Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Claude

2026-03-30T20:48:23Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ name -> website name

{{StubNotice}}{{ProductCargo
|Company=Anthropic
|ProductLine=
|ReleaseYear=2023
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Software, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Large Language Models
|Website=https://claude.ai/
|Description=
|Logo=Claude AI logo.svg
}}

'''Claude''' is a generative artificial intelligence, a large language model (LLM) developed and released by [[Anthropic]]. It was created with the objective of being a safe AI for the public. Claude family includes Haiku, a fast and cheaper model, Sonnet, a more complex model capable of completing more complex tasks, and Opus, their most advanced model.

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}
====Business model====
Free tier users have a limited access to only one version of the LLM. The LLM token limit ends after generating some messages, but the platform doesn't specify how much tokens or credits are left. Some experimental or advanced features of Claude can be very limited for free users or is just paywalled. {{Citation needed}}

====Third-Party Usage====
Anthropic provides two ways of accessing their LLMs: subscriptions and direct API usage. API pricing is simple: you pay for what you use. By paying for a subscription you can get up to 13.5x worth of API usage - a "Max" subscription costs $200 per month but allows users to use up to $3,000 worth of actual API costs [[https://she-llac.com/claude-limits source]]. However paying for a subscription means user is locked into Anthropic's tools only - either their web app or desktop app (claude code). Several talented engineers managed to hijack the behavior of Anthropic's tools and hence use limits of their subscriptions in third-party tools. Anthropic responded by changing their policies and banning any suspicions of account subscriptions being used outside of their first-party applications [[https://x.com/robzolkos/status/2024125323755884919 source]]. Several users on twitter/X complained about being banned even without ever taking part in such activities, namely those, who have used multiple accounts with named subscription on the same computer. For a more detailed (and opinionated) view on Anthropic's lack of transparency and unusual business practices, follow [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-pkXr-qqII this video].

====DMCA====
Anthropic's most popular product Claude Code is closed-source, meaning the actual code used to make the application is not public. Additionally the distributed version of said application is obfuscated. Obfuscation is a common process used in order to make reading code more difficult, essentially impossible without the use of reverse-engineering tools. In 2025 Anthropic accidentally published "source maps" of the application, aiding in mapping the obfuscated code to its original form. Some developers posted said information online, to which Anthropic responded with DMCA claims[[https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/25/anthropic-sent-a-takedown-notice-to-a-dev-trying-to-reverse-engineer-its-coding-tool/ source]]. Github, a platform for sharing code, keeps a track of DMCA claims and makes them public [[https://github.com/search?q=repo%3Agithub%2Fdmca%20anthropic&type=code relevant claims]].

====Privacy====
In order to use the LLM, a person must sign in with an e-mail address or to log in with a Google account, as well as obligatorily verify a smartphone number.<ref>{{Cite web |first= |date=2026-03-24 |title=Verifying your phone number {{!}} Claude Help Center |url=https://support.claude.com/en/articles/8287232-verifying-your-phone-number |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Claude Help Center (Anthropic)}}</ref>{{Citation needed}}

Anthropic may use input and output data from their services to train their AI models. Users are able to opt-out if they want to. However, Anthropic may still collect inputs and outputs that belong to conversations that have been flagged for safety review or content that has been reported by the user.
<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 March 2023 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://www.anthropic.com/legal/privacy |url-status=live |access-date=27 Jan 2026 |website=Anthropic |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211053754/https://www.anthropic.com/legal/privacy |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

==See also==
*[[OpenAI]]
*[[Artificial intelligence]]
*[[ChatGPT]]

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

Bungie

2026-03-30T20:47:02Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix name

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American video game developer known for Destiny and Halo.
|Founded=1990
|Industry=Video Games
|Logo=Bungie logo.png
|ParentCompany=Sony Interactive Entertainment
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://www.bungie.com
}}

Founded in 1990 by ''Alex Seropian'', '''{{Wplink|Bungie}}''' is a game development studio that has been known to develop games for their popular franchises, such as ''Marathon'', ''Destiny'', and initially ''Halo''. Originally, the company exclusively developed for ''MacOS'' platform, but after being acquired by ''[[Microsoft]]'', ''Bungie'' was seen developing instead for the ''[[Xbox]]'' platform (and 3rd parties such as ''Gearbox Software'' handling ports to ''Windows''), until its departure shortly after ''Halo'' ''Reach''<nowiki/>'s release. In January of 2022, the company was yet again bought out, this time by ''[[Sony]] Interactive Entertainment''.<ref>Dring, Christopher (January 31, 2022). "[https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-01-31-playstation-bungie-will-considerably-accelerate-our-journey-with-multiplatform-live-service-games PlayStation: Bungie deal is about multiplatform, live-service games]". ''Gamesindustry.biz''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20220131184555/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-01-31-playstation-bungie-will-considerably-accelerate-our-journey-with-multiplatform-live-service-games Archived] from the original on January 31, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2025</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Incomplete section}}
*'''User freedom:''' Historically would revoke content consumers paid for.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Phil |date=Aug 23, 2020 |title=Here's everything being removed from Destiny 2 at the end of this season—it's a lot |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/heres-everything-being-removed-from-destiny-2-at-the-end-of-this-seasonits-a-lot/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=PC Gamer}}</ref>
*'''User privacy:''' Unknown
*'''Business model:''' Software sales, [[Predatory microtransactions|microtransactions]]
*'''Market control:''' ''[[Microsoft]] (Xbox), [[Nintendo]], [[Valve]]'', indie studios

==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]].

===The Destiny Content Vault===
Near the release of the Destiny 2 expansion "Beyond Light" (November 2020) ''Bungie'' announced the vaulting of paid content. This meant that said content for the game was going to be removed and made inaccessible.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Phil |date=Aug 23, 2020 |title=Here's everything being removed from Destiny 2 at the end of this season—it's a lot |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/heres-everything-being-removed-from-destiny-2-at-the-end-of-this-seasonits-a-lot/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=PC Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Glagowski |first=Peter |date=Jun 9, 2020 |title=Bungie To Remove Four Planets And All But Three Raids From Destiny 2 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/destiny-2-content-removal/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=The Gamer}}</ref> This included story lines, playable activities, and locations that players were required to pay to access. This also affected equip-able items to a different extent as they would no longer drop in the game limiting you to only being able to use weaker versions of that gear. Vaulted content includes but is not limited to:
*The Red War campaign (Base game story)
*The Curse of Osiris expansion (Paid DLC 1)
*The Warmind expansion (Paid DLC 2)
*The Forsaken expansion (Paid DLC 3)
*Seasonal content (Paid battle passes that came with story & gameplay content, were vaulted on a yearly rotation where each year 4 battle passes would be released which could be paid for as a bundle or separately)

Since vaulting was announced, some content was un-vaulted including the Whisper and Zero Hour exotic missions,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bungie |first= |title=Destiny 2: Into The Light |url=https://help.bungie.net/hc/en-us/articles/24175204478100-Destiny-2-Into-The-Light |url-status=live |access-date=13 Feb 2026 |website=Bungie Help}}</ref> seasonal exotic missions in the exotic mission rotator, and seasonal activities in the portal.<ref>{{Cite news |last=GB Times Gaming Team |date=Mar 21, 2025 |title=Why is Bungie Removing Content from Destiny 2? The Content Vault Controversy Explained |url=https://gbtimes.com/gaming/why-is-bungie-removing-content/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=GB Times}}</ref>

===Concerning legal agreements===
Inside the ''Bungie'' "''Limited Software License Agreement''" (LSLA)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bungie LSLA |url=https://www.bungie.net/7/en/Legal/sla |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=Bungie}}</ref> since at least August 17, 2021, there is [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]], which takes effect the moment any user has run any ''Bungie'' software since the introduction of this term.

Additionally, Bungie can, and has taken advantage of a stipulation<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=xXLjordSireXx |date=Jun 21, 2023 |title=Comment from xXLjordSireXx |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/destiny2/comments/14evilb/comment/joxpajc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> within their forums which states:<blockquote>"By using the form, you are submitting content to Bungie. When you submit content to Bungie, you agree to the Bungie Services Terms of Use, which also means you're promising us that you have the right to upload that content, that we can freely use it without condition, and that you agree that your submission follows our Code of Conduct."</blockquote>A highlight from this agreement<blockquote>"...that we can freely use it without condition..."</blockquote>has been cited by consumers<ref name=":3" /> as a reason why a piece of user-generated content<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ikari |first=Shinji |title=The Veil of Darkness |url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Community/Detail?itemId=257325114 |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=Bungie Forums}}</ref> was used commercially within ''Destiny 2''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kinduhgood |date=Jun 20, 2023 |title=Bungie stole someone's art for the new cutscene. His art was made over 2 years ago |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/destiny2/comments/14evilb/bungie_stole_someones_art_for_the_new_cutscene/ |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Destiny2}}</ref>

===Destiny 2 Linux ban===

==Products==

===Software===

*''Marathon'' series
*''Halo'' series (formerly)
*''Destiny'' series

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Video game companies]]

Android

2026-03-30T20:46:06Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 14: fix name

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

|InProduction= Yes
|Logo= Android Logo.svg
|ReleaseYear= 2008
|Website= https://android.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Android_(operating_system)|'''Android''']] is an operating system which started in 2003, got acquired by '''[[Google]]''' in 2005<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elgin |first=Ben |date=2005-08-17 |title=Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227182929/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2005/tc20050817_0949_tc024.htm |archive-date=2011-02-27 |access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Bloomberg Businessweek}}</ref>, and made its first official release (Android 1.0) in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-09-23 |title=Announcing the Android 1.0 SDK, release 1 |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/09/announcing-android-10-sdk-release-1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251216120521/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/09/announcing-android-10-sdk-release-1.html |archive-date=16 Dec 2025|access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref> It is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen-based mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but is also used in smart TVs, cameras, in-car infotainment systems, etc.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025 |title=Why Android? |url=https://www.android.com/why-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221233734/https://www.android.com/why-android/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-07-12 |website=Android}}</ref>

The original "philosophy and goals" page of Android stated that it that its aim was "to make sure that there was no central point of failure, where one industry player could restrict or control the innovations of any other".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philosophy and Goals |url=http://source.android.com/about/philosophy.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111091238/http://source.android.com/about/philosophy.html |archive-date=11 Jan 2012 |website=Android Open Source Project}}</ref> This founding principle was abandoned with the [[Android Developer Verification]] plan announced in 2025 that is scheduled to come in effect in September of 2026.

==Consumer impact summary==
With over 3.5 billion active users, open-source flexibility, affordability, and extensive device ecosystems continue to shape consumer behavior, regional adoption, and technological advancements.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=G |first=Nick |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Android Market Share in 2025: Global Dominance and Key Insights|url=https://techjury.net/industry-analysis/android-market-share |website=TechJury |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250629102621/https://techjury.net/industry-analysis/android-market-share/ |archive-date=June 29, 2025 }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Trend of Newly Released Android |url=https://www.accio.com/business/trend-of-newly-released-android |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215215435/https://www.accio.com/business/trend-of-newly-released-android |archive-date=15 Feb 2026 }}</ref> Android’s global reach, affordability, and device diversity make it the preferred OS for billions, particularly in emerging economies. It remains the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, but its dominance has been accompanied by controversies from security vulnerabilities and privacy concerns to accusations of anti-competitive behavior and declining open-source commitments.

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

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

===Apps cannot run writable files===
Apps targeting Android 10 aren't allowed to execute files from their "home" folder, as this is enforced by the system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Behavior changes: apps targeting API 29+ |url=https://developer.android.com/about/versions/10/behavior-changes-10#execute-permission |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209004831/https://developer.android.com/about/versions/10/behavior-changes-10#execute-permission |archive-date=2026-02-09 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Android Developers}}</ref> While "targeting" any version is an opt-in choice, the [[wikipedia:Google_Play|Google Play Store]] policy forbids apps that target old Android versions.<ref>https://developer.android.com/google/play/requirements/target-sdk</ref><ref>[https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/16561298?hl=en https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/16561298]</ref><ref>https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878</ref> This negatively impacts apps such as [[wikipedia:Termux|Termux]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=n0n3m4 |first= |date=2019-03-18 |title=No more exec from data folder on targetAPI >= Android Q |url=https://github.com/termux/termux-app/issues/1072 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=GitHub}}</ref> which must be "[[Sideloading|sideloaded]]" so that the policy is not applicable, otherwise they must find a way to bypass it (risks legal issues).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Jinoh |date=2021-07-03 |title=Revisit the Android W^X problem |url=https://github.com/termux/termux-app/issues/2155 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=GitHub}}</ref>

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

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

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

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

===Android Cast restricted to Google-signed receivers===
In Android, streaming over network is referred as "Casting". In Android 4.4, [[wikipedia:Miracast|Miracast]] support was introduced.

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

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

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

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

Negative option marketing

2026-03-30T20:44:19Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix dates

{{#seo:
|description=Negative option marketing treats consumer silence as consent to recurring charges. The FTC defines four types and pursues billion-dollar enforcement.
}}

'''Negative option marketing''' is a commercial practice in which a seller treats a consumer's silence or failure to act as acceptance of an offer, resulting in automatic charges.<ref name="ftc-policy">{{Cite web |title=Enforcement Policy Statement Regarding Negative Option Marketing |url=https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1598063/negative_option_policy_statement-10-22-2021-tobureau.pdf |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2021-10-28 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> In the United States, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] defines four types of negative option arrangements: prenotification plans, continuity plans, automatic renewals, & free-trial conversions.<ref name="ftc-policy" /> A 2022 survey found that consumers estimated their monthly subscription spending at $86 but were paying $219, with 42% admitting they had forgotten about subscriptions they were still paying for.<ref name="cr-research">{{Cite web |title=Subscription Service Statistics and Costs |url=https://www.crresearch.com/blog/subscription-service-statistics-and-costs/ |website=C+R Research |date=2022 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> FTC enforcement actions include a $2.5 billion settlement with [[Amazon]] in September 2025 & a $100 million judgment against Vonage in November 2022.<ref name="amazon-settlement">{{Cite web |title=FTC Secures Historic $2.5 Billion Settlement Against Amazon |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2025/09/ftc-secures-historic-25-billion-settlement-against-amazon |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2025-09-25 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref><ref name="vonage">{{Cite web |title=FTC Action Against Vonage Results in $100 Million to Customers Trapped by Illegal Dark Patterns and Junk Fees When Trying to Cancel Service |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/11/ftc-action-against-vonage-results-100-million-customers-trapped-illegal-dark-patterns-junk-fees-when-trying-cancel-service |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2022-11-03 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Types of negative option marketing==

The FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule (16 CFR 310.2(w)) defines a negative option feature as any arrangement where "the customer's silence or failure to take an affirmative action to reject goods or services or to cancel the agreement is interpreted by the seller as acceptance of the offer."<ref name="ftc-policy" /> The 2021 FTC Enforcement Policy Statement groups negative option marketing into four categories.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

'''Prenotification plans''' send consumers periodic notices offering specific goods. If the consumer doesn't decline within a set window, the seller ships the goods & charges the account. Book-of-the-month clubs & record clubs operated on this model for decades.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

'''Continuity plans''' enroll consumers in ongoing shipments or services (bottled water delivery, supplement programs) that continue until the consumer takes affirmative action to cancel.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

'''Automatic renewals''' extend a subscription (streaming service, software license, gym membership) for another term when the current term expires, unless the consumer cancels before the renewal date.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

'''Free-trial conversions''' offer a product or service at no cost for an introductory period. If the consumer doesn't cancel before the trial ends, recurring charges begin automatically at the full price.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

==History==

Negative option marketing originated in mid-20th-century mail-order commerce. Book-of-the-month clubs & record clubs used prenotification plans to ship books, records, cassettes, & CDs to subscribers who failed to return a rejection card by postal mail.<ref name="ftc-policy" /> Forgetting to mail back a card meant paying for merchandise the consumer never actively ordered.

Consumer complaints about these programs prompted the FTC to promulgate 16 CFR Part 425 in 1973, the original Negative Option Rule.<ref name="16cfr425">{{Cite web |title=Rule Concerning Use of Prenotification Negative Option Plans |url=https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-425 |website=Electronic Code of Federal Regulations |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The rule required sellers to disclose material terms (minimum purchase obligations, cancellation procedures, frequency of announcement mailings) before consumers subscribed. Its scope was limited to prenotification plans for physical goods; it didn't cover automatic renewals or free-trial conversions.

The rise of internet commerce in the 2000s exposed this gap. Digital subscription services, SaaS products, & streaming platforms operated on automatic renewal & free-trial models that fell outside the 1973 rule's reach. Deceptive online trial offers had become widespread enough to justify a dedicated federal statute.<ref name="rosca">{{Cite web |title=Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3386 |website=Congress.gov |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Federal legal framework==

Federal oversight of negative option marketing relies on overlapping statutes & agency rules. No single law covers all four types across all media; the FTC has historically used a combination of narrow rules & broad consumer protection authority to fill gaps.

===Negative Option Rule (16 CFR Part 425)===

Adopted in 1973, 16 CFR Part 425 governs prenotification negative option plans only.<ref name="16cfr425" /> The rule requires sellers to disclose material terms before a consumer subscribes, including minimum purchase obligations, the frequency of announcements, & the procedure for rejecting shipments. Violations are enforceable as unfair or deceptive acts under Section 5 of the FTC Act (15 U.S.C. 45).

The rule's scope is narrow. It doesn't apply to continuity plans, automatic renewals, or free-trial conversions, which together account for the vast majority of modern negative option marketing.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

===Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act===

Congress enacted ROSCA (15 U.S.C. 8401-8405) in 2010 to regulate online negative option marketing.<ref name="rosca" /> The statute makes it unlawful to charge a consumer through an internet-based negative option feature unless the seller meets three requirements:

*Clear & conspicuous disclosure of all material terms before collecting billing information
*Express informed consent from the consumer before charging the account
*A simple mechanism for the consumer to stop recurring charges<ref name="rosca" />

ROSCA violations are treated as FTC trade regulation rule violations, allowing the Commission to seek civil penalties, consumer redress, & injunctive relief. ROSCA has become the FTC's primary enforcement tool for online subscription traps, serving as the legal basis for the $2.5 billion Amazon settlement & the $100 million Vonage judgment.<ref name="amazon-settlement" /><ref name="vonage" />

===2021 FTC Enforcement Policy Statement===

On October 28, 2021, the FTC issued an Enforcement Policy Statement synthesizing its interpretation of existing negative option laws across all media.<ref name="ftc-policy" /> The statement put businesses on notice that the Commission would pursue enforcement when sellers:

*Failed to provide clear, upfront disclosure of material terms
*Failed to obtain separate & explicit consent for the negative option feature itself (distinct from general terms of service)
*Used [[dark pattern|dark patterns]] to obstruct cancellation<ref name="ftc-policy" />

The statement didn't create new law. It consolidated the FTC's enforcement position under ROSCA, the Telemarketing Sales Rule (16 CFR Part 310), & Section 5 of the FTC Act into a single document.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

===Click-to-Cancel rule===

{{Main|Click-to-cancel}}

The FTC finalized the Click-to-Cancel rule in October 2024, attempting to extend the 1973 Negative Option Rule to cover all four types of negative option marketing across all media: online, telephone, print, & in-person.<ref name="latham-vacatur">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-11 |title=Eighth Circuit Vacates FTC's Click-to-Cancel Rule Days Before Compliance Deadline |url=https://www.lw.com/en/insights/eighth-circuit-vacates-ftc-click-to-cancel-rule-days-before-compliance-deadline |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Latham & Watkins}}</ref> The rule required that the cancellation method be "at least as easy to use as the method the consumer used to initiate the negative option feature."<ref name="wilmerhale-vacatur" />

Several businesses & industry trade associations filed lawsuits in multiple federal circuits. The cases were consolidated before the Eighth Circuit as ''Custom Communications, Inc. v. FTC''.<ref name="latham-vacatur" />

On July 8, 2025, six days before the rule's scheduled effective date, a unanimous three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit vacated the Click-to-Cancel rule in its entirety.<ref name="wilmerhale-vacatur">{{Cite web |title=Eighth Circuit Vacates the FTC's "Click to Cancel" Rule, but Federal and State Regulators Likely to Remain Active |url=https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/client-alerts/20250801-eighth-circuit-vacates-the-ftcs-click-to-cancel-rule-but-federal-and-state-regulators-likely-to-remain-active |website=WilmerHale |date=2025-08-01 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The court ruled that the FTC had committed a fatal procedural error: under Section 22 of the FTC Act, the agency must conduct a preliminary regulatory analysis for any rule with an estimated annual economic impact exceeding $100 million. An Administrative Law Judge had determined the rule would exceed that threshold, but the FTC finalized the rule without publishing the required analysis.<ref name="latham-vacatur" /> The Eighth Circuit held that this omission deprived stakeholders of a meaningful opportunity to comment on the rule's economic impact & vacated the rule as procedurally deficient.<ref name="wilmerhale-vacatur" />

Over 16,000 public comments were submitted during the rulemaking process.<ref name="wilmerhale-vacatur" /> Following the vacatur, the FTC returned to ROSCA & Section 5 enforcement, while states began filling the regulatory gap with their own click-to-cancel statutes.<ref name="wilmerhale-vacatur" />

==State laws==

With the federal Click-to-Cancel rule vacated, state automatic renewal laws (ARLs) set the operative compliance baseline for businesses operating nationally. Several states impose requirements more specific than ROSCA, dictating exact consent mechanisms, notice timelines, & cancellation interfaces.

===California===

California's Automatic Renewal Law (Business & Professions Code 17600-17606) imposes detailed requirements on businesses offering auto-renewing subscriptions to California consumers.<ref name="ca-arl">{{Cite web |title=California Automatic Renewal Law - Business and Professions Code Sections 17600-17606 |url=https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=BPC&division=7.&title=&part=3.&chapter=1.&article=9. |website=California Legislative Information |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Amendments taking effect July 1, 2025 require:

*Express affirmative consent to auto-renewal terms, separate from general terms of service
*Same-medium cancellation: a subscription started online must be cancellable online via a prominent, unobstructed button
*Advance notice to consumers before any material change in terms, including price increases
*Goods shipped without proper affirmative consent are deemed an "unconditional gift" with no payment obligation<ref name="ca-arl" />

===New York===

New York General Business Law 527 & 527-a requires auto-renewal disclosures in a larger or contrasting font relative to surrounding text.<ref name="ny-gbl-527">{{Cite web |title=New York General Business Law Section 527 |url=https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/527 |website=New York State Senate |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The law mandates a post-transaction acknowledgment (email or equivalent) containing renewal terms & cancellation instructions.<ref name="ny-gbl-527a">{{Cite web |title=New York General Business Law Section 527-A |url=https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GBS/527-A |website=New York State Senate |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> For subscriptions lasting one year or longer, businesses must notify the consumer at least 15 days, but no more than 45 days, before the cancellation deadline.<ref name="ny-gbl-527a" />

===Illinois===

The Illinois Automatic Contract Renewal Act (815 ILCS 601) bans obstructive cancellation practices & requires conspicuous upfront disclosure of auto-renewal terms.<ref name="il-acra">{{Cite web |title=815 ILCS 601 - Automatic Contract Renewal Act |url=https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/ILCS/Articles?ActID=2363&ChapterID=67 |website=Illinois General Assembly |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Non-compliance renders the renewal void.<ref name="il-acra" />

==FTC enforcement actions==

The FTC has used ROSCA, the Telemarketing Sales Rule, & Section 5 of the FTC Act to pursue negative option violations across industries.

===Amazon Prime (2025)===

The FTC's September 2025 settlement with Amazon produced $2.5 billion in combined penalties: a $1 billion civil penalty (the largest for an FTC rule violation) & $1.5 billion in consumer redress.<ref name="amazon-settlement" /> The Commission alleged that Amazon used dark patterns to enroll consumers in Prime without clear consent & built a cancellation process internally dubbed the "Iliad Flow," requiring four pages, six clicks, & fifteen options before a consumer could confirm cancellation.<ref name="amazon-natlawreview">{{Cite web |title=FTC's Landmark $2.5 Billion Amazon Settlement Highlights Ongoing Focus on "Dark Patterns" |url=https://natlawreview.com/article/ftcs-landmark-25-billion-amazon-settlement-highlights-ongoing-focus-dark-patterns |website=National Law Review |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref><ref name="fairpatterns">{{Cite web |title=Amazon's $2.5B dark patterns settlement: What all e-retailers must change now |url=https://www.fairpatterns.ai/post/amazons-2-5b-dark-patterns-settlement-what-all-e-retailers-must-change-now |website=Fair Patterns |date=2025-10-16 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The FTC named senior executives, including Senior Vice President Neil Lindsay & Vice President Jamil Ghani, for personal oversight of the deceptive enrollment UI.<ref name="amazon-natlawreview" /> The case affected an estimated 35 million consumers.<ref name="amazon-settlement" />

===Vonage (2022)===

Vonage allowed customers to sign up for its VoIP service entirely online but prohibited online cancellation. Consumers had to call a dedicated "retention" phone line. The FTC found that Vonage obscured the phone number, dropped calls, reduced operating hours, & financially incentivized agents to prevent cancellations.<ref name="vonage" /> Vonage also imposed hidden early termination fees & continued charging consumers after they cancelled. The November 2022 settlement required $100 million in consumer refunds.<ref name="vonage-refunds">{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=FTC Sends Nearly $100 Million in Refunds to Vonage Consumers Who Were Trapped in Subscriptions By Dark Patterns and Junk Fees |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/10/ftc-sends-nearly-100-million-refunds-vonage-consumers-who-were-trapped-subscriptions-dark-patterns |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>

===ABCmouse (2020)===

Age of Learning, Inc. marketed ABCmouse with "Special Offer" 12-month memberships at $59.95 & 30-day free trials. The FTC alleged the company failed to disclose that plans renewed automatically at full price; the auto-renewal terms were accessible only through a hyperlink to lengthy Terms & Conditions.<ref name="abcmouse">{{Cite web |title=Children's Online Learning Program ABCmouse to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Charges of Illegal Marketing and Billing Practices |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2020/09/childrens-online-learning-program-abcmouse-pay-10-million-settle-ftc-charges-illegal-marketing |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2020-09-01 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Hundreds of thousands of consumers visited the cancellation path but remained enrolled. The September 2020 settlement required a $10 million civil judgment.<ref name="abcmouse-blog">{{Cite web |date=2020-09-02 |title=$10 million ABCmouse settlement: Avoiding auto-renewal traps |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/blog/2020/09/10-million-abcmouse-settlement-avoiding-auto-renewal-traps |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>

===MoviePass (2021)===

MoviePass marketed a "one movie per day" subscription plan. When the model proved financially unsustainable, the company deployed hidden throttling mechanisms: resetting passwords of frequent users under the guise of "suspicious activity," implementing an overcomplicated ticket-stub verification program that locked out users, & instituting secret attendance caps.<ref name="moviepass">{{Cite web |date=2021-06-07 |title=Operators of MoviePass Subscription Service Agree to Settle FTC Allegations that They Limited Usage, Failed to Secure User Data |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/06/operators-moviepass-subscription-service-agree-settle-ftc-allegations-they-limited-usage-failed |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref> The FTC argued these hidden restrictions violated ROSCA by concealing material terms. The consent order required annual data security assessments & compliance certification by a senior executive; no monetary penalty was imposed because the company had already filed for bankruptcy.<ref name="moviepass" />

===DirecTV (2015-2018)===

In March 2015, the FTC alleged DirecTV advertised discounted 12-month packages without disclosing an automatic price increase of up to $45 per month in the second year & early termination fees of up to $480.<ref name="directv-covington">{{Cite web |date=2018-09-14 |title=District Court Dismisses Major Part of FTC Deceptive Advertising Case |url=https://www.cov.com/en/news-and-insights/insights/2018/09/district-court-dismisses-major-part-of-ftc-deceptive-advertising-case |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Covington & Burling LLP}}</ref> The Commission sought $3.95 billion in equitable relief. The case went to a bench trial in August 2017. In August 2018, the court granted DirecTV's motion for judgment on partial findings, ruling the FTC failed to prove that DirecTV's advertising was deceptive. The FTC voluntarily dismissed the remaining claims, & the case was dismissed with prejudice in October 2018.<ref name="directv-wlf">{{Cite web |title=Lessons from FTC's Loss in, and Subsequent Abandonment of, DirecTV Advertising Case |url=https://www.wlf.org/2018/10/23/wlf-legal-pulse/lessons-from-ftcs-loss-in-and-subsequent-abandonment-of-directv-advertising-case/ |website=Washington Legal Foundation |date=2018-10-23 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Common practices==

The FTC classifies manipulative interface designs that exploit cognitive biases as dark patterns.<ref name="ftc-policy" /> Three patterns appear repeatedly in negative option enforcement cases:

'''Subscription traps''' lure consumers with a "free" or low-cost trial while burying the terms of automatic conversion to a paid subscription in fine print or behind hyperlinks.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

'''Cancellation friction''', sometimes called the "roach motel" pattern, makes enrollment easy but cancellation deliberately difficult. Tactics include forcing digital subscribers to cancel by phone, reducing call center hours, & deploying aggressive retention agents.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

'''Bundled UI dark patterns''' use confusing interface elements, double negatives, or misleading button labels to trick consumers into enrolling or to prevent unsubscribing.<ref name="ftc-policy" />

==Consumer impact==

===Financial cost of unwanted subscriptions===

A 2022 C+R Research survey found that consumers estimated their monthly subscription spending at $86 but were paying $219, a $133-per-month gap.<ref name="cr-research" /> 42% of respondents had forgotten they were still paying for subscriptions they no longer used.<ref name="cr-research" />

CNET's 2025 subscription survey, conducted with YouGov, found the average U.S. adult spends approximately $90 per month ($1,080 per year) on subscription services, with nearly $200 per year going to unused subscriptions.<ref name="cnet-survey">{{Cite web |date=2025-05-15 |title=CNET Subscription Survey 2025 |url=https://thedesk.net/2025/05/cnet-subscription-survey-2025/ |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=The Desk}}</ref>

===Rising complaint volume===

The FTC's October 2024 Click-to-Cancel announcement cited nearly 70 consumer complaints per day about negative option practices, up from 42 per day in 2021.<ref name="ftc-c2c-announce">{{Cite web |title=Federal Trade Commission Announces Final "Click-to-Cancel" Rule Making It Easier for Consumers to End Recurring Subscriptions and Memberships |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/10/federal-trade-commission-announces-final-click-cancel-rule-making-it-easier-consumers-end-recurring |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2024-10-16 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Industry opposition==

The push for stricter federal regulation of negative option marketing has met organized resistance from trade associations & industry lobbying groups. When the FTC proposed the Click-to-Cancel rule, industry trade associations filed coordinated opposition.<ref name="wilmerhale-vacatur" />

Industry groups argued the FTC was overstepping its statutory authority by applying the rule to business-to-business transactions & offline sales.<ref name="latham-vacatur" />

The lobbying effort escalated into litigation. Lawsuits filed across multiple federal circuits were consolidated in the Eighth Circuit under ''Custom Communications, Inc. v. FTC''.<ref name="latham-vacatur" /> The July 2025 vacatur represented a total victory for the industry coalition, though the court's ruling was procedural rather than substantive: the Eighth Circuit didn't rule on whether dark patterns or subscription traps are unlawful, only that the FTC skipped a required step in its rulemaking process.<ref name="wilmerhale-vacatur" />

The court warned that condoning the FTC's failure to publish the required economic analysis "could open the door to future manipulation of the rulemaking process," where an agency might intentionally underestimate economic impacts to avoid public scrutiny of compliance costs.<ref name="wilmerhale-vacatur" />

Despite the federal setback, state legislatures have continued passing their own automatic renewal & click-to-cancel laws. California's 2025 amendments, New York's auto-renewal law, & the Illinois ACRA create overlapping state-level requirements that national businesses must still satisfy.<ref name="ca-arl" /><ref name="ny-gbl-527a" /><ref name="il-acra" />

==See also==

*[[Dark pattern]]
*[[Click-to-cancel]]
*[[Amazon]]

==References==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]
[[Category:Dark patterns]]
[[Category:Consumer protection]]

Amazon to charge non-Prime consumers to use Alexa

2026-03-30T20:38:49Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ 14: fix date

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon
|StartDate=2025-02-26
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=Alexa
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Subscription,Privacy
|Description=Amazon charges $19.99/mo for Alexa+ AI features; free for Prime. Classic Alexa features degraded after infrastructure shift.
}}
'''[[Amazon]]''' charges non-Prime customers $19.99 per month for Alexa+, a generative AI upgrade to the Alexa voice assistant, while bundling it free with Prime memberships that cost $14.99 per month.<ref name="9to5google">{{Cite web |title=Amazon's 'Alexa+' is a $20/month upgrade unless you have Prime, which is $15/month |url=https://9to5google.com/2025/02/26/amazon-alexa-plus-prime-price/ |website=9to5Google |date=2025-02-26 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The upgrade, announced in February 2025 & made broadly available on February 4, 2026, uses large language models to add conversational AI & multi-step task automation to [[wikipedia:Amazon Echo|Echo]] devices.<ref name="aboutamazon-launch">{{Cite web |title=Alexa+ now available to everyone in the US - and free for Prime members |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/alexa-plus-available-free-prime-members-us |website=About Amazon |date=2026-02-04 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Users who don't subscribe retain access to classic Alexa, but multiple reports document that the underlying infrastructure changes have degraded previously reliable features on existing Echo hardware.<ref name="spyglass">{{Cite web |title=Grading Alexa+ on a Curve |url=https://spyglass.org/broken-alexa-plus/ |website=Spyglass |date=2025-09-30 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Background==

Amazon sold over 500 million Alexa-enabled devices between 2014 & 2023.<ref name="yahoo-500m">{{Cite web |last=Garfinkle |first=Alexandra |date=2023-05-17 |title=Amazon has sold more than 500 million Alexa-enabled devices, drops 4 new Echo products |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-has-sold-more-than-500-million-alexa-enabled-devices-drops-4-new-echo-products-140013808.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250724093539/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-has-sold-more-than-500-million-alexa-enabled-devices-drops-4-new-echo-products-140013808.html |archive-date=24 Jul 2025 |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Yahoo! Finance}}</ref> The business model relied on selling Echo speakers at or below cost, expecting consumers to use voice commands to shop on Amazon. That didn't happen. A former senior Amazon employee told The Wall Street Journal: "We worried we've hired 10,000 people and we've built a smart timer."<ref name="quartz-25b">{{Cite web |title=Amazon Lost 25 Billion Alexa Devices Echo Kindle Jassy |url=https://qz.com/amazon-lost-25-billion-alexa-devices-echo-kindle-jassy-1851602188 |website=Quartz |date=2024-07-23 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

Internal documents reviewed by the WSJ revealed Amazon's devices division lost over $25 billion between 2017 & 2021.<ref name="quartz-25b" /><ref name="mwl-25b">{{Cite web |title=Amazon lost $25B on Alexa-powered devices |url=https://www.mobileworldlive.com/devices/amazon-lost-25b-on-alexa-powered-devices/ |website=Mobile World Live |date=2024-07-24 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Consumers predominantly used Echo devices for free functions: setting alarms, checking weather, & controlling smart home devices rather than purchasing goods through the assistant.<ref name="quartz-25b" /> By late 2023, Amazon was exploring a paid subscription tier to recoup those losses.<ref name="ars-subscription">{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=25 Sep 2023 |title=Amazon wants to charge a subscription fee for Alexa eventually |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/09/amazon-wants-to-charge-a-subscription-fee-for-alexa-eventually/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251023114139/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/09/amazon-wants-to-charge-a-subscription-fee-for-alexa-eventually/ |archive-date=23 Oct 2025 |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

On February 26, 2025, Amazon officially announced Alexa+, positioning it as a generative AI overhaul powered by large language models from Amazon & [[wikipedia:Anthropic|Anthropic]].<ref name="aboutamazon-launch" /><ref name="panay-announcement">{{Cite web |last=Panay |first=Panos |date=26 Feb 2025 |title=Introducing Alexa+, the next generation of Alexa |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-alexa-generative-artificial-intelligence |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126202916/https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-alexa-generative-artificial-intelligence |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=About Amazon}}</ref> Early Access began in March 2025, limited to select Echo Show devices in the United States.<ref name="panay-announcement" /> The service reached general availability on February 4, 2026, opening to all US users.<ref name="aboutamazon-launch" />

At the same time as the Alexa+ announcement, Amazon [[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage|removed the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" feature]] from Echo devices, effective March 28, 2025.<ref name="gizmodo-privacy">{{Cite web |title=Amazon will listen to all your voice recordings if you use Alexa |url=https://gizmodo.com/amazon-will-listen-to-all-your-voice-recordings-if-you-use-alexa-2000576755 |website=Gizmodo |date=2025-03-17 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> This feature had allowed certain Echo models to process voice commands locally without transmitting audio to Amazon's cloud. Amazon told users the generative AI features "rely on the processing power of Amazon's secure cloud," making local processing no longer supported.<ref name="gizmodo-privacy" />

==Adding a subscription cost==

Alexa+ costs $19.99 per month for non-Prime subscribers. Prime members ($14.99 per month or $139 per year) get it at no additional cost.<ref name="9to5google" /><ref name="aboutamazon-launch" /> The standalone Alexa+ subscription is more expensive than Prime itself, creating a pricing structure where subscribing to Alexa+ alone costs $5 more per month than the entire Prime bundle.<ref name="9to5google" />

Non-Prime users who don't pay for either subscription receive a limited free tier: text-based chat through Alexa.com & the Alexa mobile app, with usage caps.<ref name="aboutamazon-launch" /> There is no free Alexa+ experience on Echo, Fire TV, or tablet devices. Amazon's support forum confirmed: "If you prefer using the original Alexa, it will remain available on your devices."<ref name="amazon-forum">{{Cite web |title=Alexa+ general availability in US |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D5at00000dV7WcCAK/alexa-general-availability-in-us?language=en_US |website=Amazon Forum |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

The new AI features include multi-step task orchestration (booking an Uber, making a restaurant reservation, & messaging a contact in a single command), conversational context that carries across multiple exchanges, proactive suggestions, & integration with services like OpenTable & Ticketmaster.<ref name="panay-announcement" /><ref name="aboutamazon-launch" /> Classic Alexa functions (timers, alarms, weather, basic smart home control) remain available without a subscription.<ref name="amazon-forum" />

This change fits a [[List of products and services with post-purchase license change|broader pattern of companies adding subscription fees to products after purchase]]. In September 2024, a coalition of 17 consumer advocacy groups including Consumer Reports & US PIRG urged the Federal Trade Commission to crack down on post-purchase "software tethering."<ref name="techdirt-ftc">{{Cite web |title=FTC pushed to crack down on companies that ruin hardware via software updates or annoying paywalls |url=https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/09/ftc-pushed-to-crack-down-on-companies-that-ruin-hardware-via-software-updates-or-annoying-paywalls/ |website=Techdirt |date=2024-09-09 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> An FTC staff study in November 2024 found that nearly 89% of smart products surveyed failed to disclose how long they would receive software updates; manufacturers' failure to provide this information may violate the [[wikipedia:Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act|Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act]].<ref name="ftc-smart-devices">{{Cite web |title=Smart Products Surveyed Fail to Provide Consumers with Information on How Long Companies will Provide Software Updates |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/11/smart-products-surveyed-fail-provide-consumers-information-how-long-companies-will-provide-software |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2024-11-26 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Impact on existing devices==

===Feature degradation===

Users who opted out of Alexa+ or reverted to classic Alexa report that the infrastructure changes made to support the new service have degraded previously reliable functions. One reviewer described the situation: "Reviews wrap their thoughts in this narrative that the new version is an upgrade, but nearly everything they're writing suggests that it's a downgrade."<ref name="spyglass" />

Specific complaints documented across tech publications & user forums include response delays of up to 15 seconds for basic requests like weather & music playback, music playlists stopping mid-song, multi-device spatial awareness breaking (a speaker down the hall answering instead of the one nearby), & simple commands being ignored or misunderstood.<ref name="spyglass" /><ref name="techradar-users">{{Cite web |title=Alexa+ is now available for free to everyone in the US on Prime, but early users say you should tread carefully |url=https://www.techradar.com/ai-platforms-assistants/alexa-is-now-available-for-free-to-everyone-in-the-us-on-prime-but-early-users-say-you-should-tread-carefully |website=TechRadar |date=2026-02-04 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

Echo Show 5 owners reported that the Alexa+ update removed their primary use for the device: the large, dimmable bedside clock display. Users found the only workaround was switching the device language to "English (Canada)" to revert the interface.<ref name="amazon-forum-clock">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-07 |title=Alexa+ ruined the most important thing on my Echo Show 5, the large clock |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D5at00000Srg0HCAR/alexa-ruined-the-most-important-thing-on-my-echo-show-5-the-large-clock |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=Amazon Forum}}</ref>

Amazon had already begun moving previously free features behind a paywall before Alexa+ launched. In 2024, the company discontinued Alexa Guard, a free home monitoring service that detected smoke alarms & breaking glass. Those features moved to Alexa Emergency Assist at $5.99 per month. Only the home/away mode & away lighting automation remained free.<ref name="pcworld-guard">{{Cite web |title=One of Alexa's best free features is going behind a paywall |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2082386/alexa-guard-discountinued.html |website=PCWorld |date=2023-09-26 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref><ref name="htg-guard">{{Cite web |title=Amazon Is Shutting Down Alexa Guard and Paywalling Its Features |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/amazon-is-shutting-down-alexa-guard-and-paywalling-its-features/ |website=How-To Geek |date=2023-09-25 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

===Auto-enrollment of Prime members===

Beginning in early 2026, Amazon began automatically upgrading Prime members' Echo devices to Alexa+ without explicit opt-in consent.<ref name="aftvnews-forced">{{Cite web |title=Amazon is forcing Alexa+ on Prime members whether they like it or not |url=https://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-is-forcing-alexa-on-prime-members-whether-they-like-it-or-not/ |website=AFTVnews |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Users could revert by saying "Alexa, exit Alexa+" after the automatic upgrade, but there was no way to prevent the initial forced migration.<ref name="aftvnews-forced" />

===Privacy implications===

The removal of local voice processing on March 28, 2025, means all voice interactions with Echo devices are now transmitted to Amazon's cloud.<ref name="gizmodo-privacy" /><ref name="pcmag-privacy">{{Cite web |title=Reminder: Your Alexa voice recordings will soon be sent to Amazon |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/reminder-your-alexa-voice-recordings-will-soon-be-sent-to-amazon |website=PCMag |date=2025-03-28 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Users can still opt to have recordings deleted immediately after processing, but doing so permanently disables Alexa Voice ID, the feature that recognizes individual household members & personalizes responses.<ref name="pcmag-privacy" />

Users who want Alexa+ personalization must allow Amazon to retain biometric voice data. Amazon was required to pay a $25 million civil penalty to the FTC & DOJ in May 2023 for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act by retaining children's voice recordings indefinitely to train AI algorithms, even after parents requested deletion.<ref name="ftc-coppa">{{Cite web |title=FTC and DOJ Charge Amazon with Violating Children's Privacy Law by Keeping Kids' Alexa Voice Recordings Forever |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/05/ftc-doj-charge-amazon-violating-childrens-privacy-law-keeping-kids-alexa-voice-recordings-forever |website=Federal Trade Commission |date=2023-05-31 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Amazon's response==

Panos Panay, Amazon's Senior Vice President of Devices & Services, told Forbes in March 2026: "My goal is how we make AI simple, easy, pragmatic, practical and useful."<ref name="forbes-panay">{{Cite web |last=Phelan |first=David |title=Amazon Alexa Plus: Panos Panay On How The Brilliant New AI Is Ready Now |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2026/03/22/amazon-alexa-plus-panos-panay-on-how-the-brilliant-new-ai-is-ready-now/ |website=Forbes |date=2026-03-22 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> He cited engagement metrics showing that compared to classic Alexa, "Alexa+ has twice as many conversations and engagement on the calendar has doubled. Photos, 3x, shopping, 3x, recipes and cooking, 5x."<ref name="forbes-panay" />

CEO Andy Jassy disclosed at the Q1 2025 earnings call that Alexa+ had reached 100,000 users.<ref name="tc-100k">{{Cite web |title=Amazon CEO says 100,000 users now have Alexa+ |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/01/amazon-ceo-says-100000-users-now-have-alexa/ |website=TechCrunch |date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> That figure represented roughly 0.02% of the 600 million Alexa devices Amazon had sold by that point.<ref name="panay-announcement" /> Jassy acknowledged that consumer AI assistants remain "rather primitive and inaccurate," estimating that most multi-step AI agents currently achieve accuracy rates between 30% & 60%.<ref name="tc-100k" />

At the Q2 2025 earnings call on July 31, Jassy indicated that Amazon sees an opportunity to embed advertisements into Alexa+ conversations, describing it as a "lever to drive revenue." Amazon's advertising revenue grew 22% year-over-year in Q2 2025.<ref name="tc-ads">{{Cite web |title=Amazon CEO wants to put ads in your Alexa+ conversations |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/31/amazon-ceo-wants-to-put-ads-in-your-alexa-conversations/ |website=TechCrunch |date=2025-07-31 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

The service expanded internationally with a UK Early Access launch on March 19, 2026, at GBP 19.99 (£19.99) per month for non-Prime users, free for Prime members.<ref name="aboutamazon-uk">{{Cite web |title=Alexa+ launches in the UK, the first country in Europe to get Amazon's AI assistant |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/alexa-plus-international-launch |website=About Amazon |date=2026-03-19 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

==Consumer response==

===Beta testing===

Ahead of the public launch, Amazon ran an internal beta with over 6,400 employee testers in a Slack channel. Feedback was described as "unbearably erratic." One tester reported that Alexa+ exceeded a request to turn off a single light by shutting down the power strip connected to their aquarium filter, killing their pet fish. Others reported that previously reliable music playback broke entirely, with one writing: "All my experiences thus far with Alexa+... haven't convinced me that... anything would justify paying a subscription fee."<ref name="mensjournal-beta">{{Cite web |title=Amazon Alexa+ Beta Problems Raise Concerns After 'Unbearably Erratic' Tests |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/news/amazon-alexa-beta-testers-warned-service-felt-unbearably-erratic-ahead-of-launch |website=Men's Journal |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

===User reception===

After general availability in February 2026, consumer reception was mixed. Engadget described Alexa+ as "just incompetent enough to be annoying."<ref name="engadget-launch">{{Cite web |title=Alexa+ is now available nationwide, with a free text-based version for non-Prime members to try |url=https://www.engadget.com/ai/alexa-is-now-available-nationwide-with-a-free-text-based-version-for-non-prime-members-to-try-155550342.html |website=Engadget |date=2026-02-04 |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Users reported that Alexa+ provides lengthy, unsolicited responses to simple queries & that smart home routines previously working on classic Alexa broke after the upgrade.<ref name="techradar-users" />

Consumer Reports gave a more positive assessment, noting that Alexa+ handles natural language commands better than its predecessor & is much better at understanding children's speech. But the review also noted persistent bugs including address errors during Uber bookings, delayed smart home device recognition, & full-screen advertisements displayed on Echo Show devices despite the service being a paid upgrade.<ref name="cr-review">{{Cite web |title=Alexa+ Is the Upgrade Amazon's Assistant Desperately Needed, but Its App Is Still a Mess |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/digital-assistants/amazon-alexa-plus-ai-assistant-review-a1667486499/ |website=Consumer Reports |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

===Analyst reactions===

Tom Forte, senior consumer internet analyst at Maxim Group, suggested that if Amazon succeeds with Alexa+, the competitive focus could shift from the OpenAI-Anthropic race to Alexa versus ChatGPT.<ref name="gurufocus">{{Cite web |date=2025-02-26 |title=Amazon Unveils AI-Driven Alexa+ to Compete with ChatGPT |url=https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2716607/amazon-unveils-aidriven-alexa-to-compete-with-chatgpt |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-28 |website=GuruFocus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260206081722/https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2716607/amazon-unveils-aidriven-alexa-to-compete-with-chatgpt |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]
*[[Amazon]]
*[[List of products and services with post-purchase license change]]
*[[Internet of things]]
*[[Planned obsolescence]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Privacy]]

Creality

2026-03-30T02:50:05Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ reuse ref instead of duplicating /* Incidents */ fix typos

{{CompanyCargo
|Logo=Creality-logo-black.svg
|Website=https://www.creality.com/
|Founded=2014|Industry=Technology|Type=Private|Description=Creality is a Chinese company that manufactures 3D printers and scanners.}}

'''{{Wplink|Creality}}''' is a Chinese technology company headquartered in Shenzhen which manufactures 3D printers and 3D scanners<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scanners |url=https://store.creality.com/collections/scanners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129133218/https://store.creality.com/collections/scanners |archive-date=2026-01-29 |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=Creality}}</ref>

==Consumer-impact summary==

*'''User Freedom:''' Creality silently disabled the root access toggle for K1 series printers, making root access unavailable without using a computer. Creality forced an update to their Creality Scan smartphone app for their 3D scanners that removes the ability to plug the scanner into a phone to use features such as scanning with a phone link without a $369–$419 USD Creality Scan Bridge.
*'''Business Model:''' Creality sells 3D printers and scanners. Creality has also paywalled features on their 3D scanners, requiring a $250–$300 USD Creality Scan Bridge.
*'''Market Control:''' Creality has extensive competition, with other 3D printer brands such as [[Bambu Lab]], Prusa Research, and Ultimaker.

==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]].

===Creality disables root access toggle on K1 series 3D printers===
Creality silently disabled the ability to root 3D printers which were advertised as having a toggle to gain root access to them.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Wiki for Creality Helper Script |url=https://guilouz.github.io/Creality-Helper-Script-Wiki/ |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Wiki for Creality Helper Script}}</ref> Creality does not disclose this on their product page, despite nearly every review citing this as a feature. Creality also will not provide support for root-related failures.

There is currently a community bash script that exposes ssh and root access <ref name=":0" />, but doesn't have much use due to being incompatible with kipper packages as of now.

====Models affected:====
*K1
*K1C 2025
*K1 Max

===Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners===
{{Main|Creality forces update that removes features from their 3D scanners}}

Creality's 3D scanners (Otter, Ferret, Raptor, RaptorX) were advertised that they would feature the ability to scan with a wired connection to a phone. Creality added this feature, but later forced an update to the Creality Scan smartphone app that locked access to the previously available features such as scanning with a phone link from their 3D scanners behind a paywall by requiring users to buy the Creality Scan Bridge, a proprietary device which costs $369–$419 USD. The update is forced by updating the software as soon as the user has a stable internet connection and opens the Creality Scan 4 software. There is no option to opt-out, only the chance to install the update. Creality's reasoning for this update was that scanning with a USB cable could overload the phone's motherboard and reduce the battery life overtime.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CR-Scan Otter FAQ and Troubleshooting |url=https://wiki.creality.com/en/3d-scanner/cr-scan-otter/troubleshooting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260211061438/https://wiki.creality.com/en/3d-scanner/cr-scan-otter/troubleshooting |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Creality Wiki |quote=This could overload your phone’s motherboard and seriously reduce battery life over time.}}</ref> 

==See also==
*[[Bambu Lab]]
*[[MakerBot]]

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

LG

2026-03-30T02:37:41Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix name error

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=South Korean technology conglomerate best known for kitchen and laundry appliances and personal electronics.
|Founded=1947
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=LG.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://lg.com
}}
[[wikipedia:LG|'''LG Corporation''']] is a South Korean electronics and home-appliance chaebol (or mega corporation). They make microwave ovens, ovens, stoves, refrigerators, cell phones (until 2021), TVs, speakers, drives for Blu-ray Disk, CD, and DVD, computer components and peripherals, and other electronics.

Founded in 1947, the company is currently worth over 9.9 billion USD in market cap.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Market capitalization of LG Electronics |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/lg-electronics/marketcap/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=companiesmarketcap.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212071254/https://companiesmarketcap.com/lg-electronics/marketcap/ |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref>

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

==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]].

===Sued by Texas state over ACR data collection (''2025 - Present):''===
{{Main|Texas Attorney General sues multiple TV makers over ACR user data collection}}
On December 15, 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against LG,<ref name="petition-lg">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=State of Texas v. LG Electronics USA, Inc., Original Petition |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/LG%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |format=PDF |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207231437/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/images/press/LG%20TV%20Petition%20Filed.pdf |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref> alleging that the manufacturer failed to adequately disclose data collection capabilities of {{Wplink|Automatic content recognition}} (ACR) technology in their smart televisions<ref name="arstechnica">{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2025 |title=Texas sues biggest TV makers, alleging smart TVs spy on users without consent |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Ars Technica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214045721/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/texas-sues-biggest-tv-makers-alleging-smart-tvs-spy-on-users-without-consent/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref>. The lawsuit, filed under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, allege that ACR technology captures screenshots of television displays at frequent intervals and that the resulting viewing data is sold to advertisers and data brokers without meaningful consumer consent.<ref name="txag-main">{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2025 |title=Attorney General Paxton Sues Five Major TV Companies, Including Some with Ties to CCP, for Spying on Texans |url=https://texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |access-date=January 21, 2026 |publisher=Office of the Texas Attorney General |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221015756/https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-paxton-sues-five-major-tv-companies-including-some-ties-ccp-spying-texans |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Controversies==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Controversy
!Year
!Background Info
!Aftermath
!Related Article
!Related Video(s)
|-
|[[LG refrigerator warranty scandal|Linear Compressor Reliability]]
|2001
|Since its introduction, LG has been the subject of several class action lawsuits stemming from repeated failures of its linear compressor design for most of its refrigerators. There is also widespread criticism of LG's warranty and service practices related to these compressor failures.
|Ongoing
|
|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km-QqU5Pk84&t
|-
|Smart Home Privacy Violations
|
|LG's smart home devices; ranging from its large home appliances, vacuum cleaners, and its TVs have been criticized for their aggressive data collection policies and forced arbitration.
|Ongoing
|
|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3suztVz8s7s
|-
|Refusal to provide service manuals for dishwashers
|2025
|After making a request for a service manual from LG Canada as a consumer using the web portal, LG reached out to state that it is their policy that they will not provide service manuals to anyone other than authorized service centers. There was no escalation point to fight the policy decision.
This is based on the testimony of one consumer with a call recording but the recording wasn't made public.
|
|
|
|-
|Unsolicited installation of Microsoft Copilot app on Smart TVs
|2025
|After an update of WebOS, a new Copilot icon showed up on the home screens of LG Smart TVs. It cannot be uninstalled by the user.<ref>{{Cite web |last=defjam16 |first= |date=2025-12-13 |title=My LG TV’s new software update installed Microsoft Copilot, which cannot be deleted. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1plldqo/my_lg_tvs_new_software_update_installed_microsoft/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214012802/https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1plldqo/my_lg_tvs_new_software_update_installed_microsoft/ |archive-date=14 Dec 2025 |access-date=2025-12-16 |website=Reddit}}</ref>Following the online backlash, an LG spokesperson announced in an interview that it would be made possible to remove Copilot in the future, but did not respond when asked when this would be the case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Washenko |first=Anna |date=2025-12-18 |title=LG will let you delete the previously unremovable Microsoft Copilot shortcut on its smart TVs |url=https://www.engadget.com/ai/lg-will-let-you-delete-the-previously-unremovable-microsoft-copilot-shortcut-on-its-smart-tvs-215352944.html |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=engadget |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222110911/https://www.engadget.com/ai/lg-will-let-you-delete-the-previously-unremovable-microsoft-copilot-shortcut-on-its-smart-tvs-215352944.html |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>
|Ongoing
|
|
|}

==Violations of smart-home privacy==

Part of the company's appliance division is involved with smart appliances, like microwaves. The company also makes smart OLED TVs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Promotions |url=https://www.lg.com/us/promotions |url-status=live |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=[[LG]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128181530/https://www.lg.com/us/promotions |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>

===Implementation===
The implementation of "smart" LG devices come with the following features:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=18 Jul 2024 |title=This LG washing machine sells your personal data 🤦 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3suztVz8s7s |url-status=live |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=3suztVz8s7s |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pippig |first=Laura |last2=Lee |first2=Joel |date=15 Oct 2024 |title=Smart TVs are spying on you. How much do manufacturers really know? |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2490054/smart-tvs-are-spying-on-you-how-much-do-manufacturers-really-know.html |url-status=live |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=PCWorld |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708192524/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2490054/smart-tvs-are-spying-on-you-how-much-do-manufacturers-really-know.html |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anselmi |first=Gianluca |last2=Vekaria |first2=Yash |last3=D'Souza |first3=Alexander |last4=Callejo |first4=Patricia |last5=Mandalari |first5=Anna Maria |last6=Shafiq |first6=Zubair |date=10 Sep 2024 |title=Watching TV with the Second-Party: A First Look at Automatic Content Recognition Tracking in Smart TVs |url=https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.06203 |url-status=live |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=arxiv.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217002512/https://arxiv.org/pdf/2409.06203 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref>

*[[Terms of service]] with the only option being to "accept."
*A single terms of service that dictates how a multitude of unrelated LG devices can use your personal data. Agreeing on one device means agreement on all.
*There is only an easily accessible "accept all" button when the service prompts the user with the Terms of Service (ToS).
*LG smart TVs will show you video ads with loud audio on the app store homepage and web browser homepage with no option to turn it off.
*Information gained by smart appliances are used to create a profile on the consumer. This profile is used to give targeted advertisements.
*LG smart TVs Patch root exploits with forced software updates making it so your forced to have a 1000 hour time limit on how long 3rd party apps can be installed with developer mode.
*Products such as the lines of LG smart vacuum cleaners collect information such as images, floor maps, cleaning history, cleaning diary list, and video feed, which is then sent to LG servers.
*Products such as LG smart TVs have the "Do not sell my personal data" setting off by default, being opt-out rather than opt-in.
**In some countries, on some models, (e.g EU and OLED C3) the data collection may become enabled by some firmware updates without the user having accepted the license agreement that entitles LG to collect data. However, the setting to disable the data collection is in a sub-menu that is inaccessible unless the user has agreed to the license agreement. Thus, the user is forced to agree to the license agreement in order to disable data collection.
*Products such as LG smart TVs aggressively promotes updating the firmware. If there is a newer firmware version, then the user will be prompted to update every time the TV is turned on .
*Products such as LG smart TV's collect information on the use of the product, such as what content you watch and when you watch it.
*LG's "ThinQ" mobile app to remotely control their line of portable air conditioners have a requirement for users to input their full name, email, and birthday in order to access these remote-control features. Further information fields prompted but not required include phone number, location, and address information.
*In cases where the OLED TV specifically, not connected to the internet by WiFi or LAN, prompt appears to suggest the user to connect to a network in order to use voice options. This behavior occurs regardless of voice privacy settings set by the user.
*For smart TVs, sign in to an LG [[Forced account|account is now mandatory]] for functions such as downloading and installing apps. From LG support:

<blockquote>Regarding the forced sign-in requirement, we apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. The sign-in process is designed to enhance your experience by enabling access to personalised features, app downloads, and updates. It also ensures compatibility with various services and apps available on the LG platform.</blockquote>

:This seems to be a new requirement and is not present on older TVs. It also does not seem to be related to the "Software Version", but rather the "webOS TV Version".
:For unknown reasons, the LG sign in process can present an "Invalid terms type" error message. This seems to have been an issue since at least 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 Aug 2015 |title=Can't sign in to LG account on TV |url=https://www.avforums.com/threads/cant-sign-in-to-lg-account-on-tv.1973633/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 Apr 2025 |website=avforums |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405170128/https://www.avforums.com/threads/cant-sign-in-to-lg-account-on-tv.1973633/ |archive-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref> In combination with the sign in requirement, this renders the smart functions of the TV inoperable. The workaround is to sign up at lg.com first (rather than lgemembers.com), then login to the TV.{{citation needed|reason=A page detailing this would be helpful}}

==Broader implications==
[[File:LG ThinQ App account page screenshot.png|thumb]]
This incident represents broader implications:

*A lack of control over one's own data.
*A lack of consent before using the customers data to make a profit.
*Services being "opt-out" instead of being "opt-in."
*A lack of privacy in one's own home, because their electronics siphon data to LG, even after the transfer of ownership has been made.
*A lack of privacy regardless of the user modified settings, as voice recognition, recording, and transmission attempts happen regularly.

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

Nothing

2026-03-30T02:35:35Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix name error

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2020
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=Nothing_logo.svg
|Type=Private
|Website=https://nothing.tech
|Description=They specialize is Consumer Tech products such as smartphones, Headphones, TWS and smartwatches, known for their design and software experience.
}}

Founded in 2020, '''Nothing Technology Limited''' (stylised as '''NOTHING''') is a British consumer electronics company headquartered in London. They manufacture consumer tech products such as smartphones, smartwatches, headphones, TWS. They are well known for their unique product designs, often featuring transparent hardware and ''Glyph Interface'', a set of LEDs that light up in various patterns to display information on the rear of their smartphones.

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

===User Freedom:===
All nothing phone comes with pre-installed software that isn't allowed to uninstall. As it is being funded by [[Google]] via Google Ventures<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_(company) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128122624/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing_(company) Archived])</ref> to keep google apps on [[wikipedia:Nothing_OS|NothingOS]] 

==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]].
===Introducing Ads and Bloatware to its lower end phones===
Nothing OS 4.0 (based on android 16) added Lock Glimpses/Ads and Pre-installed Apps (Bloatware) on their lower end phones, like the Phone 3a series which includes Phone (3a) Lite, (3a), the (3a) Pro and CMF Phones.<ref>[https://nothing.community/d/45348-lock-glimpse-future-plans "Lock Glimpse & Future Plans"] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260109212706/https://nothing.community/d/45348-lock-glimpse-future-plans Archived])</ref> This move is being heavily criticized by consumers as they previously claimed to provide a bloat-free experience on their devices.

The introduction of Essential Search does not permit the users to perform local searches on the device without forcing them to [[:File:Essential Search Terms of Service.png|Terms and Conditions]] and a [[:File:Essential Search Privacy Policy.png|Privacy policy]].

Following this update the company also refuses to provide with a simple alternative for the user to downgrade the device to a previous working state, without the user paying for the repair even under warranty.

===Bluetooth doesn't work===
{{Main|Nothing Phone (1)}}
Several users have reported a recurring issue with the Nothing Phone (1) where the Bluetooth functionality becomes inoperable. Affected devices are unable to activate Bluetooth, with the toggle permanently greyed out or failing to switch on. This malfunction has been described as rendering the feature "completely broken," making it impossible to pair headphones, speakers, or other accessories.<ref name="reddit1">[https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/vytvol/bluetooth_connectivity_issues_on_the_nothing/ "Bluetooth connectivity issues on the Nothing Phone (1)" – Reddit thread] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20220714114747/https://old.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/vytvol/bluetooth_connectivity_issues_on_the_nothing/ Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/NothingTech/comments/1c9rsqa/bluetooth_not_turning_on_on_my_phone_1/ "Bluetooth not turning on on my phone (1)" – Reddit thread]</ref>

==Products==

*Phone (3) (July 1st, 2025<ref>https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2156428 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250630154725/https://www.techadvisor.com/article/2156428 Archived])</ref>): Nothing advertized it's product as a '[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flagship Flagship]' to hype the product up. The product originally came with a built-in app called 'Nothing Chats', Which was advertized as end-to-end encrypted, Although it is not.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Blake |first=Alex |date=November 20, 2023 |title=Nothing tried to outdo Apple’s RCS; instead it created a privacy disaster |url=https://www.techradar.com/phones/nothing-phones/nothing-tried-to-outdo-apples-rcs-instead-it-created-a-privacy-disaster |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250917220328/https://www.techradar.com/phones/nothing-phones/nothing-tried-to-outdo-apples-rcs-instead-it-created-a-privacy-disaster |archive-date=September 17, 2025 |work=tech radar}}</ref> The change has since been reverted it seems in newer software releases. Additionally the phone has an 'Essential Space' button which triggers the built-in AI app, the button cannot be disabled on the device itself, and instead requires a computer with [[wikipedia:Android_Debug_Bridge|ADB]] to disable or customise<ref>{{Cite web |last=rwilco12 |first= |date=2025-08-18 |title=How-To Disable or Remap the Essentials Button |url=https://xdaforums.com/t/how-to-disable-or-remap-the-essentials-button.4755184/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260314123936/https://xdaforums.com/t/how-to-disable-or-remap-the-essentials-button.4755184/ |archive-date=2026-03-14 |access-date=2026-03-14 |website=XDA Forums}}</ref>. This is not reasonably accessible to the average person.

==See also==
[https://us.nothing.tech/ Nothing's Website]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Roblox

2026-03-30T02:31:32Z

2001:4BC9:B009:90BE:2205:B7FF:FE00:E700: /* References */ fix name errors

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American gaming platform featuring user-generated games with microtransactions, primarily targeted towards children.
|Founded=2004
|Industry=Gaming
|Logo=Roblox.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://roblox.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Roblox|'''Roblox''']] is an online platform which lets users create their own games, as well as all sorts of virtual items for their personal avatars. The platform is owned by the Roblox Corporation.

Users create games through Roblox Studio, an application separate from the Roblox Player. Roblox Studio can be used by a user to create digital backups of the games they create. These backups are stored on their hard drive and can not be altered by the Roblox Corporation.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Documented in section 11 of the Roblox Terms of Use,<ref name="disputeResolution">{{Cite web |title=Roblox Terms of Use - Dispute Resolution (Between User and Roblox); |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201050040/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use#dispute-resolution-user-roblox |archive-date=1 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref> the user agrees to resolve disputes through Mandatory Informal Dispute Resolution (MIDR).<ref name="disputeResolution"></ref> If MIDR does not resolve a dispute, users within the United States are forced to proceed under [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]]. In order to initiate MIDR, users are required to send a physically-written notice by certified mail or through Federal Express.
*'''User privacy:''' All operations related to Roblox must, to some extent, occur on servers that Roblox owns. For example, it is nearly impossible to play a Roblox game without interacting with the Roblox servers. Roblox servers are not end to end encrypted, allowing possible vulnerabilities. Roblox explicitly states that they monitor all user activity to see if it complies with their rules.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260217144058/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004630823-Roblox-Privacy-and-Cookie-Policy#posting-content |archive-date=17 Feb 2026 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Posting content}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Roblox profits off of an exclusive currency purchased with real-world currency called ''Robux'', and it is often used an an intermediary for microtransactions on the platform for user-generated content (UGC) such as cosmetics. Roblox is known to also make money off of collaborations that function as advertisements, such as with IKEA.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 3, 2024 |title=IKEA is opening a new store on Roblox… and you could be paid to work there! |url=https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222140347/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-is-opening-a-new-store-on-roblox-pub8a9272d0/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Ikea}}</ref>
*'''Market competition:''' Various platforms such as [[Epic Games]]' [https://www.fortnite.com/ Fortnite] and the lesser known Brick Hill<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Brick Hill |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222142455/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Brick_Hill |archive-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> by Mooshimity<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brick Hill United Kingdom Trademark Information |url=https://www.trademarkelite.com/uk/trademark/trademark-detail/UK00003523863/Brick-Hill |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/d18PI |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mooshimity |url=https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222144025/https://brickhill.fandom.com/wiki/Mooshimity |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref> have been known to emulate how Roblox works. Very few however, are successful in competing against them.
*'''Other information:''' The Roblox Corporation can terminate (delete) a user's account as long as they believe they are violating the Terms of Use.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date= |title=Roblox Terms of Use |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |url-status=deviated |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260120135232/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004647846-Roblox-Terms-of-Use |archive-date=20 Jan 2026|access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |page=Section 2}}</ref> Termination can not be revoked.<ref name=":1" /> A terminated user will lose all content they own on Roblox along with their account, including what they purchased with Robux.<ref name=":1" />

==Monetization==
Roblox is a free service which features microtransactions made with Robux, e.g. new accessories, clothing, exclusive content in certain games, and the ability to access certain games. All items purchased on Roblox are stored on Roblox servers alone, so Roblox has the ability to modify or delete the items you own. Deleted or moderated items do not guarantee a refund, even if user is not at fault. <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date= |title=Will I Get My Robux Back If I Delete/Do Not Like an Item? |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202060541/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203313290-Will-I-Get-My-Robux-Back-If-I-Delete-Do-Not-Like-an-Item |archive-date=2 Feb 2026 |access-date=20 Feb 2026 |website=Roblox Support}}</ref>

On September 9, 2021, Roblox launched an automated process for users to receive Robux back for items they had bought which had been deleted or otherwise moderated<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roblox Moderated Item Robux Policy |url=https://www.roblox.com/modcreditagreement/974158ba-99f0-4915-8fde-5b07b3cbbe09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/aEZB0 |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. The Roblox company implemented this change after they got sued for first allowing items to be sold and then deleting them without compensating users that purchased said items<ref>{{Cite web |title=Doe v. Roblox Corporation |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222145446/https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59935306/doe-v-roblox-corporation/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026}}</ref>. Until then, there was no refund method in place, meaning that if an item was deleted, Roblox would keep all of the profit they made of said item and sometimes all of the money made from selling said item if the creators account got terminated and the creator hadn't spent their Robux yet.

==Incidents==
===Inappropriate content===
Throughout the 2020s, Roblox has faced several controversies regarding child safety, including a lawsuit in 2020 over how the platform had allowed two adults to harass a 10-year-old girl, causing her mental health to deteriorate so badly that she resorted to suicide, according to her parents' testimony.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dorsey |first=Edwin |date=2025-08-15 |title=This list is the tip of the iceberg. So many cases go unreported, undetected, or contribute to the deaths of children. Below is one lawsuit in which a 10-year-old girl claimed abuse through Roblox. |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Twitter}}</ref>

On 14th August 2025, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murrill |first=Elizabeth |date=2025-08-14 |title=Attorney General Liz Murrill on X |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/AGLizMurrill/status/1956081394083409932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175820/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/StockJabber/status/1956415609345851567 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=X}}</ref>, alleging child exploitation and the platforming of sexual predators on the platform. Roblox themselves released an official response to the lawsuit on 15th August 2025.

On 6 November 2025, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Roblox, over child safety concerns, accusing the company of "deceiving parents about the dangers of its platform".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iyer |first=Ram |date=2025-11-07 |title=Texas AG sues Roblox, accusing it of prioritizing ‘pixel pedophiles’ over child safety |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |access-date=2025-11-07 |work=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206204009/https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/texas-ag-sues-roblox-accusing-it-of-prioritizing-pixel-pedophiles-over-child-safety/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref>

===Accusations of child labor===
In January 2022, ''The Guardian'' published a story accusing Roblox of profiting off child labor with detailed stories of teenagers being scammed and becoming victims of sexual grooming in communities conveniently off the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |date=9 Jan 2022 |title=The trouble with Roblox, the video game empire built on child labour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260210010556/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2022/jan/09/the-trouble-with-roblox-the-video-game-empire-built-on-child-labour |archive-date=10 Feb 2026 |website=theguardian.com}}</ref> In October 2022, the first of many lawsuits alleging Roblox enabled a girl's sexual exploitation was filed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Brendon |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Game company Roblox enabled girl's sexual exploitation, lawsuit claims |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318185209/https://www.reuters.com/legal/game-company-roblox-enabled-girls-sexual-exploitation-lawsuit-claims-2022-10-05/ |archive-date=18 Mar 2023 |website=reuters.com}}</ref>

On the 24th of August 2025 the youtube channel People Make Games published a video about Roblox's treatment of children. One of the points in the video is about how Roblox developers own a currency called "Robux" that resembles a new form of [[wikipedia:Company_scrip|Company Scrip]], a currency that is exclusively earned and exchanged in the company. Exchanging it back into a real currency will result in less payment overall, encouraging the use of it inside the company. The currency was made illegal in 1938.

===Blocking Linux users===
In April 2023, Roblox intentionally blocked Linux users playing the game via Wine, a tool used for running Windows apps on POSIX-compliant operating systems, they cite "security and compatibility concerns."<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by MrEaker of Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221184705/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/2 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref> This announcement followed Roblox's acquisition of Byfron, as well as their developments towards a 64-bit Roblox client.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roblox |date=11 Oct 2022 |title=Welcoming Byfron to Roblox |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260216174353/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/welcoming-byfron-to-roblox/2018233 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> Despite this change to the client, users were still able to access Roblox Studio, the development application, utilizing Wine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Apr 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Bitdancer regarding Studio |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725105111/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-new-roblox-64-bit-byfron-client-forbids-wine-users-from-using-it-most-likely-unintentional/2305528/34 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> In August 2023, an update to Roblox once again allowed users to run Roblox via Wine, and many users opted to use a fork of Wine titled Vinegar made specifically for Roblox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Aug 2023 |title=Devforum Post by Thelolguy1337 Discussing Roblox on Linux |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321175853/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/vinegar-the-better-way-to-run-roblox-on-linux/2224394/24 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |website=Roblox Devforum}}</ref> In February of 2024, Roblox would go back on their decision and ban the use of Wine for the Roblox Client, citing extended use of Wine-based exploits, Roblox Studio remains available under wine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VinegarHQ 2024 Roblox on Linux Block FAQ |url=https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |website=vinegarhq.org |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221101707/https://vinegarhq.org/Home/rol_faq.html |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> In August 2024, the Vinegar team would release Sober, a closed-source application utilizing a translation layer to access the Roblox client via a mobile Android package kit (APK).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sober - Roblox on Linux |url=https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128050139/https://sober.vinegarhq.org/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref> In April 2025, Roblox engineer Bitdancer would state on the Roblox Devforums that they see no reason to block Sober, but that they may disable it as a side effect of changes in security. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitdancer |title=Roblox Security Changes Break Nvidia Ansel & Vulkan Layer Support for Sober|url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |website=Roblox DevForum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250507192309/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/roblox-security-changes-break-nvidia-ansel-vulkan-layer-support/3601172/40 |archive-date=7 May 2025}}</ref>

===Problematic moderation===
{{Main|Roblox's problematic moderation}}
Roblox as a platform has been known by consumers to moderate content in ways that are inconsistent. The platform's chat moderation feature censors inoffensive speech,<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Gregheffley95 |first= |date=Feb 26, 2021 |title=Roblox censors almost everything |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619214011/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/lsxpex/roblox_censors_almost_everything/ |archive-date=Jun 19, 2023 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> including numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Mar 7, 2017 |title=Why the hell are numbers censored! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] - r/Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230617231601/https://old.reddit.com/r/roblox/comments/5y0w3z/why_the_hell_are_numbers_censored/ |archive-date=17 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=JParty |date=Feb 24, 2017 |title=Updates to Chat Privacy API + New Account Indicators + Changes to Text Filtering APIs |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=Roblox Dev Forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201024759/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updates-to-chat-privacy-api-new-account-indicators-changes-to-text-filtering-apis/33867 |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref>

In recent years, moderation has been documented to neglect handling child predators, only handling the most egregious of actors after massive consumer backlash<ref>{{Cite news |last=Olivia |first=Carville |last2=D’Anastasio |first2=Cecilia |date=Jul 22, 2024 |title=Roblox’s Pedophile Problem |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Bloomberg |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221075424/https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref> or lawsuits,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanenbaum |first=Michael |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Family from N.J. sues Roblox and Discord, claiming platforms are 'hunting ground' for child predators |url=https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=Philly Voice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231190731/https://www.phillyvoice.com/new-jersey-familys-suit-alleges-roblox-discord-are-hunting-ground-child-predators/ |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=Aug 8, 2025 |title=‘Breeding ground for predators’: Roblox sued by DeKalb 10-year-old’s family |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306023157/https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/breeding-ground-predators-roblox-sued-150622871.html |archive-date=6 Mar 2026 |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |work=WSBTV 2 Atlanta}}</ref> and in many cases, these individuals tend to have their bans reversed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Aug 9, 2025 |title=Roblox Is Threatening to Sue Me For Protecting Kids |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8&t |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=hMqAw_NjHK8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, the platform has been documented to host various mature experiences,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Jan 9, 2024 |title=this simulator should NOT be on roblox... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=IMdacOJxmjU |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Apr 14, 2024 |title=Roblox Needs to BAN These Games... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=EE3FeYfJOhw |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> which have been recorded to be used as breeding grounds for predatory behavior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlep |date=Feb 7, 2024 |title=I Caught a Roblox PREDATOR in this game... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |access-date=Aug 10, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qQMSc-9jGMQ |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> This neglect has gone so far as to the platform threatening litigation against individuals attempting to get child predators reported to authorities.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date= |title=Roblox-Sclep controversy |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321141928/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roblox%E2%80%93Schlep_controversy |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |work=[[Wikipedia]]}}</ref>

According to Ruben Sim, the Roblox report system (which allows users to 'report' rule-violating behavior to Roblox moderators) often had a success rate of 20%<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=22 Dec 2023 |title=Do Roblox Reports Really Work? |url=https://youtu.be/Q-s0sLZ4oJA?t=52 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Q-s0sLZ4oJA |archive-date=26 Dec 2023}}</ref>, With the Roblox community theorizing a very low chance "Near ZERO" said in one forum<ref>{{Cite web |last=sparkling_cola |date=1 May 2024 |title=The chance of a successful appeal - NEAR ZERO |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250903192622/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/the-chance-of-a-successful-appeal-near-zero/2985866 |archive-date=3 Sep 2025}}</ref>. even when obviously rule-violating accounts possessing usernames which were distorted versions of minor-sexualizing phrases such as "14 year old slut".<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Ruben |last2=Trav |last3=Clan |last4=DukDolan |last5=Hipsterjelly |last6=Hulkatron |last7=Victor |date=20 Dec 2023 |title=Determining the Effectiveness of Roblox Reports |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.uk35gocf0zmv |website=Google Docs |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250322154652/https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zqJJSNm2utDjFDwtIkQGo6jh3OtyYZhzpyRI-UnxQbA/edit?tab=t.0 |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref>
===Condo games===
"Condo" games on Roblox are a type of game which simulates sex between Roblox avatars. According to the policies on Romantic and Sexual Content, "Any content which explicitly [depicts] sexual content or nudity is against the rules of Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restricted Content Policy |url=https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |url-status= |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |at=Romantic and Sexual Content |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217013725/https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/15869919570708-Restricted-Content-Policy |archive-date=17 Feb 2026}}</ref>". Due to the rule-violating nature of these games and how they can harm the fanbase of Roblox (Which is overwhelmingly composed of young children<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Jul 2025 |title=What percent of Roblox users are kids? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |website=Games Learning Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121406/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/wiki/what-percent-of-roblox-users-are-kids/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Distribution of Roblox audiences worldwide as of December 2024, by age group |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |website=statista.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260121193151/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1190869/roblox-games-users-global-distribution-age/ |archive-date=21 Jan 2026}}</ref>'')'', they are often removed by Roblox moderation.

However, due to the potentially backup-creating nature of Roblox Studio, creators of these Condo games can endlessly republish these offending games under alternate accounts as long as they keep the backup file. Roblox has added an 18+ experiences, Although Roblox still announces sexual themes are still highly prohibited<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=28 Aug 2025 |title=Updating Age Requirements for Experiences with ‘Restricted’ Content Maturity Label |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124002839/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/updating-age-requirements-for-experiences-with-%E2%80%98restricted%E2%80%99-content-maturity-label/3905863 |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Still, condo games almost never mark themselves as 18+<ref>{{Cite web |title=Charts - Roblox - r35 |url=https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |access-date=30 Jan 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224121444/https://www.roblox.com/discover/?Keyword=r35 |archive-date=24 Feb 2026}}</ref>, allowing underage users to potentially be harmed.

===Predator-hunting groups===
In 9th August, 2025, Roblox issued a Cease and Desist to Roblox predator hunting channel RealSchlep<ref>{{Cite web |author=RealSchlep |date=9 Aug 2025 |title=Schlep on X posting about his Cease and Desist |url=https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321180741/https://nitter.us.catsarch.com/RealSchlep/status/1954255952997478537 |archive-date=21 Mar 2026 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=[[X]]}}</ref>. "Schlep used the method of acting like an underage person (decoy) to catch bad actors on Roblox. Using this method he got 6 arrests according to his team using Roblox until they issued a Cease and Desist. Roblox added a rule to their Terms of Use<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Matt |date=13 Aug 2025 |title=Roblox on vigilante groups |url=https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |url-status= |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=Roblox |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260102194729/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/08/more-on-removal-of-vigilantes-from-roblox |archive-date=2 Jan 2026}}</ref>. Roblox is reassuring their playerbase that the groups do not use the proper channels that Roblox provides to report potential criminals. This sparked even more backlash for the already problematic moderation system, leaving players and parents in doubt if Roblox is even a safe environment for children.

===ID & face scan age verification===
In 3rd September, 2025, Matt Kaufman (Roblox's Chief Safety Officer) issues an post on their blog announcing their plans to implement facial estimation in order to "provide an accurate measure of a user's age rather than relying on what they type in when creating an account"<ref>''Matt Kaufman (2025-09-03).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users "Roblox Announces Ambitious Plan to Expand Age Estimation to All Users"]. ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115005623/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2025/09/roblox-to-expand-age-estimation-to-all-users Archived])</ref>. Later on October, Roblox announces on their developer forum a post titled "Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat", citing a partnership with [[Persona]], which as of early 2026, is currently being sued over biometric data handling<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 Aug 2024 |title=Washington v. Persona Identities |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |website=Justia Law |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202081813/https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/2024/3-24-0210.html |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref>. In that same post, they cite that "early next year, users will be required to be age checked to chat on Roblox".<ref>{{Cite web |last=rbitia_rbx |date=4 Oct 2025 |title=[Test] Encouraging users to complete an age check to chat |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260212134643/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/test-encouraging-users-to-complete-an-age-check-to-chat/4035155 |archive-date=12 Feb 2026}}</ref>

On November, 2025, Roblox released an update that required users on Australia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to be age verified in order to use chat by either facial estimation or ID verification, which caused outrage amongst users. On January 7th, 2026, they seemingly ignored the outrage and released the update globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RbxRocketMan |date=10 Jan 2026 |title=Age Check Requirement to Chat Now Live Globally |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101 |website=Roblox Devforum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115161245/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-requirement-to-chat-now-live-globally/4226101/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>''Matt Kaufman and Rajiv Bhatia (2026-01-07).'' [https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat "A New Era of Safety: Facial Age Checks Now Required to Chat on Roblox"] ''Roblox's Newsroom. Retrieved 2026-01-22.'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260118060352/https://corp.roblox.com/newsroom/2026/01/roblox-age-checks-required-to-chat Archived])</ref>

===Removal of 2D/Classic Faces===
On 27th January, 2026, Roblox announced via a DevForum post that they would be fully migrating all 2D faces to Dynamic Heads and removing 2D face and Classic Head support entirely. <ref>{{Cite web |last=GeneralRelish |first= |date=2026-01-27 |title=Completing the Dynamic Head Migration |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307020815/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/completing-the-dynamic-head-migration/4301387 |archive-date=2026-03-07 |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Roblox Developer Forum}}</ref> Roblox claimed that all Dynamic Heads would have 1:1 parity with the original 2D faces, which was quickly pointed out as untrue across comments on the DevForum, with some users guessing that the majority of the new Dynamic Heads were AI generated. Roblox previously supported Classic Heads with 2D faces, the majority of these heads were paid cosmetics sold under the pretense that support for them would continue. With this update, Roblox has discontinued support for this paid product, changing the terms of the sale after consumers purchased it.

On 5th March, 2026, Roblox amended the DevForum post claiming that they would work with Kestrel, a well known UGC brand on the Roblox platform, to review the 1:1 migration of 2D faces. On 23rd March, 2026, Roblox fully rolled out the update, releasing sub-standard 3D heads and removing 2D faces and Classic Heads. Kestrel's Creative Director Ana went on X (Formerly Twitter) to state that Roblox had released the update without consulting Kestrel in any way, and that Roblox had released the update early. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ana |first= |date=2026-03-23 |title=Ana on X: |url=https://x.com/Anareloux/status/2036175481624486264 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=X}}</ref> This led to several users on the DevForum to believe that Kestrel had approved of the update, damaging Kestrel's reputation.

==References==
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