Subscription service - Revision history

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 4 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T07:48:57Z

Added archive URLs for 4 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

ClippyFellow47: Minor grammar edits to improve tone, article still requires significant work.

2025-12-13T17:19:55Z

Minor grammar edits to improve tone, article still requires significant work.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 13 December 2025
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	A '''subscription service''' is an ongoing transaction agreement between the customer and the company; where a user usually pays on a ~~week~~, ~~month~~ or yearly basis to use the services provided by a company. In many cases this model is used where a company has a sustained cost of doing business some of which include cloud storage, VPN's and many other SaaS products.		A '''subscription service''' is an ongoing transaction agreement between the customer and the company, where a user usually pays on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis to use the services provided by the company. In many cases, this model is used where a company has a sustained cost of doing business, some of which include cloud storage, VPN's and many other SaaS products.

	== How it works ==		==How it works==
	When ~~a(n)~~ individual wishes to use a service like a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Mulvad VPN a ongoing payment agreement (subscription) is established so that the business can continue to be sustainable and profitable. Prices may increase or decrease depending on various factors and or promotions that a company may offer to ~~draw in~~ more customers to experience their service.		When an individual wishes to use a service like a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Mulvad VPN, an ongoing payment agreement (subscription) is established so that the business can continue to be sustainable and profitable. Prices may increase or decrease depending on various factors and promotions that a company may offer to attract more customers to experience their service.

	== Why it is a problem ==		==Why is it a problem?==

	===Subscription based economy trend===		===Subscription-based economy trend===
	Subscription service revenue was estimated at "$3 trillion in 2024, up from estimates of around $2 trillion in 2023"<ref>[https://whop.com/blog/subscription-statistics/#:~:text=metrics%2C%20and%20more.-,Subscription%20Economy%20Statistics,%242%20trillion%20in%2020231. "100+ Subscription Statistics for 2025"] - whop.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> ~~subscription~~ services are becoming more prevalent. The replacement of permanent ownership with subscription services has some negative impacts that can harm consumer rights.		Subscription service revenue was estimated at "$3 trillion in 2024, up from estimates of around $2 trillion in 2023"<ref>[https://whop.com/blog/subscription-statistics/#:~:text=metrics%2C%20and%20more.-,Subscription%20Economy%20Statistics,%242%20trillion%20in%2020231. "100+ Subscription Statistics for 2025"] - whop.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref>. Subscription services are becoming more prevalent. The replacement of permanent ownership with subscription services has some negative impacts that can harm consumer rights.

	=== Redefinition of ownership ===		===Redefinition of ownership===
	Instances of companies using the terms "ownership" and "own" when referring to subscription products and services have become prevalent. These instances are at the bare minimum misnomers: consumers do not own something if they have to pay a subscription to use it. The redefinition of language could be seen as a malicious attempt by companies to lessen the severity of the loss of ownership that consumers are now facing.		Instances of companies using the terms "ownership" and "own" when referring to subscription products and services have become prevalent. These instances are, at the bare minimum, misnomers: consumers do not own something if they have to pay a subscription to use it. The redefinition of language could be seen as a malicious attempt by companies to lessen the severity of the loss of ownership that consumers are now facing.

	=== OTA subscription paywall updates ===		===OTA subscription paywall updates===
	Companies like BMW paywall specific features on their cars that were once available without a subscription and advertised as ~~apart~~ of the original product that was purchased to get more money out of customers ~~that~~ may have bought the product for its feature lineup		Companies like BMW paywall specific features on their cars that were once available without a subscription and advertised as a part of the original product that was purchased to get more money out of customers who may have bought the product for its feature lineup

	=== Making subscriptions hard to cancel ===		===Making subscriptions hard to cancel===
	Memberships ~~signups like~~ gyms which offer a service make it very easy to sign up online; and then in ~~term~~ make it very hard to cancel. Specific gyms may even require you to certify ~~mail~~ them just so that you can cancel ~~your~~ service you signed up for online. Additionally some services like Adobe will even penalize you for canceling early instead of waiting for the subscription to expire and choosing not to renew. This practice is mainly ~~done~~ to make consumers feel ~~like~~ it's not worth their time and effort to ~~stop~~ the subscription.		Memberships and sign-ups, such as those for gyms, which offer a service, make it very easy to sign up online, and then, in turn, make it very hard to cancel. Specific gyms may even require you to certify that you are mailing them, just so that you can cancel the service you signed up for online. Additionally, some services like Adobe will even penalize you for canceling early instead of waiting for the subscription to expire and choosing not to renew. This practice is mainly designed to make consumers feel that it's not worth their time and effort to cancel the subscription.

	=== Licenses as subscriptions ===		===Licenses as subscriptions===
	A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service.<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Licenses differ from subscriptions in that ~~permanent licenses exist while no subscription is ever~~ permanent, in addition many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions as [[Adobe]] does.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref> Licenses also ~~may~~ apply to large groups of people, I.E. a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the [[retroactively amended purchase]] strategy as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]] possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition as ownership is.		A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service.<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Licenses differ from subscriptions in that they are permanent, whereas subscriptions are not. In addition, many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions, as [[Adobe]] does.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref> Licenses may also apply to large groups of people, e.g., a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the [[retroactively amended purchase]] strategy, as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]], possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition, as ownership is.

	=== Subscription inflation ===		===Subscription inflation===
	Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said".<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report",<ref name=":0" /> meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve ~~their~~ service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has and will be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an ~~unimproved~~ service.		Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions, where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said.<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue, as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report" <ref name=":0" />, meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve its service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has been and will continue to be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an inferior service.

	==Examples of subscription services==		==Examples of subscription services==
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	====Game Pass====		====Game Pass====
	<blockquote>Further reading: [[Game Pass]]</blockquote>Game Pass, also known as Xbox Game Pass or [[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac\|Microsoft]] Game Pass, is a subscription service ~~maintained~~ by [[Microsoft]] where for a fee, consumers have open (but temporary) access to games on both Xbox and PC.		<blockquote>Further reading: [[Game Pass]]</blockquote>Game Pass, also known as Xbox Game Pass or [[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac\|Microsoft]] Game Pass, is a subscription service provided by [[Microsoft]] where, for a fee, consumers have open (but temporary) access to games on both Xbox and PC.

	====Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)====		====Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)====
	<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features ~~that were either initially offered for free~~ on ~~previous~~ [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play~~, or~~ subscription-~~gates~~ content that used to be one-time purchases, ~~such as~~ their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC freely ~~obtained~~ via the service is only ~~accessible so~~ long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>		<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features on previously available [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play and subscription-gated content that used to be one-time purchases, including their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC obtained freely via the service remains accessible only as long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>

	===Software as a service===		===Software as a service===

Vandetta: some tone changes and more consumer concerns still is a bit of a rough draft

2025-09-27T16:08:02Z

some tone changes and more consumer concerns still is a bit of a rough draft

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:08, 27 September 2025
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	A '''subscription service''' is a ~~service whereby~~ a ~~consumer is expected to repeatedly pay fees over time~~ to ~~continue using~~ the ~~service<ref>[https://www~~.~~oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/subscription "subscription"]- oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref>. The proliferation~~ of ~~subscription services has major implications on the consumer~~'s ~~[[right to own]] their~~ products ~~and services~~.		A '''subscription service''' is an ongoing transaction agreement between the customer and the company; where a user usually pays on a week, month or yearly basis to use the services provided by a company. In many cases this model is used where a company has a sustained cost of doing business some of which include cloud storage, VPN's and many other SaaS products.

	==How ~~subscriptions can impact consumer rights~~==		== How it works ==
	~~Subscriptions differ from Purchase\|purchases in that when~~ a ~~person purchases~~ a ~~product it is expected that they permanently own the product and have full control over it while a consumer's control over a subscription product/~~service ~~ends when they stop paying or cancel the subscription; in other words~~ a ~~consumer temporarily controls~~ a subscription ~~product only after a subscription has been purchased while a user owns a product if they purchased~~ the ~~product. Subscriptions~~ can be ~~beneficial for consumers in that they act as a sort of "trial period" where a product~~ or ~~service is accessible for cheaper than it would be if they purchased it to own. Some subscription plans even guarantee their customers frequent updates~~ that ~~would otherwise require~~ a ~~secondary purchase. Subscriptions can also be negative for consumers, however, as companies~~ may ~~view subscriptions as a way~~ to ~~extract~~ more ~~revenue out of their~~ customers ~~rather than a trial period. Additionally, some companies have even [[retroactively amended purchase]]s such that consumers lose access~~ to ~~a product they previously "owned"~~.		When a(n) individual wishes to use a service like a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Mulvad VPN a ongoing payment agreement (subscription) is established so that the business can continue to be sustainable and profitable. Prices may increase or decrease depending on various factors and or promotions that a company may offer to draw in more customers to experience their service.

	===~~Negative trends in the shift towards subscription services~~===		== Why it is a problem ==

			===Subscription based economy trend===
	Subscription service revenue was estimated at "$3 trillion in 2024, up from estimates of around $2 trillion in 2023"<ref>[https://whop.com/blog/subscription-statistics/#:~:text=metrics%2C%20and%20more.-,Subscription%20Economy%20Statistics,%242%20trillion%20in%2020231. "100+ Subscription Statistics for 2025"] - whop.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> subscription services are becoming more prevalent. The replacement of permanent ownership with subscription services has some negative impacts that can harm consumer rights.		Subscription service revenue was estimated at "$3 trillion in 2024, up from estimates of around $2 trillion in 2023"<ref>[https://whop.com/blog/subscription-statistics/#:~:text=metrics%2C%20and%20more.-,Subscription%20Economy%20Statistics,%242%20trillion%20in%2020231. "100+ Subscription Statistics for 2025"] - whop.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> subscription services are becoming more prevalent. The replacement of permanent ownership with subscription services has some negative impacts that can harm consumer rights.

	====Redefinition of ownership====		=== Redefinition of ownership ===
	Instances of companies using the terms "ownership" and "own" when referring to subscription products and services have become prevalent. These instances are at the bare minimum misnomers: consumers do not own something if they have to pay a subscription to use it. The redefinition of language could be seen as a malicious attempt by companies to lessen the severity of the loss of ownership that consumers are now facing.		Instances of companies using the terms "ownership" and "own" when referring to subscription products and services have become prevalent. These instances are at the bare minimum misnomers: consumers do not own something if they have to pay a subscription to use it. The redefinition of language could be seen as a malicious attempt by companies to lessen the severity of the loss of ownership that consumers are now facing.

	====Licenses as subscriptions====		=== OTA subscription paywall updates ===
			Companies like BMW paywall specific features on their cars that were once available without a subscription and advertised as apart of the original product that was purchased to get more money out of customers that may have bought the product for its feature lineup

			=== Making subscriptions hard to cancel ===
			Memberships signups like gyms which offer a service make it very easy to sign up online; and then in term make it very hard to cancel. Specific gyms may even require you to certify mail them just so that you can cancel your service you signed up for online. Additionally some services like Adobe will even penalize you for canceling early instead of waiting for the subscription to expire and choosing not to renew. This practice is mainly done to make consumers feel like it's not worth their time and effort to stop the subscription.

			=== Licenses as subscriptions ===
	A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service.<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Licenses differ from subscriptions in that permanent licenses exist while no subscription is ever permanent, in addition many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions as [[Adobe]] does.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref> Licenses also may apply to large groups of people, I.E. a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the [[retroactively amended purchase]] strategy as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]] possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition as ownership is.		A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service.<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Licenses differ from subscriptions in that permanent licenses exist while no subscription is ever permanent, in addition many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions as [[Adobe]] does.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref> Licenses also may apply to large groups of people, I.E. a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the [[retroactively amended purchase]] strategy as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]] possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition as ownership is.

	====Subscription inflation====		=== Subscription inflation ===
	Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said".<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report",<ref name=":0" /> meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve their service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has and will be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an unimproved service.		Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said".<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report",<ref name=":0" /> meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve their service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has and will be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an unimproved service.

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	<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features that were either initially offered for free on previous [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play, or subscription-gates content that used to be one-time purchases, such as their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC freely obtained via the service is only accessible so long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>		<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features that were either initially offered for free on previous [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play, or subscription-gates content that used to be one-time purchases, such as their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC freely obtained via the service is only accessible so long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>

	=== Software as a service ===		===Software as a service===
	{{Main\|Software as a service}}		{{Main\|Software as a service}}

Drakeula: main - gaming as a service, software as a service

2025-09-21T08:23:04Z

main - gaming as a service, software as a service

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:23, 21 September 2025
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	===Gaming===		===Gaming===
			{{Main\|Games as a service}}

	====Game Pass====		====Game Pass====
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	====Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)====		====Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)====
	<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features that were either initially offered for free on previous [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play, or subscription-gates content that used to be one-time purchases, such as their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC freely obtained via the service is only accessible so long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>		<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features that were either initially offered for free on previous [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play, or subscription-gates content that used to be one-time purchases, such as their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC freely obtained via the service is only accessible so long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>

			=== Software as a service ===
			{{Main\|Software as a service}}

	==References==		==References==

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: /* How subscriptions can impact consumer rights */ removed underline, why?

2025-09-20T06:00:52Z

How subscriptions can impact consumer rights: removed underline, why?

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:00, 20 September 2025
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	==How subscriptions can impact consumer rights==		==How subscriptions can impact consumer rights==
	Subscriptions differ from [[Purchase\|purchases]] in that when a person purchases a product it is expected that they permanently own the product and have full control over it while a consumer's control over a subscription product/service ends when they stop paying or cancel the subscription; in other words a consumer temporarily controls a subscription product only ~~<u>~~after a subscription has been purchased~~</u>~~ while a user owns a product if they ~~<u>~~purchased the product~~</u>~~. Subscriptions can be beneficial for consumers in that they act as a sort of "trial period" where a product or service is accessible for cheaper than it would be if they purchased it to own. Some subscription plans even guarantee their customers frequent updates that would otherwise require a secondary purchase. Subscriptions can also be negative for consumers, however, as companies may view subscriptions as a way to extract more revenue out of their customers rather than a trial period. Additionally, some companies have even [[retroactively amended purchase]]s such that consumers lose access to a product they previously "owned".		Subscriptions differ from Purchase\|purchases in that when a person purchases a product it is expected that they permanently own the product and have full control over it while a consumer's control over a subscription product/service ends when they stop paying or cancel the subscription; in other words a consumer temporarily controls a subscription product only after a subscription has been purchased while a user owns a product if they purchased the product. Subscriptions can be beneficial for consumers in that they act as a sort of "trial period" where a product or service is accessible for cheaper than it would be if they purchased it to own. Some subscription plans even guarantee their customers frequent updates that would otherwise require a secondary purchase. Subscriptions can also be negative for consumers, however, as companies may view subscriptions as a way to extract more revenue out of their customers rather than a trial period. Additionally, some companies have even [[retroactively amended purchase]]s such that consumers lose access to a product they previously "owned".

	===Negative trends in the shift towards subscription services===		===Negative trends in the shift towards subscription services===

Beanie Bo: Added tone notice. Poor definition of "subscription service" (among other tone issues)

2025-09-06T02:11:11Z

Added tone notice. Poor definition of "subscription service" (among other tone issues)

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:11, 6 September 2025
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	{{StubNotice}}		{{StubNotice}}{{ToneWarning}}


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	Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said".<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report",<ref name=":0" /> meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve their service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has and will be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an unimproved service.		Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said".<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report",<ref name=":0" /> meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve their service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has and will be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an unimproved service.

	== Examples of subscription services ==		==Examples of subscription services==

	=== TV/Film ===		===TV/Film===

	==== Netflix ====		====Netflix====
	<blockquote>Further reading: [[Netflix, Inc.]]</blockquote>Netflix is a subclass of subscription service, known as a streaming service, where consumers have access to a library of TV shows and movies that persist on the platform for a limited time.		<blockquote>Further reading: [[Netflix, Inc.]]</blockquote>Netflix is a subclass of subscription service, known as a streaming service, where consumers have access to a library of TV shows and movies that persist on the platform for a limited time.

	=== Gaming ===		===Gaming===

	==== Game Pass ====		====Game Pass====
	<blockquote>Further reading: [[Game Pass]]</blockquote>Game Pass, also known as Xbox Game Pass or [[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac\|Microsoft]] Game Pass, is a subscription service maintained by [[Microsoft]] where for a fee, consumers have open (but temporary) access to games on both Xbox and PC.		<blockquote>Further reading: [[Game Pass]]</blockquote>Game Pass, also known as Xbox Game Pass or [[Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac\|Microsoft]] Game Pass, is a subscription service maintained by [[Microsoft]] where for a fee, consumers have open (but temporary) access to games on both Xbox and PC.

	==== Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) ====		====Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)====
	<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features that were either initially offered for free on previous [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play, or subscription-gates content that used to be one-time purchases, such as their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC freely obtained via the service is only accessible so long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>		<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features that were either initially offered for free on previous [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play, or subscription-gates content that used to be one-time purchases, such as their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC freely obtained via the service is only accessible so long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>

	== References ==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

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

Sojourna: /* Subscription inflation */

2025-06-02T17:03:51Z

Subscription inflation

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:03, 2 June 2025
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	====Subscription inflation====		====Subscription inflation====
	Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions where in 2025 "~~The~~ standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said."<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref>. Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report"<ref name=":0" /> meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve their service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has and will be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an unimproved service.		Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said".<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report",<ref name=":0" /> meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve their service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has and will be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an unimproved service.

	== Examples of subscription services ==		== Examples of subscription services ==

Sojourna: /* Licenses as subscriptions */

2025-06-02T17:01:29Z

Licenses as subscriptions

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:01, 2 June 2025
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	====Licenses as subscriptions====		====Licenses as subscriptions====
	A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref>. Licenses differ from subscriptions in that permanent licenses exist while no subscription is ever permanent, in addition many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions as [[Adobe]] does<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref>. Licenses also may apply to large groups of people, I.E. a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the retroactively amended purchase strategy as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]] possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition as ownership is.		A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service.<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Licenses differ from subscriptions in that permanent licenses exist while no subscription is ever permanent, in addition many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions as [[Adobe]] does.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref> Licenses also may apply to large groups of people, I.E. a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the [[retroactively amended purchase]] strategy as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]] possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition as ownership is.

	====Subscription inflation====		====Subscription inflation====

Sojourna: /* References */

2025-06-02T16:58:55Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:58, 2 June 2025
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	== References ==		== References ==
	~~<references />~~		{{Reflist}}

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

Sojourna: /* Licenses as subscriptions */ does not need to be upper-case

2025-05-19T22:23:08Z

Licenses as subscriptions: does not need to be upper-case

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:23, 19 May 2025
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	====Licenses as subscriptions====		====Licenses as subscriptions====
	A [[~~License~~]] grants rights to use a product or service<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref>. Licenses differ from subscriptions in that permanent licenses exist while no subscription is ever permanent, in addition many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions as [[Adobe]] does<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref>. Licenses also may apply to large groups of people, I.E. a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the retroactively amended purchase strategy as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]] possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition as ownership is.		A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref>. Licenses differ from subscriptions in that permanent licenses exist while no subscription is ever permanent, in addition many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions as [[Adobe]] does<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref>. Licenses also may apply to large groups of people, I.E. a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the retroactively amended purchase strategy as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]] possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition as ownership is.

	====Subscription inflation====		====Subscription inflation====

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:48, 23 February 2026
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	===Subscription-based economy trend===		===Subscription-based economy trend===
	Subscription service revenue was estimated at "$3 trillion in 2024, up from estimates of around $2 trillion in 2023"<ref>[https://whop.com/blog/subscription-statistics/#:~:text=metrics%2C%20and%20more.-,Subscription%20Economy%20Statistics,%242%20trillion%20in%2020231. "100+ Subscription Statistics for 2025"] - whop.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref>. Subscription services are becoming more prevalent. The replacement of permanent ownership with subscription services has some negative impacts that can harm consumer rights.		Subscription service revenue was estimated at "$3 trillion in 2024, up from estimates of around $2 trillion in 2023"<ref>[https://whop.com/blog/subscription-statistics/#:~:text=metrics%2C%20and%20more.-,Subscription%20Economy%20Statistics,%242%20trillion%20in%2020231. "100+ Subscription Statistics for 2025"] - whop.com - accessed 2025-01-23 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260210224358/https://whop.com/blog/subscription-statistics/ Archived])</ref>. Subscription services are becoming more prevalent. The replacement of permanent ownership with subscription services has some negative impacts that can harm consumer rights.

	===Redefinition of ownership===		===Redefinition of ownership===
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	===Licenses as subscriptions===		===Licenses as subscriptions===
	A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service.<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Licenses differ from subscriptions in that they are permanent, whereas subscriptions are not. In addition, many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions, as [[Adobe]] does.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref> Licenses may also apply to large groups of people, e.g., a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the [[retroactively amended purchase]] strategy, as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]], possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition, as ownership is.		A [[license]] grants rights to use a product or service.<ref>[https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence "license"] - oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com - accessed 2025-01-23 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250818080626/https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/licence Archived])</ref> Licenses differ from subscriptions in that they are permanent, whereas subscriptions are not. In addition, many companies choose to make temporary "licenses" last longer than subscriptions, as [[Adobe]] does.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250123232818/https://www.adobe.com/howtobuy/buying-programs.html "Adobe Buying Programs"] - archive.org - archived 2025-01-23 </ref> Licenses may also apply to large groups of people, e.g., a student license granted to students for free. The concern here is that [[License euthanasia\|permanent licenses are being phased out]] using the [[retroactively amended purchase]] strategy, as [[Adobe Lightroom: Perpetual to Subscription Transition\|Adobe has done]], possibly because subscriptions are more profitable. The term "license" is likely vulnerable to redefinition, as ownership is.

	===Subscription inflation===		===Subscription inflation===
	Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions, where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said.<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue, as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report" <ref name=":0" />, meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve its service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has been and will continue to be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an inferior service.		Subscription inflation occurs when companies increase subscription prices, often arbitrarily. This practice has been seen with Netflix subscriptions, where in 2025 "the standard monthly subscription without advertisements will climb from $15.49 to $17.99, and a standard monthly subscription with ads will increase one dollar to $7.99, Netflix said.<ref name=":0">[https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 "Netflix raises prices for all US plans. Here's what to know."] - abcnews.go.com - accessed 2025-01-23 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250722152022/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/netflix-raises-prices-us-plans/story?id=117971949 Archived])</ref> Subscription inflation need not be done to recoup lost revenue, as this Netflix subscription price increase actually occurred after a year of "a stellar earnings report" <ref name=":0" />, meaning that Netflix has the resources to improve its service without raising prices. Subscription inflation has been and will continue to be used solely to raise company profits by forcing consumers to pay more for what may be an inferior service.

	==Examples of subscription services==		==Examples of subscription services==
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	====Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)====		====Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)====
	<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features on previously available [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play and subscription-gated content that used to be one-time purchases, including their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC obtained freely via the service remains accessible only as long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc</ref>		<blockquote>Further reading: [[Nintendo Switch Online]] </blockquote>Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that offers features on previously available [[Nintendo]] platforms, such as online play and subscription-gated content that used to be one-time purchases, including their emulation library. Additionally, all DLC obtained freely via the service remains accessible only as long as the consumer continues to pay for the service.<ref>https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/#dlc ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250429154131/https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/nintendo-switch-online/expansion-pack/ Archived])</ref>

	===Software as a service===		===Software as a service===