Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Article suggestions

2026-03-27T11:54:45Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* Reference List */ fix titles

This page is dedicated towards providing a communal list for users to submit potential articles to feature on the wiki, and to give editors inspiration on what pages they might want to add to the wiki. If you create an article based on an entry from this list, or see that someone else has done so, please make sure to delete the row from this page in order to prevent confusion.

Sources should be inserted within the 'refs' section of the table. If using the visual editor, take advantage of '<nowiki/>'''insert reference'''<nowiki/>' via ''''ctrl + shift + k'''<nowiki/>' so that the sources are quick to add to future articles. If you are using the source editor, feel free to copy and paste the formatting from other correctly formatted references on the page. The more sources you include with an article idea, the more likely it is that others will pick the article idea up and run with it, so please attempt to include a good variety of descriptive sources!

Please take note of the wiki's [[Consumer Rights Wiki:Inclusion guidelines|Inclusion criteria]] when submitting article suggestions. If you see article suggestions here which do not fit the Wiki, feel free to remove them, leaving your reasoning in an edit note.

If you are an editor looking for further inspiration to write an article, you can also check out the [[Louis Rossmann - Video Directory|Louis Rossmann video directory]] for a good collection of potential articles.

==Example==
Below is an example of what an entry should appear as:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Company
!Summary of Incident
!Refs
|-
|[[Nintendo]]
|In 2025, the company Nintendo stripped Switch 2 consoles that used the MIG switch cartridge of all online functionality
|<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Scattered Brain |date=Jun 16, 2025 |title=Soo... Nintendo banned my Switch 2 (Don't try the MIG Switch!) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo&t=656s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=ExgYTA18_vo |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=Jun 18, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=Jun 17, 2025 |title=Switch 2 users report online console bans after running personal game “backups” |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/playing-personal-game-backups-could-get-your-switch-2-banned-by-nintendo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251222013641/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2025/06/playing-personal-game-backups-could-get-your-switch-2-banned-by-nintendo/ |archive-date=22 Dec 2025|access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |work=Ars Technica}}</ref>
|}

==List of incidents not yet covered==
[[Category:Sources]]
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Company
!Summary of Incident
!Refs
|-
|8Player
|In early March, 2026, the Apple TV application called 8Player began displaying a notice informing users who had already paid for the app, that the app would not continue to function unless they agreed to an ongoing subscription.
The text of the notice says the following:
----Thank you for being a valued 8player user.

To keep improving the app and delivering new features, 8player is moving to a subscription model.

You can continue using the full version at no cost until April 15, 2026.

After that, activate the subscription in the app to keep full access. Your existing features will remain available, and no action is needed today.

Thank you for supporting 8player over the years.

[[:File:8player-subscription-model-notice.png]]
|
|-
|[[ABC Financial Services]]
|Manages memberships and recurring service subscriptions for other companies. Prevents customers from being able to cancel a service by locking them into a never-ending cycle of auto renewals, and not allowing the customer to opt out of auto renewal.
|-
|Affinity / [[Canva]] page created needs editors to help
|Canva purchases [[Serif]]; the owner of perpetual license design software Affinity Publisher, Designer, and Photo on March 26th 2024. Provides a pledge to assure users that Canva will not "ruin" the suite. In October 2025, Affinity users are locked out of the community forum for a new "Creative Freedom" announcement on October 30th 2025. Complete radio silence for a whole month while they tease long term users on Twitter and Discord. Finally on October 30th 2025, the new Affinity software is announced as "free". Instead, all creative professionals that used the original software are forced to create a new Canva account to access the new Affinity and thus agree to Canva's ToS<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-30 |title=Canva Terms of Use |url=https://www.canva.com/policies/terms-of-use/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128105545/https://www.canva.com/policies/terms-of-use/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026|website=Canva Legal Trust Center}}</ref>. Affinity redirects the pledge page to an announcement for the new software, effectively burying the original pledge<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-27 |title=The Affinity and Canva Pledge |url=https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/press/newsroom/affinity-and-canva-pledge |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251002083749/https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/press/newsroom/affinity-and-canva-pledge/ |archive-date=2025-10-02 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>. Questions about Canva now being able to monetize the work of professionals to train their own AI models sold to Canva users are left unanswered. Free, but at what cost?
EDIT: Initial article has been written but needs more work, citation, and verification. [[Canva adds arbitration clause for future Affinity Studio users|See this article here]].
|<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />
|-
|[[Alibaba]]
|[[wikipedia:Alibaba_Group|WP]]
|
|-
|[[Amazon]]
|Amazon renders Fire TV Blaster unusable, offers Amazon gift card to affected customers
EDIT: Incident has been added to the Amazon page but needs more work.

---

Sometime in 2025 Amazon added an upgrade nag widget to Alexa for "Alexa+" that is impossible to turn off. In some cases the upgrade was automatic, and users had to opt-out
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herbig |first=Daniel |date=19 Jan 2026 |title=Amazon makes Fire TV Blaster unusable |url=https://www.heise.de/en/news/Amazon-makes-Fire-TV-Blaster-unusable-11145570.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120070820/https://www.heise.de/en/news/Amazon-makes-Fire-TV-Blaster-unusable-11145570.html |archive-date=20 Jan 2026}}</ref>
---
<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon is automatically upgrading Prime members to Alexa+. Here's how to opt out |url=https://www.12news.com/article/news/nation-world/amazon-automatic-upgrade-alexa-plus-how-to-opt-out/507-3105c319-0f52-421a-b741-9ad6919f22e5}}</ref>
|-
|[[Anker]]
|In Anker's Terms of Service for Solix solar generator product, under 19.3 Mandatory Updates:
In critical situations—such as addressing severe security vulnerabilities, complying with legal requirements, or ensuring compatibility with our service architecture—we reserve the right to issue mandatory Updates for both the firmware and the App. These essential updates may install automatically, or require immediate installation before further use, and you will not be permitted to opt out. If you fail to install such an update, certain device functionalities or access to the App may be limited or suspended to maintain the security and integrity of our service.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Terms of Use - Anker |url=https://www.anker.com/ca/policies/terms-of-service}}</ref>
|-
|[[Apotheka]]
|Personal ID codes, purchase information and contact details of almost half of Estonian citizens and residents have been compromised in a mass data breach of the IT system operated by Allium UPI, a firm dealing with pharmacy and hospital products.
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-04 |title=Cybercriminals steal data of around 700,000 Apotheka pharmacy customers |url=https://news.err.ee/1609302096/cybercriminals-steal-data-of-around-700-000-apotheka-pharmacy-customers |url-status=live |website=[[ERR]]}}</ref>
|-
|[[Apple]]
|Apple changes Logic Pro and the Apple office suite into a subscription when it was either a one time purchase or free with the mac.
|
|-
|[[Apple]]
|$17 000 Apple Watch 18 karat gold edition out of support only 8 years after its introduction (not end of sale!). This means no software support, and, crucially, no repair or replacement parts. If the battery dies, the watch is but a paperweight.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple will no longer fix the $17,000 gold Apple Watch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/2/23900158/apple-watch-edition-gold-2015-obsolete-unsupported-beyonce |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222211749/https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/2/23900158/apple-watch-edition-gold-2015-obsolete-unsupported-beyonce |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|website=The Verge}}</ref>
|-
|[[Apple]], [[Beats]]
|No support for Powerbeats (4th generation) despite the headphones being under 5 years from when Apple last distributed the product for sale. The product is not listed as discontinued or vintage, and by Apple's own guidelines, should be eligible for replacement parts and repair. OEM replacement eartips cannot be purchased for any Beats earphones.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/102772 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207094149/https://support.apple.com/en-us/102772 |archive-date=7 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Beats Repair and Service |url=https://support.apple.com/beats/repair |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260104000857/https://support.apple.com/beats/repair |archive-date=4 Jan 2026|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple store search for eartips |url=https://www.apple.com/us/search/eartips?src=alp |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251028001314/https://www.apple.com/us/search/eartips?src=alp |archive-date=28 Oct 2025|access-date=2025-10-18}}</ref>
|-
|[[Apple]] iWork/Creator Studio
|The update that makes the iWork apps part of the new Apple Creator Studio subscription now adds tracking that is enabled by default and implemented as opt-out. The information about it is displayed in a first launch screen without any immediate way opt out, which qualifies as a dark pattern. Instead, the user has to go through a slightly convoluted path via the iPhone/iPad system settings app, and under the submenu "Apps" find each of the iWork apps and disable analytics there individually for each app. On Desktop, it is under a dedicated menu item under the "Pages"/"Numbers"/"Keynote" menu.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=New versions of Keynote, Numbers, and Pages collect telemetry by default on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ios/comments/1qq7q9m/new_versions_of_keynote_numbers_and_pages_collect/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032029/https://old.reddit.com/r/ios/comments/1qq7q9m/new_versions_of_keynote_numbers_and_pages_collect/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|-
|[[archive.today]] / archive.ph (Web Archival Service)
|The website used [[JavaScript]] embedded into the website code to conduct a DDOS attack from users' devices against a blogger who has voiced criticism of the service in the past. This may make also cause legal issues for users.
NOTE: A similar technique has previously been used by Chinese search giant [[Baidu]], so we might want to create a category or tag for this type of thing

ADDENDUM: This page was reported to have been changing the information displayed in some archived screenshots, such as the author who published particular articles.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirchner |first=Malte |last2=Kunz |first2=Dr. Christopher |date=10 Feb 2026 |title=Archive.today: Operator uses users for DDoS attack |url=https://www.heise.de/en/news/Archive-today-Operator-uses-users-for-DDoS-attack-11171455.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212060655/https://www.heise.de/en/news/Archive-today-Operator-uses-users-for-DDoS-attack-11171455.html |archive-date=12 Feb 2026 |website=heise}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=LMG Clips |title=Wikipedia Banned 690,000 Archive Links - LMG Clips |url=https://youtu.be/rrnFUvFGf5A?si=32JRogu2ID9xykHd |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=LMG Clips on YouTube - Wikipedia Banned 690,000 Archive Links}}</ref>
|-
|'''[[Arduino]]''' (/ɑːrˈdwiːnoʊ/) is an Italian open-source hardware and software company owned by Qualcomm
|Arduino’s new terms of service worries hobbyists ahead of Qualcomm acquisition.
User shall not:

*translate, decompile or reverse-engineer the Platform, or engage in any other activity designed to identify the algorithms and logic of the Platform’s operation, unless expressly allowed by Arduino or by applicable license agreements …
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=2025-11-24 |title=Arduino’s new terms of service worries hobbyists ahead of Qualcomm acquisition |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/arduinos-new-terms-of-service-worries-hobbyists-ahead-of-qualcomm-acquisition/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-14 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>
|-
|[[ASUS]] (ROG)
|Releases bios updates via windows executable, meaning that you can't update your bios to the latest version to amend a security vulnerability or fix an issue unless you're running microsoft windows. The windows executable simply extracts a binary file, that you can drop on a thumb drive. This could be easily done via direct download to support other operating systems.
|
|-
|Atlassian
|Users forced from on-premise to cloud only subscriptions
Edit: Page has been started [[Atlassian on premise to subscription|here]], more work, citation, and verification needs to be done.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ascend to the cloud: The next chapter for Atlassian and our customers |url=https://www.atlassian.com/blog/announcements/atlassian-ascend |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251018171903/https://www.atlassian.com/blog/announcements/atlassian-ascend |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref>
|-
|[[AutoAuth]]
|'''AutoAuth''' represents a significant shift toward "repair-by-subscription," where owning a vehicle no longer guarantees the right to maintain it. By placing a digital firewall between the owner and the car’s computer, AutoAuth forces independent shops and DIY enthusiasts to pay recurring access fees and register their personal data with a third-party gatekeeper just to perform basic maintenance, such as electronic parking brake retractions or oil life resets.
|
|-
|[[Axon]]
|Tazers sold with lease agreement that makes purchase effectively a subscription.
|[https://norwoodrecord.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/4/8/114832579/norwood_record_pages_1_to_12__4sep2025.pdf <nowiki>[69]</nowiki>]
|-
|[[Bayer]]
|[[wikipedia:Bayer|Wikipedia]]. See [[Monsanto]]
|
|-
|Benjamin
|Offerwall phone app that pays users money for various tasks- such as watching ads, or downloading and using software. After years of user satisfaction, in late 2025, the company first put a 2 month moratorium on users' ability to withdraw their earned money, then rolled out a massive wave of enshittification features, the most egregious of which, is a "withdrawl queue", where withdrawing your earnings is placed into a queue with no visible progress. No days, no queue tracker, many members have been waiting over 3 months for their withdrawls to be processed, on a feature listed as "instant withdrawl". Various policies also implemented that would completely void a user's earned money, mainly inactivity but also many baseless random user bans (many of which were reversed). There are hundreds of frustrated user testimonials on reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/benjaminone/).
|
|-
|Berlin
|City of Berlin installs security cameras that alerts authorities about people who are "loitering without reason".
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krempl |first=Stefan |date=10 Mar 2026 |title=Surveillance in Berlin: When AI reports "loitering without reason" |url=https://www.heise.de/en/news/Surveillance-in-Berlin-When-AI-reports-loitering-without-reason-11206420.html |website=heise}}</ref>
|-
|[[Best Buy]]
|In late 2025, BestBuy added [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/help-topics/pricing-message/pcmcat748302046647.c?id=pcmcat748302046647#:~:text=Our%20%E2%80%9CComparable%20Value%E2%80%9D%20(Comp,retailers%20or%20e%2Dcommerce%20companies. "Comparable Value"] as means of comparing values of products that is of equivalent value to other products sold by manufacturers, 1st party, or 3rd party vendors. Changes to their pricing model has made it to where it is more difficult to determine overall value of a product compared to MSRP.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Support |first=Best Buy |date=2025-01-24 |title=Pricing: Promotions |url=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/help-topics/pricing-message/pcmcat748302046647.c?id=pcmcat748302046647#:~:text=Our%20%E2%80%9CComparable%20Value%E2%80%9D%20(Comp,retailers%20or%20e%2Dcommerce%20companies. |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=Best Buy}}</ref>
|-
|[[Bluesky]]
|Introduced ID check for Direct Messaging to comply with laws in certain states and abroad, despite both the company and community being against it.
|
|-
|[[Bosch]] and [[Shimano]]
|Electric bike companies including Bosch and Shimano limit consumer's abilities to access their e-bike electrical system such as when installing a new light or a phone charger. Special software only accessible to qualified bike shops is required to activate ports or accept new devices. Additional connectivity barriers exist such as difficult to acquire Bosch specific cables.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=RunBikeMike |first= |date=2024-01-01 |title=Installing an EBike Light To Run Off Your Battery / MagicShine ME2000 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvG7Fpb1tzI&t=50s |access-date=2026-03-06 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=15 Mar 2022 |title=Bosch takes the L on right to repair for ebikes |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7e9hO5yMtk |access-date=6 Mar 2026 |website=YouTube}}</ref>
|-
|[[Carvana]]
|Saying cars that have been in accidents have not; Lies about inspection and does not replace brake pads even when worn down. Non-refundable $1,500 shipping fee. See [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9yhOeTUEo4 Louis Rossmann's Video]
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|-
|[[Chuwi]]
|Misleading consumers by falsifying the specsheet of one of their latest laptops, and repeatedly threatened one of the online publications that wrote an article of their alleged misdeeds.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leitner |first=Simon |date=2026-03-12 |title=CPU fraud, next round: Chuwi CoreBook Plus with supposed AMD Ryzen 5 7430U also affected |url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/CPU-fraud-next-round-Chuwi-CoreBook-Plus-with-supposed-AMD-Ryzen-5-7430U-also-affected.1248660.0.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/N7UmU |archive-date=2026-03-12 |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=Notebookcheck}}</ref>
|-
|[[Cloudary Holdings Limited / Webnovel]]
|Terms of service with binding Arbitration.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Webnovel ToS |url=https://www.webnovel.com/terms_of_service |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260101204816/https://www.webnovel.com/terms_of_service |archive-date=1 Jan 2026}}</ref>
|-
|[[Devolo]]
|Devolo switches off servers and removes their app from stores for their "Home Control" system, thus severely reducing the functionality of their devices (apparently Z-Wave-based).
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=IT-News für Profis |url=https://www.golem.de/news/weiterbetrieb-verursacht-weitere-kosten-devolo-macht-smart-home-system-zum-grossteil-unbrauchbar-2508-199409.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210052941/https://www.golem.de/news/weiterbetrieb-verursacht-weitere-kosten-devolo-macht-smart-home-system-zum-grossteil-unbrauchbar-2508-199409.html |archive-date=10 Dec 2025|website=Golem |language=de}}</ref>
|-
|[[DeviantArt]]
|DeviantArt launched in 2000 and quickly became a household name among digital artists. [https://www.wix.com/press-room/home/post/wix-acquires-deviantart-pairing-wix-capabilities-with-global-creative-community But in 2017 WiX] bought the website and in 2022 had made all art on it's site liable to be training data by default. They then back peddled and then set all art to noai by default. Now they are moving basic functions to be behind their paywall. [https://www.deviantart.com/razorstargazer/journal/Deviantart-is-the-worst-website-ever-created-1309667089 Ones that were free.]
|[https://expertbeacon.com/the-ai-controversy-on-deviantart-how-a-creative-paradise-became-a-battleground/][https://www.wix.com/press-room/home/post/wix-acquires-deviantart-pairing-wix-capabilities-with-global-creative-community]
|-
|[[Dell]] and [[HP]]
|HP and Dell have disabled HEVC (H.264/H.265) hardware encoding and decoding support built into their laptops’ CPUs using both Intel and AMD processors.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=2025-11-21 |title=HP and Dell disable HEVC support built into their laptops’ CPUs |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/hp-and-dell-disable-hevc-support-built-into-their-laptops-cpus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251121083438/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/11/hp-and-dell-disable-hevc-support-built-into-their-laptops-cpus/ |archive-date=2025-11-21 |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>
|-
|DotPe cyber-sec negligence
|In 2024, an Indian company that provides digital services to food-chains got trivially hacked/cracked, allowing anyone to get customer data and company revenue-stats across many countries
|<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20240923081639/https://peabee.substack.com/p/whats-inside-the-qr-code-menu-at</ref>
|-
|E621
|Terms of service that require agreement to forced arbitration to use the website.
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-02 |title=E621 |url=https://e621.net/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128164339/https://e621.net/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026|website=E621}}</ref>
|-
|[[EcoVac]]
|Vacuum cleaner robots produced by company 'EcoVac' were found vulnerable to hacking over bluetooth allowing for remote control and access to camera feed. Security researcher Dennis Giese notified the company in December of 2023. In August of 2024, the issue was described by the company as "extremely rare in typical user environments and require specialized hacking tools and physical access to the device."
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fell |first=Julian |date=2024-10-04 |title=We hacked a robot vacuum — and could watch live through its camera - ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/robot-vacuum-hacked-photos-camera-audio/104414020 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251128025250/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/robot-vacuum-hacked-photos-camera-audio/104414020 |archive-date=28 Nov 2025|access-date=2025-09-10 |website=ABC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Franceschi-Bicchierai |first=Lorenzo |date=2024-08-09 |title=Ecovacs home robots can be hacked to spy on their owners, researchers say {{!}} TechCrunch |url=https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/09/ecovacs-home-robots-can-be-hacked-to-spy-on-their-owners-researchers-say/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212044/https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/09/ecovacs-home-robots-can-be-hacked-to-spy-on-their-owners-researchers-say/ |archive-date=2026-02-22 |access-date=10 Aug 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Franceschi-Bicchierai |first=Lorenzo |date=2024-08-15 |title=Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai on X: "Finally, Ecovacs responds to the researchers' findings, saying it won't fix the bugs. |url=https://x.com/lorenzofb/status/1823774980460388675 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241108194816/https://x.com/lorenzofb/status/1823774980460388675 |archive-date=8 Nov 2024}}</ref>
|-
|[[Elegoo Centauri Carbon|Elegoo]]
|The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3d printer has been proven to use open source Klipper software which requires them to publish their changes to the code.
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-28 |title=PSA: Elegoo Centauri Carbon & GPL Compliance |url=https://freethecode.lol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206142736/https://freethecode.lol/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025|access-date=2025-08-28 |website=PSA: Elegoo Centauri Carbon & GPL Compliance}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ford]]
|Front-trunk access is now a paid extra for the Ford Mach-E (aka, the electric "mustang"). I could comment about it not being a real mustang, because they turned a two-door muscle-car into a four-door crossover that looks like a rav-4... But that's probably entirely subjective in comparison to ford making the front trunk an optional upgrade, and burying that option amongst others like wheel locks and bumper cover protectors.
My source is youtube. If I had a better source, I'd probably just add this to the Ford Page, but this needs more research.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shifting Lanes Garage and Shifting Lanes |date=2026-03-24 |title=Nobody Wants This, Stop Doing It |url=https://youtu.be/TJAF3XFEXOg?si=0VkjHl0qNZjOoKX2 |website=YouTube}}</ref>
|-
|[[Foxconn]]
|Foxconn is an electronics manufacturer with various human rights violations on it's record. They've also convinced the government to use eminent domain to take people's property to build factories, that never end up using the factories.
|
|-
|Foxit Reader
|Updater uses dark pattern to trick unsuspecting users into installing a trial version of their paid product. The checkbox is enabled again by default with each update in the hope that the user misses it by accident at some point.
|
|-
|[[Gaggia]]
|Between 2015 to 2019, the redesigned Gaggia Classic removed the traditional three-way solenoid valve. The valve was restored in the 2019 Gaggia Classic Pro after criticism and backlash from the espresso enthusiast community.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waddell |first=Kelsey |date=2023-03-23 |title=Gaggia Classic vs Pro: A Closer Look at the Differences |url=https://www.roastycoffee.com/gaggia-classic-vs-pro/ |website=Roasty Coffee}}</ref>
|-
|[[General Motors|GM]]
|GM originally released the EV1 in 1996 on a lease program, and then instead of selling the much loved used/leased vehicles to consumers, they decided to crush the grand majority of them. Very few surviving examples can be found today, with most in private collections or at universities.
Because it was seen as a failure to major auto manufacturers, It would take over a decade before another EV was produced in the United States.
|
|-
|[[Google Chromecast]]
|Chromecast has transitioned from a standalone product to one that [[Forced_app_download|requires the Google Home app]] for setup and control. This change prevents customers who either don't own a smartphone or prefer not to use the app from accessing their Chromecast devices. As a result, certain televisions—such as the Caixon EC43S1UA, which relied on built-in Chromecast functionality—can no longer be used as intended. This effectively removes a key feature from a product that was already purchased, diminishing its value or rendering it unusable altogether.
|
|-
|Google TLS Changes
|Google's new requirements to certificate authorities require separate authority/signing chains to be used to issue Server Authentication and Client Authentication certificates. Therefore, starting 11 February 2026, Let's Encrypt will no longer include the Client Authentication EKU on default certificates
|
|-
|[[Google]]
|Google apparently plans to reduce the interval of publishing source code of security patches they consider non-critical. This is another blow to the custom ROM community.
Right now we don't have these incidents organised chronologically, maybe we should have a table with a timeline of measures Google takes to enshittify and close down Android (more APIs moved to Play Services, Developer verification, withholding AOSP device trees for Pixel devices to mess with Graphene OS, now delayed source code disclosure). What's worst, they always cite safety as a reason.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exclusive: Google wants to make Android phones safer by switching to ‘risk-based’ security updates |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-risk-based-security-updates-3597466/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260107025310/https://www.androidauthority.com/android-risk-based-security-updates-3597466/ |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |website=Android Authority}}</ref>
|-
|Google Maps
|Google restricts data visible in Google Maps for users who are not signed in with an account (see [[Forced account]]). Reviews and photos are no longer visible without login. This also forces users to agree to Google's TOS and logs them into all other Google services, such as YouTube or Google Search so that now all their data in those other services is associated with their accounts. This also raises concerns that other services such as YouTube might follow.
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 Feb 2026 |title=Google Maps now forces you to sign-in |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleMaps/comments/1r4iauf/google_maps_now_forces_you_to_signin/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032117/https://old.reddit.com/r/GoogleMaps/comments/1r4iauf/google_maps_now_forces_you_to_signin/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Feb 2026 |title=Can't view images without logging in? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleMaps/comments/1r74v0f/cant_view_images_without_logging_in/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223032213/https://old.reddit.com/r/GoogleMaps/comments/1r74v0f/cant_view_images_without_logging_in/ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=Reddit}}</ref>
|-
|Google (YouTube)
|YouTube removes option to sort search results by upload date, leaving users with no way to bypass algorithm-based sorting, which prioritizes the platform's incentive to generate ad impressions by showing engaging but unrelated content over the user's interest to find what they came to the website to find
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Missing 'sort by most recent' and other filters on YouTube search? Try this workaround for desktop [U: Workarounds patched] |url=https://piunikaweb.com/2026/02/05/youtube-search-filters-missing-url-parameters-workaround/}}</ref>
|-
|[[Google]], [[Mozilla]], [[Apple]], [[Microsoft]], but largely Google-led
|Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari are removing XSLT 1.0 support, which could break critical parts of government's websites worldwide<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dimant |first=Dimitrii "Mamut" |date=2025-08-10 |title=XSLT removal will break multiple government and regulatory sites across the world #11582 |url=https://github.com/whatwg/html/issues/11582 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211221059/https://github.com/whatwg/html/issues/11582 |archive-date=11 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-25 |website=Github (specifically the Web Hypertext Application Technology Working Group's HTML standards repo, controlled by Mozilla, Google, Microsoft and Apple)}}</ref>. There are valid security reasons for them to want to stop supporting this 1999-era standard, however they have had 26+ years to update to a newer standard (such as the 2017-era 3.1 standard, which is backwards compatible and would allow these sites to continue to work<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-21 |title="XML Path Language (XPath) 3.1: W3C Recommendation 21 March 2017" |url=https://www.w3.org/TR/xpath-31/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116015839/https://www.w3.org/TR/xpath-31/ |archive-date=16 Jan 2026|website=W3C}}</ref>). The single unpaid developer maintaining these libraries has more or less retired after getting flooded with impossible to satisfy security requests from these companies<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wellnhoffer |first=Nick |date=2025-05-08 |title=Triaging security issues reported by third parties |url=https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/libxml2/-/issues/913 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260131231248/https://gitlab.gnome.org/GNOME/libxml2/-/issues/913 |archive-date=31 Jan 2026|access-date=2025-10-25 |website=gitlab.gnome.org}}</ref>. There is an existing project called XRUST to implement the 3.1 standard<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-09 |title=XRust: XPath, XQuery, and XSLT for Rust |url=https://gitlab.gnome.org/World/Rust/markup-rs/xrust |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204085435/https://gitlab.gnome.org/World/Rust/markup-rs/xrust |archive-date=4 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-14 |website=gitlab.gnome.org}}</ref>, which is 2/3rds of the way through supporting all the features of 1.0 - the XSLT part fully supports all the 1.0 features at this point. XSLT is part of the W3C Consortium's open web standards for formatting and presenting XML, and is also how RSS works, so RSS feeds would stop working as well, disrupting the livelihoods of podcasters<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rijo |first=Luis |date=2025-08-20 |title=Google targets RSS feeds in new XSLT removal proposal |url=https://ppc.land/google-targets-rss-feeds-in-new-xslt-removal-proposal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212228/https://ppc.land/google-targets-rss-feeds-in-new-xslt-removal-proposal/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-14 |website=PPC-Land}}</ref>. This has led to questions of who owns the web - the public (including the government) who paid for and laid down the highways / web infrastructure - or a handful of large corporations? <ref>{{Cite web |last=Branscombe |first=Mary |date=2025-09-01 |title=XSLT Debate Leads to Bigger Questions of Web Governance |url=https://thenewstack.io/xslt-debate-leads-to-bigger-questions-of-web-governance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260131231310/https://thenewstack.io/xslt-debate-leads-to-bigger-questions-of-web-governance/ |archive-date=31 Jan 2026|access-date=2025-10-14 |website=The New Stack}}</ref>
|
|-
|[[GoPro]] Hero 12
|GoPro Hero 12 requires the GoPro app to be installed before you can use the camera. Many currently used devices are not compatible with the app, therefore making use of the camera difficult to impossible for new owners or upon camera factory reset. There's also the question of what data the app collects and whether it requires login and or camera activation.
|
|-
|[[Internet radios]]
|I'd like a page where I can share information about internet radios "openness." Few allow you to enter a radio station's URL (which I would consider the least intrusive option). Most depend on third-party websites or apps; [https://www.sangean.com/uk/blog/149 some of which have already bricked devices].
|
|-
|[[iRacing]]
|iRacing is a racing game that's subscription-based, requiring payment just to play the actual game in either online or offline mode.
|
|-
|[[itch.io]], [[Night School Studios]], [[Netflix]]
|In September 2024, users who purchased the game Oxenfree on itch.io were warned that the game was going to be pulled from the platform on October 1st. Consumers would not be able to download the installers after this date, so they would lose access unless they had them backed up. Users speculated that Netflix, the parent company of the development studio, had ordered the move; however, no response from Netflix or the developers was ever published. This is particularly notable because it is against itch.io's terms of service: "Users shall retain a license to this content even after the content is removed from the Service."
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=itch corp |date=15 Apr 2023 |title=itch.io Terms of Service |url=https://itch.io/docs/legal/terms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240907004719/https://itch.io/docs/legal/terms |archive-date=7 Sep 2024 |access-date=27 Jun 2025 |website=itch.io}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=ShawnS |date=31 Jan 2025 |title=OXENFREE |url=https://delistedgames.com/oxenfree/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321070400/https://delistedgames.com/oxenfree/ |archive-date=21 Mar 2025 |access-date=27 Jun 2025 |website=Delisted Games}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=Colp |first=Tyler |date=9 Sep 2024 |title=Another reminder that your digital library isn't forever: Oxenfree will be completely removed from Itch.io next month |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/adventure/another-reminder-that-your-digital-library-isn-t-forever-oxenfree-will-be-completely-removed-from-itch-io-next-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523111125/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/adventure/another-reminder-that-your-digital-library-isn-t-forever-oxenfree-will-be-completely-removed-from-itch-io-next-month/ |archive-date=23 May 2025 |access-date=27 Jun 2025 |website=PC Gamer}}</ref>
|-
|[[The Japan Times|Japan Times, The]]
|The Japan Times uses the DMCA to take down an open source study resource for the Genki and Quartet workbooks.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clydesdale |first=Seth |date=2025-09-11 |title=Important Information Regarding Genki and Quartet Study Resources |url=https://ko-fi.com/post/Important-Information-Regarding-Genki-and-Quartet-D1D21L4B1S |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116072121/https://ko-fi.com/post/Important-Information-Regarding-Genki-and-Quartet-D1D21L4B1S |archive-date=16 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Update Regarding Genki and Quartet Study Resources DMCA Situation |url=https://ko-fi.com/post/Update-Regarding-Genki-and-Quartet-Study-Resources-Y8Y21M1F5E |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115073152/https://ko-fi.com/post/Update-Regarding-Genki-and-Quartet-Study-Resources-Y8Y21M1F5E |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=All Exercises for Genki/Quartet Study Resources Have Been Removed |url=https://ko-fi.com/post/All-Exercises-for-GenkiQuartet-Study-Resources-Wi-R6R81M8LLN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113045244/https://ko-fi.com/post/All-Exercises-for-GenkiQuartet-Study-Resources-Wi-R6R81M8LLN |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref>
|-
|[[Kohls]]
|There is no option to delete your account on their website
|
|-
|[[KOSA]]
|KOSA claims to make kids safer, but it’s really a dangerous censorship bill that would give the U.S. government unprecedented control over the internet. This would put youth in danger by preventing them from accessing potentially life-saving resources.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fight for the Future |first= |date=2026-01-24 |title=Reject online censorship. Tell lawmakers to oppose KOSA! |url=https://www.stopkosa.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2026-01-24 |website=Stop KOSA}}</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20250228145348/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/education/article/Katy-ISD-blocks-LGBTQ-resources-suicide-16647274.php</ref>
|-
|[[LBRY]] Foundation, [[Odysee]]
|Community first decentralization & Odysee's plan to enable censorship by switching away from the opensource LBRY network.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=The LBRY Foundation |url=https://lbry.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211161516/https://lbry.org/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-08-08 |quote=The LBRY community invites everyone to join us in building a more free and open way to share content and information online.}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Watson |first=RT |date=6 Jun 2024 |title=Decentralized YouTube alternative Odysee acquired by Forward Research despite content concerns |url=https://www.theblock.co/post/298888/decentralized-youtube-alternative-odysee-acquired-by-forward-research-despite-content-concerns |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127094918/https://www.theblock.co/post/298888/decentralized-youtube-alternative-odysee-acquired-by-forward-research-despite-content-concerns |archive-date=27 Nov 2025|access-date=16 Aug 2025 |work=The Block}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Li |first=Jun |last2=Grintsvayg |first2=Alex |last3=Kauffman |first3=Jeremy |last4=Fleming |first4=Charles |date=2020 |title=LBRY: A Blockchain-Based Decentralized Digital Content Marketplace |url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9126007 |url-status=live |journal=2020 IEEE International Conference on Decentralized Applications and Infrastructures (DAPPS) |location=Oxford, UK |publisher=IEEE |doi=10.1109/DAPPS49028.2020.00005 |isbn=978-1-7281-6978-1 |url-access=registration |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250825221749/https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9126007/ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025 |via=IEEE Xplore}}</ref>
|-
|[[LG]]
|LG discontinued its LG Bluetooth Remote app (including plugins such as "btc4") making it non-public on the Play Store and making Bluetooth controllable devices (like for example the CM2630B) half as useful, without even publishing neither the protocol used to control such devices nor the source code of the app.
|
|-
|[[Lowe's]]
|Lowe's uses flock cameras and other AI powered cameras to collect data and build a profile on "prospective, current, or former Lowe's customers". Their cameras point away from their stores.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=6 Aug 2025 |title=Home Depot and Lowe's Share Data From Hundreds of AI Cameras With Cops |url=https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216173226/https://www.404media.co/home-depot-and-lowes-share-data-from-hundreds-of-ai-cameras-with-cops/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026|access-date=15 Sep 2025 |website=404 Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Lowe’s U.S. Privacy Statement |url=https://www.lowes.com/l/about/privacy-and-security-statement |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251228013530/https://www.lowes.com/l/about/privacy-and-security-statement |archive-date=28 Dec 2025|access-date=15 Sep 2025 |website=Lowe's}}</ref>
|-
|[[McDonald's]]/Taylor
|McDonald's US mandates which ice cream machine has to be used by franchise licensees. The company that makes these machines uses deliberately obfuscated error codes to force restaurant owners to use their expensive tech service to fix them and reset the machines. The company makes more money from these "repairs" support than with actual sales. Not strictly end consumer, but the pattern warrants documenting imo.
A similar problem exists with Doremi (Dolby) cinema projectors where their DRM leads to a ridiculous number of actions breaking the so-called "marriage" (projector-media block unity), requiring a costly technician to reset it. This one needs sources researched, though, as I don't have one on hand.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why McDonald's Ice Cream Machines Are Always Broken and How To Fix Them |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uCpY3tFTIA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=2uCpY3tFTIA |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|-
|[[Microsoft]]
|Microsoft's Android keyboard app SwiftKey set to make it impossible to backup user data without a Microsoft Account, backups must be stored in Microsoft cloud
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=18 Mar 2026 |title=SwiftKey will soon require a Microsoft account to save your typing info. |url=https://www.theverge.com/tech/896859/swiftkey-will-soon-require-a-microsoft-account-to-save-your-typing-info}}</ref>
|-
|Microsoft Rewards
|Used to be a good program, but over the last few years they've implemented a number of anti-user policies including extensive cool-downs for earning points on Bing, and making it more difficult to redeem points. There are multiple reports on r/microsoftrewards of people getting banned or restricted when they have over $100 worth of points that they are trying to redeem. They've also removed points opportunities that used to be interesting and engaging.
|
|-
|[[Minut]]
|Minute sells sensors and alarms. They released an alarm (Point) on kickstarter that long after release got a firmware update adding forced subscription if more than one person wanted to use the alarm.
|<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/minut/pointthe-friendly-home-alarm</ref>
<ref>https://www.minut.com/</ref>
|-
|[[Mitsubishi Motors]]
|Mitsubishi Motors has a rich history of consumer protection, compliance issues and privacy breaches. These include concealing safety defects, falsifying fuel economy data, and being fined for false advertising. Following the trend of subscription services for the automotive industry, Mitsubishi paywalls built-in features including remote start, SOS, collision detection, and car tracking through its app Mitsubishi Connect subscription service.
|[https://www.autoevolution.com/news/mitsubishi-fined-42-million-by-japans-consumer-affairs-agency-115026.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com] [https://leakd.com/leaks/mitsubishi-motors-vietnam-customer-data-breached/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Motors?utm_source=chatgpt.com] [https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/?order=pen_year&parent=mitsubishi-motors&sort=&utm_source=chatgpt.com][https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/newsroom/newsrelease/2017/20171129_3.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com]
|-
|Multiple
|Several legal cases involving forced arbitration in some manner; many of these relate to other anticonsumer practices, such as when Wells Fargo illegally opened up ~3.5M fake checking and credit accounts in customers' names. Highly advised to deeply scrub for supplementary sources.
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=Apr 16, 2019 |title=Fact Sheet: Cases Tossed Out of Court Because of Forced Arbitration Causes and Class Action Bans |url=https://www.centerjd.org/content/fact-sheet-cases-tossed-out-court-because-forced-arbitration-causes-and-class-action-bans#_ftn1 |access-date=Feb 12, 2026 |website=Center for Justice & Democracy at New York Law School |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251013145327/https://centerjd.org/content/fact-sheet-cases-tossed-out-court-because-forced-arbitration-causes-and-class-action-bans |archive-date=13 Oct 2025}}</ref>
|-
|MuseGroup (MuseSounds)
|Releasing more and more subscription sound packs while previously released one-time purchase sound packs are full of bugs/issues and have gone without updates for sometimes over a year. They have also increased the price of one-time purchase packs by about 500% while still providing no additional or improved functionality.
They also added unsolicited popups advertising their paid sound packs at startup of the open source MuseScore application, as well as buttons and commands for their cloud service to the home screen, which cannot be disabled. They previously ran into controversy when changing the privacy policy of Audacity and tried to add tracking. The closed-source MuseHub application (which is required to download the free sound packs) connects to tracking services with neither a real opt-in nor an opt-out option. Newer versions of MuseHub now seem to [[Forced account|require an account]] to download free sound packs and sound effects, which previously was not the case. Muse Hub starts at every system launch by default and stays active in the background despite this not being required for its functionality. They also added proprietary parts to MuseScore (like the MuseSample), which is kept closed source. They also bought StaffPad and seem to have quietly ceased its development without publishing any statements.
|
|-
|[[Navdy]], [[Harman International]]
|Device discontinued and no updates, device can be used offline for 1 year until it stops working.
https://www.reddit.com/r/navdy/
|
|-
|[[Netgear]] (internet networking equipment)
|Almost every Netgear internet router requires the creation of a new account to function as a router (see [[Forced account]]), where the TOS includes an agreement to binding arbitration. Most if not all devices are locked into proprietary firmware with no option to change. Some automatic updates have reportedly cause loss of performance with option to revert to a previous version, "bricking" the device in some cases.
Engages in anti-consumer practices, requiring a subscription for basic WiFi-router features such as parental controls. According to a blogpost by a senior employee, grew from "45% in 2016 to over 60% in 2019" of the US consumer router market. In 2025, Netgear is "being sued by TP-Link for a 'Smear Campaign' to Advance US Router Ban [of it's competitor TP-Link].
|[https://www.netgear.com/about/terms-and-conditions/ <nowiki>[62]</nowiki>]
[https://kb.netgear.com/000062104/What-subscription-plans-are-available-for-NETGEAR-Smart-Parental-Controls <nowiki>[63]</nowiki>]
[https://www.netgear.com/hub/author/abhorkar/ <nowiki>[64]</nowiki>]
[https://www.pcmag.com/news/tp-link-accuses-netgear-of-smear-campaign-to-advance-us-router-ban?test_uuid=04IpBmWGZleS0I0J3epvMrC&test_variant=B <nowiki>[65]</nowiki>]
|-
|[https://www.nexigroup.com/ Nexi S.p.A.]
|Nexi is a payment services provider based in Italy, which has been used by the [https://fsfe.org/ Free Software Foundation Europe] (FSFE) for ~ 15 years. They have allegedly been asking FSFE for personal information of FSFE executives and supporters and have recently cancelled their contract with FSFE.
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-16 |title=450 FSFE supporters affected: Payment provider Nexi cancelled us |url=https://fsfe.org/news/2026/news-20260316-01.en.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260317162959/https://fsfe.org/news/2026/news-20260316-01.en.html |archive-date=2026-03-17 |access-date=2026-03-17 |website=FSFE - Free Software Foundation Europe}}</ref>
|-
|[[Nothing]]
|Nothing brings home-screen ads (can be disabled manually) and [[bloatware]] to its lower end models despite previously boasting about being bloatware free
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Floemer |first=Andreas |date=2025-10-27 |title=Phone 3a: NothingOS 4.0 brings optional ads to the lock screen |url=https://www.heise.de/en/news/Phone-3a-NothingOS-4-0-brings-optional-ads-to-the-lock-screen-10904033.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222212507/https://www.heise.de/en/news/Phone-3a-NothingOS-4-0-brings-optional-ads-to-the-lock-screen-10904033.html |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-10-27 |website=Heise Online}}</ref>
|-
|Odido Netherlands B.V.
|Odido is an internet service provider in the Netherlands with a 10-15% market share [[https://www.acm.nl/nl/publicaties/acm-telecommonitor-derde-kwartaal-2025 79]]. On the 3rd of March 2026 a user reported that his Odido Zyxel EX5601-T1 router was (illegally) sending analytics data to a Turkish AI-company [[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/odido-router-verzamelt-analytics-van-je-huishouden-sipke-mellema-0uoie/ 80]]. The user reported on the 8th of March 2026 that the router silently stopped sending this data with no formal mention/patch from Odido. The user reported on the poor security of the router and that the analytics data contained the unencrypted names of local networks, the names of devices connected to these networks, and MAC-addresses. The poor security of Odido's routers follows a massive data leak of 6.2 million customers' full legal names, phone numbers, emails, bank account numbers, passport numbers and more [[https://tweakers.net/nieuws/244656/odido-waarschuwt-voor-datalek-miljoenen-klantgegevens-gestolen-bij-cyberaanval.html 81]].
|[[https://www.acm.nl/nl/publicaties/acm-telecommonitor-derde-kwartaal-2025 79]] [[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/odido-router-verzamelt-analytics-van-je-huishouden-sipke-mellema-0uoie/ 80]] [[https://tweakers.net/nieuws/244656/odido-waarschuwt-voor-datalek-miljoenen-klantgegevens-gestolen-bij-cyberaanval.html 81]]
(I do not know how to add these to the list)
|-
|[[OICA]] (European automotive lobby organisation)
|The OICA recently pushed for the right to emit sounds from quiet electric cars to make them as loud as conventional cars with combustion engine and against stricter noise regulation in cities. The fake engine noises in question are specifically not for safety purposes, but for emotional effect for the driver. However, instead of playing the noises only inside for just the driver to hear, the noise is to be played on speakers on the exterior, thus affecting the general public. Noise pollution has long been known to have adverse health effects. ''[NOTE: Similar to environmental aspects, greenwashing etc., we will have to find a good angle for how this fits the wiki. I would say it does match the general theme of manufacturers deliberately making their products worse for minor financial gain and lobbies pushing against things that are in public interest.]''
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krempl |first=Stefan |date=2026-01-07 |title=Sound Dictatorship vs. Quiet: The Battle for E-Car Roar |url=https://www.heise.de/en/news/Sound-Dictatorship-vs-Quiet-The-Battle-for-E-Car-Roar-11133630.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108165124/https://www.heise.de/en/news/Sound-Dictatorship-vs-Quiet-The-Battle-for-E-Car-Roar-11133630.html |archive-date=8 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-01-08 |website=Heise Online}}</ref>
|-
|[[Oracle]]
|Similarly to [[Tencent]], this corp is behind many other companies, so it has a lot of power over users. Also, their CEO is very petty about letting go the [[JavaScript]] trademark<ref>https://deno.com/blog/javascript-tm-gofundme</ref>
|
|-
|Pearl Abyss
|Crimson Desert engaged in hardware gatekeeping by purposely locking out support for Intel GPUs. Their response when people asked what was going on was, “Get a refund.” They failed to mention in their hardware requirements that Intel GPUs were not supported. Intel also reached out to Pearl Abyss over the course of Crimson Desert’s development to offer support but was ignored. Pearl Abyss has now backpedaled after public backlash and says they will offer Intel GPU support.
|[https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/intel-suggests-it-was-snubbed-by-crimson-desert-dev-after-reaching-out-many-times-about-arc-gpus-company-says-it-provided-early-hardware-drivers-and-engineering-resources-to-studio#:~:text=%22Over%20the%20past%20several%20years,Lake%2C%20and%20Lunar%20Lake.%22]
[https://www.neowin.net/news/crimson-desert-blocks-intel-arc-gpus-from-playing-studio-asks-owners-to-refund/#:~:text=Users%20on%20Reddit%20who%20discovered,resolution%20for%20Intel%20ARC%20owners.]
[https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/crimson-desert-doesnt-support-intel-arc-gpus-it-may-never-and-the-devs-say-get-a-refund-if-you-have-one]
[https://www.ign.com/articles/crimson-desert-doesnt-work-on-intel-gpus-but-pearl-abyss-is-working-on-it]
|-
|[[Persona]] (Age verification service)
|Used by Discord to do age verification using facial 3d scans, which are transmitted to Persona servers. It has been revealed that the company has ties to Palantir and Peter Thiel.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Lincoln |date=13 Feb 2026 |title=Oh, good: Discord's age verification rollout has ties to Palantir co-founder and panopticon architect Peter Thiel |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/software/platforms/oh-good-discords-age-verification-rollout-has-ties-to-palantir-co-founder-and-panopticon-architect-peter-thiel/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221224755/https://www.pcgamer.com/software/platforms/oh-good-discords-age-verification-rollout-has-ties-to-palantir-co-founder-and-panopticon-architect-peter-thiel/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026 |website=PCGamer}}</ref>
|-
|[[Proton]]
|Proton helped FBI unmask anonymous "Stop Cop City" protestor
|<ref>https://www.404media.co/proton-mail-helped-fbi-unmask-anonymous-stop-cop-city-protestor/</ref>
|-
|Regus
|A flexible office / workplace provider for freelancers, contractors, small businesses, etc.
This is specifically for their Virtual Office service. I am sure they apply these same predatory and deceptive tactics with the rest of their services as well.
Locks you into a contract for virtual services that they may terminate at any time. You can too only if you follow very specific and exaggerated terms. They will bill you for the entire agreement even with it terminated. You lose access to the services immediately upon termination but are forced to pay for the rest of the agreement. They are predatory with agreements and will not allow you to break them and will charge you for the entire thing regardless of what happens.
Forced arbitration. Force you to waive any right to class action lawsuits.
Contract comes with terms hidden in their "house rules" document, automatically opting the user into services they did not knowingly agree to, by default. These services are NOT included in the original contract in any way except through the referencing to other documents like the "Terms of Service" and "House Rules", not disclosed ahead of time. They clearly show a lower price and do not clearly show any of the additional services you unknowingly opt into.
They lead you into a low price to get the agreement signed. Once signed, you cannot escape or get out with their terms. You find out later that they've made you agree to additional services by default. They require YOU to jump through hoops to opt out of those services, and they bury the information to do it.
They have predatory auto-renewals for the contracts that are typically months to years long, with many being sold into higher 1 year+ contracts for "savings" and "discounts". These auto-renewals cannot be canceled without 3 MONTHS notice! If it renews, you are locked into another term which you will be forced to pay in full even if you terminate.
This is all for VIRTUAL office services that cost nothing to provide or remove.
A lot of deceptive patterns including, but not limited to: Comparison prevention, hidden costs, hidden subscription, obstruction.
|[https://serviceagreement.regus.com/TermsPDF/VirtualOffice/Global20250301.pdf Terms of Service]
[https://serviceagreement.regus.com/PreviewHouseRule.aspx?guidId=840179ed-c894-4e91-8ccc-3b882bcf4b38 House Rules]
[https://www.myregus.com/help#:~:text=you%20can%20give%20notice%20to%20terminate%20your%20agreement%20at%20anytime%20in%20your%20online%20account%20%2D%20but%20you%20will%20be%20charged%20until%20the%20end%20of%20your%20agreement%20term. Help Page - terminate anytime but pay everything]
|-
|[https://www.skystone.games/ Skystone Games]
|Boundary, a multiplayer online-only first-person shooter, got shut down just a year after its release by Skystone games, and its publishing rights relinquished, citing "ongoing delays and a lack of updates from the developer". Studio Surgical Scalpels (the developer) stated that the publisher decissions were "extremely sudden and unreasonable", and attempted to "regain the rights to boundary". The game has been offline for more than a year at the time of writing, and no refunds or communications to the userbase has been made by Skystone Games.
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-19 |title=Boundary - End of service notice |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1364020/view/4209257868262605607?l=english |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Steam |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251021143111/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1364020/view/4209257868262605607?l=english |archive-date=21 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-30 |title=Boundary Shut Down: Who's to Blame? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr8IhV1fovE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Kr8IhV1fovE |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|-
|[[Sony]], Sony Online Entertainment/[[Daybreak Game Company]]
|Selling off SOE to the investment firm Columbus Nova, all games published by SOE were delisted without prior notice to consumers or developers, and licenses were revoked as well.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Shawn |date=Jun 10, 2016 |title=Akimi Village |url=https://delistedgames.com/akimi-village/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127030103/https://delistedgames.com/akimi-village/ |archive-date=27 Nov 2025|website=Delisted Games}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Weber |first=Rachel |date=Feb 2, 2015 |title=SOE acquired, becomes Daybreak Game Company |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/soe-acquired-becomes-daybreak-game-company |work=GamesIndustry.biz |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204235742/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/soe-acquired-becomes-daybreak-game-company |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|-
|[[Superbox]]
|Android TV box manufacturer Superbox remotely locks consumers' devices if they were sold below the manufacturer's minimum specified prices and asks consumers to contact the retailer when they complain.
They are not the first to do something like this. [[Deye]] locked down inverters in the US that they suspected might be gray imports.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=You'll Own Nothing and Be Happy |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5I5-rAyFQrk |website=YouTube |type=Video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=5I5-rAyFQrk |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|-
|[[Superhive]]
|Customers, when purchasing executable code ("add-ons") were promised lifetime updates. Creators are getting announcements that updates are now limited to one year, even on products previously purchased with lifetime updates.
|https://youtu.be/042ltF-6a-w
|-
|[[Symantec]]
|Product: Norton Internet Security.
This one might be tough to document, because it's been slowly going on for the past 15 years. Norton used to offer a great internet security package with a ton of good and useful services for a decent price. Unfortunately, slowly over the years, they've gone further and further down the rabbit hole of charging more money for fewer and fewer features, and then locking some of those features behind even more paywalls and micro-transactions.
|
|-
|[[TCL]]
|[[wikipedia:TCL_Technology|WP]]. Misleading advertising. Software and firmware full of bugs (such as screens "randomly" turning off)<ref>https://reddit.com/r/nxtpaper/comments/1nckzv5/comment/obv34b6/</ref>. Taking years to upgrade Android phones, and lying about the expected dates. Refusing to comply with Google policies and some gov regulations
|<ref>https://www.notebookcheck.net/TCL-can-t-advertise-TVs-as-QLED-since-they-lack-in-quantum-dots-and-color-accuracy.1243552.0.html</ref><ref>https://reddit.com/r/nxtpaper/comments/1nckzv5/tcl_update_policy/</ref><ref>https://reddit.com/r/Android/comments/vvnuq6/tcl_has_been_actively_ignoring_my_firmware/</ref>
|-
|[[Twitch]]
|Twitch has recently partnered with Persona to verify the ages of new affiliates before first payouts.
|
|-
|[[UP3]] By [[Jawbone]]
|Approximately 2011, Pioneering startup company from San Francisco, had revolutionary fitness trackers. In 2017 with no notice to customers they stole personal data and shut down app which in turn, bricked devices. Highly likely went bankrupt and sold to sister company to manipulate customer services and rights. Now owned by Aliph brands.
|
|-
|[[Vive]]
|In 2022, Vive discontinued the original Vive Facial Tracker module a year after the original release, then released an updated model with proprietary firmware that blocked use on other 3rd party VR headset, while only allowing the new model to work with their new locked-down headset. The 2021 version of the face tracker's long term support was seemingly cut overnight without any software updates since 2021.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vive Team |date=2022-08-07 |title=VIVE Focus 3 gets Facial Tracker, and Eye Tracker |url=https://blog.vive.com/us/vive-focus-3-gets-facial-tracker-and-eye-tracker/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250619155201/https://blog.vive.com/us/vive-focus-3-gets-facial-tracker-and-eye-tracker/ |archive-date=2025-06-19 |access-date=2025-09-21 |website=Vive Blog}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=StateKi |date=2023-10-10 |title=Post by StatekTi on X |url=https://x.com/StatekTi/status/1733954156379963393 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/DiYbF |archive-date=9 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=X (Formerly Twitter)}}</ref>
|-
|[[WHMCS]]
|Discontinuation of support and updates for WHMCS legacy “Owned” licenses, forcing users who want ongoing updates or technical support to switch to subscription licensing and pay recurring fees rather than continue with the original owned model. This change affects all holders of legacy owned licenses and alters the long-term terms under which those licenses were originally sold
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=WHMCS Knowledgebase |url=https://www.whmcs.com/members/index.php/knowledgebase/70/Support-and-Updates-Expiration.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211021038/https://www.whmcs.com/members/index.php/knowledgebase/70/Support-and-Updates-Expiration.html |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Important pricing changes to your WHMCS owned license Mailer |url=https://www.whmcs.com/members/mailings/?k=price21-emailo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215233549/https://www.whmcs.com/members/mailings/?k=price21-emailo |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|-
|Wheatstone Corporation
|Wheatstone Corporation are a manufacturer of professional broadcast equipment, mainly audio consoles and interfaces that utilise their proprietary Wheatnet audio over IP protocol.
Wheatstone restricts access to firmware updates, software configuration tools and software. You must open a support ticked in order for them to send you a download link to these software tools, they make it very difficult to access software required to make their hardware audio interfaces work, even stating they want proof of purchase (not just a licence key) before they will even give you the download link. Managing licences is also non-existent and you will need to contact support, and as such a fee is imposed.
|
|-
|[[Wireless Power Consortium]]
|After monopolizing wireless charging market Qi turned from an open standard into a proprietary.
Version 1.3 introduced "secure authentication between the transmitter and the receiver", i.e. in order to operate every charger must include an expensive proprietary chip licensed only to certified members. This results in increased development and manufacturing costs directly passed onto consumer. Version 2.2, unlike previous versions, "is available for WPC Members only".
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Qi Certification Is Changing and We've Got You Covered |url=https://www.nxp.com/company/about-nxp/smarter-world-blog/BL-QI-CERTIFICATION-IS-CHANGING |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251104012700/https://www.nxp.com/company/about-nxp/smarter-world-blog/BL-QI-CERTIFICATION-IS-CHANGING |archive-date=4 Nov 2025|website=NXP Semiconductors}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web |title=Download the Qi Specifications |url=https://www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/knowledge-base/specifications/download-the-qi-specifications/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251104094044/https://www.wirelesspowerconsortium.com/knowledge-base/specifications/download-the-qi-specifications/ |archive-date=4 Nov 2025|website=Wireless Power Consortium}}</ref>
|-
|[[Wizards of the Coast]]
|Wizards of the Coast (WotC) seems to be positioning itself to move away from publishing physical books that last forever in favor of pushing digital-only sales and micro-transactions of content and subscriptions. They attempted to amend the OGL (Open Game License) to include language that would require third party authors of D&D content to give up rights to their own content, so WotC can sell it to consumers without crediting the original authors.
Notably, as a direct response to these anti-consumer activities and policies, a select few of the third party publishers have instead decided to come out with their own systems that are not beholden to WotC's whims. A couple of examples include ''Draw Steel'' and ''Daggerheart''. An earlier conflict prompted Paizo to release their own version of the classic D20-based tabletop RPG, ''Pathfinder'', when WotC started releasing the fourth edition of it's rule-set.
|
|-
|Wolfgang Puck Bread Makers
|Some of the bread makers have anti repair screws in them to prevent people from repairing them themselves. Needs more citations.
|
|-
|[[World Orb]]
|World Network (Sam Altman/Open AI) scheme to collect biometric data on all people. Tied to cryptocurrency, AI schemes. Supposedly way for people to show they are human (run by the people who are trying to make a profit from AI).
|
|-
|[[Zhiyun]]
|Like competing products from [[DJI]], Zhiyun video gimbals require a Chinese smartphone app, internet access and an [[Forced account|account]] to activate on first use.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=ZHIYUN Tutorials |date=25 Jul 2023 |title=ZHIYUN CRANE 2S Activation Tutorial |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CjNp6pWNoQ |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=_CjNp6pWNoQ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |website=YouTube}}</ref>
|}

==List of themes not yet covered==
Consumer Rights Wiki is not an encyclopedia.

*Before proposing or making a theme article, see if you can find an article that covers the topic on wikipedia, or some other reference. If you can, just use a reference to that.
*Check the list of theme articles [[:Category:common terms]], to be sure there isn't already an article on the topic, or one closely related. Sometimes a theme may be covered by generalizing an existing article.

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Theme
!Summary of Theme
!Refs
|-
|Anti-rollback or ARB for device firmware
|most recent example being [[Oneplus phone update introduces hardware anti-rollback]] but ain't exclusive to it. Also implemented by [[Oneplus phone update introduces hardware anti-rollback#Comparison with other manufacturers|Samsung]], [https://mavicpilots.com/threads/not-be-able-to-degrade-firmfare-of-dji-mini2-from-01-06-0200.134806/#post-1518967 DJI] (link found from [[DJI]]) and likely many more.
|
|-
|Car manufacturers replacing physical controls by touch-screens
|This is increasingly common, and puts drivers at risk. Some corps pretend touchscreens are a "premium" or "modern" feature, but are typically cheaper for them
|
|}

==List of companies doing the right thing==
It would be helpful to include examples of companies doing the right thing, even if they aren't, strictly speaking, consumer products.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Company
!Good deed
!Refs
|-
|APSystems
|After requests from users, the company released a firmware update that adds a local API to their EZ-1M solar micro inverter, allowing it to remain fully usable if the company ends support for the device
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=APsystems EZHI Local API User Manual |url=https://global.apsystems.com/document/apsystems-ezhi-local-api-user-manual/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107061040/https://global.apsystems.com/document/apsystems-ezhi-local-api-user-manual/ |archive-date=7 Nov 2025|website=global.apsystems.com}}</ref>
|-
|Concept2
|Readily provides parts and diagrams. Exists under a [https://www.concept2.com/about/perpetual-purpose-trust Perpetual Purpose Trust].
|
|-
|Core Devices (from creator of Pebble Smartwatches)
|Not strictly Core Devices, but when Pebble was sold to Fitbit, the servers remained online for some time, and the Pebble app was updated to allow the Rebble community project to take over some of the Pebble server-side functionality. All backers of the upcoming Pebble 2 series of watches were refunded in full, despite it being a crowd-funding campaign.
Following Google's acquisition of Fitbit and after many years, Google released much of the Pebble Smart Watch source code on github (excluding proprietary libraries). Core Devices and Rebble replaced the usage of the proprietary libraries with open source alternatives, and released new Android and iOS apps, not only supporting the new core devices, but bringing updated support to legacy Pebble devices.
|
|-
|Fairphone
|The new Fairphones (5th and 6th generation) are availible with stock android as well as e/os, which is a fork of lineage os and a european alternative cloud provider (murena) instead of google. This has many privacy features (app tracker blocker, tor network usage, and gps spoofing) availible in a few clicks. Also degoogle apps (microg, safetynet, ...) are preinstalled therefore it is w´possible to install everything also from playstore with an anonymous account. As e/os is a fork of lineage os and there is an official guide to flash the fairphone with e/os and is officially supported, flashing lineage os is very easy.
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-24 |title=How to manually install Android on your Fairphone |url=https://support.fairphone.com/hc/en-us/articles/18896094650513-How-to-manually-install-Android-on-your-Fairphone |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Fairphone (Gen. 6) with privacy first /e/OS |url=https://shop.fairphone.com/the-fairphone-gen-6-e-operating-system |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|Home Assistant
|Open-source smart home platform that provides local control, automation, and interoperability for a wide range of smart home devices. Provides support for many cloud devices after they're subject to [[discontinuation bricking]].
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home Assistant |url=https://www.home-assistant.io/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129222300/https://www.home-assistant.io/ |archive-date=2026-01-29 |access-date=2026-02-05}}</ref>
|-
|Noctua
|Extremely long support for old products and availability of upgrade kits
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=LMG Clips |date=19 Feb 2026 |title=The Last CPU Cooler You Will Ever Buy |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3g4-fb6u90 |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=D3g4-fb6u90 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|-
|Numatic International
|A UK based manufacture of commercial and consumer wet/dry floor cleaning products (vacuums, scrubbers, floor buffers) that provides a robust library of technical documents, parts breakdowns, data sheets and training for free on both new and existing products without the need to login, pay additional fees or be an approved repair facility.
|
|-
|Oral-B
|When installing the Android App, there is no login, and the user is asked for analytics tracking consent.
|
|-
|Philips
|Added files for replacement parts to Printables so you can 3D print parts for your Philips products
|
|-
|ratgdo
|A garage door opener controller developed by Paul Wieland, allowing you to locally control it (namely Chamberlain openers that would otherwise require the MyQ app for smart home features).
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wieland |first=Paul |title=About - ratgdo |url=https://ratcloud.llc/pages/about |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251213022055/https://ratcloud.llc/pages/about |archive-date=2025-12-13 |access-date=2026-02-05}}</ref>
|-
|Reticulum
|Reticulum is an open-source, decentralized networking stack designed to communicate between practically any wireless device, even without internet. Its purpose is to provide fully anonymous end-to-end encrypted communication by default, especially in the age of government surveillance. The Reticulum network, protocol, and hardware are not tied any company in particular but were initially created by Github user 'markqvist'. Honorable mention to NomadNet, which is a network of nodes that serve webpages, similar to the internet, that communicate via Reticulum.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=markqvist |title=Reticulum Network |url=https://reticulum.network/ |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Reticulum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222180553/https://reticulum.network/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|-
|stevesgames.co.uk
|Will never put ads or in-app purchases in their computer games and will make gamees available for free after securing the companys future.
|
|-
|Tektronix
|Provided extensive product data on unsupported products to a museum, vintageTEK, and thus to tekwiki and the rest of the community.
|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lenihan |first=Thomas F. |date=2012-02-28 |title=Copyright Notice |url=https://vintagetek.org/copyright-notice/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828004431/https://vintagetek.org/copyright-notice/ |archive-date=2025-08-28 |access-date=2025-10-18 |website=vintageTEK museum}}</ref>
|-
|Ulanzi
|The company offers a tutorial on how users can mix their own fog juice to use with Ulanzi mini fog machines from readily available low-cost ingredients, whereas competitors sell proprietary fog juice at extortionate prices, refuse to release the formula and refuse to honour the warranty if users use anything but the OEM brand with their machines.
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tutorial {{!}} How to DIY Ulanzi FM01 Fog Machine Juice? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiq1B6-dcEM |type=Video}} ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qiq1B6-dcEM Archived])</ref>
|}

==See Also==

*[[Louis Rossmann - Video Directory]]
*[[Other Channels - Video Directory|Other Channels - Video Directory]]

==Reference List==
<references />

NDAA has military right to repair stripped from it in favor of data as a service

2026-03-27T11:50:17Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix date(?)

{{OngoingEvent}}The '''National Defense Authorization Act''', or '''NDAA''', is an annual bill that outlines the budget for the U.S. Department of Defense for the following fiscal year. Often, legislators add "rider" provisions or amendments to the NDAA unrelated to the defense budget in order to pass favorable legislation (including controversial legislation) that may not stand on its own.

The NDAA for fiscal year 2026 initially contained bipartisan [[right to repair]] language that has recently been removed by House representatives and replaced with language pertaining to "data-as-a-service". In this context, '''"Data-as-a-service"''' refers to contract models where the data, software access, and permissions required for repair are provided on a subscription or pay-per-use basis, as opposed to being included with purchase of the product, or provided freely on customer request as is the expectation when right-to-repair language is used.

Data-as-a-service provisions have been seen in Representatives' Mike Rogers and Adam Smith's SPEED Act<ref name="speed">{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2025 |title=Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery Act of 2025 (SPEED Act) |url=https://armedservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/speed_act_full_text.pdf |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=House Armed Services Committee |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124210149/https://armedservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/speed_act_full_text.pdf |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>, and its inclusion to the NDAA has been pushed by representatives whose campaigns have received major financial support from large contractors with the Pentagon.

==Legislative outlook==

===Representatives supporting the change===
Commentators have noted<ref name="rossmann">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis|title=Defense contractors just killed military right to repair - here's the $535,000 reason why |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0LmjzXV7IA |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=C0LmjzXV7IA |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> that the primary representatives pushing for language changes from right to repair to data-as-a-service have had their campaigns heavily supported by defense contractors:
*Representative Mike Rogers has received over $535,000 from the defense industry, the top sector that donates to his campaigns<ref name="rogers">{{Cite web |date=February 6, 2025 |title=Rep. Mike D Rogers - Alabama District 03 |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/mike-d-rogers/industries?cid=N00024759&cycle=2024 |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=OpenSecrets |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251124015351/https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/mike-d-rogers/industries?cid=N00024759&cycle=2024 |archive-date=24 Nov 2025}}</ref>. He is a top recipient from the "Defense Electronics" industry, in particular. He has received $10,500 from Boeing and $66,650 from L3.<ref name="rogers" />
*Representative Adam Smith has received<ref name="smith-industries">{{Cite web |title=Rep. Adam Smith - Washington District 09 |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/adam-smith/industries?cid=N00007833&cycle=2024 |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=OpenSecrets |date=February 6, 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127172451/https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/adam-smith/industries?cid=N00007833&cycle=2024 |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> $310,550 from the defense industry, which is the second top sector that donates to his campaign. Palantir is Smith's #3 top contributor<ref name="smith-contributors">{{Cite web |title=Rep. Adam Smith - Washington District 09 |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/adam-smith/contributors?cid=N00007833&cycle=2024 |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=OpenSecrets |date=August 31, 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250328085220/https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/adam-smith/contributors?cid=N00007833&cycle=2024 |archive-date=28 Mar 2025}}</ref>.

===Stakeholders===
The right to repair policy was supported by the Trump administration<ref name="usatoday">{{Cite web |last=Winkie |first=Davis |date=2025-10-01 |title=US military may soon be allowed to repair its own vehicles and equipment |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/01/pentagon-senate-provision-gains-trump-admin-support/86455785007/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251021192345/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/01/pentagon-senate-provision-gains-trump-admin-support/86455785007/ |archive-date=21 Oct 2025 |access-date=20 Nov 2025 |website=USA Today}}</ref>, by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth<ref name="usatoday" />, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll<ref name="warren-victory">{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Elizabeth |title=Warren Statement on Army Right-to-Repair Victory |url=https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-statement-on-army-right-to-repair-victory |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=Office of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren |date=May 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210115619/https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-statement-on-army-right-to-repair-victory |archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref>, and by Navy Secretary John Phelan<ref name="navy">{{Cite web |title=Navy Secretary Advocates for Sailors' 'Right to Repair' Equipment |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4212472/navy-secretary-advocates-for-sailors-right-to-repair-equipment/ |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723113102/https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4212472/navy-secretary-advocates-for-sailors-right-to-repair-equipment/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref>. In general, the larger defense contractors tend to strongly oppose military right to repair, while small- and medium-sized businesses who could compete for new repair contracts are more supportive of the military's right to repair.<ref name="rossmann" />
==Public response==
Right to repair advocate Louis Rossmann commented on the relative effectiveness of the inclusion of data-as-a-service language in legislation as opposed to right to repair language<ref name="rossmann" />, making the following points:

==='''Data-as-a-service creates additional red tape'''===
Currently, the Department of Defense (DoD) can negotiate for access to rights long-term (though contractors still have the upper hand).{{Citation needed}} Adding data-as-a-service/pay-per-use would mean the DoD must seek permission from contractors each time a repair, tool, or information (data) is needed. This tends to cause more delay in contested logistics environments with service members receiving only one-time access to repair information. More specifically, the data-as-a-service model requires the DoD to contract to a company's data library on a pay-per-use model, increasing overall costs and discouraging both DoD and other contractor competitors from providing repair services.

===Similar response to other industries===
Rossmann compared the data-as-a-service model upon military equipment to discussions within the automotive industry, such as the controversial Memorandum of Understanding used by car manufacturers who oppose the right to repair.<ref name="ifixit">{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2023 |title=Car Companies Are Astroturfing Right to Repair |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/80635/car-companies-are-astroturfing-right-to-repair |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=iFixit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251123192726/https://www.ifixit.com/News/80635/car-companies-are-astroturfing-right-to-repair |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref> Replacing right to repair in the NDAA with "data-as-a-service" gives the appearance of care and concern regarding repair restrictions. However, as with the automotive industry's Memorandum of Understanding, the results are the same - manufacturers block car owners and independent repairers from effectively repairing products and equipment.

Similarly, farm equipment company [[John Deere]] attempted to appease farmers with these tactics. Most recently was their release of a digital repair tool called Operations Center Pro Service,{{Citation needed}} a tool that requires internet access in rural areas including open fields where farm equipment may be located, and it also requires farmers to pay annual fees for access to repair data.<ref name="deere">{{Cite web |last=O'Reilly |first=Kevin |date=July 18, 2023 |title=Service Obstructor: John Deere software restricts farmer repair |url=https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=U.S. PIRG Education Fund |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126043400/https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/john-deere-repair-software/ |archive-date=26 Nov 2025}}</ref> Deere has tried this tactic before, releasing software it said fixed the problem but that meant farmers couldn't find or access the basic information they needed.<ref name="deere" />

Rossmann made the point that these repair "services" result in restrictions upon consumers and higher profit for the manufacturers, even in the case of Pentagon contractors at the expense of the U.S. military.

In this case, while the primes seem to pretend<ref name="hegseth">{{Cite web |last=Konkel |first=Frank |date=November 2025 |title=Draft list of attendees for Hegseth acquisition-reform speech shows wide industry interest |url=https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/11/draft-list-attendees-hegseth-acquisition-reform-speech-shows-wide-industry-interest/409344/?oref=d1-homepage-river |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=Defense One |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251205083655/https://www.defenseone.com/business/2025/11/draft-list-attendees-hegseth-acquisition-reform-speech-shows-wide-industry-interest/409344/?oref=d1-homepage-river |archive-date=5 Dec 2025}}</ref> to Secretary Hegseth that they care about this issue, their actions serve to undermine repairability.
==Timeline==
*January 2025: Senator Warren receives commitment from Secretary of the Army, Dan Driscoll, to work with her on tackling repair restrictions for the military.<ref name="pirg-nominee">{{Cite web |last=Bowers |first=Isaac |date=January 30, 2025 |title=Military Right to Repair supported by Army Secretary Nominee |url=https://pirg.org/articles/army-secretary-nominee-supports-military-right-to-repair/ |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=U.S. PIRG |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122203621/https://pirg.org/articles/army-secretary-nominee-supports-military-right-to-repair/ |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*May 2025: Secretary Driscoll announced that the U.S. Army will ensure right to repair provisions are included in future Army contracts.<ref name="pirg-army">{{Cite web |last=Proctor |first=Nathan |date=May 2, 2025 |title=The Army embraces Right to Repair: Why that matters and what comes next |url=https://pirg.org/resources/the-army-embraces-right-to-repair-why-that-matters-and-what-comes-next/ |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=U.S. PIRG |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251123114951/https://pirg.org/resources/the-army-embraces-right-to-repair-why-that-matters-and-what-comes-next/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*May 2025 - Poll shows Americans support military right to repair by a nearly 7-to-1 margin.<ref name="pirg-poll">{{Cite web |author=Isaac Bowers, Nathan Proctor, and Douglas H. Phelps |date=May 20, 2025 |title=Report: Americans support military Right to Repair by nearly a 7-to-1 margin |url=https://pirg.org/media-center/report-americans-support-military-right-to-repair-by-nearly-a-7-to-1-margin/ |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=U.S. PIRG |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251129015333/https://pirg.org/media-center/report-americans-support-military-right-to-repair-by-nearly-a-7-to-1-margin/ |archive-date=29 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*July 2025: Senators Warren and Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) introduced the Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025 - legislation that would require contractors to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) with access to technical data and materials the military needs to repair and maintain its own equipment.<ref name="congress-bill">{{Cite web |author=Ms. Warren and Mr. Sheehy |date=July 8, 2025 |title=S.2209 - Warrior Right to Repair Act of 2025 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2209/text |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=Congress.gov - Library of Congress |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115113036/https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2209/text |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*July 2025: A provision was secured with bipartisan support in the Senate Armed Services Committee for Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA.<ref name="warren-sheehy">{{Cite web |date=July 8, 2025 |title=Warren, Sheehy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Guarantee Military Right to Repair Its Equipment |url=https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-sheehy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-guarantee-military-right-to-repair-its-equipment |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217104559/https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-sheehy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-guarantee-military-right-to-repair-its-equipment |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref> It includes portions of Senator Warren's bipartisan Warrior Right to Repair Act, and it guarantees all branches of the military the right to repair their equipment and requires contractors to provide all relevant repair information.<ref name="warren-sheehy" />
*July 2025 - Intellectual property legal experts send a letter to Congress stating that the ''Warrior Right to Repair Act'' is consistent with long-held law and it "presents no conflict with manufacturers' IP rights."<ref name="professors">{{Cite web |date=July 2025 |title=Law professors express support for Warrior Right to Repair Act |url=https://pirg.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Professors-military-repair-letter-final-2.pdf |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=U.S. PIRG |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251130092724/https://pirg.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Professors-military-repair-letter-final-2.pdf |archive-date=30 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*September 2025: The White House announced support for Warren-Sheehy military right to repair policy.<ref name="usatoday" />
*September 2025 - National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) issues white paper opposing military right to repair and advocating for "data as a service."<ref name="ndia">{{Cite web |date=September 2025 |title=IP and Data Rights: Protecting DoD's Access to Innovation |url=https://www.ndia.org/-/media/sites/ndia/policy/ip-and-data-rights/ip-and-data-rights-white-paper.pdf?download=1 |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=National Defense Industrial Association |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208171408/https://www.ndia.org/-/media/sites/ndia/policy/ip-and-data-rights/ip-and-data-rights-white-paper.pdf?download=1 |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref>

*October 2025: NDAA, which includes the Warren-Sheehy provision, passed the U.S. Senate.{{Citation needed}}
*October 2025 - 339 small businesses sent a letter urging passage of military right to repair. "This is about ensuring the government can maintain and repair what it already owns. It's about making sure the Department of Defense has access to every capable partner in the country to keep our military mission-ready."<ref name="sema">{{Cite web |date=October 21, 2025 |title=339 Small Businesses Urges Passage of Right to Repair Bill for U.S. Military |url=https://www.sema.org/news-media/press-release/339-small-businesses-urges-passage-right-repair-bill-us-military |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=Specialty Equipment Market Association |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206181250/https://www.sema.org/news-media/press-release/339-small-businesses-urges-passage-right-repair-bill-us-military |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref>
*October 2025 - Trump administration issues statements of administration policy on the House and Senate NDAA supporting military right to repair.<ref name="sap-house">{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2025 |title=Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 3838 – Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SAP-HR3838-House-NDAA.pdf |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=The White House |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260117065209/https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SAP-HR3838-House-NDAA.pdf |archive-date=17 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name="sap-senate">{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2025 |title=Statement of Administration Policy: S. 2296 – National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 |url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SAP-S2296-Senate-NDAA-9.9.25.pdf |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=The White House |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219122812/https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SAP-S2296-Senate-NDAA-9.9.25.pdf |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*October 2025 - Former Trump DoD undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and VA Secretary Robert Wilkie endorse military right to repair<ref name="wilkie">{{Cite web |title=Our troops deserve the right to repair |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5551775-defense-contractor-logistics-reform/ |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=The Hill |author=Robert Wilkie |date=November 19, 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127142915/https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5551775-defense-contractor-logistics-reform/ |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref>.
*'''Now: The House and Senate versions of the FY26 NDAA go to conference.'''
*November 2025 - With Honor sends letter urging military right to repair be included in the final NDAA.<ref name="withhonor">{{Cite web |last=Barcott |first=Rye |title=With Honor Action Urges Inclusion of Key Reforms in Final FY26 Defense Bill |url=https://withhonor.org/news/with-honor-action-urges-inclusion-of-key-reforms-in-final-fy26-defense-bill/ |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=With Honor Action |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231202116/https://withhonor.org/news/with-honor-action-urges-inclusion-of-key-reforms-in-final-fy26-defense-bill/ |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref>
*November 2025 - taxpayer and watchdog groups send letter urging support for military right to repair in final NDAA.<ref name="ntu">{{Cite web |date=November 5, 2025 |title=Joint Letter: NDAA Conference Recommendations |url=https://www.ntu.org/publications/detail/joint-letter-ndaa-conference-recommendations |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=National Taxpayers Union |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211024136/https://www.ntu.org/publications/detail/joint-letter-ndaa-conference-recommendations |archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref>
*November 2025 - President and CEO of Aerospace Industries Association, Eric Fanning, publishes an op-ed in ''Washing Times'' opposing military right to repair.<ref name="fanning">{{Cite web |author=Eric Fanning |date=November 13, 2025 |title=Congress' 'right to repair' provisions threatens the backbone of U.S. defense innovation |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/nov/13/congress-right-repair-provisions-threatens-backbone-us-defense/ |access-date=November 20, 2025 |website=Washington Times |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260118224833/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/nov/13/congress-right-repair-provisions-threatens-backbone-us-defense/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*November 2025 - Secretary Hegseth announces new DoD acquisition policy including that "''The Department must plan for and acquire systems with the ability to conduct organic depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul of systems and sub-systems to ensure military readiness for any conflict."''{{Citation needed}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

Nvidia

2026-03-27T11:48:14Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix date, etc

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American semiconductor manufacturer known for graphics processing units and systems on chips.
|Founded=1993-04-05
|Industry=Semiconductors, Software
|Logo=Nvidia logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.nvidia.com/
}}
'''{{Wplink|Nvidia|Nvidia Corporation}}''' is an American technology company that designs and sells computer components such as {{wplink|Graphics processing units|graphics processing units}} (GPUs) for both commercial and enterprise use. It was founded on 05 April, 1993, by current CEO (as of 2026) {{wplink|Jensen Huang|Jensen Huang}}, Chris Malachowsky, and Curtis Priem. The company is the largest providers of GPUs for both consumer and enterprise.

==Consumer-impact summary==
As Nvidia's market share in consumer GPUs rose to >90%, hence becoming the market leader,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peddie |first=Jon |date=2025-06-04 |title=Q1'25 PC GPU shipments decreased by -12% from last quarter; quarter following seasonality but still down from historical average |url=https://www.jonpeddie.com/news/q125-pc-gpu-shipments-decreased-by-12-0-from-last-quarter-quarter-following-seasonality-but-still-down-from-historical-average/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711094024/https://www.jonpeddie.com/news/q125-pc-gpu-shipments-decreased-by-12-0-from-last-quarter-quarter-following-seasonality-but-still-down-from-historical-average/ |archive-date=2025-07-11 |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Jon Peddie Research}}</ref> and their enterprise wing started outperforming the consumer wing, their perception of consumers waned alongside. This has lead to the prioritization of enterprise products while the consumer products become less appleaing. Nvidia on multiple accounts has employed deceptive practices such as to mislead the everyday buyer and even enthusiasts. This has led to many people developing a sour taste towards the brand and ultimately branding them as a [[monopoly]].

Nvidia is notable for heavy proprietization and vendor-locking practices, manifesting in technologies such as the [[wikipedia:CUDA|CUDA]] compute platform, [[wikipedia:PhysX|PhysX]] physics simulation and [[wikipedia:Deep_Learning_Super_Sampling|DLSS]] upscaling, which are exclusively available on their devices.

==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]].

===Forced Arbitration===
In Nvidia's terms of service regarding accessing their website, under "Informal Resolution" users are required to agree to resolve legal disputes with Nvidia by arbitration from Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS).<ref>{{Cite web |title=NVIDIA Legal Notices |url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/about-nvidia/terms-of-service/ |access-date=2025-06-19 |website=NVIDIA |language=en-gb |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221043438/https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/about-nvidia/terms-of-service/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Artificial Feature Segmentation of Consumer GPUs (''2013 - Present'')===
Nvidia's consumer GeForce and enterprise Quadro/Tesla product lines frequently share identical silicon, with features differentiated through firmware, driver configuration, or on-die security rather than hardware capability.

On the Kepler-generation GK110 GPU, all variants of the chip contain 64 double precision (FP64) CUDA cores per SMX block, but on consumer cards such as the GTX 780 and GTX 780 Ti, Nvidia forced the FP64 units to run at one eighth of the GPU's clock rate, reducing effective FP64 throughput to 1/24 that of FP32.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Angelini |first=Chris |date=2013-02-19 |title=Compute Performance And Striking A Balance |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-titan-gk110-review,3438-3.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> The GeForce GTX Titan, also GK110, shipped with a control panel toggle that restored the full 1/3 FP64 rate, confirming the restriction was deliberate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Angelini |first=Chris |date=2017-05-25 |title=Nvidia Titan Xp 12GB Review |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-titan-xp,5066-14.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> The Tesla K40, built on the same die, delivered full FP64 at several times the consumer price.

The GTX 680 and Quadro K5000 likewise shared the GK104 die,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ryan |date=2012-08-07 |title=NVIDIA Announces Kepler-Based Quadro K5000 & Second-Generation Maximus |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/6140/nvidia-announces-keplerbased-quadro-k5000-secondgeneration-maximus |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=AnandTech}}</ref> and users could cross-flash a Quadro vBIOS onto a GeForce card or modify resistor straps on the PCB to change the PCI device ID, unlocking features such as 10-bit colour output and professional OpenGL optimisations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-03-15 |title=Hacking NVidia Cards into their Professional Counterparts |url=https://www.eevblog.com/forum/general-computing/hacking-nvidia-cards-into-their-professional-counterparts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814064418/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/general-computing/hacking-nvidia-cards-into-their-professional-counterparts/ |archive-date=2020-08-14 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=EEVblog Forum}}</ref> With the GeForce 900 series in 2014, Nvidia introduced an on-die security processor codenamed Falcon that enforced vBIOS signature verification, preventing cards from booting with unauthorised firmware and ending the cross-flashing practice.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-21 |title=Nvidia vBIOS Modding Is Back After Signature Lock Broken |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/new-nvidia-bios-modding-tools |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> In August 2023, modders found that Nvidia's own NVFlash utility contained a built-in mismatch bypass and released two tools, OMGVflash and NVflashk, which re-enabled cross-flashing on cards up to the RTX 40 series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-22 |title=NVIDIA BIOS Signature Lock breakthrough: New tools enable vBIOS modding and crossflash |url=https://www.igorslab.de/en/durchbruch-bei-nvidia-bios-signature-lock-neue-tools-ermoeglichen-vbios-modding-und-crossflash/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=igor'sLAB}}</ref>

Nvidia also restricts virtual GPU (vGPU) functionality to enterprise products through a driver-level PCI device ID check rather than any hardware limitation. The RTX 3090 and enterprise RTX A5500 are both built on the GA102 die with near-identical specifications, yet only the A5500 supports vGPU.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lozano |first=Jorge |date=2025-08-10 |title=Nvidia locks datacenter features out of consumer GPUs |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/nvidia-locks-datacenter-features-out-of-consumer-gpus/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=XDA Developers}}</ref> The vgpu_unlock project demonstrates this by intercepting driver calls and spoofing the device ID, enabling Maxwell and newer consumer GPUs to run vGPU without hardware modification.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DualCoder |title=vgpu_unlock: Unlock vGPU functionality for consumer grade GPUs |url=https://github.com/DualCoder/vgpu_unlock |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=GitHub}}</ref>

===Stagnation of Consumer GPU Offerings===
Since assuming its dominant position at >90% of the consumer GPU market, Nvidia has been credibly accused of {{wplink|Shrinkflation|shrinkflation}} across its entire modern {{wplink|GeForce|GeForce}} product line by multiple renouned yet credible reviewers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Clayton |first2=Jeremy |last3=Makhnovets |first3=Vitalii |last4=Thang |first4=Jimmy |date=2025-04-08 |title=The Great NVIDIA Switcheroo {{!}} GPU Shrinkflation |url=https://gamersnexus.net/gpus/great-nvidia-switcheroo-gpu-shrinkflation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702064302/https://gamersnexus.net/gpus/great-nvidia-switcheroo-gpu-shrinkflation |archive-date=2025-07-02 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=GamersNexus}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nexus |first=Gamers |date=2025-06-26 |title=NVIDIA's Exploitation {{!}} Waste of Sand RTX "5050" for $250 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caU0RG0mNHg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715180737/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caU0RG0mNHg |archive-date=2025-07-15 |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Unboxed |first=Hardware |date=2025-07-10 |title=Real Stagnation: 6 Years Of GeForce RTX 60 Class GPUs |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIftP0Ut2lU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715180805/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIftP0Ut2lU |archive-date=2025-07-15 |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

===GeForce Partner Program (''2018.03.01 - 2018.05.04'')===
{{Main|{{wplink|GeForce Partner Program}}}}
On March 1, 2018, Nvidia in a blog post first announced the marketing program<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teeple |first=John |date=2018-03-01 |title=GeForce Partner Program Helps Gamers Know What They’re Buying |url=https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2018/03/01/geforce-partner-program/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710012207/https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2018/03/01/geforce-partner-program/ |archive-date=2023-07-10 |access-date=2023-07-10 |website=NVIDIA Blog}}</ref> which aimed to provide partners with benefits such PR support, video game bundling and market development funds. Kyle Bennett from HardOCP spoke with seven companies off the record and they more or less had the same to say:<blockquote>
*The terms of the GPP agreement are potentially illegal
*The GPP will hurt consumer choices
*The GPP will hurt a partner's ability to do business with other companies like [[AMD]] and [[Intel]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scheisser |first=Tim |date=2018-03-12 |title=Nvidia gets anti-competitive with unsavory GeForce Partner Program |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/73661-nvidia-gets-anti-competitive-unsavory-geforce-partner-program.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250703105744/https://www.techspot.com/news/73661-nvidia-gets-anti-competitive-unsavory-geforce-partner-program.html |archive-date=2025-07-03 |website=TechSpot}}</ref>
</blockquote>Nvidia cancelled the program on May 4, 2018, citing "The rumors, conjecture and mistruths go far beyond its intent. Rather than battling misinformation, we have decided to cancel the program." <ref>{{Cite web |last=Teeple |first=John |date=4 May 2018 |title=Pulling the Plug on GPP, Leaning into GeForce |url=https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2018/05/04/gpp/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504191609/https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2018/05/04/gpp/ |archive-date=4 May 2018 |access-date=15 Jun 2025 |website=Nvidia Blog}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Forrest |first=Derek published |date=4 May 2018 |title=Nvidia Ends Notorious GeForce Partner Program |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-ends-geforce-partner-program,37008.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325085921/https://www.tomshardware.com/news/nvidia-ends-geforce-partner-program,37008.html |archive-date=25 Mar 2025 |access-date=15 Jun 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref>

===12VHPWR/12V-2x6 (H++) Connector Failures (''2022 - Present'')===
{{Main|PCIe power connector design linked to melting GPU cables}}
12VHPWR and its revision 12V-2x6 (H++) are modern [[wikipedia:PCI_Express|PCIe]] power connector standards published by the [[wikipedia:PCI-SIG|PCI-SIG]] that aim to deliver more power to PCIe devices such as GPUs but in a smaller foorprint than the older PCIe 6- and 8-pin connectors.{{Citation needed}} Since 12VHPWR's debut on [[wikipedia:Nvidia_RTX|Nvidia's RTX]] 40-series GPUs,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Lathan |first2=Patrick |last3=Makhnovets |first3=Vitalii |last4=Coleman |first4=Andrew |last5=Thang |first5=Jimmy |date=2024-10-07 |title=12VHPWR is a Dumpster Fire {{!}} Investigation into Contradicting Specs & Corner Cutting |url=https://gamersnexus.net/gpus/12vhpwr-dumpster-fire-investigation-contradicting-specs-corner-cutting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715184806/https://gamersnexus.net/gpus/12vhpwr-dumpster-fire-investigation-contradicting-specs-corner-cutting |archive-date=2025-07-15 |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=GamersNexus}}</ref> the connector's been infamous for its design flaws that make it quite prone to ignition.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wallossek |first=Igor |date=2022-10-27 |title=The horror has a face - NVIDIA’s hot 12VHPWR adapter for the GeForce RTX 4090 with a built-in breaking point |url=https://www.igorslab.de/en/adapter-of-the-gray-analyzed-nvidias-brand-hot-12vhpwr-adapter-with-built-in-breakpoint/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250715181914/https://www.igorslab.de/en/adapter-of-the-gray-analyzed-nvidias-brand-hot-12vhpwr-adapter-with-built-in-breakpoint/ |archive-date=2025-07-15 |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=igor´sLAB}}</ref> The minor revision 12V-2x6 aimed to mitigate these issues but ultimately succumbed to its predecessor's shortcomings.<ref name=":1" /> As of July 2025, there are still reports of the connectors catching on fire even when using accessories that advertise less risk of catching ablaze.{{Citation needed}}

===Data scraping without permission for AI training (''2024 - Present'')===
Nvidia is heavily involved in [[Artificial_intelligence/training|training AI]] models though plagiarism.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cole |first=Samantha |date=5 Aug 2024 |title=Leaked Documents Show Nvidia Scraping ‘A Human Lifetime’ of Videos Per Day to Train AI |url=https://www.404media.co/nvidia-ai-scraping-foundational-model-cosmos-project/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414032908/https://www.404media.co/nvidia-ai-scraping-foundational-model-cosmos-project/ |archive-date=14 Apr 2025 |access-date=15 Jun 2025 |website=404 Media}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=6 Aug 2024 |title=Nvidia accused of scraping ‘A Human Lifetime’ of videos per day to train AI |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/nvidia-accused-of-scraping-a-human-lifetime-of-videos-per-day-to-train-ai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211081108/https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/artificial-intelligence/nvidia-accused-of-scraping-a-human-lifetime-of-videos-per-day-to-train-ai |archive-date=11 Feb 2025 |access-date=15 Jun 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> In January 2026, a court filing revealed that Nvidia developers contacted Anna's Archive to evaluate the use of pirated content for training, which management gave [[wikipedia:Greenlight|green-light]] for despite legality concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2026 |title=NVIDIA Contacted Anna’s Archive to Secure Access to Millions of Pirated Books |url=https://torrentfreak.com/nvidia-contacted-annas-archive-to-secure-access-to-millions-of-pirated-books/ |url-status=live |access-date=22 Jan 2026 |website=torrentfreak |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222073221/https://torrentfreak.com/nvidia-contacted-annas-archive-to-secure-access-to-millions-of-pirated-books/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===RTX 50-series GPUs Missing ROPs (''2025 - Present'')===
Following the release of the RTX 50 series GPUs, several RTX 5090 and 5080 cards were noticed to be missing Raster Operation Units (ROPs), which are fundamental part for rendering and caused affected cards to suffer from lower performance.

===Threatening Hardware Unboxed (''2020.12.10'')===
On 10 December, 2020, Hardware Unboxed, a pro consumer tech  [[YouTube]] channel, tweeted on [[Twitter]] (now [[X_Corp|X]]), "Nvidia have officially decided to ban us from receiving GeForce Founders Edition GPU review samples. Their reasoning is that we are focusing on rasterization instead of ray tracing. They have said they will revisit this 'should your editorial direction change.' "

In emails that were disclosed by Walton from Nvidia Senior PR Manager Bryan Del Rizzo, Nvidia had said:<blockquote>...your GPU reviews and recommendations have continued to focus singularly on rasterization performance, and you have largely discounted all of the other technologies we offer gamers. It is very clear from your community commentary that you do not see things the same way that we, gamers, and the rest of the industry do.</blockquote>On 12 December, 2020, as a result of immense consumer and prominent creator backlash, Nvidia reversed their stance. In an email, Nvidia apologized to Hardware Unboxed and on Twitter a second apology was issued by Nvidia's Del Rizzo that said "to withhold samples because I didn't agree with your commentary is simply inexcusable and crossed the line."

On 14 December, 2020, Hardware Unboxed uploaded a video on YouTube explaining the controversy from their viewpoint.

===Disingenious RTX 5070 marketing (''2025.03.01 - Present'')===
Nvidia on stage when introducing the RTX 5070 on stage, branded it as having the same performance as a RTX 4090 but for half the price.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=2025-01-13 |title=DF Weekly: can the new RTX 5070 really match RTX 4090 performance? |url=https://www.digitalfoundry.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2025-df-weekly-can-the-new-rtx-5070-really-match-rtx-4090-performance |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=Digital Foundry |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221142730/https://www.digitalfoundry.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2025-df-weekly-can-the-new-rtx-5070-really-match-rtx-4090-performance |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref> This disingenious marketing was disproven by multiple credible reviewers who showed that the 5070, even when using MFG 4x Frame Generation could not achieve parity with the 4090.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burke |first=Steve |last2=Gaglione |first2=Mike |last3=Makhnovets |first3=Vitalii |last4=Phetdara |first4=Tim |last5=Thang |first5=Jimmy |date=2025-03-13 |title=NVIDIA is Selling Lies {{!}} RTX 5070 Founders Edition Review & Benchmarks |url=https://gamersnexus.net/gpus/nvidia-selling-lies-rtx-5070-founders-edition-review-benchmarks |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=GamersNexus}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251006224834/https://gamersnexus.net/gpus/nvidia-selling-lies-rtx-5070-founders-edition-review-benchmarks Archived])</ref>

===GeForce previews (''2025.03.01 - Present'')===
Starting 2025, Nvidia started the practice of pre allocating review units to select review media platforms for "preview". Previews when compared to reviews are highly restricted on which benchmarks can be presented. Most often involving the presentation of [[wikipedia:Cherry_picking|cherry-picked]] and biased benchmarks towards the latest model of GPU. Hence previews end up touting the same message as Nvidia's marketing. This practise was first implemented with the RTX 5070. <ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Dave |date=2025-03-01 |title=Nvidia RTX 5070 hands-on preview: a sneak peek at my unreleased RTX Blackwell card hitting triple digit frame rates in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1440p and Avowed at 4K |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/nvidia-rtx-5070-hands-on-preview-a-sneak-peek-at-the-unreleased-rtx-blackwell-card-hitting-triple-digit-frame-rates-in-cyberpunk-2077-at-1440p-and-avowed-at-4k/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803093257/https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/graphics-cards/nvidia-rtx-5070-hands-on-preview-a-sneak-peek-at-the-unreleased-rtx-blackwell-card-hitting-triple-digit-frame-rates-in-cyberpunk-2077-at-1440p-and-avowed-at-4k/ |archive-date=2025-08-03 |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=PC Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guyton |first=Christian |date=2025-05-17 |title=I tested the RTX 5060 - is 8GB of VRAM really enough in 2025? |url=https://www.techradar.com/computing/gpu/i-tested-the-rtx-5060-is-8gb-of-vram-really-enough-in-2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803100453/https://www.techradar.com/computing/gpu/i-tested-the-rtx-5060-is-8gb-of-vram-really-enough-in-2025 |archive-date=2025-08-03 |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=TechRadar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayton |first=Phil |date=2025-05-17 |title=I spent my first few hours with the RTX 5060 playing Doom: The Dark Ages, and it feels pretty slick for under $300 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/desktop-pc/i-spent-my-first-few-hours-with-the-rtx-5060-playing-doom-the-dark-ages-and-it-feels-pretty-slick-for-under-usd300/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803100549/https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/desktop-pc/i-spent-my-first-few-hours-with-the-rtx-5060-playing-doom-the-dark-ages-and-it-feels-pretty-slick-for-under-usd300/ |archive-date=2025-08-03 |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=GamesRadar+}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=England |first=Jason |date=2025-05-17 |title=I played 5 games on the RTX 5060 — is this budget GPU actually enough? |url=https://www.tomsguide.com/gaming/pc-gaming/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060-first-impressions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803100745/https://www.tomsguide.com/gaming/pc-gaming/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060-first-impressions |archive-date=2025-08-03 |access-date=2025-08-03 |website=Tom's Guide}}</ref>

===Threatening Gamers Nexus (''2025.05.18'')===
{{Main|Nvidia threatens GamersNexus}}
On May 18, 2025, GamersNexus, a pro consumer tech publication and YouTube channel, uploaded a video to their YouTube channel exposing Nvidia's scheme of threatening them. Nvidia strongly suggested to GN that access to their engineers for future interviews would only be possible if GN underwent an editorial change according to Nvidia's specification. The company's ransom was for more postive and longer emphasis on their new MFG (Multi-frame Generation) technology in GN's future reviews of their GPUs.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Nexus |first=Gamers |date=2025-05-18 |title=NVIDIA's Dirty Manipulation of Reviews |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiekGcwaIho |url-status=live |archive-date=23 Feb 2026 |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=AiekGcwaIho }}</ref>

===Acquisition of stake in Intel (''2025.12.29'')===
{{Main|Nvidia buys stake in Intel}}
On 18 September, 2025, Nvidia and Intel jointly announced in a press release, Nvidia's $5,000,000,000 USD investment into Intel stock.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-18 |title=NVIDIA and Intel to Develop AI Infrastructure and Personal Computing Products |url=https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-and-intel-to-develop-ai-infrastructure-and-personal-computing-products |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/20251105000000/https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-and-intel-to-develop-ai-infrastructure-and-personal-computing-products |archive-date=2025-11-05 |access-date=2025-11-05 |website=NVIDIA Newsroom}}</ref> Finalized on December 29, 2025, Nvidia purchased 214.8 million Intel shares at $23.28 per share.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carroll |first=Shannon |date=Dec 29, 2025 |title=Nvidia’s $5 billion Intel bet just became official |url=https://qz.com/nvidia-intel-5-billion-deal-done-ai-partnership |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102013658/https://qz.com/nvidia-intel-5-billion-deal-done-ai-partnership |archive-date=Jan 2, 2026 |access-date=Jan 7, 2026 |work=Quartz}}</ref> Both Nvidia and Intel develop GPUs for consumer and enterprise applications, making them competitors. In both sectors Nvidia holds the highest market share, dwarfing both AMD and Intel by magnitudes. As a result many have developed concerns over the persistence of Intel's GPU offerings and have branded the investment as Nvidia's attempt at furthering their monopoly by investing in their competitor.

The U.S. [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) announced in a notice that U.S. antitrust agencies cleared the investment,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bajwa |first=Arsheeya |date=2025-12-29 |editor-last=D'Silva |editor-first=Anil |title="Nvidia takes $5 billion stake in Intel under September agreement" |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/nvidia-takes-5-billion-stake-intel-under-september-agreement-2025-12-29/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |work=Reuters}}</ref> despite this being anti-consumer and making Nvidia a monopoly.

===Partnership with [[Palantir]] (''2025.10.28'')===
During their GTC Washington keynote, Nvidia announced a strategic partnership with [[Palantir]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-28 |title=Palantir and NVIDIA Team Up to Operationalize AI — Turning Enterprise Data Into Dynamic Decision Intelligence |url=https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-palantir-ai-enterprise-data-intelligence |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-19 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115055000/https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-palantir-ai-enterprise-data-intelligence |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Products==

===GeForce:===

====RTX 30 Series:====

*[[RTX 3090]] (2020-09-24)

====RTX 40 Series:====

*[[RTX 4090]] (2022-10-22)
*[[RTX 4080]]
*[[RTX 4070]]
*[[RTX 4060]]

====RTX 50 Series:====

*[[RTX 5090]] (2025-01-30)
*[[RTX 5080]] (2025-01-30)
*[[RTX 5070]] (2025-03-05)
*[[RTX 5060]] (2025-05-19)
*[[RTX 5050]] (2025-07-01)

==See also==
*[[AMD]]
*[[Intel]]
*[[Qualcomm]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Nissan EVconnect application shutdowns (UK)

2026-03-27T11:44:06Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ add names, fix dates

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Nissan
|StartDate=2024-04-01
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Nissan Leaf,Nissan e-NV200
|Product=Nissan Leaf,Nissan e-NV200
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=App Discontinuation,Planned Obsolescence
|Description=Nissan discontinues NissanConnect EV app, removing remote climate and charging control from vehicles sold with those features
}}

'''NissanConnect EV app shutdown''' refers to [[Nissan]]'s phased discontinuation of the NissanConnect EV mobile application, which provided [[Nissan Leaf]] and [[Nissan e-NV200]] owners with remote climate control, charging management, and battery monitoring. Nissan shut down the app for pre-2016 vehicles on April 1, 2024, affecting approximately 3,000 cars in the UK.<ref name="techinformed">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-04 |title=Nissan halts 2G EV app ahead of UK switch off |url=https://techinformed.com/nissan-halts-2g-ev-app-ahead-of-uk-switch-off/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=TechInformed}}</ref> A second, larger shutdown on March 30, 2026 extends to all Leaf models produced before May 2019 and all e-NV200 vans produced through 2022.<ref name="guardian">{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Zoe |date=2026-03-14 |title='Shockingly bad': Nissan Leaf drivers voice anger over app shutdown |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/14/nissan-leaf-app-shutdown-nissanconnect-ev-app |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260314104114/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/14/nissan-leaf-app-shutdown-nissanconnect-ev-app |archive-date=2026-03-14 |access-date=2026-03-14 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>

==Background==

===CARWINGS and NissanConnect EV===

Nissan's connected vehicle services originated in 1997 with a telematics service called Compass Link, used in Japanese domestic models. When the first-generation Nissan Leaf launched in December 2010, Nissan integrated a system called CARWINGS that allowed owners to monitor battery charge, schedule charging, and activate climate control remotely via a mobile app.<ref name="carscoops-2024">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Sam D. |date=2024-03-05 |title=Nissan To Deactivate Key Features From Early EVs |url=https://www.carscoops.com/2024/03/nissan-to-deactivate-key-features-from-early-evs/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Carscoops}}</ref>

On September 29, 2015, Nissan rebranded CARWINGS to NissanConnect EV. The app provided remote climate control (pre-heating in winter, cooling in summer), charging start/stop, battery state-of-charge monitoring, charging schedule management, and vehicle location services. These features were marketed as core selling points for the Leaf and the e-NV200 commercial van.<ref name="carscoops-2024" />

===2016 network transition===
In the US, the first-generation Leaf (2011-2015 SV and SL trims) shipped with telematics control units (TCUs) that communicated over AT&T's 2G network. When AT&T announced it would shut down its 2G network on December 31, 2016, Nissan offered affected owners a hardware upgrade to 3G TCUs. Owners of 2015 models received the upgrade free of charge. Owners of 2011-2014 models paid $199.<ref name="greencar-3g">{{Cite web |last=Edelstein |first=Stephen |date=2016-12-08 |title=Nissan offers 2G Leaf owners a $199 3G upgrade, with just 24 days left |url=https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1107682_nissan-offers-2g-leaf-owners-a-199-3g-upgrade-with-just-24-days-left |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Green Car Reports}}</ref>

Nissan didn't publicly announce the $199 upgrade cost until early December 2016, leaving owners just 24 days before the 2G network went dark. Approximately 55,000 vehicles required the upgrade.<ref name="greencar-3g" />

==April 2024 shutdown==
{{Main|Nissan shuts 2G car service in UK}}
On March 4, 2024, Nissan emailed UK owners of pre-2016 Leaf and e-NV200 vehicles stating that the NissanConnect EV app would stop working on April 1, 2024. Nissan cited "the 2G technology sunset" as the reason.<ref name="techinformed" /> Approximately 3,000 vehicles in the UK were affected.<ref name="techinformed" />

The timing drew criticism, since UK telecommunications operators don't plan to fully retire 2G networks until 2033, nine years after Nissan's shutdown date.<ref name="techinformed" /> Nissan offered no hardware upgrade for the affected vehicles and provided roughly 30 days' notice.<ref name="carscoops-2024" />

==March 2026 shutdown==

===Scope and features lost===

On March 30, 2026, Nissan shut down NissanConnect EV for a much larger group of vehicles: all Leaf models produced before May 2019 and all e-NV200 vans produced through 2022.<ref name="guardian" /> Owners began receiving notification emails in February 2026.<ref name="autoevolution">{{Cite web |date=2026-03-17 |title=Nissan Discontinues iPhone, Android App for Several Models, Leaf and e-NV200 Affected |url=https://www.autoevolution.com/news/nissan-discontinues-iphone-android-app-for-several-models-leaf-and-e-nv200-affected-267208.html |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=autoevolution}}</ref>

The shutdown removed the following remote capabilities:

*Remote climate control (cabin pre-heating and cooling via smartphone)
*Charging start, stop, and scheduling via the app
*Battery state-of-charge monitoring
*Vehicle location tracking
*Some navigation-related features

Nissan stated that in-car climate control timers and charging timers remain accessible through the vehicle's infotainment system, but these timers require physical access to the vehicle and don't allow on-demand activation or remote status monitoring.<ref name="guardian" />

The Nissan Leaf sold over 432,000 units globally between 2010 and 2019.<ref name="wp-leaf">{{Cite web |title=Nissan Leaf |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Leaf |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref> The e-NV200 accounted for approximately 49,000 units produced at Nissan's Barcelona plant before production ended.<ref name="wp-env200">{{Cite web |title=Nissan NV200 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_NV200 |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref>

==Nissan's response==

Nissan attributed the shutdown to "the legacy architecture of the current platform," stating that it "cannot be upgraded to support future enhancements or align with our ongoing development plans."<ref name="examinerlive">{{Cite web |last=Rodger |first=James |date=2026-03-14 |title=Nissan Leaf car owners facing unwelcome change from March 30 |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/nissan-leaf-car-owners-facing-33591509 |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Yorkshire Live}}</ref>

When owners asked about hardware upgrades, Nissan said no retrofit was available: "The current hardware is linked to the existing technical platform, which does not support upgrades. Nissan is focusing on delivering next-generation connectivity solutions in future vehicle models."<ref name="guardian" /> Nissan also stated that third-party applications "will not be possible" and that the shutdown "also applies to any third-party applications, which will no longer be able to access remote features for your vehicle."<ref name="guardian" />

Nissan offered no financial compensation. The 2026 Leaf and Ariya models use a different app called MyNISSAN, but Nissan provided no migration path for older vehicles.<ref name="gizmodo">{{Cite web |date=2026-03-16 |title=Nissan Kills NissanConnect EV for Cars Made as Late as 2022 |url=https://gizmodo.com/nissan-kills-nissanconnect-ev-for-cars-made-as-late-as-2022-2000733816 |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Gizmodo}}</ref> Newer 2020+ Leaf models had already transitioned to a paid subscription model at £1.99 per month for remote control features.<ref name="examinerlive" />

The NissanConnect Services Terms and Conditions reserve the right to terminate services "at any time and without cause," requiring only 30 days' prior notice.<ref name="guardian" />

==Consumer response==

One leaf owner told ''The Guardian'' that "the most annoying thing will be not being able to smart-charge the car or remotely warm it up on frosty mornings" and added, "I think Nissan should do better."<ref name="guardian" /> Another owner noted: "My car is almost 10 years old now, but those with an early 2020 model won't be too happy that their not-even seven-year-old car is having remote access removed with a month's notice."<ref name="guardian" />

An online commenter mentioned: "only supported a core EV feature for seven years. Considering [an] average car can last for 12-plus years, that is shockingly bad."<ref name="guardian" />

Affected owners discussed the situation on forums including Speak EV and PistonHeads, circulating template complaint letters for Nissan's Executive Customer Relations Team and discussing escalation to Trading Standards and The Motor Ombudsman. A GitHub issue was filed requesting that Home Assistant, an open-source home automation platform, document the integration's end-of-life.<ref name="homeassistant">{{Cite web |title=NissanConnect EV app to be discontinued from 30th March 2026 |url=https://github.com/home-assistant/home-assistant.io/issues/43711 |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=GitHub}}</ref>
===Wider patterns===
Nissan's app shutdown had been described as being part of a broader trend of vehicle manufacturers discontinuing connected car features on older models. BMW ended US ConnectedDrive support for pre-2017 models after the US 3G shutdown in February 2022. Toyota discontinued Safety Connect on 2010-2019 models in the US November 2022, removing automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, and stolen vehicle locator features. Hyundai ended Blue Link for 2012-2016 models. Mercedes shut down mbrace services for pre-2020 vehicles.<ref name="newsweek-3g">{{Cite web |title=Which Vehicles Will Lose Safety Features After 3G Shutdown This Month? |url=https://www.newsweek.com/which-vehicles-will-lose-safety-features-after-3g-shutdown-this-month-1679441 |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Newsweek}}</ref>

Steve Walker of ''Auto Express'' warned that the pattern will worsen: "As modern cars that are even more reliant on connected services and updates than the Leaf age, it is likely that manufacturer support for their systems will drop away, too."<ref name="guardian" /> He added: "The best way to minimise the environmental impact of cars is to build them to last."<ref name="guardian" />

Benjamin Gorman, a researcher at Bournemouth University, noted that subscription models work for entertainment but are problematic for "expensive physical products such as cars, which people expect to keep working for a decade or more."<ref name="guardian" />
==Legal context==

No lawsuits have been filed over the 2026 NissanConnect EV shutdown as of March 2026. A related US class-action suit, ''Schwarz v. Nissan North America, Inc.'', Case No. 3:22-cv-00933, was filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in November 2022. The lawsuit alleged that Nissan equipped 2013-2018 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles with 3G modems that became non-functional after AT&T's 3G network shutdown in February 2022, leaving owners without stolen vehicle locator, remote lock/unlock, and automatic crash notification features.<ref name="topclassactions">{{Cite web |title=Nissan, Infiniti class action claims vehicles manufactured with obsolete 3G modem |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/nissan-class-action-lawsuit-and-settlement-news/nissan-infiniti-class-action-claims-vehicles-manufactured-with-obsolete-3g-modem/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Top Class Actions}}</ref><ref name="carcomplaints">{{Cite web |title=Nissan 3G Shutdown Causes Class Action Lawsuit |url=https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2022/nissan-3g-shutdown-causes-class-action-lawsuit.shtml |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=CarComplaints.com}}</ref>

In the UK, the [[Consumer Rights Act 2015]] requires goods sold to consumers to be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described. The Act's digital content provisions cover software and applications supplied with goods.<ref name="cra2015">{{Cite web |title=Consumer Rights Act 2015 - Explanatory Notes |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/15/notes/division/3/1/4 |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=legislation.gov.uk}}</ref>

Connected car services occupy a legal gray area. Vehicle manufacturer terms of service typically reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue connected services with limited notice.<ref name="evsmarts">{{Cite web |title=Automakers can shut off connected-car features at any time, here's what drivers need to know |url=https://evsmarts.com/automakers-can-shut-off-connected-car-features-at-any-time-heres-what-drivers-need-to-know/ |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=EV Smarts}}</ref> Whether post-sale removal of marketed vehicle features constitutes a breach of consumer protection law hasn't been tested in UK courts.{{CitationNeeded}}

==Third-party alternatives==
Despite Nissan's statement that third-party apps won't work{{CitationNeeded}}, there are two available solutions.
*The open-source '''Open Vehicle Monitoring System (OVMS)''' provides a hardware workaround.
*The open-source '''OpenCARWINGS''' uses existing hardware paired with server software.

OVMS v3 supports all Leaf ZE0 and ZE1 models and all e-NV200 models. The hardware kit costs approximately $200 and includes a 4G/LTE cellular modem that connects to the vehicle's OBD-II diagnostic port.<ref name="ovms">{{Cite web |title=Nissan Leaf/e-NV200 - Open Vehicles documentation |url=https://docs.openvehicles.com/en/latest/components/vehicle_nissanleaf/docs/index.html |access-date=2026-03-25 |website=Open Vehicles}}</ref>

OVMS restores remote climate control, charging management, battery state-of-charge monitoring, and GPS tracking through an independent app and server infrastructure. Because OVMS communicates directly with the vehicle's CAN bus using a user-supplied SIM card, it doesn't depend on Nissan's servers.<ref name="ovms" />

[https://github.com/developerfromjokela/opencarwings OpenCARWINGS] is a reverse-engineered server software for restoring factory TCU back to its working state, by replacing the SIM card and programming in new server settings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=OpenCARWINGS home page |url=https://opencarwings.viaaq.eu/}}</ref> Currently ZE0-AZE0 until 2016 are fully supported, as well as e-NV200.

OpenCARWINGS claims to make available more functionality than Nissan had ever provided during official NissanConnect service.{{CitationNeeded}} Full telemetry data, vehicle location info, sending map destinations to car and more. The extensive collection of data about users which Nissan collects by default through its systems can be viewed through openCARWINGS.{{CitationNeeded}}

==See also==

*[[Planned obsolescence]]
*[[Right to Repair]]
*[[Consumer Rights Act 2015]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Nissan]]
[[Category:Planned Obsolescence]]
[[Category:App Discontinuation]]

HBO Max downgrades lifetime subscription

2026-03-27T11:34:15Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 14,15,17: fix dates

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=HBO Max
|StartDate=2025-02
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=HBO Max
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Broken Promise, Lifetime Subscription
|Description=Early adopters promised 50% lifetime discount lost 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos unless they paid more
}}
In February 2025, [[HBO Max]] stripped 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos from European subscribers who had signed up with a 50% "lifetime" discount, unless those subscribers agreed to pay more for a Premium tier.<ref name="androidplanet-4k-loss">{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidplanet.nl/nieuws/hbo-max-legacy-abonnement-4k-kwijt/|title=Pas op: HBO Max-klanten van het eerste uur raken 4K en hdr kwijt|work=Android Planet|date=2025-02-24|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Warner Bros. Discovery had offered the discount during its 2022 European launch to attract early adopters, promising 50% off for the lifetime of their subscription.<ref name="wbd-europe-launch">{{Cite web|url=https://press.wbd.com/us/media-release/hbo-max-now-streaming-61-territories-worldwide?language_content_entity=en|title=HBO Max: Now Streaming in 61 Territories Worldwide|publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery|date=2022-03-08|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Three years later, the company restructured its tier system, moved 4K and Dolby Atmos behind a higher-priced Premium plan, and told legacy subscribers their discount now applied to a plan with fewer features than the one they originally paid for.<ref name="filmtotaal-downgrade">{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmtotaal.nl/nieuws/120540|title=HBO Max downgradet het abonnement van bestaande klanten, tenzij...|work=FilmTotaal|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

==Background==

HBO Max launched in the Netherlands and 14 other European countries on March 8, 2022.<ref name="wbd-europe-launch" /> The service had already launched in the Nordics (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland) and Spain on October 26, 2021, with an identical lifetime discount promotion.<ref name="wbd-nordics-spain">{{Cite web|url=https://press.wbd.com/us/media-release/hbo-max/hbo-max-goes-live-nordics-and-spain|title=HBO Max Goes Live In The Nordics And Spain|publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery|date=2021-10-26|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

In the Netherlands, subscribers who signed up between March 8 and March 31, 2022 received a 50% discount off the then-current monthly subscription price, applicable for as long as they maintained an active subscription with a valid payment method.<ref name="hbo-discount-terms">{{Cite web|url=https://hbo.max.com/nl/en/terms-of-use/discount-offer-terms/w2|title=Discount Offer Terms|publisher=HBO Max|access-date=2025-04-01}}</ref> The Standard tier cost €3.99 per month (50% of €7.99) and included 1080p and 4K UHD streaming on select titles, three concurrent streams, and 30 downloads.<ref name="broadband-nl-launch">{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2022/02/24/hbo-max-launches-in-holland-with-lowest-subscription-fee-offer/|title=HBO Max launches in Holland with lowest subscription fee offer|work=Broadband TV News|date=2022-02-24|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Christina Sulebakk, General Manager of HBO Max EMEA, described the promotion as a "once in a lifetime opportunity."<ref name="broadband-nl-launch" />

On June 11, 2024, HBO Max restructured its subscription tiers in the Netherlands, integrating Discovery+ content into the platform.<ref name="bright-june-2024">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bright.nl/nieuws/1198257/dit-gebeurt-er-met-je-levenslange-korting-op-hbo-max-in-juni.html|title=Dit gebeurt er met je levenslange korting op HBO Max|work=Bright|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The service kept the "HBO Max" name in the Netherlands and Belgium due to a trademark dispute with Omroep MAX, the Dutch public broadcaster that had held rights to the name "MAX" in the Benelux since 2005.<ref name="broadband-omroep">{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2023/10/10/dutch-channel-max-means-in-the-benelux-its-still-hbo-max/|title=Dutch channel MAX means in the Benelux it's still HBO Max|work=Broadband TV News|date=2023-10-10|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Lifetime discount holders on the Standard tier were moved from €3.99 to €4.99 per month (50% of the new €9.99 Standard price).<ref name="androidplanet-4k-loss" /> Despite the tier restructuring, these subscribers initially retained 4K and Dolby Atmos access.<ref name="bright-good-news">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bright.nl/nieuws/1198617/hbo-max-heeft-t-ch-goed-nieuws-voor-mensen-met-de-levenslange-korting.html|title=HBO Max heeft tóch goed nieuws voor mensen met de levenslange korting|work=Bright|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

==Subscription downgrade==

On February 21, 2025, HBO Max emailed legacy subscribers in the Netherlands and other European markets, notifying them that their plan features would be reduced effective March 24, 2025.<ref name="androidworld-4k-loss">{{Cite web|url=https://androidworld.nl/nieuws/hbo-max-gunt-trouwe-gebruikers-geen-4k-beeld-en-3-apparaten-streamen-meer/|title=HBO Max gunt gebruikers van het eerste uur geen 4K-beeld meer|work=Androidworld|date=2025-02-21|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The email cited Clause 22.5(iv) of the HBO Max Terms of Use as the legal basis for the changes.<ref name="hbo-premium-terms" />

Subscribers were given two choices. They could keep paying the same amount (€4.99/month with the lifetime discount) and accept a downgrade to HD (1080p), SDR, Dolby 5.1 audio, and two concurrent streams. Or they could upgrade to the Premium tier at €6.99 per month (50% of €13.99), which would preserve 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos, and four concurrent streams.<ref name="filmtotaal-downgrade" /> The Premium upgrade offer was only available until March 24, 2025; after that date, the option to apply the lifetime discount to the Premium plan would be permanently forfeited.<ref name="hbo-premium-terms">{{Cite web|url=https://hbo.max.com/nl/nl/terms-of-use/premium-offer-terms/w2|title=Premium Offer Terms|publisher=HBO Max|access-date=2025-04-01}}</ref>

Android Planet characterized the change as a "verkapte prijsverhoging van twee euro" (a concealed €2 price increase), since retaining the features that came with the original subscription now cost €6.99 instead of €4.99.<ref name="androidplanet-4k-loss" /> The terms also included a lock-in provision: subscribers who switched to any other plan after upgrading to Premium, or who canceled and resubscribed, would permanently lose the lifetime discount.<ref name="hbo-premium-terms" />

A similar downgrade had already occurred in the United States. On December 5, 2023, US legacy ad-free subscribers paying $15.99 per month lost 4K streaming and their third concurrent stream, and were told to upgrade to the $19.99 Ultimate Ad-Free tier to retain those features.<ref name="phonearena-us">{{Cite web|url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Sorry-HBO-Max-legacy-subscribers-MAX-is-taking-away-4K-streaming-starting-next-month_id152262|title=Sorry, HBO Max legacy subscribers, MAX is taking away 4K streaming starting next month|work=PhoneArena|date=2023-11-03|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

===Pricing comparison===

{| class="wikitable"
!HBO Legacy subscription<ref name="hbo-discount-terms" />
!HBO Max Standard subscription
!HBO Max Premium subscription<ref name="hbo-premium-terms" />
|-
|3 streams
|2 streams
|4 streams
|-
|30 downloads
|30 downloads
|100 downloads
|-
|HD & Dolby 5.1 + UHD/4K*
|HD & Dolby 5.1
|4K UHD & Dolby Atmos*
|-
|HDR
|SDR
|HDR
|}

<nowiki>* where available</nowiki>

In November 2025, HBO Max raised prices across Europe, with Netherlands increases taking effect on November 6.<ref name="broadband-europe-prices">{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2025/10/07/hbo-max-raises-prices-across-europe/|title=HBO Max raises prices across Europe|work=Broadband TV News|date=2025-10-07|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The Premium plan rose from €14 to €17, and the Standard plan from €10 to €12.<ref name="broadband-europe-prices" /> Because the lifetime discount is defined as 50% off the current price rather than a fixed amount, legacy subscribers on the Premium plan saw their monthly cost increase accordingly.

===HBO Max's response===

HBO Max did not reverse the downgrade or offer legacy subscribers the option to keep 4K on the Standard plan. The company's official notification emails stated that the changes were being made "in accordance with clause 22.5(iv) of the Max Terms of Use."<ref name="hbo-premium-terms" /> The only concession was the time-limited option to transfer the lifetime discount to the Premium tier before March 24, 2025.<ref name="filmtotaal-downgrade" />

==Consumer response==

Dutch technology press covered the downgrade extensively, with articles from Androidworld,<ref name="androidworld-4k-loss" /> Android Planet,<ref name="androidplanet-4k-loss" /> FilmTotaal,<ref name="filmtotaal-downgrade" /> and Bright<ref name="bright-good-news" /> all reporting on the feature reductions. Multiple outlets noted that the subscribers affected were the earliest adopters who had signed up based on the lifetime discount promotion.

On Reddit, a thread in r/nederlands titled "HBO Max eenzijdige aanpassing voorwaarden" (HBO Max unilateral adjustment of terms) drew complaints from Dutch subscribers, with multiple users describing the downgrade as a [[bait and switch]].<ref name="reddit-nl">{{Cite web |date=2025-02-21 |title=HBO Max eenzijdige aanpassing voorwaarden |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/nederlands/comments/1iuxzzs/hbo_max_eenzijdige_aanpassing_voorwaarden/?tl=en |access-date=2026-03-27 |work=Reddit r/nederlands}}</ref> Discussions also appeared on r/sweden and r/HBOMAX, where subscribers in other European markets reported receiving identical emails.<ref name="reddit-sweden">{{Cite web |date=2025-02-22 |title=(HBO) Max tar bort 4K och HDR från livstidsrabatten |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/sweden/comments/1ivduw4/hbo_max_tar_bort_4k_och_hdr_fr%C3%A5n_livstidsrabatten/?tl=en |access-date=2026-03-27 |work=Reddit r/sweden}}</ref> On Hacker News, users characterized the move as an "easy way to get rid of the few remaining lifetime 50% discount subscriptions," consistent with a broader pattern of streaming service [[enshittification]].<ref name="hn-thread">{{Cite web|url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46161855|title=Easy way to get rid of the few remaining "lifetime 50% discount" HBO Max subscriptions|work=Hacker News|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

Subscribers who missed the March 24 deadline reported on Reddit that customer service refused to reinstate the discount on the Premium tier, leaving them locked into the downgraded Standard plan at the discounted rate or paying full price for Premium.<ref name="reddit-missed">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-31 |title=Ik heb het aanbod gemist van HBO Max upgraden, kan ik nog steeds naar premium en mijn 50% korting behouden? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/nederlands/comments/1mdy6vt/ik_heb_het_aanbod_gemist_van_hbo_max_upgraden_kan/?tl=en |access-date=2026-03-27 |work=Reddit r/nederlands}}</ref>

==EU consumer law==

The EU [[wikipedia:Unfair Contract Terms Directive|Unfair Contract Terms Directive]] (93/13/EEC) classifies contract terms that allow a seller to "alter the terms of the contract unilaterally without a valid reason which is specified in the contract" as potentially unfair.<ref name="eu-uctd">{{Cite web|url=https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/consumer-protection-law/consumer-contract-law/unfair-contract-terms-directive_en|title=Unfair contract terms directive|publisher=European Commission|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The EU Digital Content Directive (2019/770) provides additional protections for consumers of digital services, including the right to a remedy when a digital service does not conform to its contractual specifications.<ref name="eu-dcd">{{Cite web|url=https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/contract-rules/digital-contracts/digital-contract-rules_en|title=Digital contract rules|publisher=European Commission|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

HBO Max relied on Clause 22.5(iv) of its Terms of Use to justify the changes. Under Dutch law, the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) enforces rules against unfair contract modifications and has stated that providers may change pricing or conditions only if permitted by their general terms, and that consumers may cancel without cost if the change is to their disadvantage.<ref name="eu-uctd" /> No ACM enforcement action or formal legal proceedings against HBO Max related to this downgrade have been publicly reported as of March 2026.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:HBO]]
[[Category:HBO Max]]
[[Category:Streaming]]
[[Category:Broken promises]]
[[Category:2025 incidents]]

Frontier Airlines obfuscates web check-in form

2026-03-27T11:25:50Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 17,18: fix dates

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Frontier Airlines
|StartDate=2024-06-01
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Dark Patterns,Hidden Fees
|Description=Frontier charges $5 for website check-in while hiding the form behind multiple navigation layers; app check-in is free
}}
'''Frontier Airlines''' charges up to $5 per passenger, per direction for checking in to a flight through its website, while making the mobile app check-in free.<ref name="optional-services">{{Cite web |url=https://www.flyfrontier.com/optional-services |title=Optional Services |publisher=Frontier Airlines |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> In mid-2024, the airline redesigned its homepage to remove the web check-in form from the front page, requiring passengers to click through secondary menus to find it.<ref name="archive-before">{{Cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127123111/https://www.flyfrontier.com/ |title=Frontier Airlines homepage (archived November 27, 2023) |publisher=Wayback Machine |date=2023-11-27 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref><ref name="archive-after">{{Cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801024737/https://www.flyfrontier.com/ |title=Frontier Airlines homepage (archived August 1, 2024) |publisher=Wayback Machine |date=2024-08-01 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The combination of a fee penalty for using the website and the deliberate obfuscation of the check-in form pushes passengers toward Frontier's mobile app, a practice that passengers have described as a [[dark patterns|dark pattern]].<ref name="simpleflying-complaints">{{Cite web |url=https://simpleflying.com/frontier-airlines-most-complaints-3rd-consecutive-year/ |title=Frontier Airlines Received The Most Complaints For 3rd Consecutive Year |publisher=Simple Flying |date=2025 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

==Background==

[[Frontier Airlines]] is a Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) that transitioned to an unbundled fare model in 2014.<ref name="wikipedia-frontier">{{Cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frontier_Airlines |title=Frontier Airlines |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Under this model, the base fare covers transportation only, while nearly every other service is monetized as an ancillary fee. As of 2025, Frontier reported ancillary revenue of $67.57 per passenger.<ref name="sec-10k">{{Cite web |url=https://www.stocktitan.net/sec-filings/ULCC/10-k-frontier-group-holdings-inc-files-annual-report-0b37c851cc7e.html |title=Frontier Group details 2025 ULCC operations, risks |publisher=Stock Titan |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

Beyond the $5 web check-in fee, Frontier charges a Carrier Interface Charge (CIC) of up to $23 per passenger, per flight segment for booking tickets through its website or call center.<ref name="optional-services" /> Passengers can avoid the CIC by purchasing tickets at an airport counter, a workaround that travel publications have documented as saving $23 per segment on identical fares.<ref name="omaat-airport">{{Cite web |url=https://onemileatatime.com/insights/buy-frontier-tickets-airport/ |title=Save Money Buying Frontier Tickets At The Airport |publisher=One Mile at a Time |date=2022-09-11 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Aviation commentator Gary Leff has argued that structuring the CIC as a separate fee rather than including it in the base fare allows Frontier to avoid paying the mandatory 7.5% federal excise tax on that portion of the ticket price.<ref name="vftw-tax">{{Cite web |url=https://viewfromthewing.com/23-extra-charge-for-booking-frontier-airlines-tickets-online-looks-a-lot-like-tax-fraud/ |title=$23 Extra Charge For Booking Frontier Airlines Tickets Online Looks a Lot Like Tax Fraud |author=Gary Leff |publisher=View from the Wing |date=2025-03-07 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, Sun Country, and Breeze Airways charge similar per-segment online booking fees ranging from $3.99 to $54.<ref name="thrifty-booking-fees">{{Cite web |url=https://thriftytraveler.com/guides/airlines/how-to-save-budget-airlines-online-booking-fees/ |title=The Sneaky Way to Save $40+ on Spirit, Sun Country & Others |publisher=Thrifty Traveler |date=2024-06-10 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

==Web check-in changes==

[[File:FrontierBefore.png|alt=November 27, 2023: The check-in form is easily accessible from the front page.|thumb|November 27, 2023: The check-in form is accessible from the front page.]]
[[File:FrontierNew.png|alt=August 8, 2024: The check-in form now directs the user to use the app.|thumb|August 1, 2024: The homepage pushes users to download the app instead of providing a check-in form.]]

Before mid-2024, the Frontier Airlines homepage included a check-in form directly on the front page, allowing passengers to enter their confirmation code and check in without leaving the page.<ref name="archive-before" /> By August 2024, the homepage no longer displayed this form. Instead, it presented a prominent "DOWNLOAD OUR APP TO CHECK-IN!" message with links to the iOS and Android app stores.<ref name="archive-after" /><ref name="frontier-checkin-page">{{Cite web |url=https://www.flyfrontier.com/travel/my-trips/check-in/ |title=Check-In |publisher=Frontier Airlines |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

Passengers who wanted to check in through the website had to locate the form through indirect routes. One path required clicking "Customer Service" at the bottom of the page, then finding "Help checking in" in the FAQs, then expanding "Other ways to check in" to reveal the hidden form.<ref name="archive-after" /> Another workaround involved clicking "My Trips and Travel Info" and then "Manage Trip."<ref name="frontier-checkin-page" />

Frontier's official fee schedule lists website check-in at "up to $5 per passenger, per direction (non-refundable)," while app check-in carries no fee.<ref name="optional-services" /> The stated policy on the Optional Services page reads: "A fee will apply to customers who check in on the website. Passengers may check in using our mobile app to avoid this fee and save time and money."<ref name="optional-services" /> The fee language has appeared on Frontier's website since at least December 2022, according to Wayback Machine snapshots, but at least one passenger reported in February 2025 that the charge was not applied at checkout despite being listed in the fee schedule.<ref name="optional-services" />

Passengers who skip both the website and app and check in at the airport counter face a $25 per passenger, per direction "Airport Agent Assistance" fee.<ref name="optional-services" /> In May 2025, a passenger at Raleigh-Durham who arrived 50 minutes before departure was told he needed to pay $25 for counter check-in. When he complained, a Frontier agent threatened to ban him from the airline and called police. The passenger ended up purchasing a $500 JetBlue ticket instead.<ref name="vftw-police">{{Cite web |url=https://viewfromthewing.com/never-flying-this-airline-again-watch-as-frontier-threatens-ban-calls-police-when-passenger-complains-about-25-fee-just-to-check-in/ |title="Never Flying This Airline Again" - Watch As Frontier Threatens Ban, Calls Police When Passenger Complains About $25 Fee Just To Check In |publisher=View from the Wing |date=2025-05-03 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

===Frontier's response===

Frontier has not issued a public statement explaining why the web check-in form was moved off the homepage. The airline's consumer-facing messaging frames the app as a convenience: "Save time and money with the Frontier mobile app. Use the Frontier mobile app to book and manage travel, check-in, and get your boarding pass quickly and easily."<ref name="frontier-checkin-page" />

On May 17, 2024, Frontier announced "The New Frontier," a pricing overhaul that eliminated change fees for Economy and higher fare classes, extended flight credit validity from 90 days to 12 months, and reintroduced live phone support.<ref name="new-frontier-pr">{{Cite web |url=https://news.flyfrontier.com/announcing-the-new-frontier-transparent-pricing-no-change-fees-and-enhanced-customer-experience/ |title=Announcing 'The New Frontier': Transparent Pricing, No Change Fees, and Enhanced Customer Experience |publisher=Frontier Airlines |date=2024-05-17 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The initiative did not address the web check-in fee or the homepage redesign.

==Other airline check-in practices==

Among budget carriers, Frontier's practice of charging for website check-in while keeping app check-in free is unusual. European ULCCs penalize passengers who fail to check in digitally, but they do not charge for website check-in specifically. Ryanair charges up to 55 EUR (55 GBP in the United Kingdom) for airport check-in but allows free check-in through both its website and app.<ref name="ryanair-fees">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ryanair.com/us/en/useful-info/help-centre/fees |title=Fees |publisher=Ryanair |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Wizz Air charges 13 to 40 EUR for airport check-in but offers free online check-in on its website and app.<ref name="wizzair-fees">{{Cite web |url=https://www.wizzair.com/en-gb/information-and-services/prices-discounts/all-services-fees |title=All Services and Fees |publisher=Wizz Air |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

U.S. competitors Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Sun Country charge online booking fees (called "Passenger Usage Charge," "Electronic Carrier Usage Charge," or "Passenger Interface Charge") of $3.99 to $22.99 per segment, but these apply to the ticket purchase transaction, not to the check-in process itself.<ref name="thrifty-booking-fees" />

==Consumer response==

Frontier has held the worst complaint ratio among major U.S. airlines for three consecutive years. In 2024, passengers filed 23.3 complaints per 100,000 passengers with the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 10 points above the next-worst airline (Spirit, at 12.8) and over 15 times the rate of Southwest (1.5).<ref name="pirg-2025">{{Cite web |url=https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/plane-truth-2025/ |title=Plane Truth 2025: Airline complaints rise |publisher=U.S. PIRG Education Fund |date=2025 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> In 2024, U.S. airlines received a record 66,675 total complaints.<ref name="pirg-2025" />

Frontier's check-in cutoff policy compounds the fee issue. The airline closes counter check-in 60 minutes before departure, and passengers who miss the window cannot board regardless of willingness to pay.<ref name="optional-services" />

==Regulatory context==

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation finalized the "Enhancing Transparency of Airline Ancillary Service Fees" rule, which would have required airlines to disclose baggage, cancellation, and change fees upfront during the initial fare quote. The DOT estimated the rule would save consumers $500 million annually.<ref name="dot-junk-fee-rule">{{Cite web |url=https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/ancillaryfeefinalruleapril2024 |title=Final Rule - Enhancing Transparency of Airline Ancillary Service Fees |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |date=2024-04-24 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Airlines for America, the airline industry trade group, challenged the rule in court. On February 3, 2026, the en banc Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the rule after the DOT conceded it had failed to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act's notice-and-comment requirements for a cost-benefit study used in the rulemaking.<ref name="fifth-circuit-vacated">{{Cite web |date=2026-02-27 |title=Aviation Regulatory Update - February 2026 |url=https://www.eckertseamans.com/legal-updates/aviation-regulatory-update-february-2026 |access-date=2026-03-27 |publisher=Eckert Seamans}}</ref>

The [[Federal Trade Commission]] has warned that dark patterns, which it defines as "design practices that trick or manipulate users into making choices they would not otherwise have made," may violate Section 5 of the FTC Act. The FTC's 2022 report on dark patterns specifically cited hidden costs and manipulative user interfaces as enforcement targets.<ref name="ftc-dark-patterns">{{Cite web |date=2022-09-14 |title=Bringing Dark Patterns to Light |url=https://www.ftc.gov/reports/bringing-dark-patterns-light |access-date=2026-03-27 |publisher=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref> No enforcement action targeting Frontier's web check-in design has been announced.

Frontier has faced separate DOT enforcement for other consumer protection violations. In November 2022, the DOT ordered Frontier to pay $222 million in refunds and a $2.2 million civil penalty for failing to provide timely refunds during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="dot-refund-2022">{{Cite web |url=https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/more-600-million-refunds-returned-airline-passengers-under-dot-rules-backed-new |title=More Than $600 Million in Refunds Returned to Airline Passengers Under DOT Rules Backed by New Enforcement Actions Issued Today |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |date=2022-11-14 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> In January 2025, the DOT fined Frontier $650,000 for operating three chronically delayed flights at least 63 times between August 2022 and April 2023.<ref name="dot-delay-2025">{{Cite web |url=https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/Frontier-Airlines-Order-2025-1-2 |title=Frontier Airlines - Order 2025-1-2 |publisher=U.S. Department of Transportation |date=2025-01-16 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:2024 incidents]]
[[Category:Dark patterns]]
[[Category:Airlines]]
[[Category:Hidden fees]]

Discord

2026-03-27T11:22:08Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 35: fix dates

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American technology company that runs a platform for messaging and calling targeted towards gamers.
|Founded=2015
|Industry=VoIP communications, instant messaging, videoconferences, content delivery, and social media
|Logo=Discord.svg
|ParentCompany=Discord Inc.
|Type=Private
|Website=https://discord.com
|CompanyAlias=Discord Inc.
}}
'''Discord''' is a proprietary VoIP and instant-messaging platform developed by Discord Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel, Inc.), co-founded by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Guadalupe |date=3 May 2018 |title=There Are 2.6 Billion Online Gamers in the World. This Startup Just May Connect Them All |url=https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503131556/https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html |archive-date=3 May 2018 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=Inc.}}</ref> Launched in 2015, the service has grown to over 150 million monthly active users as of 2025. While initially marketed towards PC gamers, Discord has expanded to multiple platforms, serving various communities and use cases, including education.<ref name="about-company">{{Cite web |date=15 Apr 2024 |title=About Discord <nowiki>|</nowiki> Our Mission and Values |url=https://discord.com/company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250608013037/https://discord.com/company |archive-date=8 Jun 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=Discord}}</ref>

In April 2025, Humam Sakhnini (formerly King, Activision Blizzard) replaced Jason Citron as CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discord Appoints Humam Sakhnini as Chief Executive Officer |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-appoints-new-ceo-humam-sakhnini |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124072250/https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-appoints-new-ceo-humam-sakhnini |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

===Privacy<ref name="terms-of-service3">[https://discord.com/terms/ "Discord's Terms of Service"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033955/https://discord.com/terms/ Archived])</ref>===
Mentioned within the '''Discord ToS<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' and '''Privacy Policy''':<ref name="privacy-policy3">[https://discord.com/privacy/ "Discord Privacy Policy"]. April 15, 2024. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216034021/https://discord.com/privacy/ Archived]) ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref><ref name="community-guidelines2">[https://discord.com/guidelines/ "Discord Community Guidelines"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025. ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260216015550/https://discord.com/guidelines Archived])</ref>
*Collects a variety of user data, such as contact details; user generated messages and posts, including drafts; voice messages; payment information; server participation; device information, such as games being playing; log and event information related to use of Discord services as well as information from [[Web cookie|cookies]] and third party sources<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Privacy Policy: The information we collect |url=https://discord.com/privacy#3 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Discord |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128220720/https://discord.com/privacy |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*Claims broad rights to user-generated content
*Stores deleted messages for undefined periods
*Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed"
*Processes user content for "safety features and platform improvement"
*Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers
*Opt-out behavioral tracking across platform features for personalization
*Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information for an undetermined amount of time, flags any user who has ever signed in with an EU IP address for inclusion within DSA transparency reports
*Sends a web request when any UI element is clicked and when typing
In 2019, Discord started requiring phone verification. The account will be locked until a phone number is added, regardless of account age or recent activity. The account will be automatically locked if the phone number is removed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=opal |date=2019-04-15 |title=guess I'm done with Discord |url=https://wowana.me/blog/guess-im-done-with-discord.xht |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331090127/https://wowana.me/blog/guess-im-done-with-discord.xht |archive-date=2024-03-31 |website=wowana.me}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cadence |date=2020-06-06 |title=Why you shouldn't trust Discord |url=https://cadence.moe/blog/2020-06-06-why-you-shouldnt-trust-discord |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215170749/https://cadence.moe/blog/2020-06-06-why-you-shouldnt-trust-discord |archive-date=2026-02-15 |website=cadence.moe}}</ref>

===Freedom===
In order to use Discord, users must agree to the '''Discord ToS<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' and '''Privacy Policy''', which includes agreeing to:<ref name="privacy-policy3" />
*Mandatory [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]] with [[class action|class-action]] waiver for U.S. users (From 19 October 2018)
*Granting a perpetual, transferable license to user content
*Broad terms of service, which allow for unilateral changes
*Termination of user accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion
*No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service
*Discord possibly retaining content even after deletion by the user
Additionally, server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned, and users are required to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions.

===Transparency===
Discord's terms of service are lengthy and complex. In October 2025, the base terms are 29 pages long, with a reading level of 14th grade (equivalent to two years of tertiary education) and an estimated reading time of 42 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calculated using readabilitychecker.com based on current discord TOS. discord.com/terms |url=https://readabilitychecker.com/url |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210185029/https://readabilitychecker.com/url |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> The 2021 version of Discord's ToS would take an estimated 275+ hours to read.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EULA of despair |url=https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |website=Penn State University Pilot Lab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216034102/https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Mentioned within the '''Discord Privacy Policy'''<ref name="privacy-policy3" /> and '''Community Guidelines''':<ref name="community-guidelines2" />
*Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests
*Vague about data retention time frames
*Limited transparency regarding content moderation decisions<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=BBB - Discord, Inc. |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |access-date=Aug 2, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210184246/https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Trustpilot - Discord |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/discord.com |access-date=Aug 2, 2025 |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112025215/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/discord.com |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>
**Offending content not always displayed to the user, including metadata, filenames, timestamps, or the channel where it was posted
**No limits or restrictions on the age of content (e.g., users can be suspended due to something sent 1500 days ago)
*Lack of transparency in the server ban appeals process<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
*Limited disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors
*No clear disclosure of how the content is used for platform improvement
==Incidents==
===Introduction of forced arbitration (Oct. 2018)===
In October 2018, [[forced arbitration]] was added to the [[Terms of Service|terms of service]]. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to arbitration-opt-out@discord.com within 90 days of the ToS going in effect or registering their first account.'''<ref name="terms-of-service3" />'''

===Child safety concerns (June 2023)===
An [[wikipedia:NBC News|NBC News]] investigation in June 2023 uncovered widespread child safety issues on Discord, revealing systemic problems with the platform's user protection measures.

Investigators identified 35 separate cases where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material (CSAM) on the platform were documented.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFGoggin2023" class="citation web cs1">Goggin, Ben (21 Jun 2023). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230621152318/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 Archived] from the original on 21 Jun 2023. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Child+predators+are+using+Discord%2C+a+popular+app+among+teens%2C+for+sextortion+and+abductions&rft.date=2023-06-21&rft.aulast=Goggin&rft.aufirst=Ben&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsocial-media%2Fdiscord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

===FTC data collection investigation (Sept. 2024)===
In September 2024, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data collection practices as part of a broader investigation into the data collection practices of social media platforms.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite class="citation web cs1">[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services"] (PDF). ''Federal Trade Commission''. 11 Sep 2024. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919133855/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf Archived] (PDF) from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Federal+Trade+Commission&rft.atitle=A+Look+Behind+the+Screens%3A+Examining+the+Data+Practices+of+Social+Media+and+Video+Streaming+Services&rft.date=2024-09-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fftc_gov%2Fpdf%2FSocial-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:
*Message content and metadata
*Voice-chat participation
*Server membership and activity
*Device and location information
Particular concern was raised about:
*[https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312 Collection of data from users under 13]
*Handling of minors' user information
*Inadequate age-verification systems
The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:
*Identity theft exposure
*Potential stalking risks
*Discrimination concerns
*Mental health and emotional impact

The FTC concluded that Discord's data practices posed unacceptable risks to users, particularly minors, and recommended significant reforms to the platform's privacy protection measures.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFTolentino2024" class="citation web cs1">Tolentino, Daysia (19 Sep 2024). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919171049/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 Archived] from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Social+media+companies+engaged+in+%27vast+surveillance%2C%27+FTC+finds%2C+calling+status+quo+%27unacceptable%27&rft.date=2024-09-19&rft.aulast=Tolentino&rft.aufirst=Daysia&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsecurity%2Fsocial-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

===Reinforcement of forced arbitration (Sept. 2025)===
Announced August 29th, 2025, and put into effect September 29th, 2025, Discord updated and re-iterated their [[forced arbitration]] clause but gave users another option to opt-out of forced arbitration until October 29th, 2025, for existing accounts, or 30 days after initial agreement for new accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-29 |title=Discord's Terms of Service |url=https://discord.com/terms#16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007023150/https://discord.com/terms#16 |archive-date=2025-10-07 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord.com}}</ref> Users are automatically opted into the forced arbitration clause unless they take specific action to opt out of it within 30 days. Instead, if users chose to delete their accounts, the platform required them to accept the terms in order to access their account, from which they could then delete it, making acceptance of the new terms mandatory.
[[File:Discord Forced Arbitration 1.png|alt=An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application.|thumb|(2025-09-29) An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application. The terms of service at the time of this screenshot includes forced arbitration and disallows users from filing a class-action lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Discord |date=2025-09-29 |title=Terms of Service {{!}} Discord |url=https://discord.com/terms |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=Discord}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222174800/https://discord.com/terms Archived])</ref>]]

===Third-Party customer service data breach (Oct. 2025)===
{{Main|Discord / 5CA Data Breach}}
In October 2025, Discord issued a press release announcing a "Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service [5CA]", in which "the unauthorized party [...] gained access to a small number of government‑ID images (e.g., driver’s license, passport) from users who had appealed an age determination," as well as other personal data provided to support.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Update on a Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006163040/https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |archive-date=2025-10-06 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord}}</ref> The number of ID images accessed was approximately 70,000, and the third-party in question was later named as 5CA.<ref name=":2" /> The hackers involved in the breach have revealed that the data was accessed via Zendesk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Troy |date=2025-10-04 |title=X |url=https://x.com/troyhunt/status/1974558088847102289}}</ref>

===Announcement of age verification coming in March (Feb. 2026)===
{{Main|Discord's Mandatory Age Verification}}
In February 2026, Discord issued a press release announcing "enhanced teen safety features rolling out globally", which begins with a "rollout to new and existing users in early March", that may require users "to engage in an age-verification process to change certain settings or access sensitive content".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-09 |title=Discord Launches Teen-by-Default Settings Globally |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209142047/https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally |archive-date=2026-02-09 |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=Discord}}</ref>

On February 9, 2026, a [https://www.change.org/p/prevent-discord-from-implementing-id-verification Change.org petition] was created to prevent Discord from implementing the age verification globally.

===Discord's connections to Palantir===
Discord in the UK once utilized<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=2026-02-23 |title=Discord distances itself from Persona age verification after user backlash |url=https://www.theverge.com/tech/878369/discord-persona-age-verification |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224163803/https://www.theverge.com/tech/878369/discord-persona-age-verification |archive-date=2026-02-24 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Giono |first=Catherina |date=2026-02-24 |title=Discord distances itself from Peter Thiel–backed verification software after its code was found on a Google Cloud endpoint |url=https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226164710/https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/ |archive-date=2026-02-26 |website=Fortune}}</ref> [[Persona]] as a third-party, specialized vendor for age verification, requiring UK-based users to submit facial scans or ID to access restricted content. A since redacted statement on the support.discord.com web-page under the "How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord" article stated<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212201755/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-12 |website=Discord}}</ref>:{{Quote|"Important: If you're located in the UK, you may be part of an experiment where your information will be processed by an age-assurance vendor, Persona. The Information you submit will be temporarily stored for up to 7 days, then deleted. For ID document verification, all details are blurred except your photo and date of birth, so only what's truly needed for age verification is used".}}
[[File:Discord Article Changes.png|alt=This image shows the Screenshorts of the changes support article on Discord's support page|thumb|Changes between the 15th of February compared to the 19th of February 2026]]
After significant backlash from the online community, Discord has changed their statement under the article (as of February 19th, 2026)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218072524/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-18 |website=Discord}}</ref>: {{Quote|"Note: Some users in regions outside the UK and Australia may see age-assurance prompts when accessing certain features or settings as part of ongoing experiments."}}

Discord does not further clarify what the "experiments" entail. Furthermore, the more detailed help-center article does not contain any mentions of the vendor Persona. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=What’s Changing for UK Users Due to the UK Online Safety Act |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959-What-s-Changing-for-UK-Users-Due-to-the-UK-Online-Safety-Act |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040004/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959-What-s-Changing-for-UK-and-Australian-Users |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Discord}}</ref> 

Persona is an identity verification tool producer, that has received $200 million dollars<ref>{{Cite web |last=Song |first=Rick |date=2026-01-21 |title=Announcing Persona’s $200M Series D |url=https://withpersona.com/blog/series-d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218172300/https://withpersona.com/blog/series-d |archive-date=2026-02-18 |website=*Persona}}</ref> from the Founders Fund<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona |url=https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040423/https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Founders' Fund - Portfolio |url=https://foundersfund.com/portfolio/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228034728/https://foundersfund.com/portfolio/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref>, a venture capital group headed by Peter Thiel<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Thiel |url=https://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528193728/http://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |archive-date=2016-05-28 |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref>. Peter Thiel is also the co-founder of Palantir Technologies Inc, a global surveillance company.<ref name=":3" />

===Inactive account deletions===
Discord has a [[Inactive account deletion|deletion policy on inactive accounts]], in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled for deletion. Before the deletion of an inactive account, users may receive an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled for deletion. Such policies could adversely affect those who had good reasons to become inactive for a long time, such as hospitalization, prison incarceration, and being in totalitarian countries that have prolonged internet shutdowns. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Librarian |date=2023-06-14 |title=Inactive Account Deletion |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210025748/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion |archive-date=2026-02-10 |website=Discord}}</ref>

===SDK vulnerability with Arc Raiders integration (March 2026)===
In March 2026, Timothy Meadows, a computer engineer discovered a privacy and security vulnerability that involved Discord's [[wikipedia:Software_development_kit|software developer kit (SDK)]] and integrations with the [[wikipedia:Arc_Raiders|Arc Raiders]] game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meadows |first=Timothy |date=3 Mar 2026 |title=Arc Raiders - Discord SDK Data Exposure |url=https://timothymeadows.com/arc-raiders-discord-sdk-data-exposure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pktbu |archive-date=2026-03-06 |access-date=8 Mar 2026 |website=timothymeadows.com}}</ref> This vulnerability affected the users with their Discord account linked with the game, allowing the software to log and store locally Discord private conversations, user credentials and other user information in an unencrypted log file. If the Arc Raiders game crashes, this file could be sent to the game developers. Embark Studios disabled the SDK integration after the incident was announced. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Klotz |first=Aaron |date=Mar 2026 |title=Arc Raiders was accidentally recording Discord conversations into an unencrypted local game file — vulnerability in SDK could log messages and credentials in plaintext |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/pc-gaming/arc-raiders-was-accidentally-recording-discord-conversations-into-an-unencrypted-local-game-file-vulnerability-in-sdk-could-log-messages-and-credentials-in-plaintext |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/kWBIf |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=8 Mar 2026 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web |last=Marnell |first=Blair |date=6 Mar 2026 |title=Arc Raiders Was Recording Private Discord DMs |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/arc-raiders-was-recording-private-discord-dms/1100-6538629/|url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/2ZQ1M |archive-date=2026-03-08 |access-date=8 Mar 2026 |website=Gamespot}}</ref>
Before the incident was known, when an user linked their Discord account, a pop-up claimed that Arc Raiders "cannot read users' messages". {{Citation needed}}

===Discord's Protection of Sexual Predators and Pedophiles (April 2025 - Present)===
[[File:Discord's protection of pedophiles.png|thumb|First Offence is a 24-hour mute, with it as an active violation that stays on your profile for up to 4 years, when going after active pedophiles.]]
In April 2025, Discord sees pedophiles as a protected class; they don't even care about your children. Anyone who takes action against them will be hit with the [https://discord.com/safety/hateful-conduct-policy-explainer hateful conduct policy] First offence on Discord for going after pedophiles will be shown in the image on the right. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Alex |date=24 Apr 2025 |title=Why Did Discord Make the Controversial Decision to Shut Down Ro-Cleaner? |url=https://pupuweb.com/why-did-discord-make-the-controversial-decision-to-shut-down-ro-cleaner/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250425034609if_/https://pupuweb.com/why-did-discord-make-the-controversial-decision-to-shut-down-ro-cleaner/ |archive-date=25 Apr 2025 |access-date=25 Apr 2025 |work=Pupuweb}}</ref> [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJD9MQLaQ-g No Text To Speech's video] also explains this!

==Solution to delete an account without agreeing to the updated ToS==

*Visit [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/212500837-How-to-Delete-your-Discord-Account How to delete Discord account] and scroll to "Having Trouble Deleting Your Discord Account?" Find the link titled "Reach out to our support team". Direct link subject to user instance - http://dis.gd/support

*Fill out the "Submit a request" form. (A web search for "Submit a request Discord" may help users find the form. Be sure to answer the question "What can we help you with?" with "Help and Support" from the drop-down.) '''Please fill out the form using the same email address associated with your Discord account, as this process may need to be restarted if it is not.''' In the form, under "Type of question," there is an option for "Account deletion request". Proceed to fill out and submit the form with any other relevant information. An email will then be sent with further instructions, including how to proceed with account deletion, which involves responding to the email with "I confirm that I would like to delete the account associated with [user email]." '''The response must be received from the same email as the one associated with the Discord account.'''

==Solution to disable forced updates on Linux==
If you're running a .deb installation of Discord, you can disable forced updates by adding "SKIP_HOST_UPDATE": true to ~/.config/discord/settings.json.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pardomuan |first=Patar Isac |date=2025-04-26 |title=How I Bypassed Discord’s Forced Update on Linux |url=https://medium.com/@patarisac/how-i-bypassed-discords-forced-update-on-linux-2bbc39b5949c |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Medium |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004041109/https://medium.com/@patarisac/how-i-bypassed-discords-forced-update-on-linux-2bbc39b5949c |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

==Consumer friendly alternatives==

*[https://stoat.chat/ Stoat] [https://github.com/stoatchat Stoat's GitHub]
*[https://www.rootapp.com/ Root]

[[File:Discord Vague Infringement example.png|thumb|An example of how Discord handles its moderation from a user's perspective.]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Discord]]
[[Category:Forced arbitration]]

Booking.com Post-Payment Terms Disclosure

2026-03-27T11:17:56Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 11,15: fix dates

{{#seo:
|description=Booking.com lets hosts impose terms after payment; regulators in the US, UK, Spain, and Hungary have fined the platform for opaque pricing practices.
}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Booking.com
|StartDate=2025
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Contract Transparency, Material Omission
|Description=Hosts impose terms after payment; platform disclaims responsibility and defends chargebacks citing "non-refundable" status.
}}

'''[[Booking.com]]''' processes over 1.1 billion room nights per year across 3.4 million properties, but its booking flow doesn't require hosts to show all terms before the consumer pays.<ref name="boapps">{{Cite web |url=https://www.businessofapps.com/data/booking-statistics/ |title=Booking Revenue and Usage Statistics (2026) |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Business of Apps}}</ref> Consumers have reported paying for reservations only to receive chargeback waivers, liability releases, and uncapped fee authorizations after the transaction went through. When disputes arise, Booking.com's own Terms of Service cap its liability at the cost of the booking and refer the consumer back to the host.<ref name="booking_tos">{{Cite web |url=https://www.booking.com/content/terms.html |title=Terms and Conditions |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Booking.com}}</ref> Regulators in the UK, Hungary, Spain, and Texas have all taken enforcement action against the platform's pricing practices, and the FTC's Junk Fees Rule, effective May 12, 2025, now requires Booking.com to display all mandatory fees upfront.<ref name="ftc_rule">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/12/federal-trade-commission-announces-bipartisan-rule-banning-junk-ticket-hotel-fees |title=Federal Trade Commission Announces Bipartisan Rule Banning Junk Ticket and Hotel Fees |date=2024-12-17 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>

==Background==

Booking.com is a subsidiary of Booking Holdings Inc., which reported $23.7 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024.<ref name="boapps" /> The platform lists approximately 3.4 million properties in over 220 countries.<ref name="boapps" />

The company operates on an intermediary model. Booking.com processes the payment, but its Terms of Service say the consumer's contract is with the host, not the platform.<ref name="booking_tos" /> The ToS state that a host's upfront payment policy is something Booking.com doesn't "influence and [isn't] responsible for," while telling consumers to "check the Service Provider's upfront payments policy (available during the booking process)" before completing a purchase.<ref name="booking_tos" /> The platform's liability cap limits its maximum financial exposure to the cost of the booking as stated in the confirmation email, regardless of what went wrong.<ref name="booking_tos" />

This creates a gap. Booking.com collects the money but says it isn't responsible for the terms attached to that money. The obligation to disclose pre-payment conditions falls on the host, with no platform-level mechanism to verify that disclosure happened before the charge went through.<ref name="booking_gdt">{{Cite web |date=2013 |title=General Delivery Terms |url=https://admin.booking.com/hotelreg/terms-and-conditions.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Booking.com}}</ref>

==Post-payment terms==

Consumer complaints follow a pattern: a host presents conditions the consumer didn't see during checkout, then Booking.com treats the dispute as a matter between the consumer and the host.

Booking.com's own Terms of Service acknowledge that consumers agree not only to the platform's terms but also to "any other terms provided during the booking process," without specifying when those terms must appear relative to payment.<ref name="booking_tos" /> The types of host-imposed terms that consumers encounter after checkout include provisions claiming to waive chargeback rights, blanket liability waivers, authorization for charges beyond the checkout total, fixed financial penalties not in the listing, and cancellation conditions that differ from the pre-payment display.<ref name="bbb" />

The Better Business Bureau gives Booking.com USA an F rating. The BBB has logged 5,060 complaints in the past three years and 1,866 in the past twelve months. Of those, 720 went completely unanswered by the company, and 49 weren't resolved.<ref name="bbb">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/profile/online-travel-agency/bookingcom-usa-inc-0121-139308 |title=Booking.com USA, Inc. BBB Business Profile |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Better Business Bureau}}</ref> On December 7, 2022, Booking.com closed its Grand Rapids, Michigan office and told the BBB it "cannot be reached by phone" for claims, routing all disputes to its Amsterdam headquarters.<ref name="bbb" />

On Trustpilot, Booking.com holds a 1.8 out of 5 rating across more than 107,000 reviews. The most common negative review themes are hidden charges, unauthorized withdrawals, and properties that took money without honoring the advertised terms.<ref name="trustpilot">{{Cite web |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.booking.com |title=Booking.com Reviews |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Trustpilot}}</ref>

===Platform liability disclaimers===

Booking.com's General Delivery Terms, the host-facing contract, state that the platform "is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information... provided by the Guests" and "is not responsible for the payment obligations of the Guests relating to their reservations."<ref name="booking_gdt" /> The same document puts the disclosure obligation on the host, requiring that "up-front payment conditions, including any rate restrictions, terms and conditions in relation to such pre-payment, are clearly explained to Guests in the Accommodation Information."<ref name="booking_gdt" />

The consumer-facing Terms of Service add a mandatory binding arbitration clause and a class action waiver covering most disputes between consumers and the platform.<ref name="booking_tos" />

==Regulatory enforcement==

Booking.com has been the target of enforcement actions in multiple countries for pricing opacity and misleading practices.

===UK: Competition and Markets Authority (2019)===

The UK CMA launched enforcement action against Booking.com and five other booking sites in 2018 over pressure selling, misleading discount claims, and hidden charges.<ref name="cma_enforcement">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hotel-booking-sites-to-make-major-changes-after-cma-probe |title=Hotel booking sites to make major changes after CMA probe |date=2019-02-06 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref> The investigation found that the full cost of a room wasn't displayed upfront and that false availability impressions pushed consumers to book faster.<ref name="cma_investigation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-launches-enforcement-action-against-hotel-booking-sites |title=CMA launches enforcement action against hotel booking sites |date=2018-06-27 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref> Booking.com provided formal commitments to change. The CMA later published sector-wide principles requiring all mandatory charges in the headline price.<ref name="cma_sector">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-overhaul-of-hotel-booking-sector-after-cma-action |title=Major overhaul of hotel booking sector after CMA action |date=2019-09-13 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref>

===Hungary: Competition Authority (2020, 2024)===

In April 2020, Hungary's GVH imposed a fine of HUF 2.5 billion (approximately EUR 7 million) on Booking.com, the largest consumer protection fine in Hungarian history at the time, for misleading free cancellation advertising and psychological pressure tactics like "last rooms available" messaging.<ref name="gvh_2020">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gvh.hu/en/press_room/press_releases/press-releases-2020/gigantic-fine-imposed-on-booking.com-by-the-gvh |title=Gigantic fine imposed on Booking.com by the GVH |date=2020-04-28 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH)}}</ref>

A follow-up investigation found Booking.com hadn't fully complied. The company kept using prohibited urgent messaging until February 26, 2024 and didn't stop its misleading free cancellation advertising until April 26, 2024.<ref name="gvh_2024">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-15 |title=Record fine: the GVH fined Booking almost HUF 400 million |url=https://www.gvh.hu/en/press_room/press_releases/press-releases-2024/record-fine-the-gvh-fined-booking-almost-huf-400-million |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH)}}</ref> In July 2024, the GVH imposed a further HUF 382.5 million fine. Booking.com waived its right to appeal but didn't admit wrongdoing.<ref name="gvh_2024" />

===Spain: CNMC (2024)===

On July 29, 2024, Spain's National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) fined Booking.com €413.24 million for abusing its dominant position between 2019 and 2024.<ref name="cnmc">{{Cite web |url=https://www.concurrences.com/en/bulletin/news-issues/july-2024/the-spanish-competition-authority-fines-an-online-hotel-booking-platform |title=The Spanish Competition Authority fines an online hotel booking platform €413M for abusing its dominant position between 2019 and 2024 |date=2024-07-29 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Concurrences}}</ref> The fine covered two infringements: imposing unfair commercial conditions on Spanish hotels and restricting competition from other online travel agencies.<ref name="cnmc" />

===Texas: Attorney General settlement (2025)===

On August 19, 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $9.5 million settlement with Booking Holdings Inc., covering Booking.com, Priceline.com, and Kayak.com.<ref name="texas_ag">{{Cite web |url=https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-secures-historic-95-million-settlement-booking-engaging-deceptive-junk |title=Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Historic $9.5 Million Settlement with Booking for Engaging in Deceptive "Junk Fee" Practices |date=2025-08-19 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Office of the Texas Attorney General}}</ref> It was the largest US state settlement against an online travel agency for junk fees.

The lawsuit, filed in August 2023 under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, alleged that Booking.com marketed room rates that weren't available and hid mandatory fees (resort fees, amenity fees, destination fees, sometimes exceeding $100 per day) by grouping them with government taxes under a single "Taxes and Fees" line at checkout.<ref name="texas_pymnts">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pymnts.com/legal/2025/booking-holdings-settles-texas-lawsuit-alleging-it-obscured-mandatory-fees/ |title=Booking Holdings Settles Texas Lawsuit Alleging It Obscured Mandatory Fees |date=2025-08-19 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=PYMNTS.com}}</ref> Of the $9.5 million, $8 million went to the Supreme Court Judicial Fund and $1.5 million covered the state's legal costs. Booking Holdings didn't admit wrongdoing.<ref name="texas_pymnts" />

==FTC Junk Fees Rule==

On December 17, 2024, the FTC voted 4-1 to finalize the Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (16 CFR Part 464), covering live-event tickets and short-term lodging.<ref name="ftc_rule" /> The rule requires any business selling short-term lodging to display the total price, including all mandatory fees, as the most prominent price whenever any price is shown. Optional charges and government taxes can be excluded but must be disclosed before the consumer agrees to pay.<ref name="ftc_alston">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title=FTC Issues Final Rule on Junk Fees for Live Ticketing and Short-Term Lodging |url=https://www.alston.com/en/insights/publications/2024/12/ftc-issues-final-rule-on-junk-fees |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Alston & Bird}}</ref>

Violations carry civil penalties up to $51,744 per occurrence.<ref name="ftc_alston" /> Booking.com's own developer documentation confirms the rule took effect on May 12, 2025 and describes how the platform now bundles resort fees, service fees, and destination fees into the upfront total price shown to US consumers.<ref name="booking_ftc">{{Cite web |url=https://developers.booking.com/demand/docs/compliance/ftc-compliance |title=Displaying prices to U.S. travellers - FTC compliance |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Booking.com for Developers}}</ref>

==EU gatekeeper designation==

On May 13, 2024, the European Commission designated Booking.com as a gatekeeper under the [[Digital Markets Act]].<ref name="dma_designation">{{Cite web |url=https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/commission-designates-booking-gatekeeper-and-opens-market-investigation-x-2024-05-13_en |title=Commission designates Booking as a gatekeeper and opens a market investigation into X |date=2024-05-13 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=European Commission Digital Markets Act}}</ref> Full compliance was required by November 14, 2024.<ref name="dma_compliance">{{Cite web |url=https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/booking-must-comply-all-relevant-obligations-under-digital-markets-act-2024-11-14_en |title=Booking must comply with all relevant obligations under the Digital Markets Act |date=2024-11-14 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=European Commission Digital Markets Act}}</ref> Under the DMA, Booking.com must allow hotels to offer lower prices on their own websites and other platforms.

Separately, the European Court of Justice ruled on September 19, 2024 (Case C-264/23) that Booking.com's price parity clauses, both wide and narrow, don't qualify as ancillary restraints under Article 101(1) TFEU and violate EU competition law.<ref name="ecj_parity">{{Cite web |url=https://news.gtp.gr/2024/09/20/european-hotels-applaud-eu-court-ruling-against-booking-coms-price-parity-clauses/ |title=European Hotels Applaud EU Court Ruling Against Booking.com's Price Parity Clauses |date=2024-09-20 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=GTP Headlines}}</ref> The court found these clauses "could not only restrict competition among hotel reservation platforms but also risk pushing smaller platforms and new market entrants out of the industry."<ref name="ecj_parity" />

==Consumer remedies==

US consumers who encounter undisclosed post-payment terms can dispute the charge under the [[Fair Credit Billing Act]] (15 U.S.C. Section 1666). The FCBA gives cardholders 60 days from the first statement showing the charge to dispute a billing error in writing. The card issuer must investigate and can't collect the disputed amount during the investigation.<ref name="fcba">{{Cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1666 |title=15 U.S. Code § 1666 - Correction of billing errors |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Legal Information Institute}}</ref> Section 1666i (the FCBA's Section 170) lets consumers assert defenses against the card issuer for quality-of-goods disputes when the charge exceeds $50 and the purchase was made in the consumer's home state or within 100 miles of their address.<ref name="fcba_170">{{Cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1666i |title=15 U.S. Code § 1666i - Assertion by cardholder against card issuer of claims and defenses arising out of credit card transaction |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Legal Information Institute}}</ref>

Visa's Core Rules add a separate layer. An e-commerce merchant must display its refund policy, cancellation policy, and terms of purchase on the same screen view as the checkout page or on the checkout screen near the "submit" button, and the cardholder must click to accept before the transaction goes through.<ref name="visa_rules">{{Cite web |url=https://usa.visa.com/content/dam/VCOM/global/support-legal/documents/merchants-dispute-management-guidelines.pdf |title=Dispute Management Guidelines for Visa Merchants |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Visa}}</ref> If a host imposes a fee that wasn't on the checkout screen, the consumer has strong grounds for a chargeback because the merchant can't demonstrate that the terms were presented before authorization.

In the EU, the Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU) requires that traders disclose all pre-contractual information before a distance sale and that order buttons carry an unambiguous label like "order with obligation to pay." The CJEU tested this against a Booking.com hotel reservation in Case C-249/21 (Fuhrmann-2-GmbH, April 7, 2022), ruling that if a button labelled "complete booking" doesn't unambiguously signal a payment obligation in the language's everyday usage, the consumer isn't bound by the contract or its fees.<ref name="fuhrmann">{{Cite web |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:62021CJ0249 |title=Case C-249/21, Fuhrmann-2-GmbH v B |date=2022-04-07 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=EUR-Lex}}</ref>

==Consumer response==

In June 2025, the Dutch Consumers' Association (Consumentenbond) and the Consumer Competition Claims Foundation (CCC) filed a class action against Booking.com in the Netherlands. Over 200,000 Dutch consumers signed up for the claim, which alleges that Booking.com used dark patterns (fabricated scarcity, fake discounts, incomplete price displays) to inflate hotel prices from 2013 onward.<ref name="dutch_class">{{Cite web |url=https://www.consumercompetitionclaims.com/booking-claim |title=Booking Claim |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Consumer Competition Claims}}</ref><ref name="dutch_200k">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hospitality.today/article/over-200-000-dutch-sign-up-for-booking-com-class-action |title=Over 200,000 Dutch sign up for Booking.com class-action |date=2025-07-09 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Hospitality Today}}</ref> Formal court proceedings began on November 13, 2025.<ref name="dutch_class" />

A separate action, coordinated by the Stichting Hotel Claims Alliance and backed by HOTREC, united more than 10,000 hotels across 25 countries. The hotels are seeking compensation for commissions paid under Booking.com's parity clauses from 2004 to 2024, which the ECJ ruled violated EU competition law.<ref name="hotrec">{{Cite web |url=https://www.hotrec.eu/en/news_european-hoteliers-launch-collective-legal-action-against-booking-com.html |title=European Hoteliers Launch Collective Legal Action Against Booking.com |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=HOTREC}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Booking.com]]
[[Category:Dark patterns]]
[[Category:Consumer protection]]

Booking.com

2026-03-27T11:13:16Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 7: fix date

{{#seo:
|description=Booking.com has faced enforcement actions in the UK, Hungary, Spain, Italy, and Texas for hidden fees, dark patterns, and anti-competitive parity clauses.
}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1996
|Industry=Online Travel Agency
|Logo=
|ParentCompany=Booking Holdings
|CompanyAlias=Booking.com B.V.,BKNG
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://www.booking.com/
|Description=Fined in multiple countries for hidden fees, dark patterns, and anti-competitive parity clauses; designated EU gatekeeper under the DMA.
}}

'''Booking.com''' is a Dutch online travel agency and subsidiary of [[Booking Holdings]] Inc. that lists approximately 3.4 million properties across 220 countries and processed 1.1 billion room nights in 2024.<ref name="boapps">{{Cite web |url=https://www.businessofapps.com/data/booking-statistics/ |title=Booking Revenue and Usage Statistics (2026) |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Business of Apps}}</ref> Regulators in the UK, Hungary, Spain, Texas, and Italy have all taken enforcement action against the platform for hidden fees, misleading discount claims, fake scarcity tactics, and anti-competitive pricing restrictions. The European Commission designated Booking.com a gatekeeper under the [[Digital Markets Act]] in May 2024.<ref name="dma_designation">{{Cite web |url=https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/commission-designates-booking-gatekeeper-and-opens-market-investigation-x-2024-05-13_en |title=Commission designates Booking as a gatekeeper and opens a market investigation into X |date=2024-05-13 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=European Commission Digital Markets Act}}</ref>

==Consumer-impact summary==

*The platform's booking flow has allowed hosts to impose terms on consumers after payment, including chargeback waivers and uncapped fee authorizations. Booking.com's Terms of Service cap its own liability at the cost of the booking.<ref name="booking_tos">{{Cite web |url=https://www.booking.com/content/terms.html |title=Terms and Conditions |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Booking.com}}</ref>
*In August 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $9.5 million settlement with Booking Holdings for hiding mandatory fees under a "Taxes and Fees" line at checkout, the largest US state settlement against an OTA for junk fees.<ref name="texas_ag">{{Cite web |url=https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-secures-historic-95-million-settlement-booking-engaging-deceptive-junk |title=Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Historic $9.5 Million Settlement with Booking for Engaging in Deceptive "Junk Fee" Practices |date=2025-08-19 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Office of the Texas Attorney General}}</ref>
*Spain's CNMC fined Booking.com €413.24 million in July 2024 for abusing its dominant position by imposing unfair conditions on Spanish hotels and restricting competition from other OTAs.<ref name="cnmc">{{Cite web |url=https://www.concurrences.com/en/bulletin/news-issues/july-2024/the-spanish-competition-authority-fines-an-online-hotel-booking-platform |title=The Spanish Competition Authority fines an online hotel booking platform €413M for abusing its dominant position between 2019 and 2024 |date=2024-07-29 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Concurrences}}</ref>
*Hungary's GVH fined Booking.com HUF 2.5 billion (approximately EUR 7 million) in 2020 for misleading free cancellation advertising and pressure tactics, then fined it again (HUF 382.5 million) in 2024 after finding it hadn't stopped.<ref name="gvh_2020">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gvh.hu/en/press_room/press_releases/press-releases-2020/gigantic-fine-imposed-on-booking.com-by-the-gvh |title=Gigantic fine imposed on Booking.com by the GVH |date=2020-04-28 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH)}}</ref><ref name="gvh_2024">{{Cite web |date=2024-07-15 |title=Record fine: the GVH fined Booking almost HUF 400 million |url=https://www.gvh.hu/en/press_room/press_releases/press-releases-2024/record-fine-the-gvh-fined-booking-almost-huf-400-million |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH)}}</ref>
*The UK CMA found Booking.com didn't display the full cost of rooms upfront and used false availability claims to pressure consumers. Booking.com committed to changes in 2019.<ref name="cma_enforcement">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hotel-booking-sites-to-make-major-changes-after-cma-probe |title=Hotel booking sites to make major changes after CMA probe |date=2019-02-06 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=GOV.UK}}</ref>
*The European Court of Justice ruled in September 2024 (Case C-264/23) that Booking.com's price parity clauses violate EU competition law.<ref name="ecj_parity">{{Cite web |url=https://news.gtp.gr/2024/09/20/european-hotels-applaud-eu-court-ruling-against-booking-coms-price-parity-clauses/ |title=European Hotels Applaud EU Court Ruling Against Booking.com's Price Parity Clauses |date=2024-09-20 |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=GTP Headlines}}</ref>
*Booking.com USA holds an F rating from the Better Business Bureau, with 5,060 complaints in three years and 720 left unanswered.<ref name="bbb">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/profile/online-travel-agency/bookingcom-usa-inc-0121-139308 |title=Booking.com USA, Inc. BBB Business Profile |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Better Business Bureau}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Post-payment terms disclosure===
{{Main|Booking.com Post-Payment Terms Disclosure}}

Booking.com's platform permits hosts to present contractual terms to consumers only after payment has been processed, including chargeback waivers, liability releases, and uncapped fee authorizations. The platform's Terms of Service cap its own liability at the booking cost and route disputes back to the host. The FTC's Junk Fees Rule, effective May 12, 2025, now requires Booking.com to display all mandatory fees upfront for US consumers.



==See also==

*[[Digital Markets Act]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Booking.com]]
[[Category:Online travel agencies]]
[[Category:Dark patterns]]

Blu-Ray Ultra-HD DRM

2026-03-27T11:09:52Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 2: fix date

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=AACS LA
|StartDate=2016-02-14
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Digital rights management,Right to own
|Description=UHD Blu-ray requires internet-connected DRM; if AACS servers shut down, legally purchased discs become unplayable
}}
The '''Ultra HD Blu-ray''' format uses [[DRM]] that requires an internet connection to retrieve decryption keys, ties playback to specific hardware security features that have since been discontinued, and gives a private consortium the power to remotely disable any player or disc at any time.<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gnu.org/proprietary/articles/uhd-bluray-denies-your-freedom.html |title=UHD Blu-ray Denies Your Freedom |website=GNU Project |date=2024-01-23 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> If the servers operated by the {{Wplink|Advanced_Access_Content_System|AACS}} Licensing Administrator (AACS LA) go offline, every Enhanced-mode UHD Blu-ray disc becomes [[Discontinuation bricking|permanently unplayable]] on any new device.<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm" /> As of 2024, no current PC hardware or licensed software can play a UHD Blu-ray disc through official channels.<ref name="cyberlink-uhd-dropped">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-01 |title=UHD BD playback feature is no longer supported |url=https://www.cyberlink.com/support-center/faq/content?id=28347 |access-date=2026-03-27 |website=CyberLink}}</ref>

==Background==

AACS LA was founded in 2004 by Disney, Intel, Microsoft, Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, Warner Bros., and IBM to develop copy protection for next-generation optical media.<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm" /> The {{Wplink|Blu-ray_Disc_Association|Blu-ray Disc Association}} (BDA) finalized the Ultra HD Blu-ray specification on May 12, 2015,<ref name="bda-spec">{{Cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150512005300/en/Blu-ray-Disc-Association-Completes-Ultra-HD-Blu-ray%E2%84%A2 |title=Blu-ray Disc Association Completes Ultra HD Blu-ray Specification and Releases New Logo |website=Business Wire |date=2015-05-12 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> and the first UHD discs went on sale in the United States on February 14, 2016.<ref name="whathifi-uhd">{{Cite web |url=https://www.whathifi.com/advice/ultra-hd-blu-ray-everything-you-need-to-know |title=Ultra HD Blu-ray: everything you need to know |website=What Hi-Fi? |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

Standard Blu-ray uses AACS 1.0, which stores all decryption keys on the disc itself and does not require an internet connection. AACS 1.0 was publicly documented, and its processing key was extracted in early 2007, making the protection easy to circumvent.<ref name="eff-aacs-revocation">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2007/04/aacs-key-revocation-future-drm |title=AACS Key Revocation: The Future of DRM? |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2007-04-11 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> AACS 2.0, developed for UHD Blu-ray, shifts the trust model to a hardware-bound, internet-connected system. The specifications for AACS 2.0 and 2.1 are not publicly available; developers can only access them after signing a license agreement with AACS LA.<ref name="aacs-license">{{Cite web |url=https://aacsla.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AACS1-Adopter-Agrmt-220519-v1.1-FINAL_review-only.pdf |title=AACS License Agreement |website=Advanced Access Content System |access-date=2025-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406142710/https://aacsla.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/AACS1-Adopter-Agrmt-220519-v1.1-FINAL_review-only.pdf |archive-date=2025-04-06}}</ref>

AACS 2.0 classifies discs into two modes. In Basic mode, the title key is delivered on the disc and no internet is needed. In Enhanced mode, used on commercial UHD releases, the player must connect to an AACS server on first playback to retrieve the title key, which is then cached locally.<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm" /> This means that if the AACS key servers are ever shut down, Enhanced-mode discs can't be played on any device that hasn't already cached the key.

AACS LA also retains the ability to revoke certificates for any player or software at any time. Revocation lists are embedded in the Media Key Block (MKB) of newly manufactured discs; inserting a new disc with an updated revocation list permanently disables playback on blacklisted devices.<ref name="eff-aacs-revocation" /> The EFF described this mechanism as "a blunt instrument" that affects all users of a revoked player regardless of whether they were engaged in copying or simply watching a movie they purchased.<ref name="eff-aacs-revocation" />

==Hardware requirements==

Playing a UHD Blu-ray on a PC requires all of the following components to pass a multi-layered DRM verification chain:

'''AACS-certified optical drive.''' The drive must contain firmware that implements AACS 2.0 bus encryption, which encrypts data traveling from the drive to the PC over the SATA or USB bus. If the host software lacks a valid, non-revoked certificate, the drive refuses to provide the decrypted data.<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm" /> Certified drives include models from Pioneer and LG/Hitachi.

'''Intel CPU with Software Guard Extensions (SGX).''' SGX creates a protected memory enclave that the DRM software uses to securely process AACS 2.0 keys. SGX was introduced with Intel's 6th-generation Skylake processors in 2015 and supported through the 10th-generation Comet Lake (2020).<ref name="ghacks-sgx">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ghacks.net/2022/01/14/intels-dropping-of-sgx-prevents-ultra-hd-blu-ray-playback-on-pcs/ |title=Intel's dropping of SGX prevents Ultra HD Blu-Ray playback on PCs |first=Martin |last=Brinkmann |website=gHacks Tech News |date=2022-01-14 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Intel deprecated SGX in its 11th-generation Rocket Lake processors (2021) and removed it entirely from 12th-generation Alder Lake. Security researchers had found multiple vulnerabilities in SGX, including side-channel attacks, Plundervolt, and the SGAxe attack that allowed extraction of private CPU keys.<ref name="bleepingcomputer-sgx">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-intel-chips-wont-play-blu-ray-disks-due-to-sgx-deprecation/ |title=New Intel chips won't play Blu-ray disks due to SGX deprecation |website=BleepingComputer |date=2022-01-14 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> No current Intel or AMD processor supports SGX.

'''Intel Management Engine (ME).''' The ME is a proprietary coprocessor present in Intel chipsets since 2008 that operates independently of the user's operating system, with direct access to system memory, display, keyboard, and network.<ref name="eff-intel-me">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2017/05/intels-management-engine-security-hazard-and-users-need-way-disable-it |title=Intel's Management Engine is a security hazard, and users need a way to disable it |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |date=2017-05-08 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> UHD Blu-ray playback requires the ME to run the Protected Audio Video Path (PAVP), which ensures video decoding is handled securely by the integrated GPU. The EFF has called the ME's secretive, undocumented design "an act of extreme irresponsibility" and demanded Intel allow users to disable it.<ref name="eff-intel-me" /> The Free Software Foundation has called the ME "a very serious attack on the freedom, privacy, and security of computer users," noting that it can run DRM applications and is "designed to deny users the control of their computer."<ref name="fsf-intel-me">{{Cite web |url=https://www.fsf.org/blogs/sysadmin/the-management-engine-an-attack-on-computer-users-freedom |title=The Intel Management Engine: an attack on computer users' freedom |website=Free Software Foundation |access-date=2025-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210165315/https://www.fsf.org/blogs/sysadmin/the-management-engine-an-attack-on-computer-users-freedom |archive-date=2025-02-10}}</ref>

'''HDCP 2.2 across the entire signal chain.''' The integrated GPU, video cable (HDMI 2.0a or DisplayPort 1.3), and display monitor must all support {{Wplink|High-bandwidth_Digital_Content_Protection|High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection}} version 2.2.<ref name="hdcp-benq">{{Cite web |url=https://www.benq.com/en-us/knowledge-center/knowledge/what-is-hdcp-and-why-is-it-important-in-4k.html |title=What is HDCP and Why is It Important in 4K? |website=BenQ |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> If any device in the chain fails the HDCP handshake, the software either refuses to display the video entirely or downsamples the 4K output to 1080p. Any receiver, sound bar, or splitter between the GPU and the display must also be HDCP 2.2 compliant.

'''No AMD support.''' AMD processors have never been supported for authorized UHD Blu-ray playback. The AACS LA licensing required security mechanisms specific to Intel SGX and PAVP, which AMD's architecture does not implement.<ref name="ghacks-sgx" /> A consumer who owns an AMD-based PC cannot play a UHD Blu-ray disc they purchased through any official software, regardless of how powerful their hardware is.

==Software requirements==

The AACS Adopter Agreement requires that any software implementation of AACS 2.0 be closed-source. Section 7.6.4.1 of the agreement mandates the use of "techniques of obfuscation clearly designed to effectively disguise and hamper attempts to discover the approaches used."<ref name="aacs-license" /> This requirement makes open-source UHD Blu-ray player software legally impossible: publishing the source code would violate the obfuscation requirements and trigger immediate certificate revocation and potential litigation.<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm" />

The two mainstream PC software players licensed to play UHD Blu-ray discs were CyberLink PowerDVD and Corel WinDVD Pro. Both dropped UHD support in late 2023. CyberLink announced the change in November 2023.<ref name="cyberlink-uhd-dropped" /> A patch released on January 25, 2024 (PowerDVD 22 Ultra version 3526) removed the playback capability from the software. CyberLink had warned as early as January 2022 that "the removal of the SGX feature, and its compatibility with the latest Windows OS and drivers, has caused a substantial challenge for CyberLink to continue supporting Ultra HD Blu-ray movie playback."<ref name="ghacks-sgx" />

Users who had not yet updated PowerDVD 22 could retain UHD playback by not applying the patch, but only on systems with 7th- through 10th-generation Intel CPUs running older Windows drivers.<ref name="ghacks-sgx" /> Anyone who upgraded their hardware or operating system lost official UHD Blu-ray playback permanently.

==Ownership concerns==

The combination of internet-dependent key retrieval, arbitrary certificate revocation, and mandatory hardware lock-in undermines the [[right to own]] physical media. A purchased disc can become unplayable through three mechanisms the buyer has no control over: AACS LA shutting down its key servers, AACS LA revoking the buyer's player certificate via an MKB update on a newer disc, or Intel discontinuing the CPU security feature the DRM depends on, a form of [[planned obsolescence]] imposed by the DRM design itself.<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm" />

The third scenario has already happened. Intel's deprecation of SGX destroyed official PC playback. Both licensed software players (CyberLink PowerDVD and Corel WinDVD) dropped support because the hardware they depended on no longer exists.<ref name="cyberlink-uhd-dropped" /> Consumers who bought UHD Blu-ray discs expecting to play them on their PCs can no longer do so through any authorized means.

The Enhanced AACS 2.0 key retrieval system also creates a privacy concern. Connecting to the AACS server on first playback exposes the user's viewing history to the server operator.<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm" />

The Free Software Foundation has called for a boycott of media and players that implement AACS DRM, arguing that the format "denies your freedom."<ref name="gnu-uhd-drm" />

==Legal context==

{{Wplink|Digital_Millennium_Copyright_Act|DMCA}} Section 1201 (17 U.S.C. § 1201) makes it a federal offense in the United States to circumvent a technological measure that controls access to a copyrighted work.<ref name="dmca-1201">{{Cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/1201 |title=17 U.S. Code § 1201 - Circumvention of copyright protection systems |website=Legal Information Institute |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> This applies to AACS 2.0: creating a personal backup of a UHD Blu-ray disc, or bypassing the SGX requirement to play it on unsupported hardware, is illegal regardless of whether the user owns the disc.

Every three years, the U.S. Copyright Office conducts a rulemaking proceeding to grant temporary exemptions to Section 1201. Exemptions have been granted for circumventing AACS on Blu-ray discs, but only for narrow uses such as incorporating short portions into documentary films or for educational purposes by university faculty.<ref name="dmca-2018-rulemaking">{{Cite web |url=https://cdn.loc.gov/copyright/1201/2018/2018_Section_1201_Acting_Registers_Recommendation.pdf |title=Section 1201 Rulemaking: Seventh Triennial Proceeding |website=U.S. Copyright Office |date=2018 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The 2018 proceeding found the record insufficient to extend the exemption to AACS 2.0. There is no general exemption for consumers to back up or format-shift their UHD Blu-ray collections.

===AACS LA enforcement===

AACS LA has pursued legal action against developers of circumvention software. In 2014, an Antigua court found Giancarlo Bettini, owner of SlySoft (maker of AnyDVD), guilty of six charges under Antigua's Copyright Act 2003 and fined him $5,000 per offense ($30,000 total).<ref name="torrentfreak-bettini">{{Cite web |url=https://torrentfreak.com/slysoft-dvd-ripper-owner-found-guilty-in-criminal-action-140403/ |title=Slysoft DVD Ripper Owner Found Guilty in Criminal Action |website=TorrentFreak |date=2014-04-03 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> It was the first time Antigua invoked its criminal anti-circumvention statute.

In February 2016, AACS LA asked the U.S. Trade Representative to place Antigua on its Priority Watch List for intellectual property violations, citing SlySoft specifically. SlySoft shut down its website days later, posting: "Due to recent regulatory requirements we have had to cease all activities relating to SlySoft Inc."<ref name="torrentfreak-slysoft">{{Cite web |url=https://torrentfreak.com/popular-blu-ray-ripper-shuts-down-following-legal-pressure-160224/ |title=Popular Blu-Ray Ripping Software Shuts Down Following Legal Pressure |website=TorrentFreak |date=2016-02-24 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The software was relaunched under the name RedFox, which operated from 2016 until going offline in 2024.

==Market impact==

Multiple major manufacturers have exited the standalone UHD Blu-ray player market. Oppo Digital, known for its audiophile-grade players, announced in April 2018 that it would cease manufacturing all Blu-ray and UHD players.<ref name="oppo-exit">{{Cite web |url=https://www.whathifi.com/news/oppo-closes-its-doors-ditches-blu-ray-player-business |title=Oppo ditches hi-fi and Blu-ray player business |website=What Hi-Fi? |date=2018-04-03 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> Samsung, which had produced the first consumer UHD Blu-ray player (the UBD-K8500), confirmed in February 2019 that it would stop making Blu-ray players for the U.S. market.<ref name="samsung-exit">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gizchina.com/2019/02/16/samsung-quits-the-4k-blu-ray-player-market/ |title=Samsung quits the 4K Blu-ray player market after Oppo |website=Gizchina |date=2019-02-16 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> LG discontinued its last two UHD player models (UBK80 and UBK90) in December 2024.<ref name="lg-exit">{{Cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/lg-stops-making-blu-ray-players-marking-the-end-of-an-era-limited-units-remain-while-inventory-lasts |title=LG stops making Blu-ray players, marking the end of an era |website=Tom's Hardware |date=2024-12-11 |access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

Among major consumer electronics manufacturers, only Panasonic and Sony continue to produce standalone UHD Blu-ray players. A small number of specialist brands (such as Magnetar Audio) serve the audiophile market. Game consoles with disc drives (Xbox One S/X, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 non-Digital Edition) remain the most common consumer hardware capable of UHD playback.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Digital rights management]]
[[Category:Right to own]]
[[Category:Planned obsolescence]]

Advertising overload

2026-03-27T11:05:35Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix date

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

==Applications in industries==

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

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

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

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


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

[[Activision Blizzard]] has a dedicated advertising division for companies to advertise their products inside their games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Powering brand connections in gaming |url=https://about.ads.microsoft.com/en/solutions/technology/gaming-solutions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103021919/https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ |archive-date=2026-01-03 |website=[[Microsoft Advertising]]}}</ref> [[Epic Games, Inc.|Epic Games]] has done a similar thing.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Joey |date=24 Jul 2024 |title=Fortnite Ads |url=https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Media Shark]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215212419/https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lattin |first=Pesach |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=Fortnite In-Game Advertising. How does it Work? |url=https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[aDOtat]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164045/https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |archive-date=17 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=Dec 2, 2020 |title=How Fortnite Became Gaming’s Great Shameless Marketing Tool |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Den of Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215013514/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> It is expected that legitimate ads may be progressively more pervasive within the media that users pay for.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Olivia |date=11 Oct 2023 |title=In-Game Advertising: How it Works and Why it Works |url=https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Abios]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251205150742/https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |archive-date=5 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=In-game advertising |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251201201031/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |archive-date=1 Dec 2025}}</ref> Advertising agencies in general are also trying to integrate billboard ads for legitimate products inside games, such as Trackmania.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vargas |first=Anthony |date=2 Mar 2022 |title=NBCU Adds In-Game Ads To Its Sales Roster Through Partnership With Anzu |url=https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Ad Exchanger]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114020308/https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Anzu NBCUniversal partnership in Trackmania.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:CoD in-game ads example.jpg|Cod MW3 - Ad in-game marketing the premium version.
File:Fortnite in-game T-Mobile ad.webp|Fortnite - Ad marketing T-Mobile.
</gallery>

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*'''Skippable In-stream Ads'''
**These have no maximum length, though they are skippable after playing for five seconds.
**They can play before, during, or after other videos, or as a full screen interstitial ad in the mobile app.
**They can also appear on YouTube TV.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=About YouTube TV Ads - Google Ads Help |url=https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/10651730 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260114224304/https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/10651730 |archive-date=14 Jan 2026 |access-date=11 Mar 2026 |website=Google Support}}</ref>
*'''Non-skippable In-stream Ads'''
**These are up to 60 seconds long, and can't be skipped.
**They can appear before, during, and after other videos, and on YouTube TV.<ref name=":9" />
*'''In-feed Video Ads'''
**These consist of a thumbnail and some text, appearing alongside real videos.
**They can appear amongst the search results, on the YouTube mobile homepage, and alongside related videos.
*'''Bumper Ads'''
**Bumper Ads are a category of non-skippable ads that are at most 6 seconds long.
*'''Masthead Ads'''
**These ads have no maximum length, though on desktop platforms only the first 30 seconds play.
**This ad consists of a video that autoplays at the top of the YouTube home feed. After the video is finished (or after 30 seconds on desktop) the ad displays a thumbnail.
*'''YouTube Shorts Ads'''
**These ads are intended to blend in with normal Shorts videos. As with normal Shorts, users can skip the ad by swiping up or down, and the ad will be kept and reshown if the user scrolls back.
**YouTube does not list a hard time limit, but they recommend a maximum of 60 seconds. <ref>{{Cite web |title=About video ad formats - YouTube Help |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2375464?hl=en#Youtube_Shorts_ads |access-date=11 Mar 2026 |website=Google Support |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228102834/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2375464?hl=en#Youtube_Shorts_ads |archive-date=28 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

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

==Further Reading==

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

==References==
<references />

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

3D Printing restrictions and bans

2026-03-27T10:59:50Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 9: fix date

{{Cleanup}}
3D Printing Restrictions and Bans is a practice in which businesses, platforms, or governments impose legal, technical, or policy-based limitations on how consumer 3D printers may be used. These restrictions can affect the ability to modify, repair, or continue using hardware that consumers legally own. They are commonly implemented through legislation, firmware or software controls, licensing terms, or manufacturer support policies.

==How it works==

Restrictions on consumer 3D printing can be implemented in several ways:

*'''Legislative restrictions''' – Laws or proposed bills may restrict ownership, modification, or use of 3D printers based on perceived risks, such as the production of prohibited items.
*'''Firmware and software locks''' – Manufacturers may restrict printer functionality through signed firmware, mandatory cloud connections, or software validation checks.
*'''Platform or service dependency''' – Printers may rely on proprietary slicers, cloud services, or online authorization systems to remain functional.
*'''Content filtering and model blocking''' – Software may scan, flag, or block certain model files or printing instructions.
*'''Support withdrawal''' – Manufacturers may declare devices “unsupported,” potentially disabling functionality through software updates or server shutdowns.

These mechanisms can operate independently or in combination.

==Why it is a problem==

These restrictions raise several consumer rights concerns:

*'''Right to repair''' – Hardware or software locks may make it illegal, impractical, or technically impossible for owners to repair, modify, or maintain printers they legally own.
*'''Loss of functionality''' – Printers may become partially or fully inoperable if a manufacturer discontinues support, shuts down services, or enforces new restrictions.
*'''Forced obsolescence''' – Devices may stop working due to policy or software changes rather than hardware failure.
*'''Overbroad regulation''' – Laws intended to address specific risks may unintentionally affect lawful uses such as education, research, prototyping, art, or hobbyist projects.
*'''Precedent for other industries''' – Similar restrictions could expand to copyright- or patent-protected replacement parts, such as automotive, appliance, or industrial components.
*'''Ownership versus licensing''' – Consumers may effectively be treated as licensees rather than owners of their hardware and software.

==Examples==

===Legislative and regulatory examples===

*Washington State Legislature: HB 2321 (2025) – Proposed legislation addressing 3D printing technology that may unintentionally restrict lawful consumer ownership, modification, or use of consumer 3D printers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-09 |title=HB 2321 - 2025-26 |url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2321&Year=2025 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Washington State Legislature}}</ref>

*Washington State Legislature: HB 2320 (2025) – Related proposed legislation addressing risks associated with 3D printing technology, which has raised concerns about potential impacts on lawful consumer use and operation of consumer 3D printers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Cam |date=2026-02-08 |title=Washington Dems Advance Bill That Could Ban 3D Printers Over Gun Fears |url=https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/02/08/washington-dems-advance-bill-that-could-ban-3d-printers-over-gun-fears-n1231483 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/xvTvu |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Bearing Arms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-09 |title=HB 2320 - 2025-26 |url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?Year=2025&BillNumber=2320 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Washington State Legislature}}</ref>

*New York State Senate: Assembly Bill A2228 (2025) – Proposed legislation addressing the regulation of 3D printed items, raising concerns that enforcement mechanisms could indirectly affect consumer access to, or use of, 3D printing equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-09 |title=Assembly Bill A2228 |url=https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2228 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=[[The New York State Senate]]}}</ref>

*Manhattan District Attorney Office: Letter regarding 3D printer policies (2025) – Public correspondence outlining concerns related to consumer 3D printers that has been cited in discussions about potential technical or policy restrictions affecting lawful consumer activity.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bragg |first=Alvin |date=2026-03-09 |title=Letter-Creality-3.26.25.pdf |url=https://manhattanda.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Letter-Creality-3.26.25.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=}}</ref>
*California State Legislature: AB-2047 (2026) – Proposed legislation that would require a certified firearm blueprint detection algorithm in all 3D printers and make it a crime to knowingly disable, deactivate, uninstall, or otherwise circumvent any firearm blocking technology installed in a 3D printer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-09 |title=AB-2047 Firearms: 3-dimensional printing blocking technology. |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2047 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=California Legislative Information}}</ref>
*Colorado General Assembly. HB26-1144 (2026) – Proposed legislation would ban manufacturing or producing a firearm, receiver, frame, large capacity magazine, or rapid fire device using 3d printing. Possessing or distributing computer code to manufacture a firearm or firearm component on a 3d printer or CNC mill would be prohibited. Violating any of the prohibitions would be a class 1 misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent violation would be a class 5 felony.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-09 |title=Prohibit Three-Dimensional Printing Firearms & Components |url=https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1144 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/bj124 |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Colorado General Assembly}}</ref>

===Manufacturer and platform policies===

*Print&Go Tech – Company promoting technical solutions intended to prevent the printing of certain prohibited items, referenced in discussions about content filtering, software enforcement mechanisms, and their potential impact on consumer control and repairability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-08 |title=3D Printer Ban Company Exposed |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGEVra9U91I |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=tGEVra9U91I |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-04 |title=3D GUN'T: Print&Go’s solution to prevent 3D printed ‘Ghost Guns’ |url=https://printandgo.tech/blog/3d-gunt-solution-to-prevent-3d-printed-ghost-guns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/TBCWF |archive-date=2026-03-09 |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=[[Print&Go]]}}</ref>

===Companies enforcing restrictive policies===
''This list is intentionally left blank pending verified, neutral sourcing.''

*

===Companies not enforcing restrictive policies===
''This list is intentionally left blank pending verified, neutral sourcing.''

*

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

Android Developer Verification

2026-03-27T10:42:04Z

2001:4BC9:B007:D086:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* Criticism */ reuse citation instead of duplicating it

On August 25th, 2025, [[Google]] announced an upcoming application installation restriction on Google-certified [[Android]] devices, requiring '''all''' developers to register and verify their real-life identity through the Developer Verification program and be approved by Google before their apps can be installed on Android devices. This requirement extends to '''''all''''' installation methods including "[[sideloading]]", third-party app repositories like [[F-Droid]], and direct APK installations. Google stated that this change "keeps the ecosystem open".<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=Aug 2025 |title=Elevating Android's security to keep it open and safe |url=https://developer.android.com/developer-verification |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825180832/https://developer.android.com/developer-verification |archive-date=2025-08-25 |website=Android Developers}}</ref>

This is a giant shift from Android's traditionally open ecosystem and an abandonment of Android's founding principles. It renders all existing APK files created throughout the years useless, and gives Google the ability to censor apps they dislike, such as those that can create permanent local backups of YouTube videos outside of Google's ecosystem with no data lock-in (a popular example being TubeMate), and lets them terminate developers out of spite for reasons unrelated to their apps (such as holding political views Google disagrees with), in addition to giving governments the ability to order Google to censor unwanted apps, similar to what already happened with Apple in China.

It also prevents new Android applications from being developed offline with no Internet connection or Google account, given that every package name has to be registered in the developer console. This can prevent even verified developers from creating apps in countries where governments intermittently turn off Internet access, block access to Google services, or selectively block individuals from accessing the Internet.

Individuals who lose access to their Google accounts (for example, as a result of losing an authentication factor) would no longer be able register new applications. Unlimited offline distribution can also become a thing of the past. Google can impose arbitrary installation quotas, meaning limit the number of installations, like they are planning to do with student accounts. In the future, Google can also stop accepting submissions for older Android versions altogether, forcing people to purchase new devices to run software that could technically run on their existing device.

As with any Google service, there exists a possibility that it will shut down entirely, given that Google has a long history of launching and shutting down experimental services. If Google shut down the Android Developer Console, no one could develop new Android application anymore, for any device sold with this verification requirement built in.

==Take action, make our voice heard==
Direct link to the useful resources provided by the [https://techlore.tech Techlore] https://keepandroidopen.org/

===Open Letter to Google===
[https://keepandroidopen.org/open-letter/ The Open Letter] signed by most of the privacy advocates and organizations.

The keep android open website includes the following resources:

*ways to contact national regulators
*open letter and petitions
*f-droid additional sources
*editorial blogs and press reactions
*public discussions

==Background==
Android has historically allowed users to freely install applications from any source through APK files (sometimes called [[sideloading]]). This openness differentiated Android from competitors like iOS. It enabled alternative app repositories, including open-source repositories like [[F-Droid]], & direct developer-to-user distribution, offline installation with no Internet connection and Google account required, installation of applications not available in the Play Store (such as ''Flappy Bird'', after it was taken down by its developer, or ''TubeMate'', which Google does not allow on the Play Store), and installation of earlier versions (such as non-adware versions of ''ES File Explorer'').

The only technical requirements were that applications follow Android's technical guidelines for functionality & be signed with any certificate to maintain a chain of trust during updates.

This openness has been a defining characteristic of Android since its inception, supporting many different use cases from enterprise deployments to privacy-focused distributions. Google has defended this approach in antitrust proceedings, with Google's lawyers arguing in the [[Epic Games]] case that "Android and Google Play provide more choice and openness than any other major mobile platform"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-11 |title=Fortnite maker Epic Games wins its antitrust fight against Google |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/11/epic-games-google-antitrust-win/ |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=TechCrunch |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126195055/https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/11/epic-games-google-antitrust-win/ |archive-date=26 Nov 2025}}</ref> & that the company's app store practices were "part of its fierce competition with Apple".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title=Epic Games wins antitrust lawsuit against Google |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/11/epic-google-trial-verdict/ |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=The Washington Post |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723224500/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/11/epic-google-trial-verdict/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref>

==Announcement and rationale==
Google announced the Developer Verification requirements on August 25th, 2025, through the Android Developers Blog.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Android Developers Blog: A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825180832/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |archive-date=2025-08-25 |access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref> According to Suzanne Frey, VP of Product, Trust & Growth for Android, the system is designed to combat malicious actors who "''hide behind anonymity to harm users by impersonating developers and using their brand image to create convincing fake apps."''

Google cited security statistics showing ''"over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play".''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading |url=https://9to5google.com/2025/08/25/android-apps-developer-verification/ |website=9to5Google |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211442/https://9to5google.com/2025/08/25/android-apps-developer-verification/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> The company framed the verification as ''"an ID check at the airport, which confirms a traveler's identity but is separate from the security screening of their bags".''

===Implementation timeline===
The implementation will be conducted in global rollout phases:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Android developer verification {{!}} Android Developers |url=https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/android-developer-console |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825204008/https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/android-developer-console |archive-date=2025-08-25 |access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref>

*'''October 2025''': Early access opens for invited developers
*'''March 2026''': Open to all developers
*'''September 2026''': Enforcement begins in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand
*'''2027 and beyond''': Global rollout continues

Key implementation details:
*No grandfather clauses for existing apps or developers
*[[wikipedia:Google_Play|Play Store]] developers likely already meet requirements through 2023's D-U-N-S implementation
*Organizations requiring D-U-N-S numbers should begin the process 28 days before deadlines
*Developers can initiate verification 60 days before enforcement
*90-day deadline extensions available for developers needing additional time
*After deadlines, users encounter system-level blocks with no override option when attempting to install unverified apps

===Updates===
Google announced that it is developing an 'advanced flow' for 'experienced users' to be able to install apps from unverified developers and described the process as 'maximally obscure and high-friction'.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Forsythe |first=Matthew |date=12 Nov 2025 |title=Android developer verification: Early access starts now as we continue to build with your feedback |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/11/android-developer-verification-early.html}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260221030624/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/11/android-developer-verification-early.html Archived])</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=19 Jan 2026 |title=Google calls Android’s new sideloading flow ‘high friction’ |url=https://9to5google.com/2026/01/19/google-calls-androids-new-sideloading-flow-high-friction/}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260120014243/https://9to5google.com/2026/01/19/google-calls-androids-new-sideloading-flow-high-friction/ Archived])</ref> Free and open software distributor, F-Droid, clarified in a blog post that the android developer program remains to a credible threat to open source ecosystem on android and added a banner on the website as well as app linking to https://keepandroidopen.org/, for informing the dangers and recommending users to voice their concerns to relevant authority.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Feb 2026 |title=Keep Android Open - TWIF curated on Friday, 20 Feb 2026, Week 8 - f-droid.org |url=https://f-droid.org/en/2026/02/20/twif.html}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223025319/https://f-droid.org/en/2026/02/20/twif.html Archived])</ref>

In February 24 2026, the KeepAndroidOpen movement published an open letter to google signed by various free and open source software organizations, digital rights groups and developer communities accessible under https://keepandroidopen.org/open-letter/.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Feb 2026 |title=An Open Letter to Google regarding Mandatory Developer Registration for Android App Distribution |url=https://keepandroidopen.org/open-letter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224172459/https://keepandroidopen.org/open-letter/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref> The letter criticizes the need for google to gatekeep software beyond its own distribution platform, centralization of power having implications to privacy, censorship and surveillance especially with Google's historically opaque decision-making and review approach, imposition of barriers to entry for developers in various scenarios, anti-competitive implications and regulatory concerns. F-Droid was among the various organizations to sign the letter that in a blog post also stands opposed to signing up for developer verification that will begin the process in March 2026, recommending to developers to oppose the move by refusing to sign up as well.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Feb 2026 |title=An Open Letter Opposing Android Developer Verification |url=https://f-droid.org/en/2026/02/24/open-letter-opposing-developer-verification.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224172628/https://f-droid.org/en/2026/02/24/open-letter-opposing-developer-verification.html |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>

On 4 March 2026, as part of changes following Google vs. Epic store Lawsuit, Google announced that it is allowing registered app stores to be published on google play platform if they "meet certain quality and safety benchmarks", which would otherwise be subject to same restrictions as those for other 'sideloaded' app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Samat |first=Sameer |date=4 Mar 2026 |title=A new era for choice and openness |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2026/03/a-new-era-for-choice-and-openness.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260305062940/android-developers.googleblog.com/2026/03/a-new-era-for-choice-and-openness.html |archive-date=5 Mar 2026}}</ref> Notably as part of the settlement, Epic games signed away its rights to sue Google over anything related as covered in the term sheet, until September 2032.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=5 Mar 2026 |title=Tim Sweeney signed away his right to criticize Google’s app store until 2032 |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/889595/tim-sweeney-signed-away-his-right-to-criticize-google-until-2032 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260305000517/www.theverge.com/news/889595/tim-sweeney-signed-away-his-right-to-criticize-google-until-2032 |archive-date=5 Mar 2026}}</ref>

===Advanced flow===
On 19 March 2026, Google finally revealed how its advanced flow program for installing unverified apps is being implemented. Google mentions that this is a one-time process for power users, but was crafted to prevent coerced install of unverified apps.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Forsythe |first=Matthew |date=19 Mar 2026 |title=Android developer verification: Balancing openness and choice with safety |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2026/03/android-developer-verification.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260319202706/android-developers.googleblog.com/2026/03/android-developer-verification.html |archive-date=19 March 2026}}</ref>

*'''Enable developer mode in system settings'''
*'''Confirm you aren't being coached'''
*'''Restart your phone and reauthenticate'''
*'''Come back after the protective waiting period and verify''' '''-''' One-time, one-day wait
*'''Install apps''' '''-''' option of enabling for 7 days or indefinitely

Since advanced flow is delivered through Google Play Services and not through Android OS, Google can modify, restrict, or remove it at any time without an OS update and without any user consent. Organizations such as keep android open movement continue to hold the position against the program because of this aspect. Since the implementation has not appeared in dev, beta or canary builds of android yet, Google is prompting the community to accept a product announcement as a functional safeguard five months before the mandate takes effect.

Preventing critical banking apps from functioning due to enabled state of developer mode also makes installing unverified applications unfeasible to many users which majorly affects the rapidly growing FOSS android community and forces developer verification as well as payment of verification fee to Google, only to operate under limitations Google grants.

On March 23, 2025, Matthew Forsythe, Director of Product Management for Developer Experience on Google Play at Google, answered a question from an Android user on X (formerly Twitter) regarding advanced flow on Android. Forsythe explained that it will be possible to disable developer node once advanced flow is enabled to use apps that don't work with developer Mode enabled, such as banking apps.

However, at present, it's not yet clear whether it will actually be possible to use advanced flow with Developer Mode disabled, and we don't know if enabling advanced flow will affect critical apps like banking apps, which might not function properly if the Advanced Feed system is enabled.

==Technical implementation==

===Distribution types===
The Developer Verification system creates two tiers of developer accounts:<ref name=":0" />

====Limited distribution====
*Allows for distribution on up to 20 devices<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Android Developer Console: Account creation form |url=https://get.google.com/adc-early-access/u/0/onboarding |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=Android Developer Console}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223010845/https://accounts.google.com/v3/signin/identifier?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fget.google.com%2Fadc-early-access%2Fu%2F0%2Fonboarding&dsh=S-116450265%3A1771808922850823&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fget.google.com%2Fadc-early-access%2Fu%2F0%2Fonboarding&ifkv=ASfE1-qms7IwZjbAdjvxowYFy5Kb9DL9vPDu06W9LMpkaBqy285wVRrX7HSp5xXdFaxXqzHM9tztDA&osid=1&passive=1209600&flowName=WebLiteSignIn&flowEntry=ServiceLogin Archived])</ref>
*Intended for ''"students, hobbyists, and other personal use"''
*Free registration
*Identity verification requirements unclear

====Full distribution====
*No limits on app numbers or installations
*Intended for ''"organizations and professional developers with wide distribution"''
*Requires a one-time $25 fee
*Requires complete identity verification including:
**Government-issued photo ID
**Proof of address
**Private email
**Phone number
**For organizations:
***Website
***D-U-N-S number (can take up to 28 days to obtain)

===Package name registration===
Developers must register package names before apps can be installed. The system creates a cryptographic link between developer identity & app signing keys. Ownership priority is determined by installation statistics - developers whose signing keys account for over 50% of known installs receive registration priority.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Updates to Play Console for Android developer verification: A first look |url=https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/assets/pdfs/updates-to-play-console-for-android-developer-verification.pdf |website=Android Developers |access-date=2025-09-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128020558/https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/assets/pdfs/updates-to-play-console-for-android-developer-verification.pdf |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Resources {{!}} Android developer verification {{!}} Android Developers |url=https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/resources |website=Android Developers |access-date=2025-08-25}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251123194919/https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/resources Archived])</ref>

===Affected devices===
The requirements apply to all ''"[https://www.android.com/certified/partners/ Google-certified Android devices]"'' which includes:
*Devices with Google Play Store
*Devices with [[Google Mobile Services]] (GMS)
*Devices with Play Protect
*All mainstream Android devices from manufacturers including Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, OnePlus, and Google Pixel
*The vast majority of Android devices sold outside of China

Custom ROMs without Google services & uncertified devices are not affected by these restrictions.

==Developer response==

===Technical concerns===
Prominent Android developer Mark Murphy (CommonsWare) raised several technical concerns:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=Uncomfortable Questions About Android Developer Verification |url=https://commonsware.com/blog/2025/08/26/uncomfortable-questions-android-developer-verification.html |website=CommonsWare |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251121201157/https://commonsware.com/blog/2025/08/26/uncomfortable-questions-android-developer-verification.html |archive-date=21 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*Debug keystore handling for development workflows remains unaddressed
*Sample code from Android development books would become unusable as "at most one person on the entire planet" could register each package name
*Beta testing workflows using different package names face complications
*Questions whether "it will no longer be possible to test apps under development on Google-certified production hardware" after 2027

===Privacy and safety concerns===
Developers expressed significant privacy concerns:
*Murphy cited the ICEBlock app developer who faced federal prosecution threats after identity disclosure, with his wife being fired from a DOJ job
*EFF, Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticized risks of centralization in censorship as well as surveillance capability retained by Google<ref>{{Cite web |last=McSherry |first=Corynne |date=2025-11-03 |title=Application Gatekeeping: An Ever-Expanding Pathway to Internet Censorship |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/11/application-gatekeeping-ever-expanding-pathway-internet-censorship |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111101548/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/11/application-gatekeeping-ever-expanding-pathway-internet-censorship |archive-date=2025-11-11}}</ref>
*Google's privacy policy allows sharing developer information with ''"trusted businesses or persons"'' without clear restrictions<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy |url=https://news.itsfoss.com/new-android-sideloading-rules/ |website=It's FOSS |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107074008/https://news.itsfoss.com/new-android-sideloading-rules/ |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*Open source developers fear harassment and doxxing after forced identity disclosure
*F-Droid mentions that play store verification is proven to be ineffective at combating malware due to repeated instances of malware distributed through play store<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arntz |first=Pieter |date=2025-09-17 |title=224 malicious apps removed from the Google Play Store after ad fraud campaign discovered |url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/09/224-malicious-apps-removed-from-the-google-play-store-after-ad-fraud-campaign-discovered |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005173848/www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/09/224-malicious-apps-removed-from-the-google-play-store-after-ad-fraud-campaign-discovered |archive-date=2025-10-05 |website=malwarebytes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Lain |date=2025-08-26 |title=Malware-ridden apps made it into Google's Play Store, scored 19 million downloads |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/apps_android_malware/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005173850/www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/apps_android_malware/ |archive-date=2025-10-05 |website=The Register}}</ref>
*Jean-Héon points out that mandatory developer registration puts users at risk by pushing them to use dangerous workarounds to install unverified APKs of their choice and also puts developers at risk by exposing them to data leaks and identity theft. Jean-Héon advocates for a solution based on the device's antivirus software. <ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Google restricts the installation of third-party APKs on Android: what this means for Jean-Héon™. (Updated March 21, 2026). |url=https://sites.google.com/view/jean-honmctm/communiqu%C3%A9press-releases/keep-android-open-english}}</ref>

===Open source community impact===
The F-Droid community reacted strongly, with one forum member stating: "F*** Google. Use GrapheneOS to drop Android... I find this development downright alarming".<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ - App Developers {{!}} F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository |url=https://f-droid.org/en/docs/FAQ_-_App_Developers/ |website=F-Droid |access-date=2025-08-29}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260116144646/https://f-droid.org/en/docs/FAQ_-_App_Developers/ Archived])</ref> Specific challenges include:
*F-Droid builds apps from source with its own signing keys, creating coordination requirements with upstream developers to ensure that the applications distributed are reproducible
*Community estimates suggest 85% of F-Droid apps could be "stuck in limbo" due to package ID conflicts
*Some developers announced via [https://github.com/woheller69/FreeDroidWarn FreeDroidWarn] that their apps "will no longer work on certified Android devices after that time"
*Open source app, Kotatsu, shuts down development citing pressure from Google against sideloading among other threats against its operation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KotatsuApp/Kotatsu: Manga reader for android |url=https://github.com/KotatsuApp/Kotatsu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105185519/github.com/KotatsuApp/Kotatsu |archive-date=5 Nov 2025 |access-date=16 Nov 2025 |website=Github}}</ref>

==Consumer and user response==
Google's Q&A page for the announcement received lots of feedback, including:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Q&A: New Android developer verification requirements |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/thread/361325854 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829100055/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/thread/361325854/%F0%9F%92%AC-q-a-new-android-developer-verification-requirements |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=Play Console Help}}</ref>

*Users highlighting the hypocrisy of enforcing security on sideloaded apps while Google Play distributes apps classified as scamware, malware, and adware
*Confusion over whether users would need to pay $25 to install apps on their own devices
*Concerns about offline device functionality (barcode scanners, kiosks) requiring internet connections for app signing verification
*Comparisons to Windows, where users noted: "I can install an app onto a Windows computer from any source without verification by Microsoft"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google to restrict Android app sideloading to verified devs |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |website=The Register |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211440/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*Users voiced their opinions through community wiki, [https://keepandroidopen.org/ keepandroidopen.org] criticizing it as an anti-consumer move since a software update irrevocably blocks right to install any software and requires developers to seek permission from Google to develop apps. The users also noted that it harms digital sovereignty of nations as well as raising questions on placing critical infrastructure "at the mercy of distant and unaccountable organization"<ref>{{Cite web |date=Aug 2025 |title=Keep Android Open |url=https://keepandroidopen.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109112509/keepandroidopen.org |archive-date=2025-11-09 |website=Keep Android Open}}</ref>

The Android community produced numerous critical videos,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mental Outlaw |date=2025-08-29 |title=Google is Locking Down Android |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1S0SiBuJN8 |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=L1S0SiBuJN8 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=BrenTech |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google Will Soon Block Apps from Unverified Developers! Is This The End of Sideloading on Android? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nCgnXByGrY |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=-nCgnXByGrY |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TechLore |date=2025-08-27 |title=Android Is Becoming iOS: The End of Sideloading? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxGjwtiI8uM |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=PxGjwtiI8uM |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> with titles like "Google is Locking Down Android" and "Android Is Becoming iOS: The End of Sideloading?"

Google quiere dominar el mundo !

==Industry and organizational response==

===Support===
The Developers Alliance stood as the sole organizational voice supporting the change, with co-founder Jake Ward stating it was "a critical step to ensure trust, accountability, and security across the Android ecosystem".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Developers Alliance Applauds Google's New Android Developer Verification |url=https://news.devalliance.org/developers-alliance-applauds-googles-new-android-developer-verification/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029120724/https://news.devalliance.org/developers-alliance-applauds-googles-new-android-developer-verification/ |archive-date=2025-10-29 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Developers Alliance}}</ref>

Government support emerged from initial rollout regions:
*Brazil's Federation of Banks called it a "significant advancement in protecting users"
*Indonesia's Ministry of Communications praised the "balanced approach that protects users while keeping Android open"
*Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy described it as a "positive and proactive measure"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Google to Verify All Android Developers in 4 Countries to Block Malicious Apps |url=https://thehackernews.com/2025/08/google-to-verify-all-android-developers.html |website=The Hacker News |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128015131/https://thehackernews.com/2025/08/google-to-verify-all-android-developers.html |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Criticism===
Technology publications characterized the change as fundamental to Android's nature:
*The Daily Security Review called it "a significant philosophical shift for Android, mirroring Apple's tightly curated ecosystem"
*Cory Doctorow writes that Google is abusing it's duopoly position in mobile ecosystem to lock-in users for monetary profit<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doctorow |first=Cory |date=2025-09-01 |title=Darth Android |url=https://pluralistic.net/2025/09/01/fulu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012004854/pluralistic.net/2025/09/01/fulu/ |archive-date=2025-10-12}}</ref>
*Many news outlets warn that the ID requirements could end alternative app stores and affirm play store's position as an effective monopoly<ref>{{Cite web |last=Debasish |date=30 Sep 2025 |title=Google’s new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid’s future |url=https://www.gizmochina.com/2025/09/30/googles-new-developer-rules-could-threaten-sideloading-and-f-droids-future/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251102075559/www.gizmochina.com/2025/09/30/googles-new-developer-rules-could-threaten-sideloading-and-f-droids-future/ |archive-date=2 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mous |first=Anton |date=30 Sep 2025 |title=Google’s developer registration ‘decree’ means the end for alternative app stores |url=https://cybernews.com/tech/googles-developer-registration-decree-end-alternative-app-stores/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111111050/https://cybernews.com/tech/googles-developer-registration-decree-end-alternative-app-stores/ |archive-date=11 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*Afam Onyimadu writes for makeuseof, that the move is an overreach of google's position when programs such as Play Protect already exist, calling it "security theatre"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Onyimadu |first=Afam |date=11 Oct 2025 |title=Android’s sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/androids-sideloading-limits-are-anti-consumer-move-yet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012005122/www.makeuseof.com/androids-sideloading-limits-are-anti-consumer-move-yet/ |archive-date=12 Oct 2025}}</ref>
*It's FOSS warned "this could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on 'certified' Android devices"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy |url=https://news.itsfoss.com/new-android-sideloading-rules/ |website=It's FOSS |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107074008/https://news.itsfoss.com/new-android-sideloading-rules/ |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref>
*OSnews criticized it as "the death of our digital freedoms"
*Hackaday noted the timing "coincides with Google's court-mandated opening of Android following Epic Games' antitrust victory"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google Will Require Developer Verification Even For Sideloading |url=https://hackaday.com/2025/08/26/google-will-require-developer-verification-even-for-sideloading/ |website=Hackaday |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203082923/https://hackaday.com/2025/08/26/google-will-require-developer-verification-even-for-sideloading/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref>
*According to Jean-Héon “Android Developer Verification is an absurdity for the free mobile ecosystem.”<ref name=":1" />

==Impact on specific use cases==

===Enterprise and MDM deployments===
NomidMDM advised IT managers to "audit application inventory today" & make sure all line-of-business app developers complete verification before deadlines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Core Change: Mandatory Verification for All Android Apps |url=https://www.nomidmdm.com/en/blog/the-core-change-mandatory-verification-for-all-android-apps |website=NomidMDM |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209230703/https://www.nomidmdm.com/en/blog/the-core-change-mandatory-verification-for-all-android-apps |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref> Affected deployments include:
*Wall-mounted displays
*Classroom broadcasting systems
*Shared device configurations
*Kiosk applications
*Industrial control systems

===Alternative app stores===
F-Droid faces serious challenges with the repository's build-from-source model conflicting with developer verification requirements. Alternative stores must make sure all hosted apps come from verified developers, effectively extending Google's verification to all distribution channels.

===Educational development===
Educational institutions face challenges as well:
*Student projects require individual verification for testing
*Sample code from textbooks becomes unusable without verification
*Classroom demonstrations need verified developer accounts
*Research projects face additional identity disclosure requirements

==Regulatory context==
The announcement arrives during active regulatory scrutiny of Google's platform practices:

===European Union===
The EU [[Digital Markets Act]] investigation issued preliminary findings against Google on March 19, 2025, for self-preferencing and payment system restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-19 |title=Google Search, Play Store falling foul of Digital Markets Act rules, says EU |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/19/google-search-play-store-falling-foul-of-digital-markets-act-rules-says-eu/ |website=TechCrunch |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251123150559/https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/19/google-search-play-store-falling-foul-of-digital-markets-act-rules-says-eu/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref> Legal experts note potential conflicts with DMA provisions requiring gatekeepers to permit third-party software installation without the gatekeeper's identification services.

===United States===
The timing coincides with court-mandated changes following Epic Games' antitrust victory. The FTC outlined remedy concerns in an August 2024 amicus brief after the jury found Google illegally monopolized app distribution.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=FTC Outlines Remedy Concerns in Amicus Brief After Jury Finds Google Illegally Monopolized App Store |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/ftc-outlines-remedy-concerns-amicus-brief-after-jury-finds-google-illegally-monopolized-app-store |website=Federal Trade Commission |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116072044/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/ftc-outlines-remedy-concerns-amicus-brief-after-jury-finds-google-illegally-monopolized-app-store |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===United Kingdom===
The UK Competition and Markets Authority continues its Strategic Market Status investigation, with consultation closing on August 20, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SMS investigation into Google's mobile platform |url=https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/sms-investigation-into-googles-mobile-ecosystem |website=GOV.UK |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725034936/https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/sms-investigation-into-googles-mobile-ecosystem |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> No specific response to the verification requirements has been issued.

==See also==
*[[Forced account]]
*[[Digital Markets Act]]
*[[Sideloading]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Android]]