehl |first=Hannah |date=14 Jun 2025 |title=Semivalue-based data valuation is arbitrary and gameable |url=https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.12619 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618093423/https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.12619 |archive-date=2025-06-18 |access-date=2025-10-02 |website=Cornell University}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 Jun 2025 |title=Why ARPU Lies: The Danger of Averages in Pricing Analytics |url=https://www.getmonetizely.com/articles/why-arpu-lies-the-danger-of-averages-in-pricing-analytics |website=Monetizely |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216031544/https://www.getmonetizely.com/articles/why-arpu-lies-the-danger-of-averages-in-pricing-analytics |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>.

===Illusion of a fair exchange===
The model can create a perception that a fair exchange is taking place. By offering a seemingly low monthly fee as an alternative to data collection, users may believe they are compensating the company fairly for lost advertising revenue. This can influence the decision-making process regarding data privacy.

==Meta investigation and fine==
Following an investigation by the European Commission, [[Meta]] was fined on 23 April 2025 for non-compliance with the [[Digital Markets Act]] (DMA). The investigation concluded that Meta's consent-or-pay model did not meet the DMA's requirements for reducing personalized data for targeted ads and did not allow for freely given consent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Jun 2024 |title=Commission sends preliminary findings to Meta over its "Pay or Consent" model for breach of the Digital Markets Act |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 |website=European Commission |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217051549/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> Meta was fined €228 million in April, and by July, the European Commission warned that the company could face additional daily fines if it continued to employ this model.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Foo Yun Chee |title=Meta may face daily fines over pay-or-consent model, EU warns |url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/meta-will-only-make-limited-changes-pay-or-consent-model-eu-says-2025-06-27/ |date=27 Jun 2025 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=Reuters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/zHICl |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Uses==

===News organizations===
Several media outlets in Europe have adopted consent-or-pay models, including:

*The Mirror
*The Independent
*Der Spiegel
*Der Standard
*Le Monde
*Le Parisien
*Corriere della Sera
*MeridioNews
*Iltalehti<ref>{{Cite news |last=Partanen |first=Joonas |date=21 Oct 2025 |title=Iltalehti lisää yksityisyysasetuksen mainontaan |trans-title=Iltalehti adds a privacy setting to advertising |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/kotimaa/a/bdb1b965-c706-4d18-b975-411aa90a38fc |url-status=live |access-date=21 Oct 2025 |work=Iltalehti |language=FI |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251024080118/https://www.iltalehti.fi/kotimaa/a/bdb1b965-c706-4d18-b975-411aa90a38fc |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Heikkilä |first=Markus |last2=Heikkonen |first2=Tanja |last3=Aspeslagh |first3=Tiina |date=21 Oct 2025 |title=Iltalehti haluaa tarjota valinnanvapautta, mutta se maksaa |trans-title=Iltalehti wants to provide the freedom of choice, but it comes at a cost |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20189545 |url-status=live |access-date=21 Oct 2025 |work=Yle |language=FI |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214184509/https://yle.fi/a/74-20189545 |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref>

===Other media outlets===
*HowToGeek

<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:Screenshot 20250910-195708 IronFox.png|alt=Screenshot of MeridioNews' consent-or-pay policy viewed on a mobile browser. (written in Italian)|Screenshot of MeridioNews' consent-or-pay policy appearing after rejecting cookies on [https://meridionews.it/piazzale-anita-garibaldi-ennesimo-raid-dei-vandali-la-provocazione-di-artale-mettiamo-una-garitta/ one of their articles]
File:08cd9c3c-fd76-4cc0-bf9a-0e85d8133609.png|alt=(machine-translated from Italian) screenshot of MeridioNews' consent-or-pay policy appearing after rejecting cookies on one of their articles, viewed from a mobile device|(machine-translated) screenshot of MeridioNews' consent-or-pay policy
File:Screenshot 20251103 192735.png|HowToGeek
File:Screenshot 20251103 200307.png|HowToGeek premium page
</gallery>
==Critical response==

===Regulatory agencies===
In 2024, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) published a non-binding opinion on "Valid Consent in the Context of Consent or Pay Models Implemented by Large Online Platforms." The opinion stated that the consent-or-pay model does not constitute valid consent and that appropriate alternative measures should provide users with an "equivalent alternative." Furthermore, it noted that if a payment model is offered, the alternative should not involve processing personal data. Choices in which users feel compelled to consent does not qualify as valid consent.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=17 Apr 2024 |title=EDPB: 'Consent or Pay' models should offer real choice |url=https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2024/edpb-consent-or-pay-models-should-offer-real-choice_en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711204531/https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2024/edpb-consent-or-pay-models-should-offer-real-choice_en |archive-date=11 Jul 2025 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=European Data Protection Board}}</ref>

Anu Talus, Chair of the EDPB, said:<blockquote>"Online platforms should give users a real choice when employing 'consent or pay' models. The models we have today usually require individuals to either give away all their data or to pay. As a result most users consent to the processing in order to use a service, and they do not understand the full implications of their choices."<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

===Consumer advocacy groups===
"[[NOYB|noyb]]" is a data protection advocacy organization based in Austria that focuses primarily on compliance and violations of the General Data Protection Regulation<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://noyb.eu/en/about-us |website=noyb |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203194254/https://noyb.eu/en/about-us |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref>. In November 2023, the group filed a complaint with the Austrian Data Protection Authority against Meta, arguing that the company lacked "any valid legal basis for [pay-or-okay]. [...] Meta is now trying to extort supposed consent from its users with a 'yes or pay' choice".<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Nov 2023 |title=COMPLAINT UNDER ARTICLE 77(1) GDPR |url=https://noyb.eu/sites/default/files/2023-11/Complaint%20-%20Meta%20Pay%20or%20Okay%20-%20REDACTED.pdf |website=noyb - European Centre for Digital Rights |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250623121759/https://noyb.eu/sites/default/files/2023-11/Complaint%20-%20Meta%20Pay%20or%20Okay%20-%20REDACTED.pdf |archive-date=23 Jun 2025}}</ref> The complaint cited the high costs of rejecting personalized ads, which was €12.99 per month for [[Facebook]] and €8 per month for [[Instagram]], approximating a combined annual cost of €251.88.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=28 Nov 2023 |title=noyb files GDPR complaint against Meta over "Pay or Okay" |url=https://noyb.eu/en/noyb-files-gdpr-complaint-against-meta-over-pay-or-okay |website=noyb |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251220194353/https://noyb.eu/en/noyb-files-gdpr-complaint-against-meta-over-pay-or-okay |archive-date=20 Dec 2025}}</ref> ''noyb'' expressed concern that Meta's approach could set a precedent for other platforms, potentially leading to €35,000 per family when combined with other platforms and websites<ref name=":1" />.

==Effectiveness==
''The Open Marketplace'', once considered the easiest and most efficient platform for advertisers and publishers to transact, has been facing steady decline since the General Data Protection went into effect<ref name=":2" />. In a report by Advertising Week published in September 2023, advertisers using Open Marketplace were reaching only roughly 30% of their audience, meaning that 70% of advertising efforts were wasted due to users opting out of data collection<ref name=":2" />. Their findings were based upon a report from ''Nano Interactive,'' a company that claims to be "at the forefront of privacy-first, identity-free online advertising"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://www.nanointeractive.com/company/ |website=Nano Interactive |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203070810/https://www.nanointeractive.com/company/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref>, in which the company surveyed 2,000 UK consumers and found that 70% of them rejected cookies using various methods (VPN, incognito mode, clearing cache, etc)<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=UK Cookie-Blocking Research |url=https://www.nanointeractive.com/tipping-point-research/ |website=Nano Interactive |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112164552/https://www.nanointeractive.com/tipping-point-research/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Vanessa |date=9 May 2023 |title=70% of consumers blocking cookies online, research shows |url=https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2023/05/09/70-consumers-blocking-cookies-online-research-shows |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511090722/https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2023/05/09/70-consumers-blocking-cookies-online-research-shows |archive-date=11 May 2023 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=The Drum}}</ref>.

''The Drum'' reported on that same survey by noting the increasing discomfort consumers have on trading personal data for free content<ref name=":4" />. Those in the survey were split 30-30% on whether they view this as a fair exchange, but over half believe advertisers should find better ways to make ads relevant. Additionally, it was reported that of consumers who are concerned about privacy, 42% report data collection as their biggest concern, while only 31% are concerned with data breaches or online scams respectively<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />.

==Alternative practices==
'''Contextual advertising''' is a model that serves ads based on the content of the page a user is viewing (e.g., food ingredients on a recipe page). This advertising model had once been considered the standard on the internet and has returned in high numbers since the General Data Protection Regulation went into effect<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Jessica |date=7 Jun 2018 |title=‘Personalization diminished’: In the GDPR era, contextual targeting is making a comeback |url=https://digiday.com/media/personalization-diminished-gdpr-era-contextual-targeting-making-comeback/ |website=Digiday |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251110100214/https://digiday.com/media/personalization-diminished-gdpr-era-contextual-targeting-making-comeback/ |archive-date=10 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Maher |first=Bron |date=21 Nov 2023 |title=Guardian gets around readers who reject cookies with new advertising product |url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/guardian-light-reject-cookies-advertising-stereotype/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128184011/https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/guardian-light-reject-cookies-advertising-stereotype/ |archive-date=28 Nov 2023 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=Press Gazette}}<nowiki>}}</nowiki></ref>. ''The Guardian'', a UK-based news organization, reported a 35% increase in ad clicks after emplying this model, describing it as "a perfect advertising product for a privacy conscious brand"<ref name=":6" />. An article from ''Digiday'' reports that some publishers had long complained at the loss of contextual advertising in the rush to micro-target through personalized ads<ref name=":5" />. They state the infamous ''ad-pocalypse'' from YouTube could have been avoided if advertisers stuck with contextual advertising instead of following users around the internet<ref name=":6" />.

==See also==

*[[Europe-based news sites enact consent-or-pay for data tracking]]
*[https://noyb.eu/en/years-inactivity-pay-or-ok-cases-noyb-sues-german-dpas Years of inactivity in “Pay or OK” cases: noyb sues German DPAs]
*[https://noyb.eu/en/noybs-pay-or-okay-report-how-companies-make-you-pay-privacy noyb's Pay or Okay report: how companies make you pay for privacy]
*[https://digiday.com/media/personalization-diminished-gdpr-era-contextual-targeting-making-comeback/ ‘Personalization diminished’: In the GDPR era, contextual targeting is making a comeback]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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

Cerberus

2026-02-24T13:32:40Z

Venture18+: converted external link and bare links in citations

{{Incomplete}}
{{ProductLineCargo
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Software, Security
|Company=LSDroid
|Description=
|InProduction=Yes
|Logo=Cerberus logo.png
|ReleaseYear=2011
|Website=https://www.cerberusapp.com
}}
Cerberus Phone Antitheft<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cerberus: Anti-theft, Phone tracker, MDM, Personal safety |url=https://www.cerberusapp.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122104009/https://www.cerberusapp.com/ |archive-date=22 Jan 2026 |website=www.cerberusapp.com}}</ref> is an app designed to be a suite of services centered on security, developed by LSDroid.

==Anti-consumer practices==

===Expiring lifetime licenses (201x)===
The application has faced controversy over expiring licenses that were sold as being "lifetime", and are alleged to delete complaints from forum.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vonau |first=Manuel |date=Dec 21, 2019 |title=Paid Cerberus 'lifetime' licenses are expiring, customers are mad (Update: Complaints deleted from forum) |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/12/21/cerberus-paid-lifetime-license-expiration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212200020/https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/12/21/cerberus-paid-lifetime-license-expiration/ |archive-date=Dec 12, 2025 |website=Android Police}}</ref> The company started by cancelling free subscriptions in 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitman |first=Ryan |date=Aug 20, 2015 |title=[Update: Official Statement] Many Cerberus Free 'Lifetime' Licenses Are Expiring In A Few Days Because Developers Gotta Eat |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2015/08/20/many-cerberus-free-lifetime-licenses-are-expiring-in-a-few-days-because-developers-gotta-eat/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212222638/https://www.androidpolice.com/2015/08/20/many-cerberus-free-lifetime-licenses-are-expiring-in-a-few-days-because-developers-gotta-eat/ |archive-date=Dec 12, 2025 |website=Android Police}}</ref> then in 2019 went on to cancel the paid "lifetime" subscriptions for all users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Padla |first=Rei |date=December 23, 2019 |title=Cerberus starts expiring paid lifetime licenses |url=https://androidcommunity.com/cerberus-starts-expiring-paid-lifetime-licenses-20191223/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722041029/https://androidcommunity.com/cerberus-starts-expiring-paid-lifetime-licenses-20191223/ |archive-date=July 22, 2025 |website=Android Community}}</ref>

Users initially received an email<ref>{{Cite web |title=Important news on your Cerberus account |url=https://static1.anpoimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cerberus-persona-announcment.png |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708184110/https://static1.anpoimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cerberus-persona-announcment.png |archive-date=Jul 8, 2025}}</ref> on 20 February 2018, notifying them of a new app that would require a subscription plan. However users were reassured that their purchased lifetime license for the anti-theft app would still continue to function.

Users then received another email on 5 February 2019, notifying them of new functionality of the app that would require a subscription plan. However users were reassured that their purchased lifetime license for the anti-theft app would still continue to function:

<currently blocked from adding supporting image>

Then without any further communication, on 20 December 2019 users were notified that their paid "lifetime" subscriptions would expire soon, and that they needed to buy a licence if they wanted to continue using the software they'd already paid for:

<currently blocked from adding supporting image>

These actions led to a backlash from paying users on forums,<ref>{{Cite web |date=Sep 14, 2015 |title=Android security app Cerberus gives out free lifetime licenses, revokes later |url=https://www.neogaf.com/threads/android-security-app-cerberus-gives-out-free-lifetime-licenses-revokes-later.1111712/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215182412/https://www.neogaf.com/threads/android-security-app-cerberus-gives-out-free-lifetime-licenses-revokes-later.1111712/ |archive-date=Feb 15, 2025 |website=NeoGAF}}</ref> {{wplink|Reddit}},<ref>{{Cite web |date=Dec 23, 2019 |title=CERBERUS APP - Collective complaint - lifetime license but received a message that my license is expiring. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/androidapps/comments/eehsmz/cerberus_app_collective_complaint_lifetime/?rdt=36871 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223034034/https://old.reddit.com/r/androidapps/comments/eehsmz/cerberus_app_collective_complaint_lifetime/?rdt=36871 |archive-date=2026-02-23 |website=Reddit - r/androidapps}}</ref> and review sites.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cerberusapp |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.cerberusapp.com?page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519083429/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.cerberusapp.com |archive-date=2025-05-19 |website=Trustpilot}}</ref> However, no major news sources covered the backlash.

===Strict ad blocker prevention (202x)===
{{Main|Cerberus Phone Security Login with ad blocker no longer possible}}
When users attempt to log into the Cerberus dashboard with an ad blocker enabled, the user is instantly logged out and a popup is shown telling the user to disable ad blocker. However, another option is to purchase an "ad removal" for ~$120 USD.

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

Capital One Shopping

2026-02-24T13:04:12Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added ghost archive URL and updated archive URL for reviews on Trustpilot

{{StubNotice}}{{ProductCargo
|Company=Capital One
|ReleaseYear=2020
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Capital One, Browser extension
|Website=https://capitaloneshopping.com/
|Description=Capital One browser extension for discounts and cashback
}}'''Capital One Shopping''' is a free browser extension from [[Capital One]] that allows users to find discounts from various online retailers.

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

==Incidents==
===Creators' lawsuit ''(Jan 2025)''===
Online creators filed a class-action lawsuit against Capital One, alleging that the company used cookies to override the commissions that content creators would've earned through affiliate marketing<ref>{{Cite web |title=Capital One Browser Extension Scam Lawsuit Investigation |url=https://www.classlawgroup.com/capital-one-shopping-extension-scam-lawsuit |website=Class Law Group |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114001429/https://www.classlawgroup.com/capital-one-shopping-extension-scam-lawsuit |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Stempel |first=Jonathan |date=18 Sep 2025 |title=Capital One settles social media creators' lawsuit |url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/capital-one-settles-social-media-creators-lawsuit-2025-09-18/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/Tno4r |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=Reuters}}</ref>. In their lawsuit, they claimed unjust enrichment by Capital One as well as intentional interference with contractual relations and conversion, among other claims<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Jun 2025 |title=Consumer Protection: Capital One allegedly misappropriated commissions through browser extension |url=https://valawyersweekly.com/2025/06/16/consumer-protection-capital-one-allegedly-misappropriated-commissions-through-browser-extension/ |website=Virginia Lawyers Weekly |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724121728/https://valawyersweekly.com/2025/06/16/consumer-protection-capital-one-allegedly-misappropriated-commissions-through-browser-extension/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref>. Capital One attempted to dismiss the case in June, then finally settled in September while admitting to no wrongdoing<ref name=":0" />.

===Alleged fraudulent discounts===
Many users have claimed Capital One Shopping advertises fraudulent discounts that don't actually exist. Capitaloneshopping.com holds a rating of 1.3 stars on Trust Pilot, with many reviewers claiming "fraudulent prices," calling the browser extension a "hoax," and stating how they feel "frustrated" and cheated.<ref>
{{cite web |last= |first= |date=24 Feb 2026 |title=customers reviews on trustpilot as of 24 February 2026 |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/capitaloneshopping.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224130004/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/capitaloneshopping.com |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=Trustpilot}}</ref>

==See also==

[[Honey browser plugin controversy]]
==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category: Capital One]]

Better Way Electronics

2026-02-24T12:50:11Z

Venture18+: /* References */ fixed name of author of citation 6, also replaced its archive.today link

'''Better Way Electronics''' (BWE) is an Australian company founded in 2018 by Louie Tahiri,{{CitationNeeded}} formerly known as Luan Muharrem Tahiraj.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-05-12 |title=ABN History for Louie Tahiri |url=https://abr.business.gov.au/AbnHistory/View?id=63008860471 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512123652/https://abr.business.gov.au/AbnHistory/View?id=63008860471 |archive-date=12 May 2025 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=Australian Business Register}}</ref> It is focused around technology repair, and its tech diagnostic software was widely used by both tech repair shops and consumers doing personal repairs globally, especially for modern {{Wplink|PlayStation}} devices.

==Consumer-impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Software distributed by BWE could easily and did have product support and function access revoked due to arbitrarily-enforced terms.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=25 Apr 2024 |title=This is informative & unfortunate; BwE Bans Legit Customers of repair software with NO REFUND! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_ftVGN-09I |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=We7G1g9X3Tg |archive-date=21 Feb 2026 |access-date=16 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
*'''User privacy:''' Known to [[spyware|spy on devices]] of individuals and users of software distributed by BWE. The owner of the company has previously been criminally convicted for offenses involving malicious hacking and exploitation of sensitive user data.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=11 May 2025 |title=BwE: Enjoy and learn from the master 👊🇺🇲🔥 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFe5LiACN9k |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qFe5LiACN9k |archive-date=2025-05-12 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Repairing electronics and selling software that can be used by other repair shops.
*'''Market control:''' Controls portions of the tech repair market with software; may be nullified should a bounty<ref name=":0" /> be cashed in.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TheCode3r |date=6 May 2025 |title=#F*ckBwE Because My Tool Is FREE! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDANyCe3wAA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=dDANyCe3wAA |archive-date=2025-05-12 |access-date=16 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

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

===Use of diagnostic software as spyware===
The software produced by BWE has been shown to perform invasive monitoring of users' PCs,<ref name=":2" /> and cease functioning if it detects any kind of 'undesirable' behavior.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=17 May 2025 |title=The FINAL nail in BwE's coffin: eyewitnesses speak out. This is him. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfL4p8JvZ4s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=VfL4p8JvZ4s |archive-date=2025-05-17 |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Due to Louie Tahiri's history of cyber-crime, as well as his aggressive tendencies during customer support interactions, and pride in, rather than remorse for his crimes,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Viellaris |first=Renee |date=20 August 2013 |title=Hacker blackmailed NSW girl to strip |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/online-predator-luan-muharrem-tahiraj-sentenced-to-12-years-jail-for-grooming-lonely-nsw-teen/news-story/619ac3804357f2fd740cc0548e598b7b?amp&nk=636d0ea36d8954fbe15b00b436d47246-1747023043 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/uq8L6 |archive-date=2026-02-24 |work=The Daily Telegraph |quote=Justice Fryberg :"You have shown no contrition for your offending. You continue to deny responsibility for it.""You are proud of what you did and your own cleverness in doing it. There is no evidence this has changed.''}}</ref> serious concerns have been raised surrounding the monitoring and access to data and remain the subject of scrutiny and concern.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />

===Attempting to cover-up criticism (''2025'')===
On multiple occasions, BWE has been implicated in attempts to remove content critical of its business practices and its owner<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> abusing YouTube's Privacy Complaint Process.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=8 May 2025 |title=BwE tried to take down my videos, so I'm taking down his business |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEMR6zKP9l8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=fEMR6zKP9l8 |archive-date=2025-05-08 |access-date=16 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Since its owner's criminal history became a matter of public discussion, BWE has removed its public presence from the internet, including its [https://betterwayelectronics.com.au/ website], [https://x.com/BwE_Dev X account], [https://www.youtube.com/@betterwayelectronics/videos YouTube channel], and [https://github.com/BetterWayElectronics/BetterWayElectronics GitHub page].

==Products==
;Playstation (PS) repair tools
*PS4 NOR Validator<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |author=BwE |title=BwE PS4 NOR Validator & BwE SerialReader Script by BetterWayElectronics |url=https://www.psxhax.com/threads/bwe-ps4-nor-validator-bwe-serialreader-script-by-betterwayelectronics.6139/ |website=PSHAX |date=27 Nov 2018 |access-date=12 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408175450/https://www.psxhax.com/threads/bwe-ps4-nor-validator-bwe-serialreader-script-by-betterwayelectronics.6139/ |archive-date=8 Apr 2025}}</ref>
*SerialReader Script<ref name=":3" />
*PS5 NOR Tool<ref name=":1" />

==See also==

*[[Cami Research|CAMI Research]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage

2026-02-24T11:43:24Z

Venture18+: /* References */ replaced archive.today link, reformatted external links, set citation 2 to 'dead', used past tense under 'Consumer response', added 'Amazon' category

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon
|StartDate=2025-03
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=Amazon Echo
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type=Privacy
|Description= Amazon removed an opt out option from amazon echo client device series for the amazon alexa, citing the need to collect data for generative AI training
}}
[[Amazon Echo]] is a series of client devices for the [[Amazon Alexa]] voice control platform for connected smart homes. Echo products have long offered the option to disable cloud voice analysis and perform processing on-device, in addition to a separate option that theoretically prevents the company from saving voice recordings. However, in March of 2025, the company sent an email to users with this option on that disables the first option and only leaves the second, citing the need to train generative AI.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Robledo |first=Anthony |date=2025-03-17 |title=Amazon is removing an Echo privacy setting that keeps Alexa recordings from the company |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/03/17/amazon-echo-alexa-reporting-privacy/82503576007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319001811/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/03/17/amazon-echo-alexa-reporting-privacy/82503576007/ |archive-date=2025-03-19 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

==Background==
Alexa as a service is based around an edge client + cloud service model where a physical device acts as a conduit between voice and the cloud. This raises substantial privacy concerns as it is, because the lack of open source means that no one actually knows whether privacy settings are respected. However, much like Apple, Amazon assured customers through its settings interface that enabling the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" setting would utilize exclusively local processing, sending your data to the cloud only "for features that require the transmission of audio, such as when you make a call or send a message or announcement via Alexa."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Turn on Do Not Send Voice Recordings |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GQXLLWHBCVL6L5QD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cvDM8 |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Amazon Customer Support}}</ref> Local processing was available as a server on the Echo (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15, and could be utilized by lower power or older devices as clients.<ref name=":1" />

From archival analysis of the [https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 Alexa FAQ] page, it can be estimated that this feature was introduced in early to mid 2022, given the first available archived copy of the page was in September 2022. As of writing, this page still includes this feature despite its imminent removal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexa and Alexa Device FAQs |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901001441/https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 |archive-date=2022-09-01 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Amazon Customer Support}}</ref> This likely means that the Echo (4th Gen) was not launched with this feature, as it was launched 10/22/2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=2020-09-24 |title=Amazon redesigns the Echo with a new spherical design and a custom machine learning processor |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/24/21452347/amazon-echo-4th-generation-features-price-release-date-alexa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212183356/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/24/21452347/amazon-echo-4th-generation-features-price-release-date-alexa |archive-date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref> with the Echo Show 10 following not long after on 2/25/2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Dan |date=2021-02-24 |title=Amazon Echo Show 10 review: Alexa’s next move |url=https://www.theverge.com/22297810/amazon-echo-show-10-2021-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317152944/https://www.theverge.com/22297810/amazon-echo-show-10-2021-review |archive-date=2025-03-17 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref> However, the Echo Show 15 (2023) and Echo Show 15 (2024) were both launched since, as implied by their names, and even the former was announced after this feature was unveiled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuohy |first=Jennifer Pattison |date=2022-12-16 |title=Amazon Echo Show 15 review: Alexa’s on your wall |url=https://www.theverge.com/22839220/amazon-echo-show-15-review-wall-mounted-alexa-tablet-kitchen-tv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307173006/https://www.theverge.com/22839220/amazon-echo-show-15-review-wall-mounted-alexa-tablet-kitchen-tv |archive-date=2025-03-07 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
[[File:Upcoming change to your Alexa Settings.png|alt=This image is a screenshot of the email sent by Amazon to customers using the Do Not Send Voice Recordings feature on Echo devices. It indicates that on March 28, 2025, this feature will be disabled and voice recordings will recorded as they "expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features."|thumb|Email from Amazon, 2025-03-14]]

==Removal of the Do Not Send Voice Feature==
On March 14, 2025 (unknown if this notice rolled out over multiple days), Amazon sent an email with the subject "Upcoming change to your Alexa Settings" to customers which had enabled the Do Not Send Voice feature. The email cites coming improvements to Alexa, including the addition of generative AI features. No alternative is given other than the already-existing "Don't save recordings" feature, which merely prohibits Amazon from keeping copies of the recordings.

Amazon claims in the email that "[t]he Alexa experience is designed to protect your privacy and keep your data secure." However, they do not appear to elaborate on this further than redirecting customers to the Alexa Privacy Hub, which cites features like the microphone toggle button and the ability to go back through already saved recordings and delete them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexa Privacy Hub |url=https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=19149155011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220192838/https://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Privacy-Hub/b?ie=UTF8&node=19149155011 |archive-date=2025-02-20 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Amazon.com}}</ref>

It is worth noting that other companies like Apple that admit to sending some voice/speech data for processing at least claim to use confidential computing ([[wikipedia:Confidential_computing|read more on Wikipedia]]) techniques like Private Cloud Compute.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2024 |title=Private Cloud Compute: A new frontier for AI privacy in the cloud |url=https://security.apple.com/blog/private-cloud-compute/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222050834/https://security.apple.com/blog/private-cloud-compute/ |archive-date=February 22, 2026 |website=security.apple.com}}</ref> While these are not fully open-source solutions, these privacy-preserving technologies are audited externally and claim to be inaccessible to employees. Amazon has, in the past, admitted some recordings "undergo anonymized human review,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarcella |first=Mike |date=2024-10-31 |title=Amazon denies duping US consumers over Alexa’s recording practices |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/amazon-denies-duping-us-consumers-over-alexas-recording-practices-2024-10-31/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/yJb3o |archive-date=2026-02-24 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Reuters}}</ref>" so it is evident these recordings are not fully autonomously processed in such a way.

==Consumer response==

The response to this issue has been varied--some consumers, such as many in one Reddit thread,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=PSA: Amazon Alexa discontinuing Do Not Send Voice Recordings |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1jb8qwx/psa_amazon_alexa_discontinuing_do_not_send_voice/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250526183848/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1jb8qwx/psa_amazon_alexa_discontinuing_do_not_send_voice/ |archive-date=2025-05-26 |website=Reddit - r/privacy}}</ref> were quite displeased with the removal of the feature, with comments like "Great opportunity to discontinue Amazon Alexa!" and "We will spy on you and you will like it." However, media outlets have circulated a claim by Amazon that only 0.03% of users used the feature,<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-19 |title=Amazon ends little-used privacy feature that let Echo users opt out of sending recordings to company |url=https://apnews.com/article/amazon-privacy-echo-7fb3c19fa7f664bde5c5be259f8b23ee |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251119023958/https://apnews.com/article/amazon-privacy-echo-7fb3c19fa7f664bde5c5be259f8b23ee |archive-date=19 Nov 2025|access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Associated Press}}</ref> so it is likely that this will go broadly unnoticed whether it is positive or negative.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Amazon Echo]]
[[Category:Amazon]]

Axis

2026-02-24T03:58:37Z

Venture18+: /* References */ replaced archive.today links and removed duplicate citation

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=
|Founded=1984
|Industry=Security
|Logo=Axis.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://axis.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Axis_Communications|'''Axis''']] is a video surveillance company with approximately 4,000 employees across more than 50 countries that was founded in 1984 and headquartered in Lund, Sweden.<ref>Axis website, https://www.axis.com/en-us/about-axis

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118192802/https://www.axis.com/en-us/about-axis Archived] 2025-01-18</ref>

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

==Incidents==

===Closure of Axis Companion Classic===
Released in 2016,<ref name=":0">Companion software release notes, https://www.axis.com/ftp/pub_soft/cam_srv/cam_companion/latest/relnote.txt

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118183233/https://www.axis.com/ftp/pub_soft/cam_srv/cam_companion/latest/relnote.txt Archived] 2025-01-18 </ref> Axis Companion Classic (formerly just Axis Companion) was a freely provided software for Axis account owners to be able to setup, configure, & manage cameras on the network. It also allowed a remote viewing feature for an iOS or Android Companion app to be able to view camera feeds remotely.

===Removal of remote access support===
Axis signaled that they would be removing remote access for any new sites created after March 31, 2023.<ref name=":0" /> Their software was updated in version 3.74.000 (released on March 15, 2023) to notify customers.<ref name=":1">Axis Companion FTP download site, [https://www.axis.com/ftp/pub_soft/cam_srv/cam_companion/]

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118183555/https://www.axis.com/ftp/pub_soft/cam_srv/cam_companion/ Archived] 2025-01-18</ref>

When version 3.75.000 was released on March 24, 2023,<ref name=":1" /> '''the only change was to prevent users from being able to enable remote access to camera feeds for new sites.'''

<blockquote>Release Notes:

''Changes since 3.75.000''

''========================''

''No Secure Remote Access on new sites created after 2023-03-31.''</blockquote>

If a consumer never updated to this or later versions, all remote access would continue to work and consumers could continue to create new sites without restriction.<ref name=":0" />

'''This restriction removes functionality without providing any benefit to the customer.'''

===Axis Companion===
As part of their efforts to upgrade software while retaining legacy setups, Axis created Axis Companion after renaming the previous Companion to Companion Classic.

===Removal of third-party SD card support===
Starting June 27, 2024, Axis removed support for any new device configurations in Companion with third-party SD cards.<ref name=":2">Policy update regarding 3rd Party SD Cards, https://www.axis.com/dam/public/11/2e/29/axis-surveillance-cards-now-required-en-US-443994.pdf

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118190032/https://www.axis.com/dam/public/11/2e/29/axis-surveillance-cards-now-required-en-US-443994.pdf Archived] 2026-01-18</ref> This policy change effectively forces customers to purchase Axis-branded storage solutions for any new installations, while existing installations using third-party SD cards would continue to function.<ref name=":2" />

The company justifies this change by claiming their SD cards are optimized for surveillance applications and offer greater functionality and endurance.<ref>NetworkWebcams.co.uk article to explain pricing https://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/blog/why-use-axis-sd-surveillance-cards-in-ip-cameras/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250916223323/https://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/blog/why-use-axis-sd-surveillance-cards-in-ip-cameras/ Archived])</ref> This change also coincides with Axis' expansion of proprietary storage requirements across their product lines, including their Camera Station Edge platform which similarly mandates the use of Axis-branded SD cards.<ref name=":3">FAQ for Axis Edge, https://faq.axis.com/s/article/third-party-sd-cards-as-recording-storage-in-my-vms-solution</ref>

===Axis SD cards===
Axis sells proprietary SD cards manufactured by SanDisk,<ref>Technical Datasheet of Axis 256GB SD Card https://www.axis.com/dam/public/55/dd/19/datasheet-axis-surveillance-card-256-gb-en-US-417022.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250709004324/https://www.axis.com/dam/public/55/dd/19/datasheet-axis-surveillance-card-256-gb-en-US-417022.pdf Archived])</ref> marketed under their own brand with claims of specialized optimization for surveillance applications. These cards come with a five-year warranty and are claimed to have up to six times more endurance than standard SD cards.<ref>NetworkWebcams.co.uk article to explain pricing https://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/blog/why-use-axis-sd-surveillance-cards-in-ip-cameras/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250916223323/https://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/blog/why-use-axis-sd-surveillance-cards-in-ip-cameras/ Archived])</ref>

====Pricing and market position====
As of 2025, Axis' SD cards are sold at approximately five times the price of comparable third-party SD cards<ref>Pricing 256GB Axis SD Card, https://archive.ph/nS3l4

Pricing 256GB Samsung SD Card, https://archive.ph/CM2z8</ref> despite being based on standard SanDisk hardware. The company's transition to requiring these proprietary cards across their product lines creates a closed ecosystem where consumers must purchase storage solutions exclusively from Axis at premium prices.

====Platform lock-in====
The requirement for Axis-branded SD cards is now being implemented across multiple Axis platforms:

*Axis Companion (new installations after June 27, 2024)<ref name=":2" />
*Camera Station Edge platform<ref name=":3" />

This represents a shift from open hardware compatibility to a closed ecosystem where customers have to buy Axis-branded storage at sky-high prices to maintain full functionality of their security system.

==Products==
{{Ph-C-P}}

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

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

Broadcom Inc.

2026-02-23T16:47:56Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added names of original authors, set URL-access levels to 'subscription' and added archive URLs (currently having trouble archiving citation 4)

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American technology company covering a wide range of computer products and services.
|Founded=1961
|Industry=Information Technology, Semiconductors, Telecommunications
|Logo=Broadcom logo (2016-present).svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.broadcom.com/
}}
'''Broadcom Inc.''' is an American multinational designer, developer, manufacturer, and global supplier of a wide range of semiconductor and infrastructure software products. Broadcom's product offerings serve the data center, networking, software, broadband, wireless, storage, and industrial markets.

The company that would later become Broadcom Inc. was established in 1961 as HP Associates, a semiconductor products division of [[HP Inc.|Hewlett-Packard]].

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

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

==='''Anti-competitive practices investigations'''===
In January 2018, it was reported that the FTC had been investigating Broadcom for several months for engaging in anti-competitive tactics while negotiating with customers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cimilluca |first=Dana |last2=Kendall |first2=Brent |last3=Benoit |first3=David |date=17 Jan 2018 |title=FTC Investigates Broadcom Over Negotiations With Customers |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ftc-investigates-broadcom-over-negotiations-with-customers-1516212396 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.ph/fgv9c |archive-date=17 Jan 2018 |access-date=27 Aug 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> In 2021, Broadcom agreed to settle the antitrust complaint, in which the U.S. Federal Trade Commission claimed that the company abused its monopoly power using restrictive contract terms and threats of retaliation against customers the company deemed "disloyal."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Scarcella |first=Mike |date=31 Aug 2021 |title=Broadcom hires Baker Donelson team for antitrust, tech lobbying |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/broadcom-hires-baker-donelson-team-antitrust-tech-lobbying-2021-08-31/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250720111700/https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/broadcom-hires-baker-donelson-team-antitrust-tech-lobbying-2021-08-31/ |archive-date=20 Jul 2025 |access-date=27 Aug 2025 |website=Reuters}}</ref>

In October 2019, Broadcom was ordered by the European Commission to stop allegedly anticompetitive practices.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Michaels |first=Daniel |date=16 Oct 2019 |title=Broadcom Ordered by EU to Halt Allegedly Anticompetitive Practices |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/broadcom-ordered-by-eu-to-halt-allegedly-anticompetitive-contract-practices-11571221103 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.ph/3DgAM |archive-date=30 Jun 2020 |access-date=27 Aug 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> In 2021, Broadcom agreed to settle the antitrust complaint which claimed it had abused its monopoly power through restrictive contract terms and threats of retaliation against non-compliant customers.<ref name=":0" /> Such contract terms are alleged to stifle innovation and harm competition in the global supply market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Presse |first=AFP - Agence France |date=12 Jul 2023 |title=EU Clears US Chipmaker Broadcom's $61 Bn VMware Takeover |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/eu-clears-us-chipmaker-broadcom-s-61-bn-vmware-takeover-20d196dc |url-access=subscription |website=Barrons}}</ref> European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said that Broadcom's contract terms with six main customers would "create serious and irreversible harm to competition" if no action were taken.<ref name=":1" /> The company agreed to a commitment to suspend agreements containing exclusivity or quasi-exclusivity arrangements and a commitment not to enter into such agreements for seven years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lomas |first=Natasha |date=7 Oct 2020 |title=European antitrust regulators settle with Broadcom a year after ‘interim measures’ flex |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/07/european-antitrust-regulators-settle-with-broadcom-a-year-after-interim-measures-flex/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722101246/https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/07/european-antitrust-regulators-settle-with-broadcom-a-year-after-interim-measures-flex/ |archive-date=22 Jul 2025 |access-date=27 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref>

===Aquisition of VMware, ending of perpetual licenses and Cease and Desist letters/notifications to customers===
{{Main|VMware licensing change since acquisition by Broadcom}}
On 22 November 2023, Broadcom Inc. completed the acquisition of [[VMware]] for $61 billion. Perpetual licenses for the software were ended and changed to a subscription-based model. Customers report that this new model results in higher overall pricing for their use of VMware, with documented increases ranging from 800% to 1,500%. Several notable businesses who are customers of VMware have started legal action against Broadcom.

==See also==

*[[VMWare|VMware by Broadcom]]

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

Broadband choice reduction by Brendan Carr's FCC

2026-02-23T16:17:30Z

Venture18+: /* References */ reformatted citation 2 and added archive URL

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type=
|Description=
}}
In January 2025, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) made a sweeping decision affecting consumer choice in broadband internet for residents of multi-tenant buildings. This decision reversed course on a previous proposal that would have given tenants more control over their [[internet service provider]] (ISP) options.

==Background==
In March 2024, then-FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal aimed at increasing tenant's choice at choosing their ISP for internet access in multi-tenant buildings.<ref name="doc-4009">[[:File:DOC-400915A1.pdf|FCC Press Release, "FCC CHAIRWOMAN ANNOUNCES PUSH TO LOWER BROADBAND COSTS & INCREASE CHOICE FOR FAMILIES LIVING IN APARTMENT BUILDINGS"]] ''FCC''. March 5, 2024</ref> The proposal followed the Commission's 2022 rules that had already:

*Prohibited broadband providers from entering into certain revenue sharing agreements with building owners
*Required providers to clearly inform tenants about exclusive marketing arrangements
*Clarified that FCC rules prohibit "sale-and-leaseback" arrangements that block competitive access

The March 2024 proposal would have specifically targeted "bulk billing" arrangements - agreements where tenants are required to pay for a specific provider's internet service as part of their rent or utilities, even if they don't want that service. The proposed rules would have:

*Allowed tenants to opt out of bulk billing arrangements
*Made it more economically viable for competing providers to serve buildings where tenants were previously required to pay for a specific provider's service
*Maintained existing prohibitions on revenue sharing and exclusive access agreements

Rosenworcel argued this change was necessary because "it is not right when your building or apartment complex chooses that service for you, saddling you with unwanted costs, and preventing you from signing up for the plan and provider you really want."<ref name="doc-4009" />

==Timeline of changes==

===Pre-2022 Status Quo===
Prior to 2022:
*Building owners couldn't enter into "exclusive access" agreements (e.g., preventing Verizon from wiring a building that TimeWarner serviced)
*Building owners could implement "bulk billing" arrangements (requiring all tenants to pay for a specific provider's service as part of rent)

===2022 FCC Rule Changes===
In 2022, the FCC modified its rules regarding multi-tenant environments:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=2025-01-27 |title=FCC chair helps ISPs and landlords make deals that renters can’t escape |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/fcc-chair-nixes-plan-to-boost-broadband-competition-in-apartment-buildings/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203052411/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/fcc-chair-nixes-plan-to-boost-broadband-competition-in-apartment-buildings/ |archive-date=2025-02-03 |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>
*The ban on exclusive access agreements remained
*Bulk billing arrangements remained permissible
*The FCC added new rules regarding revenue sharing agreements between landlords and ISPs(this is the process by which the ISP can share revenue from tenants with the landlord after they enter into a "bulk billing" agreement)

===March 2024 Proposed Changes===
Then-Chairwoman Rosenworcel's proposal would have:<ref name="doc-4009" />
*Maintained the ban on exclusive access agreements
*Required bulk billing arrangements to include tenant opt-out provisions

===January 2025 Final Outcome===
Chairman Carr's decision specifically addressed the bulk billing proposal:<ref>[[:File:DOC-409130A1.pdf|FCC Press Release, "Chairman Carr Stops Costly Regulatory Overreach"]] ''FCC'', January 27, 2025</ref>
*Building owners still cannot enter exclusive access agreements
*Building owners can continue mandatory bulk billing without opt-out provisions

===Practical Example===
Here's how these rules work in practice in an apartment complex in 2025:
*The landlord can't prevent Verizon from installing service even if they prefer TimeWarner (exclusive access prohibition)
*The landlord can require all tenants to pay $50 monthly for TimeWarner service as part of their rent, even if tenants don't want it (bulk billing permitted)

Chairman Carr's 2025 announcement specifically addressed bulk billing arrangements without clarifying the status of the 2022 revenue sharing rules.

Bulk billing provision is said to negatively affect consumer choice, as it can force tenants into paying for service from a provider they may not want. While multiple providers may have physical access to a building, the economic reality of mandatory bulk billing greatly diminishes the economic viability of another ISP wiring the building.
==References==
<references />

[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Internet service providers]]

Brother DCP-L3550CDW aftermarket toner failure

2026-02-23T16:05:22Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added archive URLs

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Brother Industries Ltd.
|StartDate=2018
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=DCP-L3550CDW and MFC-L3770CDW printers, TN-760 cartridges
|Product=DCP-L3550CDW and MFC-L3770CDW printers, TN-760 cartridges
|ArticleType=Incident
|Type=Anticompetitive Behavior, Planned Obsolescence, Third Party
|Description=Brother toner cartridges contain chips for authentication. Firmware updates have actively suppressed aftermarket toner.
}}
The [[Brother Industries Ltd.|Brother]] DCP-L3550CDW printer requires toner cartridges with embedded chips for authentication. Some aftermarket (non-OEM) cartridges include battery-powered chips, which can lead to recognition failures if the battery depletes. However, genuine Brother cartridges do not contain a battery, and the battery issue is not caused by the printer itself.

==Issue description==
Aftermarket toner manufacturers use battery-powered chips to bypass Brother’s authentication system. When the 1.5V battery inside these third-party chips depletes, the printer fails to recognize the cartridge, displaying a misleading "No Toner" error message, even if toner remains in the cartridge.

This issue does not affect OEM Brother cartridges, as they use a different chip design that does not require a battery. Brother’s chip system is primarily used for tracking toner levels and verifying cartridge authenticity, which can restrict third-party toner compatibility but is not responsible for battery failures in non-OEM cartridges.<ref name="printerforums1" />

[[File:Toner life screen.jpg|thumb|left|Toner life despite error screen]]

{| class="wikitable" style="clear:both"
|-
|[[File:Toner chip emplacement.jpg|300px|Battery is usually hidden behind the chip]]
|[[File:Chip.jpg|300px|This is the chip]]
|-
|Battery is usually hidden behind the chip (removed for this photo)
|The toner chip that contains the battery
|}

[[File:Error Display.jpg|thumb|left|Error display of the issue]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[File:Toner with chip.jpg|300px|This is where the chip resides]]
|[[File:Battery of the chip.jpg|300px|Battery of the chip]]
|-
|Location where the chip is installed on the cartridge
|Close-up of the battery on the chip
|}

==User-discovered solutions==
Users have found several workarounds for this issue:

*Taking out the cartridges before turning off the printer for an extended period.
*Replacing the chip of the affected cartridge with the chip from an older cartridge that still has battery power ''(the chip is attached with screws)''.
*Replacing the 1.5V battery yourself if you have the necessary tools (requires soldering skills).
*Keeping the printer perpetually turned on to avoid battery depletion.

Users on Printer Forums reported success with replacing the battery or swapping the chip from a recognized cartridge.<ref name="printerforums2" /> Others have noted that pressing the red X and back arrow on the printer control panel allows access to toner status and may temporarily resolve the issue.<ref name="printerforums3" />

==Firmware-related issues==
Firmware updates have been linked to preventing the use of third-party toner chips. Several users reported that after updating their printer to firmware version 1.59, previously working third-party cartridges were no longer recognized, triggering the "No Toner" error.<ref name="printerforums1" /> This is separate from the issue of dead batteries on aftermarket cartridges.

To prevent firmware-related cartridge recognition problems, users have suggested:
*Disabling automatic firmware updates via the printer settings.<ref name="printerforums2" />
*Blocking the printer from internet access to avoid automatic updates.<ref name="printerforums3" />

==Consumer impact summary==
While Brother's chip-based authentication system restricts the use of non-OEM toner cartridges, the battery issue is caused by third-party cartridge manufacturers, not Brother. The chip requirement itself can be seen as a method to enforce a closed ecosystem, potentially increasing costs for consumers. However, the battery-powered chip design is an independent choice made by aftermarket manufacturers, not a function of the Brother printer or its OEM cartridges.<ref name="printerforums2" />

==Related incidents==
This issue primarily affects aftermarket toner cartridges used in multiple Brother printer models:

*Brother MFC-L3770CDW experiences identical battery-related toner recognition failures.<ref name="printerforums2" />
*Users of Brother printers with TN-760 cartridges have reported similar issues.<ref name="printerforums1" />

One user on Printer Forums expressed frustration, stating: <blockquote>''"I am very close to trashing my Brother printer and getting something else. Are there any laser printers that DO NOT HAVE BATTERIES in their toner cartridges and have aftermarket cartridge sources?"''<ref name="printerforums3" /></blockquote>

==See also==
*[[Planned obsolescence]]
*[[Right to repair]]

==References==
<references>
<ref name="printerforums1">[https://www.printerforums.net/threads/solved-brother-dcp-l3550cdw-no-toner-error-message.69896/page-1 Printer Forums - Page 1] [https://archive.ph/nS6tP Archived] via archive.ph 2026-02-23</ref>
<ref name="printerforums2">[https://www.printerforums.net/threads/solved-brother-dcp-l3550cdw-no-toner-error-message.69896/page-2 Printer Forums - Page 2] [https://archive.ph/vR8yP Archived] via archive.ph 2026-02-23</ref>
<ref name="printerforums3">[https://www.printerforums.net/threads/solved-brother-dcp-l3550cdw-no-toner-error-message.69896/page-3 Printer Forums - Page 3] [https://archive.ph/hH5g6 Archived] via archive.ph 2026-02-23</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Brother]]
[[Category:Brother DCP-L3550CDW]]
[[Category:Repair barriers]]

Roblox's problematic moderation

2026-02-21T19:16:40Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added 26 archive URLs and reformatted links

{{Incomplete}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Roblox
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=Roblox
|ArticleType=
|Type=Child Safety, Safety
|Description=
}}


No online platform is immune to child predators, especially those geared towards minor audiences. However, [[Roblox]] has an extensive history of poorly handling child predators.

Since [[Roblox]] launched in 2004, both its automated and human aspects of moderation have been problematic for its users. Notable issues range from Roblox's obscene chat filter that limit communication on the platform,<ref>{{Cite web |author=u/Gregheffley95 |date=Feb 26, 2021 |title=Roblox censors almost everything |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619214011/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |archive-date=Jun 19, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 7, 2017 |title=Why the hell are numbers censored! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230617231601/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |archive-date=Jun 17, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Roblox}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=JParty |date=Feb 24, 2017 |title=Updates to Chat Privacy API + New Account Indicators + Changes to Text Filtering APIs |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/IaN5a |archive-date=Feb 21, 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Dev Forum}}</ref>, inconsistent enforcement of guidelines, and the indirect encouragement of illegal behaviors on the platform intended for young audiences.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Schlep |date=Jan 9, 2024 |title=this simulator should NOT be on roblox... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |archive-date=Aug 16, 2025 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Schlep |date=Apr 14, 2024 |title=Roblox Needs to BAN These Games... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |archive-date=Aug 16, 2025 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

==Platform features==

In June 2023, a higher maturity rating for users aged 17+ was added to the platform, enabling access to "graphic and realistic-looking depictions of violence and heavy bloodshed", "private spaces or settings intended for adults", "non-sexual expressions of love and affection", "romantic themes and topics", "alcohol use and intoxicated behavior", and "vulgar or obscene language".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-09 |title=Restricted Content Policy - Roblox Support |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250905011501/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |archive-date=2025-09-05 |access-date=2025-09-09 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref>

In July 2025, Roblox's CEO David Baszucki suggested that in the future dating features will be added to the platform for users aged 21 or older.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-09 |title=The Story: Roblox and the 'Prehistoric Era' of Gaming w/ David Baszucki - TechStuff |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YW2cYqRprKx4i5a1dxH81 |access-date=2025-09-09 |website=Spotify}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Baqery |first=Mohsen |date=Jul 30, 2025 |title=Roblox CEO Has Suggested the Worst Idea Possible |url=https://gamerant.com/roblox-ceo-worst-idea-dating-sim/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250805010736/https://gamerant.com/roblox-ceo-worst-idea-dating-sim/ |archive-date=Aug 5, 2025 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=GameRant}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Norton |first=Brad |date=Jul 15, 2025 |title=Roblox CEO wants adults to use platform as a dating service |url=https://www.dexerto.com/roblox/roblox-ceo-wants-adults-to-use-platform-as-a-dating-service-3226769/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250726183225/https://www.dexerto.com/roblox/roblox-ceo-wants-adults-to-use-platform-as-a-dating-service-3226769/ |archive-date=Jul 26, 2025 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Dexerto}}</ref> However some people have expressed concern at this idea, because at minimum 40% of the game's population is under 13 years old,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Connor |first=Jak |date=Jul 29, 2025 |title=Roblox CEO wants to add an in-game dating feature, despite 40% of players being under 13yrs old |url=https://www.tweaktown.com/news/106712/roblox-ceo-wants-to-add-an-in-game-dating-feature-despite-40-of-players-being-under-13yrs-old/index.html |archive-url=https://archive.ph/mCPji |archive-date=Feb 21, 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=TweakTown}}</ref> and a further 16% of users are between 13 and 16 years old.<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Nicholas |date=Nov 10, 2022 |title=Roblox Dev Arrested for Kidnapping: Who is Arnold Castillo (aka Jadon Shedletsky)? |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/913144-roblox-dev-arrested-developer-who-is-arnold-castillo-jadon-shedletsky |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725055725/https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/913144-roblox-dev-arrested-developer-who-is-arnold-castillo-jadon-shedletsky |archive-date=Jul 25, 2025 |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |work=Game Revolution}}</ref> It is also known that ID verification mechanisms can be easily bypassed, which would enable underage children to access these features.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

In August 2025, the platform integrated the open-source AI-powered system (Sentinel) to spy on chats.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ortutay |first=Barbara |date=Aug 7, 2025 |title=Roblox rolls out open-source AI system to protect kids from predators in chats |url=https://apnews.com/article/roblox-grooming-messages-ai-kids-teens-9e9d4131d46b80eead3e57b1110d48eb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250810175337/https://apnews.com/article/roblox-grooming-messages-ai-kids-teens-9e9d4131d46b80eead3e57b1110d48eb |archive-date=Aug 10, 2025 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Associated Press}}</ref> In the same month, [[Roblox]] announced their collaboration with law enforcement according to a blog post.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=Aug 7, 2025 |title=How Roblox Partners With Law Enforcement |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/how-roblox-partners-law-enforcement |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Blog}}</ref>

==Platform flaws==
The platform does not require ID verification for registering accounts under age 17, meaning predators are able to opaquely pretend to be children while interacting with the platform and other users.

Beyond a questionable chat filtering system that both over-moderates content,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/TrXploit |date=Oct 30, 2023 |title=It's just for me, or the filter got worse? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/17jxexz/its_just_for_me_or_the_filter_got_worse/ |access-date=Jan 29, 2026 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=FUJiCHROME |date=Jun 1, 2024 |title=Chat filter has gotten noticeably worse in the past week |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/chat-filter-has-gotten-noticeably-worse-in-the-past-week/3038806/ |access-date=Jan 29, 2026 |website=[[Roblox]] Developer Forums}}</ref> as well as being capable of being easily bypassed,<ref>{{Cite web |last=retalberisha |date=Jun 1, 2025 |title=bypasses chat |url=https://scriptblox.com/script/Universal-Script-bypasses-chat-38352 |access-date=Jan 29, 2026 |website=ScriptBlox}}</ref> Roblox has historically underinvested in adequate moderation for its user base. The moderation team is excessively small compared to its competitors, a documented 100-200 moderation on-staff compared to [[Fortnite]]'s 1,000+ and [[Minecraft]]'s 500+ members on the moderation staff.{{Citation needed|reason=Existing source is on [[source blacklist]]}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=Sep 17, 2024 |title=Why is Roblox moderation so bad? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/why-is-roblox-moderation-so-bad/ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=Games Learning Society}}</ref> Combined with a lack of investment in adequate moderation tools,<ref>{{Cite news |date=Jul 24, 2024 |title=All Roblox Controversies Explained (2024) |url=https://screenrant.com/roblox-controversies-moderation-bad/ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |work=ScreenRant}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Apr 9, 2024 |title=Roblox VC moderation is terrible |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/comments/1c05qqs/roblox_vc_moderation_is_terrible/ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/ROBLOXBans}}</ref> it has become responsible for an excess of younger audiences being harmed on the platform.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dinunzio |first=Caitlin |date=Dec 21, 2021 |title=Roblox Accused Of Being Unsafe For Children In Viral Video |url=https://screenrant.com/roblox-accusations-safety-children-people-make-games/ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |work=ScreenRant}}</ref> 

Reported by Hindenburg Research, the platform outsources its moderation to call centers within Asia, many of which are paid poorly and often lack the literacy to adequately handle cases,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=Oct 8, 2024 |title=Roblox: Inflated Key Metrics For Wall Street And A Pedophile Hellscape For Kids |url=https://hindenburgresearch.com/roblox/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=Hindenburg Research}}</ref> and their systems required multiple offenses to even incite a temporary ban. The former moderator they interviewed cited their poor resources as a key issue as to why he would refuse to let any kids he knew to play the game.

In a report from Hindenburg Research,<ref name=":32" /> they interviewed a former Senior Product Designer for the platform which directly stated:<blockquote>“You’re supposed to make sure that your users are safe and but then the downside is that, if you’re limiting users’ engagement, it’s hurting your metrics. It’s hurting the [daily] active users, the time spent on the platform, and in a lot of cases, the leadership doesn’t want that.”

“You have to make a make a decision, right? You can keep your players safe, but then it would be less of them on the platform. Or you just let them do what they want to do. And then the numbers all look good and investors will be happy.”

“You maybe see it in the numbers going down or the profits going down. Then whether you like it or not, you kind of just have to reconsider your option[s], because once you’re a public company, you’re answering to all the investors.”</blockquote>This statement in summary represented how the platform intentionally refused to integrate features to protect underage users on the platform, exclusively for the purposes of inflating the game's population to appease the platform's shareholders.

The platform's poor moderation choices that have led to an excess of innocent individuals compared to legitimately bad actors also led to the formation of the subreddit [https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/ r/ROBLOXbans], which has extensive posts covering the platform both ignoring mature content  and excessively punishing users over minor or absurd infractions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=r/ROBLOXBans |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/wiki/index/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250424112358/https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/wiki/index/ |archive-date=2025-04-24 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This community has documented problems such as IP/Poison bans, which have led to automatic bans and deletions if users simply access public wi-fi access points where other users have faced bans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/ExplodeWasTaken |date=Apr 1, 2025 |title=r/ROBLOXBans - FAQ |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ROBLOXBans/wiki/freqaskedquestions/ |access-date=Jan 30, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===People Make Games videos===
When the platform was investigated by journalists working to uncover how the platform was additionally encouraging the exploitation of underage developers,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Quintin |date=Aug 19, 2021 |title=Investigation: How Roblox Is Exploiting Young Game Developers |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gXlauRB1EQ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] - People Make Games}}</ref> the company aimed to have the report taken down, thus leading to further research from reporters on ''People Make Games'' regarding further harmful moderation controversies.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Quintin |date=Dec 13, 2021 |title=Roblox Pressured Us to Delete Our Video. So We Dug Deeper. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTMF6xEiAaY&t=10s |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] - People Make Games}}</ref>

In the follow-up video it was revealed that the lead developer, known by the alias of Doc, of the fan game ''Sonic Eclipse Online'' had spread harmful and sexually-charged comments to female developers on his team. While his primary account was removed from the platform, Roblox's moderation team had refused to handle his alternate account which owned all the games he published to the platform, meaning he continued to gain revenue from his project while clearly evading his ban.<ref name=":22" /> Soon after the publication of the video, his game would then be taken down via [[Digital Millennium Copyright Act|DMCA]] from [[SEGA]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=Feb 5, 2022 |title=Sega took down Sonic Eclipse Online |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3rmxony0mQ |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] - BloxEverlasting}}</ref> It was not until mid-2022 that Doc would receive federal charges for abducting a minor through his predatory behavior on the platform,<ref name=":32" /> and finally be entirely removed from said platform.

===Schlep===
Roblox threatened the content creator Schlep with litigation over vigilantism.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |author=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Huang |first=Marcus |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox YouTuber Battles Child Predators {{!}} Accounts Terminated Amid Backlash |url=https://leveluptalk.com/news/roblox-youtuber-fights-child-predators-banned/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Level Up Talk}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> Schlep cited that neglect from Roblox's moderation team was the reason for his actions.<ref name=":02" /> In response to Roblox's submission of a cease and desist notice to Schlep,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-09 |title=Schlep on X: "Every account I've ever made on Roblox has been terminated... |url=https://x.com/RealSchlep/status/1954101415564951680 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref name=":02" /> the platform was condemned by the community and California 17th Congressional District Representative Ro Khanna,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Horetski |first=Dylan |date=Aug 13, 2025 |title=Congressman steps in after Roblox threatens to sue & bans “predator hunter” YouTuber Schlep |url=https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/congressman-steps-in-after-roblox-threatens-to-sue-bans-predator-hunter-youtuber-schlep-3237759/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Dexerto}}</ref> and consumers promoted a hashtag #FreeSchlep in an attempt to get Schlep's account reinstated.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-11 |title=Schlep on X: "wow its trending again. 3 days in a row now I was lowkey ... |url=https://x.com/RealSchlep/status/1954982451350008298 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=X}}</ref> The movement also received support from popular Roblox YouTuber KreekCraft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-09 |title=KreekCraft on X: "Roblox Schlep situation" / X |url=https://x.com/KreekCraft/status/1954215182311297365 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Roblox Banned Schlep - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKOYXcYmxow |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=VKOYXcYmxow |archive-date=2025-08-11 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=YouTube}}</ref> Furthermore, Roblox outlawed vigilante groups on their platform,<ref name=":12" /> causing vigilante group RoCatchers, a predator-catching group, to disband.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-09 |title=RoCatchers on X: "We sadly have to disband what we're doing on here. ... |url=https://x.com/RoCatchers/status/1954221211581301201 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=X}}</ref>

==="Condo" games===
The platform additionally hosts thousands of "condo" games,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dorn |first=James |date=Jul 24, 2025 |title=What is a Condo Game on Roblox? |url=https://expertbeacon.com/what-is-a-condo-on-roblox/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Expert Beacon}}</ref> to allow platform users to simulate sexual activities. Despite these games being directly in violation of Roblox's policies:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content}}</ref><blockquote>"Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox"</blockquote>The platform has been slow to handle these games being frequently uploaded, especially since these games are frequently reuploaded on alternate accounts en-masse.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McGuinness |first=Devan |date=Feb 16, 2022 |title=Roblox “Condo” Strip Clubs Still Populating Platform — What to Know |url=https://www.fatherly.com/news/roblox-strip-clubs-problem-safety |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Fatherly}}</ref> Additionally, the platform has notoriously collaborated with TheOfficialTeddy, known for publishing "condo" games to the platform, even including one of his notorious titles within 2025's The Hatch event, despite his long history of frequent bans from the platform.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Ricablanca |first=Celsos |date=Jul 3, 2025 |title=Why did Roblox ban TheOfficialTeddy? Here’s what we know |url=https://esports.gg/news/roblox/why-did-roblox-ban-theofficialteddy-heres-what-we-know/ |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=eSports.gg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 17, 2025 |title=Tweet from RoCatchers |url=https://xcancel.com/RoCatchers/status/1934826134476087759 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/vndfS |archive-date=Feb 21, 2026 |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=X (formerly [[Twitter]])}}</ref> The platform reversed Teddy's addition within the event and re-banned the individual only after significant backlash from players and content creators participating in the event.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 30, 2025 |title=Tweet from Roblox |url=https://x.com/Roblox/status/1939844614997033165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1939844614997033165%7Ctwgr%5E78a1e8a53dd64d2c86722a959bc5c71bd6b0f0c5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fesports.gg%2Fnews%2Froblox%2Fwhy-did-roblox-ban-theofficialteddy-heres-what-we-know%2F |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=X (formerly [[Twitter]])}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cripe |first=Michael |date=Jul 3, 2025 |title=Roblox #BoycottTheHatch Controversy Explained |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/roblox-boycottthehatch-controversy-explained |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

Sexually explicit games on Roblox are often promoted on other platforms including discord where they are called "condo" servers. <ref>{{Cite web |author=Noize |date=2025-07-06 |title=Roblox and Discord Under Fire for Failing to Address Predator Communities |url=https://gaminghq.eu/2025/07/06/roblox-and-discord-failing-to-address-predator-communities/ |access-date=2025-10-14 |website=GamingHQ}}</ref> These servers are often sexually explicit and accessible to minors. A youtuber by the name "Ruben sim " made a discord moderation bot called Ro-Cleaner which banned members from discord condo servers to mitigate child predation, but as of October 2025 this bot has been banned from discord due to Discord Moderators banning the bot which serviced more than 20,000 discord servers due to their claim that it violated discords TOS by discriminating based on "protected characteristics" in accordance with Discords community guidelines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cubbins |first=Dwayne |date=2025-04-24 |title=Discord cites user profiling violations in shutdown of popular anti-predator bot |url=https://techissuestoday.com/discord-shutdown-popular-anti-predator-bot/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-10-14 |website=Tech Issues Today}}</ref>
[[File:AdultRobloxGame.png|alt=A picture of a roblox game, with the name "Escape to Epstein Island"|thumb|An example of one of the mature games on Roblox that can be played by underage accounts.]]
A sibling to the "condo" genre have been titles named after individuals known for sex trafficking, such as Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jeffrey Epstein, these games were able to be easily accessed by underage users.<ref name=":5" />

Even games which may not be initially intended for mature audiences have been at risk from mature-aged users posting inappropriate content, such as "School Simulator", which failed to censor genitalia, obscene speech, and more,<ref name=":5" /> despite Roblox's claims that it reviews every piece of content uploaded to the platform.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clayton |first=James |last2=Dyer |first2=Jasmin |date=Feb 15, 2022 |title=Roblox: The children's game with a sex problem |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60314572 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813071306/https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60314572 |archive-date=Aug 13, 2025 |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=[[BBC]]}}</ref>

====CSAM communities====
Some Roblox experiences have large communities that trade in child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and allow underage players to access them.<ref name=":5" /> Hindenburg reported that there are at least 38 of these groups which solicit CSAM as of 2024.<ref name=":5" /> One such group evaded moderation for at least 15 years by disguising itself as “''[ Content Deleted 19208 ]''”, with ID info stating that it formed in 2009.<ref name=":5" /> Moderation For Dummies reported the existence of at least 12,400 accounts which dabble in various levels of CSAM on the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |date=Sep 2, 2024 |title=Tweet from Mod For Dummies |url=https://xcancel.com/ModForDummies/status/1830646065948958861 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/mAIil |archive-date=Feb 21, 2026 |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |website=X (formerly [[Twitter]])}}</ref>

==Lawsuits and legal controversies==
{{Incomplete section}}
Litigation has been frequent for the platform regarding its neglect to handle child predators for several years now. The following is a brief list from over 300 unique legal incidents<ref>{{Cite news |last=Musumeci |first=Natalie |date=Aug 13, 2025 |title=Roblox accused of being a 'hunting ground' for child predators as legal firestorm against gaming giant intensifies |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-online-gaming-giant-child-predator-allegations-lawsuits-2025-8?op=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814072608/https://www.businessinsider.com/roblox-online-gaming-giant-child-predator-allegations-lawsuits-2025-8?op=1 |archive-date=Aug 14, 2025 |access-date=Aug 13, 2025 |work=Business Insider}}</ref> regarding Roblox's moderation.


===Arnold Castillo (February to July 2022)===
In February 2022, the lead game developer for the game ''Sonic Eclipse Online'' on Roblox, Arnold Castillo, allegedly used the platform to groom an anonymous minor. Months later in May, he allegedly coerced the minor into crossing state lines to his property via the service [[Uber]].<ref name=":32" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jul 29, 2022 |title=New Jersey Man Federally Charged with Enticement of a Minor and Interstate Transportation of a Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/new-jersey-man-federally-charged-enticement-minor-and-interstate-transportation-minor |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818133543/https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/pr/new-jersey-man-federally-charged-enticement-minor-and-interstate-transportation-minor |archive-date=Aug 18, 2025 |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=DOJ - Southern District of Indiana Attorney's Office}}</ref> Days after the abduction, the individual was detained and put on trial, and received 2 life sentences and $500k in fines. This occurred after Castillo's extensive history of violating the platform's Terms of Service for the purposes of grooming minors. Both his community and staff released 2 documents<ref>{{Cite web |title=The DoctorRofatnik Archives |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IBLEag66elaVPs11PimO2t2M0ikCCb67ti_RNYB0MxQ/edit?tab=t.0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/the-doctor-rofatnik-archives/mode/2up |archive-date=2020-10-26 |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=Google Docs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Response to your claims |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a6NozfqgKOLT1882d9xy1QuJzW0TWJXuorvincSI4z8/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018093721/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a6NozfqgKOLT1882d9xy1QuJzW0TWJXuorvincSI4z8/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-date=Oct 18, 2025 |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=Google Docs}}</ref> covering his harmful behavior on both Roblox and additionally [[Discord]].<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |date=Oct 31, 2022 |title=The Roblox Developer Arrested By The FBI |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdDfdlLuAgA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250810205552/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdDfdlLuAgA |archive-date=Aug 10, 2025 |access-date=Aug 11, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] - Ruben Sim}}</ref> Roblox's moderation refused to directly handle the situation, despite the extensive reports, and his arrest compiled with the charges he faced were only successful due to datamining efforts via vigilantes on the platform.<ref name=":42" />

===''State v. Darius Matylewich (September 2023)''===
In 2023, Darius Matylewich allegedly used a combination of Roblox and other social media services to abduct an 11-year-old girl to his property across state lines.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 7, 2025 |title=Bear Man Gets 20 Years In 11-Year-Old’s Abduction |url=https://firststateupdate.com/2025/07/bear-man-gets-20-years-in-11-year-olds-abduction/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724133630/https://firststateupdate.com/2025/07/bear-man-gets-20-years-in-11-year-olds-abduction/ |archive-date=Jul 24, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=1st State Update}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Slocum |first=Jack |date=Jul 8, 2025 |title=Delaware Man Gets Prison Time For Coercing, Kidnapping Wayne 11-Year-Old |url=https://patch.com/new-jersey/wayne/delaware-man-gets-prison-time-coercing-kidnapping-wayne-11-year-old |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251017234219/https://patch.com/new-jersey/wayne/delaware-man-gets-prison-time-coercing-kidnapping-wayne-11-year-old |archive-date=Oct 17, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Patch}}</ref> 2 years later, on July 2, 2025, Matylewich was charged with 20 years of incarceration for the coercion and enticement of a minor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jul 7, 2025 |title=Delaware Man Sentenced To 240 Months For Coercing 11-Year-Old New Jersey Resident To Travel To Delaware For Sexual Activity |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-de/pr/delaware-man-sentenced-240-months-coercing-11-year-old-new-jersey-resident-travel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250805115546/https://www.justice.gov/usao-de/pr/delaware-man-sentenced-240-months-coercing-11-year-old-new-jersey-resident-travel |archive-date=Aug 5, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |website=U.S. Attorney's Office - District of Delaware}}</ref> During the entire incident, Roblox did not halt Matylewich's activities on the platform.

===''State v. Franciou Romelus (April 2024)''===
Francious Romelus allegedly stalked a 14-year-old girl via Roblox in 2023 and attempted to abduct her on April 12, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arradondo |first=Briona |date=Apr 24, 2024 |title=Man arrested for stalking, attacking 14-year-old girl he met online: TPD |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/man-arrested-for-stalking-attacking-14-year-old-girl-he-met-online-tpd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018155641/https://www.fox13news.com/news/man-arrested-for-stalking-attacking-14-year-old-girl-he-met-online-tpd |archive-date=Oct 18, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Fox 13 News}}</ref> Romelus was charged with aggravated stalking, transmission of harmful material to a minor, among other charges, and received a 30-year sentence. Roblox moderation again did not prevent, halt, or report the individual to authorities at that time.

===''U.S. v. Daniel Aravena Oliva'' (August 2024)===
In 2024, Daniel Aravena Oliva allegedly groomed a 13-year-old girl on the platform across international borders for several months. After flying to the US from Chile, the individual was arrested before he could sexually assault the minor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 23, 2024 |title=Chilean man arrested in connection with exploitation of 14-year-old girl, Glendora police say |url=https://abc7.com/post/chilean-man-arrested-connection-exploitation-14-year-old-girl-glendora-police-say/15222531/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823132323/https://abc7.com/post/chilean-man-arrested-connection-exploitation-14-year-old-girl-glendora-police-say/15222531/ |archive-date=Aug 23, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=ABC 7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Toohey |first=Grace |date=Aug 22, 2024 |title=Chilean man groomed 13-year-old girl he met on Roblox before flying to U.S. to meet her, police say |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-08-22/chilean-arrest-roblox-child-exploitation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813153123/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-08-22/chilean-arrest-roblox-child-exploitation |archive-date=Aug 13, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>

===''State v. Christian Scribben'' (February to April 2025)===
Christian Scribben allegedly, on multiple accounts, used Roblox to coerce minors to produce CSAM. Scribben was arrested in April and tried as an adult.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 2, 2025 |title=Ocala teen jailed for exploiting children he met on video game |url=https://www.ocala-news.com/2025/05/02/ocala-teen-jailed-for-exploiting-children-he-met-on-video-game/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251017173601/https://www.ocala-news.com/2025/05/02/ocala-teen-jailed-for-exploiting-children-he-met-on-video-game/ |archive-date=Oct 17, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Ocala News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hogan |first=Brandon |date=Apr 30, 2025 |title=17-year-old arrested in Marion County, accused of sexually exploiting children on Roblox |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/04/30/17-year-old-arrested-in-marion-county-accused-of-sexually-exploiting-children-on-roblox/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823160458/https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/04/30/17-year-old-arrested-in-marion-county-accused-of-sexually-exploiting-children-on-roblox/ |archive-date=Aug 23, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |work=Click Orlando}}</ref> On the day of Scribben's arrest, the Florida AG James Uthmeier subpoenaed Roblox regarding its marketing material, citing an excess of reports of children being exposed to “graphic or harmful material” while using the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Uthmeier |first=James |date=Apr 16, 2025 |title=Attorney General James Uthmeier Fights to Protect Children Online; Subpoenas Roblox for Child-Protection Policies and Procedures |url=https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-james-uthmeier-fights-protect-children-online-subpoenas-roblox-child |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814164722/https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-james-uthmeier-fights-protect-children-online-subpoenas-roblox-child |archive-date=Aug 14, 2025 |access-date=Aug 12, 2025 |website=Florida Office of Attorney General}}</ref>

===''State v. Matthew Naval'' (April to June 2025)===

Matthew Macatuno Naval allegedly abducted a 10-year-old girl soon after meeting her on Roblox,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Girl was kidnapped by man who messaged her on Roblox, officials say. 10-year-old found safe |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-16/girl-10-allegedly-kidnapped-by-man-who-messaged-on-roblox |website=Los Angeles Times |date=2025-04-16 |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |first=Kaitlyn |last=Huamani |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819041136/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-04-16/girl-10-allegedly-kidnapped-by-man-who-messaged-on-roblox |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref><ref name=":46">{{Cite web |title=California man accused of kidnapping 10-year-old he met on Roblox |url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/california-man-accused-of-kidnapping-10-year-old-he-met-on-roblox/3807102/ |website=NBC San Diego |date=2025-04-17 |first=Viola |last=Flowers |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819041723/https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/california-man-accused-of-kidnapping-10-year-old-he-met-on-roblox/3807102/ |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref><ref name=":47">{{Cite web |title=Elk Grove man accused of kidnapping missing child after meeting her on Roblox |url=https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove/missing-kern-county-child-found-elk-grove-suspected-kidnapper/103-53c26187-7d46-4b43-964a-1010c1bf07c5 |website=ABC 10 |date=2025-04-14 |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819043626/https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove/missing-kern-county-child-found-elk-grove-suspected-kidnapper/103-53c26187-7d46-4b43-964a-1010c1bf07c5 |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref> and he was charged with one count of kidnapping, one count of kidnapping a child under 14 to commit sex acts, two counts of committing sex acts with a child under 14, one count of showing sexual content to a minor, and two counts related to contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex act.<ref name=":48">{{Cite web |last=Kotowski |first1=Jason |last2=Huh |first2=Jenny |date=2025-04-18 |title=Man accused of kidnapping Taft girl held on $1.35M bail |url=https://www.kget.com/news/crime-watch/man-accused-of-kidnapping-taft-girl-charged-with-7-felonies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819043054/https://www.kget.com/news/crime-watch/man-accused-of-kidnapping-taft-girl-charged-with-7-felonies/ |archive-date=2025-08-19 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=KGET.com}}</ref> According to police, the survivor was found in a car at an Elk Grove strip mall over 250 miles from her home in Taft, and police returned her to her family.<ref name=":46" /><ref name=":47" /> Representing the severity of the charges against Naval, his bail was listed at about US$1.35 million.<ref name=":48" />


===''Doe et al v. Roblox Corporation et al'' (July 2025)===
The suit Doe et al v. Roblox Corporation et al, filed on July 9, 2025, is an ongoing product liability suit where the plaintiffs are two anonymous individuals and the defendants are Roblox Corporation and [[Discord|Discord, Inc.]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doe et al v. Roblox Corporation et al |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/58931825/Doe_et_al_v_Roblox_Corporation_et_al |website=PacerMonitor |date=2025-07-09 |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819035355/https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/58931825/Doe_et_al_v_Roblox_Corporation_et_al |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref> The main complaints in the original file were:
<blockquote>
(1) Fraudulent Concealment and Misrepresentations 
(2) Negligent Misrepresentation 
(3) Negligence — General 
(4) Negligence — Failure to Warn 
(5) Negligence — Unreasonable Design 
(6) Negligent Undertaking 
(7) Strict Liability — Design Defect 
(8) Strict Liability — Failure to Warn<ref>{{Cite web |title=Case 3:25-cv-05753-LB |url=https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/filings/DWCGRGFI/Doe_et_al_v_Roblox_Corporation_et_al__candce-25-05753__0001.0.pdf |website=Pacermonitor |date=2025-07-09 |first=Paige |last=Boldt |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819035429/https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/filings/DWCGRGFI/Doe_et_al_v_Roblox_Corporation_et_al__candce-25-05753__0001.0.pdf |archive-date=2025-08-19}}</ref>
</blockquote>


===Florida Attorney-General Subpoena & Multi-State Scrutiny (July 2025)===

==Legacy==
{{Incomplete section}}

The negligence shown by Roblox and the platform's moderation has been a key point within various forms of legislation to require identification-based verification on online services, e.g. the [[Online Safety Act|Online Safety Act of 2023]] within the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Online Safety Act 2023 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/50/contents/enacted |website=www.legislation.gov.uk |access-date=2025-08-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818200028/https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/50/contents |archive-date=2025-08-18}}</ref>

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

List of products bricked by discontinuation

2026-02-21T17:56:21Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added archive URL, source date and access date to citation

{{StubNotice}}

A list of products bricked by discontinuation.

==List of products==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Product or line
!Company
!Release date
!End date
!Reasoning
|-
|[[Bosch Spexor]]
|Bosch
|2019
|2023 (sales)
2025 (support)
|Low demand in combination with high operational and app development costs
|-
|[[Sandisk Wireless Flash Drives]]
|Sandisk
|2015
|18 Mar 2021
|"...as an effort to retire legacy apps and migrate users to newer products, services, and apps."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-13 |title=Wireless Flash Drive End of Support |url=https://support-en.sandisk.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/48977 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612204620/https://support-en.sandisk.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/48977 |archive-date=2025-06-12 |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=Sandisk}}</ref>
|-
| -
|
|
|
|
|-
| -
|
|
|
|
|}
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Lists]]

Molekule threatens to remotely shut down their app if purifiers used with third party air filters

2026-02-21T17:50:08Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added archive URLs, as well as correctly added source dates and names of original authors

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Molekule
|StartDate=2025-09
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Molekule air filters
|Product=Air Pro, Air Mini +
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=DRM enforcement, Remote shutdown
|Description=Molekule enacted a policy of remotely permanently shutting down air filters caught using third party filters
}}
In September 2025, air purifier manufacturer [[wikipedia:Molekule|Molekule]] sent emails to customers warning that devices using non-genuine replacement filters, detected using their [[wikipedia:Near Field Communication|Near Field Communication]] (NFC) authentication technology, would be denied access to the Molekule app and Molekule services in relation to the device.

Molekule is one of only two major air purifier manufacturers (alongside [[Xiaomi]]{{Citation needed}}) to implement filter [[digital rights management]] (DRM) through NFC authentication. The authentication system requires genuine Molekule filters costing $100-175 each<ref name="rossmann" />, while third-party alternatives are available for approximately one-quarter of the price{{Citation needed}}. The incident has drawn criticism from right-to-repair advocates, including [[wikipedia:Louis Rossmann|Louis Rossmann]].

==Background==
Molekule is a San Francisco-based company that manufactures air purifiers using proprietary photoelectrochemical oxidation (PECO) technology<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molekule Inc. |date=2020-05-06 |title=System and method for photoelectrochemical air purification |url=https://patents.justia.com/patent/11920828 |website=Justia}}</ref>. The company filed for [[wikipedia:Chapter 11 bankruptcy|Chapter 11 bankruptcy]] on October 3, 2023, citing approximately $47 million in debts against $11.6 million in assets.<ref name="bankruptcy">{{cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Molekule : Bankruptcy - Form 8-K |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MOLEKULE-GROUP-INC-129658881/news/Molekule-Bankruptcy-Form-8-K-44975500/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601044607/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MOLEKULE-GROUP-INC-129658881/news/Molekule-Bankruptcy-Form-8-K-44975500/ |archive-date=1 June 2024 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=MarketScreener}}</ref> The company emerged from bankruptcy in February 2024.<ref name="emergence">{{cite web |date=5 February 2024 |title=Modified First Amended Joint Reorganization Plan Approved for Molekule Group, Inc. |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MOLEKULE-GROUP-INC-129658881/news/Modified-First-Amended-Joint-Reorganization-Plan-Approved-for-Molekule-Group-Inc-45947779/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314061515/https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/MOLEKULE-GROUP-INC-129658881/news/Modified-First-Amended-Joint-Reorganization-Plan-Approved-for-Molekule-Group-Inc-45947779/ |archive-date=14 March 2024 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=MarketScreener}}</ref>

Molekule air purifiers utilize NFC tag authentication embedded in their PECO-HEPA filters, which work with RFID/NFC sensors built into the devices. The authentication system includes "near field communication (NFC) tag authentication data, data, authentication keys, security features, unique identifier numbers" according to the company's Terms and Conditions.<ref name="terms">{{cite web |date=29 August 2025 |title=Terms and Conditions For Services |url=https://molekule.com/pages/terms-conditions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009073737/https://molekule.com/pages/terms-conditions |archive-date=9 October 2025 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=Molekule}}</ref>

==Enforcement action==
In September 2025, Molekule sent emails to customers warning that air purifiers using third-party filters would be "denied access to Molekule services, including access to the Molekule app" no later than September 22nd, 2025<ref name="rossmann" />. The email stated that third-party filters contain "misappropriated nearfield communication keys, unique identifier, security, and/or tag authentication data" which the company's terms of service expressly prohibit.<ref name="rossmann">{{cite web |author=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=3 October 2025 |title=Louis Rossmann video on Molekule filter DRM |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=LCu_n2Nddu0 |archive-date=4 October 2025 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=YouTube}}</ref>

According to the company's updated Terms and Conditions from August 29, 2025, Molekule explicitly prohibits "altering, circumventing, intercepting, copying, downloading" authentication data, as well as "using the Filter's original authentication or security data" on non-genuine filters.<ref name="terms" /> The warranty is voided if "NFC tag authentication data or information has been defaced, altered, written over, copied, or otherwise reused or compromised."

==Molekule's response==
Molekule's official position, documented in their blog "Where to Buy Real Molekule Replacement Filters," states that only genuine filters are "tested and validated when used in conjunction with our purifier Products to achieve high indoor air quality performance."<ref name="blog">{{cite web |title=Where to Buy Real Molekule Replacement Filters |url=https://molekule.com/blogs/all/where-to-buy-real-molekule-replacement-filters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251009084359/https://molekule.com/blogs/all/where-to-buy-real-molekule-replacement-filters |archive-date=9 October 2025 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=Molekule}}</ref> The company warns that third-party filters "simply don't work" and that customers using them "miss out on our satisfaction guarantee."

The company reserves the right to render devices "INOPERABLE" if used with prohibited items or if multiple products share the same serial number, according to their Terms of Service.<ref name="terms" />

==Consumer impact==
The authentication system creates substantial ongoing costs for consumers. The Air Pro requires PECO-HEPA Tri-Power filters at $174.99 each (or $139.99 on subscription), replaced every six months for an annual cost of approximately $350 or $280.<ref name="filters">{{cite web |title=Molekule Replacement Filters & Subscriptions |url=https://molekule.com/collections/filters-subscriptions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250728203934/https://molekule.com/collections/filters-subscriptions |archive-date=28 July 2025 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=Molekule}}</ref> Air Mini filters cost $99.99 each (or $79.99 on subscription) with the same six-month schedule.

Third-party alternatives on Amazon cost approximately one-quarter of Molekule's official pricing.<ref name="rossmann" /> Live Science characterized Molekule's filters as "probably the most expensive filter replacements we have ever seen."<ref name="livescience">{{cite web |last=Gora |first=Anna |date=17 May 2024 |title=Molekule Air Pro review |url=https://www.livescience.com/molekule-air-pro-review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251023211220/https://www.livescience.com/molekule-air-pro-review |archive-date=23 October 2025 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=Live Science}}</ref> HouseFresh calculated the Molekule Air Mini's total annual operating cost at $275.66, with filters representing the majority of that expense.<ref name="housefresh">{{cite web |last=Ashton |first=Danny |date=11 April 2022 |title=Molekule Air Mini review — Will you regret buying it? |url=https://housefresh.com/molekule-mini-review/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911094028/https://housefresh.com/molekule-mini-review/ |archive-date=11 September 2025 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=HouseFresh}}</ref>

International customers face particular hardship, with multiple [[wikipedia:Trustpilot|Trustpilot]] reviews documenting UK and European customers who cannot obtain replacement filters domestically, facing prohibitive costs including $20+ international shipping per filter.<ref name="trustpilot">{{cite web |date=8 September 2025 |title=Molekule, Inc. Reviews |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.molekule.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260221173911/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.molekule.com |archive-date=21 February 2026 |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=Trustpilot}}</ref>

==Consumer response==
As of October 17, 2025, Molekule holds a 1.4 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot, with recurring complaints about filter costs, availability, and device failures after filter replacement.<ref name="trustpilot" />

==References==
{{reflist}}

2026-02-20T21:27:37Z

Venture18+: /* References */ properly formatted links and added archive URLs

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Professional networking platform owned by Microsoft.
|Founded=2002
|Industry=Social Media
|Logo=LinkedIn.png
|ParentCompany=Microsoft
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://linkedin.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:LinkedIn|'''LinkedIn''']] is a social-media platform for professional networking, founded in 2002.

==Summary==

*It has been known for its [[dark patterns]].

*Users register on LinkedIn with an email, which LinkedIn then scrapes their contacts list and uploads this information to LinkedIn.<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a545600/what-people-can-see-on-your-profile#:~:text=Contact%20and%20personal%20information%20that%20you%E2%80%99ve%20provided%20in%20the%20Contact%20Info%20section%20of%20your%20profile%20is%20only%20visible%20to%20your%201st-degree%20connections What People Can See on Your Profile]. [https://web.archive.org/web/20251205200135/https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a545600/what-people-can-see-on-your-profile Archived] 2025-12-05</ref>

*LinkedIn also makes it difficult to cancel their free trial membership, likely targeting users that have forgotten or are unable to locate the cancel page.<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a545578 Cancel LinkedIn Premium subscription]</ref>

*LinkedIn has a habit of restricting accounts stating a need to verify identity, this disables the ability to navigate to the cancel membership page and can lead to being charged.

*LinkedIn's membership price has also quintupled from $10 per month in 2018 to $50 in 2024.

==Data Privacy==
LinkedIn automatically opts you into their program named "Data for Generative AI Improvement", or "GAI", which automatically says you agree to "Use my data for training content creation models."<ref>[https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/settings/data-for-ai-improvement Data for Generative AI Improvement] - linkedin.com - 29 Jan 2025</ref> This comes with fine print which states, "This setting controls the training of generative AI models used to create content. When this setting is on LinkedIn and its affiliates may use your personal data and content you create on LinkedIn for that purpose." 

This automatically gives LinkedIn the license to use your personal data and the content you create to train their models. Even if you opt out, the personal data and content the platform has already used will not be deleted.<ref name="linkedin-faq">[https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a5538339 LinkedIn and generative AI (GAI) FAQs] - linkedin.com - 29 Jan 2025. [https://web.archive.org/web/20250124150439/https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a5538339 Archived] 24 Jan 2025.</ref>

As of 29 January 2025, LinkedIn FAQ mentions that it does "not currently train content-generating AI models on data from members located in Canada, the EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Hong Kong, or Mainland China."<ref name="linkedin-faq" />

As of 19 September 2025, LinkedIn banner announcement was sent to logged in users saying ''"Update to our terms and data use"'' ''"Starting November 3, 2025, we'll use some of your Linkedln data to improve the content-generating Al that enhances your experience, unless you opt out in your [https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/settings/data-for-ai-improvement/ settings]. We're also updating our terms. See what's new and how to manage your data. [https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a8059228/ Learn more]"''. Specifically mentioned regions are Canada, the EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland and Hong Kong. Announcement described how previously excluded regions would now be included in the "Data for Generative AI Improvement".
[[File:Screenshot 2025-09-19 at 10-08-48 Update to our Terms and data use LinkedIn Help.png|center|thumb|300x300px|Screenshot of <nowiki>https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a8059228/</nowiki> at 19th Sep 2025]]

==Account Deletion==
Some users have reported that the browser LinkedIn version disables the "Done" button at the end of the "Delete your account" flow.

As seen in [https://youtu.be/497YdWlDsAw "LinkedIn Account Deletion button disabled"], the user had to '''modify source HTML''' '''via Source Inspector''' to close their account. Users that reported this error also reported that it exists since 2022, and it hasn't been fixed since then.

Potential solutions:

#Modifying HTML, removing the "disabled" attribute from the button.
#Some users reported that typing their password by hand<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why won’t LinkedIn let you delete your account? It's like they've disabled the close account button. |url=https://www.quora.com/Why-won-t-LinkedIn-let-you-delete-your-account-Its-like-theyve-disabled-the-close-account-button |website=Quora}}</ref> helped make the button work. Others have appealed that it didn't work anyways.
#Some users reported that using the phone app to close your account worked,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 May 2024 |title=Impossible to close Linkedin account |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/linkedin/comments/1d0a4ah/impossible_to_close_linkedin_account/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/wjhzj |archive-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> even if you created yours through the browser version.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:LinkedIn Corporation]]

Brother Industries Ltd.

2026-02-20T20:45:50Z

Venture18+: /* References */ added archive URLs, added source date to citation 5, reformatted bare URL into proper citation

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Japanese manufacturer known for sewing machines, printers, and other home and office equipment.
|Founded=1908
|Industry=Electronics, Machinery, Printing
|Logo=Brother logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://global.brother/
}}
'''Brother Industries Ltd.''' manufactures and sells communications and printing equipment in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates through Printing & Solutions, Machinery, Domino, Nissei, Personal & Home, and Network & Contents segments.

Brother has faced consumer criticism and regulatory action, having been criticized for practices that allegedly reduce choice, obfuscate information and accelerate product obsolescence.

==Consumer impact summary==
[[File:Brother Refresh.png|thumb|247x247px]]
Brother non-industrial printers & copiers hold the third largest market share in the Asia Pacific region<ref>{{Cite web |title=Printers & Copiers - Australia |url=https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/consumer-electronics/computing/printers-copiers/australia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827185302/https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/consumer-electronics/computing/printers-copiers/australia |archive-date=27 Aug 2025 |access-date=29 Aug 2025 |website=Statista Market Forecast}}</ref> and are a popular choice for home and small business users. Brother's monochromatic, colour, multi-function, laser, and inkjet printers offer a low-price entry and are sold at most large box retailers, where consumables such as toners and cartridges are also readily available. Within the printer category at the largest office and stationery retailer in Australia, Officeworks, Brother is the most represented brand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Printers |url=https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/c/technology/printers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250906162622/https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/c/technology/printers |archive-date=6 Sep 2025 |access-date=29 Aug 2025 |website=Officeworks}}</ref>

Users have reported that Brother has initiated various methods to limit or reduce functionality on many printers prior and during usage. This includes:

*'''3rd party consumable lockout''' on various printer models<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 Jul 2023 |title=Brother started locking out third party cartridges by firmware updates apparently |url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36679980 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708193250/https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=36679980 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=29 Aug 2025 |website=Hacker News}}</ref>{{More citations needed}}
*'''Reduction in print capacity''' via software, firmware and hardware<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Shaak |first=Erin |date=16 Oct 2018 |title=Class Action Claims Brother International Designed Laser Printers to Require Premature Toner Replacement |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/class-action-claims-brother-international-designed-laser-printers-to-require-premature-toner-replacement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816145420/https://www.classaction.org/news/class-action-claims-brother-international-designed-laser-printers-to-require-premature-toner-replacement |archive-date=16 Aug 2025 |access-date=29 Aug 2025 |website=ClassAction.org}}</ref>
*'''Disabling of functionality''' via print counters, software and firmware<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Oct 2024 |title=MFC-L3750CDW/MFC-L3760CDW vs MF655Cdw |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/18c1hmm/comment/lq8x81g/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>{{More citations needed}}
*'''Nagware''' screens or pop-ups indicating firmware or software should be updated
*'''Limited or obfuscated information''' regarding effects of software or firmware update implementation<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=22 Mar 2025 |title=Brother MFC-3750CDW won't accept non-genuine ink? |url=https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/35qvkyx3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814080027/https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/35qvkyx3 |archive-date=14 Aug 2025 |access-date=29 Aug 2025 |website=Whirlpool}}</ref>{{More citations needed}}

==Incidents==
Listed models, links and issue cases from users experiencing restrictive implementation:

*'''TN620''' Laser Toner: print counter reduces copy capacity<ref name=":0" />
*'''MFC-3750CDW''' All-in-One Printer: 3rd party cartridge rejection<ref name=":1" />
*Cartridge Battery Prevents Ink Usage: '''[[DCP 3550 CDW Cartridge Failure|DCP 3550 CDW Cartridge Failure]]'''
*MFC-L2750DW All-in-One Printer: 3rd party cartridge rejection
*Removal of all older OS updates out of nowhere starting 2025<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Nov 2025 |title=Something happened on the Brother's site and now I can't download the driver anymore. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/1ow3p2m/something_happened_on_the_brothers_site_and_now_i/ |website=Reddit}}</ref> making any non current operating system impossible to get working drivers for their printers even thought the OS is still used in production in certain environments. (Operating systems like macOS Monterey)
*Removal of cloud features (Scan-to and Print-from Dropbox, Box, OneDrive and Google Drive) on devices with firmware that doesn't support TLS1.2, removing features still advertised on their website.

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