Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Netflix

2026-05-30T14:46:14Z

24.198.174.119: /* Dark Patterns */ added Re-activating subscription on Roku section

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American media streaming and media publisher originally known for disc rentals.
|Founded=1997
|Industry=Entertainment, Streaming
|Logo=Netflix 2015 logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.netflix.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Netflix|Netflix, Inc.]] is a media streaming service and publisher, founded in 1997 by ''Reed Hastings'' and ''Marc Randolph'' formerly for remote video rentals, it eventually became the pioneer of the video streaming industry in 2007, eventually turning to more anti-consumer practices in the mid-2010s and later.

==Consumer-impact summary==

*User Freedom: Extensive history of restricting access to content, including paywalling higher quality content,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=And_You_Like_It_Too |date=Dec 16, 2023 |title=How much licensed content does Netflix display in premium formats (4K, HDR/Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos) in the 4K tier? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18k554z/how_much_licensed_content_does_netflix_display_in/ |access-date=May 18, 2025 |website=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250711211159/https://old.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/18k554z/how_much_licensed_content_does_netflix_display_in/ |archive-date=11 Jul 2025}}</ref> increasing costs of service, combatting password sharing, and more.
*User Privacy: Extensive history of collecting and selling user data.
*Business Model: Streaming service content, [[advertising overload]]
*Market Competition: Extensive, including free platforms like [[Roku]] TV and Pluto TV, and premium platforms such as [[Disney+]], Hulu, and [[HBO Max]].

==Controversies==

===Stream-quality controversy===
{{Main|Netflix stream-quality controversy}}
Discovered as early as December 2023,<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rikki1256 |date=Dec 2, 2023 |title=Netflix requirements to watch 4k that you paid for |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Piracy/comments/189odn6/netflix_requirements_to_watch_4k_that_you_paid_for/ |access-date=May 18, 2025 |website=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250212081853/https://old.reddit.com/r/Piracy/comments/189odn6/netflix_requirements_to_watch_4k_that_you_paid_for/ |archive-date=12 Feb 2025}}</ref> ''Netflix'' has not clearly defined<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Netflix Support |title=Netflix supported browsers and system requirements |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/30081 |access-date=May 18, 2025 |website=help.netflix.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123055327/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/30081 |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref> every restriction for how users are capable of accessing higher quality streaming content, despite 4k content being a specified tier consumers pay for.

===Advertising overload===
{{Main|Advertising overload}}
Netflix was among one of the first<ref name=":8">[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 Ads on Netflix] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260211165421/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 Archived])</ref> premium streaming services to integrate advertisements on top of having to pay for the service. Since then, the platform has sought progressively more avenues to integrate advertisements, including further ads.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=11 Sep 2021 |title=Share of adults who think there were too many ads on video streaming services in the United States as of September 2021, by generation |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Statista]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114022848/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref> These advertisements have also increased the amount of data that Netflix can collect, and by extension, sell.

Due to the amount of data that Netflix has been able to sell due to advertisement integration, it has also encouraged the company to raise the costs of ad-free tiers, so subscribers are forced either paying more to not see ads, or witness an increasing barrage of advertisements.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Roettgers |first=Janko |date=23 Sep 2023 |title=Why every streaming service wants you to watch ads now |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Fast Company]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127234258/https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

Additionally, starting from 2025, Netflix will be using generative AI to "serve the right ad to the right member at the right time" to subscribers of the lowest paying tier.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=May 18, 2025 |title=Netflix puts AI ads in paid tier: pirate EVERYTHING at this point... 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhvDXmFEeUI |access-date=May 18, 2025 |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=QhvDXmFEeUI |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Netflix |date=May 14, 2025 |title=Netflix Upfront 2025: The Center of Attention |url=https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-upfront-2025-the-center-of-attention |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=Netflix About |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219040735/https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-upfront-2025-the-center-of-attention |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref> The nature of generative AI raises concerns about the quality of these advertisements. Said advertisements may also encourage further user tracking in order to "tailor" the content. Consumers were especially provoked by certain phrases used by Netflix' President of Advertising, Amy Reinhard at the Upfront 2025. Reinhard claimed that "When you compare us to our competitors, attention starts much higher and ends ''much'' higher. And even more impressive, members pay as much attention to mid-roll ads as they do to the shows and the movies themselves"<ref name=":4" />, which further raised concerns about user privacy.

===DRM Restrictions===
Netflix has historically halted access for certain consumer devices merely due to the fact that these devices cannot support PlayReady DRM.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitnam |first=Ryan |date=Nov 12, 2019 |title=Netflix Is Killing Support for Some TVs and Roku Boxes Because of DRM |url=https://www.extremetech.com/internet/301842-netflix-is-killing-support-for-some-tvs-and-roku-boxes-because-of-drm |access-date=May 19, 2025 |work=Extreme Tech |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251210033700/https://www.extremetech.com/internet/301842-netflix-is-killing-support-for-some-tvs-and-roku-boxes-because-of-drm |archive-date=10 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Torbet |first=Georgina |date=Nov 12, 2019 |title=Netflix explains why its apps won't work on older TVs and set-top boxes |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-11-12-netflix-older-hardware-drm.html |access-date=May 18, 2025 |work=Engadget |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251019203319/https://www.engadget.com/2019-11-12-netflix-older-hardware-drm.html |archive-date=19 Oct 2025}}</ref> The usage of [[Digital rights management|DRM]] has also brought forth criticism from organizations such as Defective by Design and the Free Software Foundation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rogoff |first=Zak |date=Jul 12, 2013 |title=Cancel Netflix if you value freedom |url=https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/cancel-netflix-if-you-value-freedom |access-date=May 18, 2025 |work=Free Software Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218121127/https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/cancel-netflix-if-you-value-freedom |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Farough |first=Greg |date=Dec 16, 2020 |title=IDAD 2020 sent Netflix and DRM a message |url=https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/idad-2020-sent-netflix-and-drm-a-message |access-date=May 18, 2025 |website=Free Software Foundation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209053635/https://www.fsf.org/blogs/community/idad-2020-sent-netflix-and-drm-a-message |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Previously until October 2014, Linux couldn't support Netflix for streaming strictly due to a lack of DRM support.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wallen |first=Jack |date=Aug 14, 2010 |title=The Netflix Linux conjecture: How Netflix snubs the Linux community |url=https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/linux-and-open-source/the-netflix-linux-conjecture-how-netflix-snubs-the-linux-community/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020232704/https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/linux-and-open-source/the-netflix-linux-conjecture-how-netflix-snubs-the-linux-community/ |archive-date=Oct 20, 2015 |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=TechRepublic}}</ref>

===Selling identifiable user data===
From 2006 through 2010, ''Netflix'' held competitions to improve its recommendation system via '''The Netflix Prize''<nowiki/>'.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Netflix |title=The Netflix Prize |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924184639/http://www.netflixprize.com/community/viewtopic.php?id=1537 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://www.netflixprize.com//community/viewtopic.php?id=1537 |archive-date=Sep 24, 2009 |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=Netflix}}</ref> These competitions had prizes that were valued at $50k or higher.<ref name=":3" /> This has brought several privacy concerns from its userbase, and led to at least 2 lawsuits<ref>{{Cite news |last=Demerjian |first=Dave |date=Mar 15, 2007 |title=Rise of the Netflix Hackers |url=https://archive.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/03/72963 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928235912/http://archive.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/03/72963 |archive-date=Sep 28, 2015 |access-date=May 15, 2025 |work=WIRED}}</ref> concerning these competitions<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singel |first=Ryan |date=Dec 17, 2009 |title=Netflix Spilled Your Brokeback Mountain Secret, Lawsuit Claims |url=https://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/12/netflix-privacy-lawsuit/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227060413/http://www.wired.com/2009/12/netflix-privacy-lawsuit/ |archive-date=Feb 27, 2016 |access-date=May 19, 2015 |work=WIRED}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jun 6, 2023 |title=DOE et al v. NETFLIX, INC. et al, No. 1:2022cv01281 - Document 155 (S.D. Ind. 2023) |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/indiana/insdce/1:2022cv01281/201228/155/ |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=Justia |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174450/https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/indiana/insdce/1:2022cv01281/201228/155/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> which were found to be capable of leaking identifiable information, and especially could have been worsened had their sequel series successfully launched, as data such as renters' ages, gender, ZIP codes, genre ratings and previously chosen movies were provided to these research teams.

===Illegal retention of user data===
In 2011, Netflix settled a lawsuit regarding the retention of user data that was at least 2 years old.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stangel |first=Luke |date=Mar 25, 2013 |title=Netflix settles $9 million privacy lawsuit |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2013/03/25/netflix-settles-9-million-privacy.html |access-date=May 19, 2025 |website=Silicon Valley Business Journal |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209150923/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2013/03/25/netflix-settles-9-million-privacy.html |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref>{{Citation needed}}

===GDPR violation===
On November 26, 2024, the Dutch Data Protection Authority imposed an administrative fine of €4.75 million to Netflix for not properly informing customers about processing their data between the years 2018 and 2020. The lack of transparency and unclear information given by Netflix was in direct violation of several articles of the [[GDPR]].<ref>Dutch Data Protection Authority. (2024). Decision to impose an administrative fine for violation of the GDPR (Dutch DPA). Dutch Data Protection Authority. https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/en/system/files?file=2024-12/Decision%20fine%20Netflix.pdf ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174443/https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl/en/system/files?file=2024-12/Decision%20fine%20Netflix.pdf Archived])</ref>

===Netflix delisting 23 game titles===
On July 15 2025<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=2025-08-17 |title=Netflix is letting go of some of its best indie games |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/692227/netflix-games-delisting-hades-braid-gaming-strategy |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-17 |website=theverge.com |publication-date=2025-06-24 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218114342/https://www.theverge.com/news/692227/netflix-games-delisting-hades-braid-gaming-strategy |archive-date=18 Dec 2025}}</ref>, some games provided by the "Netflix Games" service were pulled, and of those games that were already downloaded became unplayable too which has caused users to lose access to their saved games with no way to transfer or even play them as most were exclusive to Netflix Games.

{{Main|Netflix delisting 23 game titles}}

===Dark Patterns===

====Autoplay====
Netflix, like other streaming services, automatically plays another unsolicited video (trailer or episode) by default in order. In a scientific study, this has shown to significantly increase viewing hours since it deprives people of the time to actively decide if they want to continue watching or not.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redenbaugh |first=Miranda |date=2025-03-04 |title=Scientists study the hidden cost of Netflix's autoplay |url=https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-scientists-hidden-netflix-autoplay.html |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=TechXplore |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112142954/https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-scientists-hidden-netflix-autoplay.html |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>

The feature can also be considered disrespectful to the filmmakers who worked on the productions as their names are no longer shown at the end because end credits are cut off by the feature.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Cain |first=Sian |date=2025-11-12 |title=My petty gripe: autoplay trailers – give me more than 10 seconds before trying to make me watch The Diplomat |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/nov/12/my-petty-gripe-autoplay-trailers-give-me-more-than-10-seconds-before-trying-to-make-me-watch-the-diplomat |access-date=2025-11-21 |website=The Guardian}}</ref>

Users have also complained that they are subjected to the same trailers over and over again with no way to decline:<ref name=":5" /><blockquote>''Netflix wants me to watch The Diplomat so badly, I can’t even have 10 seconds for a little cry after finishing Adolescence without being forced to dive for the remote to stop Netflix autoplaying the trailer for The Diplomat. […]''

It’s not just Adolescence. It actually doesn’t seem to matter what I choose to watch; Netflix offers The Diplomat. Robert Eggers’ The Northman? Try The Diplomat, Netflix tells me 10 seconds into the credits. Dune: Part Two? You’ll love The Diplomat. The Brutalist? KPop Demon Hun– just kidding.</blockquote>''The feature is on by default, but [https://help.netflix.com/en/node/121518 can be disabled in Netflix Settings].''

==== Re-activating subscription on Roku ====
After having a Netflix subscription and it lapsing, Netflix and Roku have a dark pattern to reactivate your subscription and charge your credit card immediately, even accidentally.

The pattern happens like this:

# have a Netflix account that was previously used on the Roku box
# Press the "Netflix" button on the remote. (you are immediately taken to Netflix with no confirmation)
# Press the "OK" button on the remote. (this charges your card immediately)

Your subscription will be reactivated without any confirmation, and your card immediately charged.

Also of note, the other video services on the remote (Hulu, CBS, etc.) wait for the user to confirm before switching to the new app (requiring intentionally moving the selected option from "Cancel" to "Launch"), which implies that this is an intentional dark pattern implemented by Netflix and Roku to cause users to easily accidentally reactivate their Netflix subscription.

==Positive incidents==
===Refunds for Italian consumers due to unjustified price hikes (2026)===
On April 1st, 2026, a court in Rome, Italy, stated that Netflix's price hikes from 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2024 were unlawful and not justified with valid reasons. The lawsuit was brought by a consumer-advocate movement named ''Movimento Consumatori'', claiming the price modifications were violating the [[Consumer Code]], an Italian legislation aimed to protect Italian consumer rights.

The Rome court mandated Netflix to inform their Italian consumers about the right to get a refund in the next 90 days.
Consumers subscribed to the premium tier have the right to get a refund of approximately 500 euros, and standard tier subscribers have the right to get a refund of approximately 250 euros. Basic tier subscribers also have the right to get a refund.

Along with this, Netflix was also mandated to modify their subscription prices in Italy, with the order to modify premium tier price from €19.99 to €11.99 and the standard tier price from €13.99 to €9.99.

A Netflix spokeperson appealed, claiming they "take consumer rights very seriously" and they believe their terms and conditions "have always been in line with Italian law and practice".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=3 Apr 2026 |title=Netflix must refund customers for years of price hikes, Italian court rules |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/04/netflix-ordered-to-refund-subscribers-up-to-e500-for-unlawful-price-hikes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260403174600/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/04/netflix-ordered-to-refund-subscribers-up-to-e500-for-unlawful-price-hikes/ |archive-date=2026-04-03 |access-date=7 Apr 2026 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[HBO Max]]
*[[Hulu]]
*[[Crunchyroll]]
==References==
<references />
[[Category:Netflix]]

Roku

2026-05-30T14:42:33Z

24.198.174.119: /* Consumer-protection incidents */ added section on dark pattern to rte-activate netflix subscription

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American technology company focused on TV connected devices and TV software.
|Founded=2002
|Industry=Media Streaming
|Logo=Roku.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://roku.com/
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Roku|Roku, Inc.]]''' is an American technology company, founded in October of 2002, known for their "Roku" line of products which consist of Smart TVs & streaming players. It is also the creator and maintainer of "Roku OS," a smart TV operating system released in 2004 that allows users to access streaming service apps.

==Consumer-protection summary==

====Privacy====

*Roku collects personal information such as the user's device information, usage data, viewing activity, and location data.
*This data is used for purposes such as providing and improving services, personalizing content, and targeted advertisements.
*Roku retains personal data for as long as deemed necessary.
*On many of their devices and services such as Roku OS, "Do not sell my personal information" is opt-out rather than opt-in.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Roku Privacy Policy |url=https://docs.roku.com/published/userprivacypolicy/en/us |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=[[Roku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210034522/https://docs.roku.com/published/userprivacypolicy/en/us |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>

====Transparency====

*The "Do not sell my personal information" setting on Roku OS is located behind many menus, making it difficult to find.
*Roku states the added forced arbitration clause was a decision made separate of the data breach. However, this has been met with skepticism by the community.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Toulas |first=Bill |date=11 Mar 2024 |title=Over 15,000 hacked Roku accounts sold for 50¢ each to buy hardware |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-15-000-hacked-roku-accounts-sold-for-50-each-to-buy-hardware/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Bleeping Computer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206210456/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-15-000-hacked-roku-accounts-sold-for-50-each-to-buy-hardware/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Products and Services==
===Streaming Devices===
Roku's core products are streaming media players that connect to televisions via HDMI, allowing users to stream content from various online services. The lineup includes:

*Roku Express - Entry-level HD streaming devices
*Roku Streaming Stick - Mid-range portable streaming devices
*Roku Ultra - Premium streaming devices with enhanced features
*Others
**Roku HD (pre-2011)
**Roku HD-XR (pre-2011)
**Roku SD (pre-2011)
**Roku XD and XDS (pre-2011)
**Roku LT (models 2400X/2450X)
**Roku HD (model 2500X)
**Roku 2 HD

===Roku TV===
In 2014, Roku began licensing its operating system to TV manufacturers, creating the Roku TV platform built-in with Roku OS. Partners include [[TCL]], [[Hisense]], Sharp, and [[Philips]], among others.
===Roku OS===
Roku OS is the operating system that powers all Roku devices. Key features include:

*The Roku Channel Store, which serves streaming channels/apps
*Universal search across multiple streaming services
*Voice control capabilities
*The free, ad-supported Roku Channel
*Customizable home screen interface

===Audio Products===

*Roku Streambar - Combines a soundbar with a streaming player
*Roku Wireless Speakers - Designed specifically for Roku TV systems
*Roku Wireless Subwoofer - For enhanced bass response

===Content and Advertising===
The Roku Channel is the company's own ad-supported streaming service, offering free movies, TV shows, and some original content. Roku also operates an advertising business that serves as a significant revenue source, placing ads across its platform.

==Consumer-protection incidents==

===Over the AIR channels unreachable without internet access (Jan. 2026)===
A change caused over the air (OTA) channels via antenna to be unreachable when the TV does not have internet access. [https://support.roku.com/article/228844467#section-0 Roku TV OS version 15.0] combined the OTA broadcasts live TV guide with free streams from The Roku Channel. Roku [https://cordcuttersnews.com/roku-no-longer-lets-you-watch-free-ota-tv-from-abc-cbs-fox-nbc-with-an-antenna-unless-you-also-have-a-working-internet-connect-on-roku-tvs/ claims this is a bug] that will be fixed in a future update.

===Auto-playing Ads Before Home Screen (Mar. 2025)===
In March 2025, reports surfaced that Roku was testing a new advertising feature that plays video ads before users could access the Roku OS home screen.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=17 March 2025 |title=“Awful”: Roku tests autoplaying ads loading before the home screen |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/roku-says-unpopular-autoplay-ads-are-just-a-test/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318004112/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/roku-says-unpopular-autoplay-ads-are-just-a-test/ |archive-date=18 March 2025 |access-date=18 March 2025 |work=arstechnica}}</ref> Users reported that when turning on their Roku TV or streaming device, they were met with a video advertisement — often for the movie ''Moana 2'' — before reaching the home screen.<ref name=":3" /> While some users found an option to skip the ad, others claimed that there was no clear way to bypass it.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Herbig |first=Daniel |date=18 March 2025 |title=Roku zeigt Werbung, bevor man überhaupt zum Homescreen kommt |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Roku-zeigt-Werbung-bevor-man-ueberhaupt-zum-Homescreen-kommt-10318983.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318081622/https://www.heise.de/news/Roku-zeigt-Werbung-bevor-man-ueberhaupt-zum-Homescreen-kommt-10318983.html |archive-date=18 March 2025 |access-date=18 March 2025 |work=heise online}}</ref>

A Roku spokesperson confirmed that the autoplaying ads were part of a temporary test but did not specify whether they would become a permanent feature. The company stated that its business model relies on continuous testing and innovation in advertising but did not address customer concerns or backlash.<ref name=":3" /> Many users expressed dissatisfaction, with some stating they would stop using Roku devices if this feature were permanently implemented. Community discussions and forum posts described the ads as "unacceptable" and "intrusive."<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

Roku has previously been known for pushing the boundaries on advertising, including filing a patent for technology that could overlay ads on third-party devices connected to a Roku TV. While this patent has not yet been implemented, the new auto-playing ads suggest Roku is continuing to expand their advertising strategies.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

===Post-Purchase EULA Modification (Mar. 2024)===
[[File:Roku forced arbitration notice.jpg|thumb|510x510px|The screen in which consumers agreed to force arbitration. There is no "disagree."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Jared |date=7 Mar 2024 |title=Roku’s forced arbitration update leaves users fuming |url=https://www.techhive.com/article/2258136/rokus-forced-arbitration-update-leaves-users-fuming.html |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=TechHive |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251223223437/https://www.techhive.com/article/2258136/rokus-forced-arbitration-update-leaves-users-fuming.html |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>]]
In early March 2024, Roku Inc. [[Post-purchase EULA modification|modified]] its [[End-user license agreement]] (EULA), after the company disclosed a data breach that affected 15,000 accounts.<ref name=":2" /> In April 2024, Roku disclosed another incident that affected 576,000 additional accounts.<ref name=":1" />

This new EULA was enforced onto pre-existing users in the form of a message on their Smart TV or streaming player, which allowed the user to accept the new terms but did not offer an option to decline. The only option Roku Inc. offered to opt-out of the new EULA was for the user to mail the company their contact information that was used to register the Roku account (if applicable), along with the product model, software, or service "at issue." In this new EULA, Roku included a [[forced arbitration]] agreement to not allow users to sue or take part in lawsuits against Roku Inc.<ref name=":0" /> Roku claimed a week later that the new EULA was not in relation to the aforementioned data breach.

==="HDMI-customized ad insertion" patent (Oct. 2023)===
In early October 2023, Roku filed a patent ([https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en US20230388589A1]) for a program to insert ads on top of the display output of any non-Roku device displayed on a Roku TV. This program would be able to detect when the consumer has paused a video feed and display an advertisement, and it would be personalized by data collected through Roku services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Dec 2024 |title=Hdmi customized ad insertion |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Google Patents |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251216065411/https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en |archive-date=16 Dec 2025}}</ref>

As of January 2025, this patent has not been implemented into any Roku devices. However, a similar feature which also detects content from connected devices, called "More Ways to Watch," has previously been implemented.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to use More Ways to Watch on your Roku TV |url=https://support.roku.com/article/115005739288 |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Roku Support |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114082909/https://support.roku.com/article/115005739288 |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Katzmaier |first=David |date=11 Apr 2017 |title=Roku TVs now track what you watch to suggest streams, target ads |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/roku-tvs-now-track-what-you-watch-to-suggest-streams-target-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=CNET |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208062725/https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/roku-tvs-now-track-what-you-watch-to-suggest-streams-target-ads/ |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref>
==="Blocks Local Channels from an Antenna without Internet Connection (March 2026)===
On March 23rd 2026 , Roku had begun to block local TV through antenna by forcing a internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouma |first=Luke |date=2026-03-23 |title=Roku Announces A Fix To A Major Bug That Made Using Your Antenna For Free ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC Impossible Without Internet |url=https://cordcuttersnews.com/roku-announces-a-fix-to-a-major-bug-that-made-using-your-antenna-for-free-abc-cbs-fox-nbc-impossible-without-internet/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Antenna Man's [https://youtu.be/xmk919QxKvo?si=GD0ILferXkLbumMD Video] also explains it

===Roku Data Deletion Request===
When you request a data deletion, Roku will just give you new IDs to all your devices and user but not actually delete your data. They keep your data and switch the user IDs or device IDs pointing to it and claim this is compliant with GDPR and CCPA. All internal documents about this process are only stored in Confluence under privileged/confidential tags so if they get in trouble with the law they can claim no one can access this information.

=== Dark Pattern to Re-activate Netflix Subscription Immediately ===
After having a Netflix subscription and it lapsing, Netflix and Roku have a dark pattern to reactivate your subscription and charge your credit card immediately, even accidentally.

The pattern happens like this:

# have a Netflix account that was previously used on the Roku box
# Press the "Netflix" button on the remote. (you are immediately taken to Netflix with no confirmation)
# Press the "OK" button on the remote. (this charges your card immediately)

Your subscription will be reactivated without any confirmation, and your card immediately charged.

Also of note, the other video services on the remote (Hulu, CBS, etc.) wait for the user to confirm before switching to the new app (requiring intentionally moving the selected option from "Cancel" to "Launch"), which implies that this is an intentional dark pattern implemented by Netflix and Roku to cause users to easily accidentally reactivate their Netflix subscription.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Companies using forced arbitration clauses]]

Roku

2026-05-30T14:38:38Z

24.198.174.119: /* Consumer-protection incidents */ typo

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American technology company focused on TV connected devices and TV software.
|Founded=2002
|Industry=Media Streaming
|Logo=Roku.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://roku.com/
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Roku|Roku, Inc.]]''' is an American technology company, founded in October of 2002, known for their "Roku" line of products which consist of Smart TVs & streaming players. It is also the creator and maintainer of "Roku OS," a smart TV operating system released in 2004 that allows users to access streaming service apps.

==Consumer-protection summary==

====Privacy====

*Roku collects personal information such as the user's device information, usage data, viewing activity, and location data.
*This data is used for purposes such as providing and improving services, personalizing content, and targeted advertisements.
*Roku retains personal data for as long as deemed necessary.
*On many of their devices and services such as Roku OS, "Do not sell my personal information" is opt-out rather than opt-in.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Roku Privacy Policy |url=https://docs.roku.com/published/userprivacypolicy/en/us |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=[[Roku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210034522/https://docs.roku.com/published/userprivacypolicy/en/us |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref>

====Transparency====

*The "Do not sell my personal information" setting on Roku OS is located behind many menus, making it difficult to find.
*Roku states the added forced arbitration clause was a decision made separate of the data breach. However, this has been met with skepticism by the community.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Toulas |first=Bill |date=11 Mar 2024 |title=Over 15,000 hacked Roku accounts sold for 50¢ each to buy hardware |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-15-000-hacked-roku-accounts-sold-for-50-each-to-buy-hardware/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Bleeping Computer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206210456/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/over-15-000-hacked-roku-accounts-sold-for-50-each-to-buy-hardware/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Products and Services==
===Streaming Devices===
Roku's core products are streaming media players that connect to televisions via HDMI, allowing users to stream content from various online services. The lineup includes:

*Roku Express - Entry-level HD streaming devices
*Roku Streaming Stick - Mid-range portable streaming devices
*Roku Ultra - Premium streaming devices with enhanced features
*Others
**Roku HD (pre-2011)
**Roku HD-XR (pre-2011)
**Roku SD (pre-2011)
**Roku XD and XDS (pre-2011)
**Roku LT (models 2400X/2450X)
**Roku HD (model 2500X)
**Roku 2 HD

===Roku TV===
In 2014, Roku began licensing its operating system to TV manufacturers, creating the Roku TV platform built-in with Roku OS. Partners include [[TCL]], [[Hisense]], Sharp, and [[Philips]], among others.
===Roku OS===
Roku OS is the operating system that powers all Roku devices. Key features include:

*The Roku Channel Store, which serves streaming channels/apps
*Universal search across multiple streaming services
*Voice control capabilities
*The free, ad-supported Roku Channel
*Customizable home screen interface

===Audio Products===

*Roku Streambar - Combines a soundbar with a streaming player
*Roku Wireless Speakers - Designed specifically for Roku TV systems
*Roku Wireless Subwoofer - For enhanced bass response

===Content and Advertising===
The Roku Channel is the company's own ad-supported streaming service, offering free movies, TV shows, and some original content. Roku also operates an advertising business that serves as a significant revenue source, placing ads across its platform.

==Consumer-protection incidents==

===Over the AIR channels unreachable without internet access (Jan. 2026)===
A change caused over the air (OTA) channels via antenna to be unreachable when the TV does not have internet access. [https://support.roku.com/article/228844467#section-0 Roku TV OS version 15.0] combined the OTA broadcasts live TV guide with free streams from The Roku Channel. Roku [https://cordcuttersnews.com/roku-no-longer-lets-you-watch-free-ota-tv-from-abc-cbs-fox-nbc-with-an-antenna-unless-you-also-have-a-working-internet-connect-on-roku-tvs/ claims this is a bug] that will be fixed in a future update.

===Auto-playing Ads Before Home Screen (Mar. 2025)===
In March 2025, reports surfaced that Roku was testing a new advertising feature that plays video ads before users could access the Roku OS home screen.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=17 March 2025 |title=“Awful”: Roku tests autoplaying ads loading before the home screen |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/roku-says-unpopular-autoplay-ads-are-just-a-test/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318004112/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/roku-says-unpopular-autoplay-ads-are-just-a-test/ |archive-date=18 March 2025 |access-date=18 March 2025 |work=arstechnica}}</ref> Users reported that when turning on their Roku TV or streaming device, they were met with a video advertisement — often for the movie ''Moana 2'' — before reaching the home screen.<ref name=":3" /> While some users found an option to skip the ad, others claimed that there was no clear way to bypass it.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Herbig |first=Daniel |date=18 March 2025 |title=Roku zeigt Werbung, bevor man überhaupt zum Homescreen kommt |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Roku-zeigt-Werbung-bevor-man-ueberhaupt-zum-Homescreen-kommt-10318983.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318081622/https://www.heise.de/news/Roku-zeigt-Werbung-bevor-man-ueberhaupt-zum-Homescreen-kommt-10318983.html |archive-date=18 March 2025 |access-date=18 March 2025 |work=heise online}}</ref>

A Roku spokesperson confirmed that the autoplaying ads were part of a temporary test but did not specify whether they would become a permanent feature. The company stated that its business model relies on continuous testing and innovation in advertising but did not address customer concerns or backlash.<ref name=":3" /> Many users expressed dissatisfaction, with some stating they would stop using Roku devices if this feature were permanently implemented. Community discussions and forum posts described the ads as "unacceptable" and "intrusive."<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

Roku has previously been known for pushing the boundaries on advertising, including filing a patent for technology that could overlay ads on third-party devices connected to a Roku TV. While this patent has not yet been implemented, the new auto-playing ads suggest Roku is continuing to expand their advertising strategies.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

===Post-Purchase EULA Modification (Mar. 2024)===
[[File:Roku forced arbitration notice.jpg|thumb|510x510px|The screen in which consumers agreed to force arbitration. There is no "disagree."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Jared |date=7 Mar 2024 |title=Roku’s forced arbitration update leaves users fuming |url=https://www.techhive.com/article/2258136/rokus-forced-arbitration-update-leaves-users-fuming.html |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=TechHive |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251223223437/https://www.techhive.com/article/2258136/rokus-forced-arbitration-update-leaves-users-fuming.html |archive-date=23 Dec 2025}}</ref>]]
In early March 2024, Roku Inc. [[Post-purchase EULA modification|modified]] its [[End-user license agreement]] (EULA), after the company disclosed a data breach that affected 15,000 accounts.<ref name=":2" /> In April 2024, Roku disclosed another incident that affected 576,000 additional accounts.<ref name=":1" />

This new EULA was enforced onto pre-existing users in the form of a message on their Smart TV or streaming player, which allowed the user to accept the new terms but did not offer an option to decline. The only option Roku Inc. offered to opt-out of the new EULA was for the user to mail the company their contact information that was used to register the Roku account (if applicable), along with the product model, software, or service "at issue." In this new EULA, Roku included a [[forced arbitration]] agreement to not allow users to sue or take part in lawsuits against Roku Inc.<ref name=":0" /> Roku claimed a week later that the new EULA was not in relation to the aforementioned data breach.

==="HDMI-customized ad insertion" patent (Oct. 2023)===
In early October 2023, Roku filed a patent ([https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en US20230388589A1]) for a program to insert ads on top of the display output of any non-Roku device displayed on a Roku TV. This program would be able to detect when the consumer has paused a video feed and display an advertisement, and it would be personalized by data collected through Roku services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 Dec 2024 |title=Hdmi customized ad insertion |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Google Patents |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251216065411/https://patents.google.com/patent/US20230388589A1/en |archive-date=16 Dec 2025}}</ref>

As of January 2025, this patent has not been implemented into any Roku devices. However, a similar feature which also detects content from connected devices, called "More Ways to Watch," has previously been implemented.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to use More Ways to Watch on your Roku TV |url=https://support.roku.com/article/115005739288 |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=Roku Support |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114082909/https://support.roku.com/article/115005739288 |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Katzmaier |first=David |date=11 Apr 2017 |title=Roku TVs now track what you watch to suggest streams, target ads |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/roku-tvs-now-track-what-you-watch-to-suggest-streams-target-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=19 Apr 2025 |website=CNET |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208062725/https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/roku-tvs-now-track-what-you-watch-to-suggest-streams-target-ads/ |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref>
==="Blocks Local Channels from an Antenna without Internet Connection (March 2026)===
On March 23rd 2026 , Roku had begun to block local TV through antenna by forcing a internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bouma |first=Luke |date=2026-03-23 |title=Roku Announces A Fix To A Major Bug That Made Using Your Antenna For Free ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC Impossible Without Internet |url=https://cordcuttersnews.com/roku-announces-a-fix-to-a-major-bug-that-made-using-your-antenna-for-free-abc-cbs-fox-nbc-impossible-without-internet/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Antenna Man's [https://youtu.be/xmk919QxKvo?si=GD0ILferXkLbumMD Video] also explains it

===Roku Data Deletion Request===
When you request a data deletion, Roku will just give you new IDs to all your devices and user but not actually delete your data. They keep your data and switch the user IDs or device IDs pointing to it and claim this is compliant with GDPR and CCPA. All internal documents about this process are only stored in Confluence under privileged/confidential tags so if they get in trouble with the law they can claim no one can access this information.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Companies using forced arbitration clauses]]