Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Google Mobile Services

2026-04-11T23:32:52Z

2cookie: Add example

{{StubNotice}}
{{ProductLineCargo
|Company=Google
|ReleaseYear=2012
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Software, Smartphones, Smartwatches
|Website=https://www.android.com/gms
|Description=Suite of Google apps and APIs that are pre-installed on every "Android Certified" device
}}

[[wikipedia:Google_Mobile_Services|Google Mobile Services]] (GMS) is a suite of proprietary [[Android]] applications and APIs produced by [[Google]] that has existed since 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=Google Play services 1 APK Download by Google LLC |url=https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services/google-play-services-1-release/google-play-services-1-android-apk-download/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501174642/https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-play-services/google-play-services-1-release/google-play-services-1-android-apk-download/ |archive-date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=[[APKMirror]]}}</ref>. GMS provides both user-facing apps and developer-facing features for other apps via [[Google Play Services]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Android - Google Mobile Services |url=https://www.android.com/gms/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260403095132/https://www.android.com/gms/ |archive-date=2026-04-03 |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=[[Android]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Package Index |url=https://developers.google.com/android/reference/packages |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260310230855/https://developers.google.com/android/reference/packages |archive-date=2026-03-10 |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=[[Google Play Services]]}}</ref>

This includes:

*the core suite of '''Google apps''' (GApps), such as
**[[Google Chrome|Chrome]]
**Gmail
**Maps
**[[Google Play Store|Play Store]]

*'''[[wikipedia:Google_Play_Services|Play Services]]''' (which [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.gms contains <code>gms</code> in its package-name])<ref>{{Cite web |title=universal-android-debloater-next-generation |url=https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/blob/d288860ac8099c454e570d20e55b6923f57edb67/resources/assets/uad_lists.json#L28942-L28944 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260329063301/https://github.com/Universal-Debloater-Alliance/universal-android-debloater-next-generation/blob/d288860ac8099c454e570d20e55b6923f57edb67/resources/assets/uad_lists.json#L28942-L28944 |archive-date=2026-03-29 |website=[[GitHub]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How Google Play services works on your device |url=https://support.google.com/android/answer/12319308 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228123636/https://support.google.com/android/answer/12319308 |archive-date=2025-12-28 |access-date=2026-01-15 |website=Android Help}}</ref>
*[[Google Play Integrity API|Play Integrity]] and Play Protect
*[[Android System SafetyCore|SafetyCore]]
*[[Android Auto]]

==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}GMS comes preinstalled on Google certified devices, leading to high market saturation among Android devices.{{Citation needed}} It's components are installed as system applications<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=2013-09-02 |title=Balky carriers and slow OEMs step aside: Google is defragging Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/09/balky-carriers-and-slow-oems-step-aside-google-is-defragging-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205043322/http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/09/balky-carriers-and-slow-oems-step-aside-google-is-defragging-android/ |archive-date=2013-12-05 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>, making removal through standard methods impossible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hassan |first=Sadique |date=2025-06-11 |title=How to Uninstall System Apps Without Root |url=https://droidwin.com/how-to-uninstall-system-apps-without-root/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802011349/https://droidwin.com/how-to-uninstall-system-apps-without-root/ |archive-date=2025-08-02 |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=[[Droidwin]]}}</ref>

Google incentivizes developers to use (and depend on) GMS APIs in order to lock them in. This increases dependence on GMS and contributes to Google's monopoly on Android.{{Citation needed}}

Some examples of 3rd-party apps that break when Play Services is disabled:

*[[WhatsApp]]
*[[Discord]]
*Apps that use the Google Play Integrity API (some online banking apps for example)

Most of Google's own apps deliberately refuse to work when Play Services is disabled.{{Citation needed}}

In order to bundle/pre-install any GApp, OEMs are legally required by Google to install the entire "core suite" of GApps, including Play Store and Play Services.{{Citation needed}}

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

===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 via GMS. The installation of the program neither informed consumers that it was installed, nor did it request consumers to install it onto their devices.

==Products==

*[[Google]] Search app (circa 2009<ref>{{Cite web |last=@Macaddct1984 |date=2009-06-07 |title=Google Quick Search Box |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Quick_Search_Box |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202061640/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Quick_Search_Box |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date= |website=[[Wikipedia]]}}</ref>)
*[[YouTube]] app (insert release date): [[Pay-walling|Paywalled]] "background play" and "offline" behind Premium
*...

==See also==

*[[Bloatware]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

CompTIA

2025-12-12T23:55:21Z

2cookie: add some things

{{StubNotice}}{{InfoboxCompany
| Company = CompTIA
| Name = CompTIA
| Type = Non-Profit
| Founded = 1982
| Industry = Information Technology
| Official Website = https://comptia.org/
| Logo = Comptia-logo.svg.png
}}[[wikipedia:CompTIA|'''CompTIA''']], the Computing Technology Industry Association, is an American non-profit trade association that issues professional certifications for the information technology (IT) industry. It is considered one of the IT industry's top trade associations. It was founded on January 1st 1982 in Downer's Grove, Illinois. CompTIA issues vendor-neutral professional certifications in over 120 countries.

==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}}

==Anti-consumer practices==

===Lobbying against Right to Repair===
In March of 2017, CompTIA lobbied against a [[Right to Repair]] legislation in Nebraska, claiming:<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 Mar 2017 |title="Right to Repair" Legislation is Wrong for Nebraska Consumers and Businesses |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/right-to-repair-legislation-is-wrong-for-nebraska-consumers-and-businesses-300420721.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[PR Newswire]]}}</ref><blockquote>''Hackers are constantly trying to break into a wide range of devices, including computers, servers, smartphones, and other industrial and consumer electronics. Any weakening of the current standards, including sharing sensitive diagnostic tools and proprietary hardware data, could expose customers to risk. Manufacturers also have strong concerns about unauthorized independent service providers who may take risks or cut corners and provide service without training or following safety standards.''

''Additionally, manufacturers make significant investments in the development of products and services, and the protection of intellectual property is a legitimate and important aspect of sustaining the health of all industry, including third party software developers who rely upon the device's DRM to protect their software from hackers. However, the bill compromises the intellectual property that creators invested heavily in to develop.''</blockquote>In February of 2020, CompTIA stepped back from all lobbying activities related to [[Right to Repair]] legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Feb 2020 |title=CompTIA Steps Back from Lobbying Activity Related to Right to Repair Legislation |url=https://www.comptia.org/newsroom/2020/02/21/comptia-steps-back-from-lobbying-activity-related-to-right-to-repair-legislation |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[CompTIA]]}}</ref>

===Certification expiration===
Historically, CompTIA promoted its high-end certifications of A+, Network+, and Security+ as lifetime. In January of 2011, the company altered the status of such certifications, so they would expire within three years. According to this proposal, certified professionals would either need to re-certify for the exams or pay an annual maintenance fee to participate in a CEU (Continuing Education Units) program. CompTIA then updated the guidelines to have only the certificates earned after January 1, 2011 renewed every three years, with the requirement of documented hours of continuing education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Long Does the CompTIA Security+ Certification Last? |url=https://www.comptia.org/faq/security/how-long-does-the-comptia-security-certification-last |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[CompTIA]]}}</ref> Certificates earned prior to 2011 are still valid for lifetime and referred to as Good-for-Life, so replacing the Good-for-Life certification with an expirable one does not devalue the Good-for-Life certification.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Which CompTIA Certifications Must Be Renewed? |url=https://help.comptia.org/hc/en-us/articles/13923899954196-Which-CompTIA-Certifications-Must-Be-Renewed |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[CompTIA]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Nate |date=26 Jan 2010 |title=CompTIA backs down; past certs remain valid for life |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2010/01/comptia-backs-down-past-certs-remain-valid-for-life/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=ArsTechnica}}</ref>

===Proprietary invasive software required to be installed to personal devices if taking tests at home===
CompTIA allows tests to be done online at home for their certifications however this requires users to download and install the "OnVUE" proctoring software to their PC which is a monitoring software designed to make sure testers cannot cheat.<ref>https://www.comptia.org/en-us/blog/comptia-online-testing-your-questions-answered/</ref> it is closed source and cannot be ran on Linux or a Virtual machine. While CompTIA does allow test takers to visit a Parson Vue test center and take a test in person some people may not be able to do this.

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

Bosch cloud dishwasher incident

2025-11-07T23:15:59Z

2cookie: Added some things and some minor rewording

{{SloppyAI}}

Home Connect Is Bosch's cloud based smart home control system used in select Bosch dishwashers, notably the Bosch 500 series. This system mandates that users connect their dishwasher to Wi‑Fi and register for a Home Connect account in order to access essential functions—such as rinse cycles, eco mode, and delay start—that were previously available directly via physical controls.<ref name="jeff_geerling">[https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2025/i-wont-connect-my-dishwasher-your-stupid-cloud I won't connect my dishwasher to your stupid cloud]</ref> The user cannot access these features unless they download the app and connect their dishwasher to a Wi-Fi network.

==Background==
After the premature failure of his GE Amana dishwasher—an example of [[planned obsolescence]] marked by recurring power issues and deteriorating components—tech blogger Jeff Geerling was forced to replace it. Acting on Consumer Reports' recommendations and local availability, he purchased a Bosch 500 series dishwasher. The installation was generally straightforward; the design featured a plastic base for smooth positioning and improved routing for hoses and wiring. However, the new unit also introduced an unexpected drawback: many of its advanced functions are locked behind a mandatory cloud service.

==Feature Restrictions and Cloud Dependency==
With the Bosch 500 series dishwasher, several key functions are accessible only through the Home Connect app:
*'''Advanced Wash Settings''': Functions such as rinse, machine care (self-cleaning), half-load, eco mode, and delay start are not available on the built-in control panel but require activation via the Home Connect app.
*'''Touch Sensor Controls''': Replacing the tactile buttons of older models, the new touch sensors often require multiple resets and a longer boot-up period.
*'''Mandatory Wi‑Fi Connectivity''': To utilize these features, users must connect the appliance to Wi‑Fi and set up a cloud account, thus permitting remote control and access over the Internet.<ref name="jeff_geerling" />

==Criticism and Controversy==
The dependence on cloud connectivity for core dishwasher functions has drawn widespread criticism:
*'''Loss of Direct Control''': Essential operations that were once managed via physical buttons now require navigation through an app.
*'''Planned Obsolescence Concerns''': The integration of cloud-based controls suggests a future where support for these services might be discontinued or shifted to a subscription model, potentially shortening the appliance’s effective lifespan.
*'''Certain features rely on an online service:''' if the Bosch Home connect servers are ever inaccessible or get shutdown users may no longer be able to use certain features of their dishwasher.
*'''Privacy and Security Risks''': Forcing an Internet connection onto a household appliance expands the attack surface of home networks, raising concerns about data security.
*'''User Experience Frustrations''': The extra steps needed to activate everyday functions—such as running a simple rinse cycle—have been described as unnecessarily complicated and counterintuitive.

==Community Response and Workarounds==
In light of the frustration over Home Connect's limitations, users have explored several alternatives:
*'''Bypassing Cloud Features''': Some consumers choose to ignore the app-based functionalities, operating the dishwasher solely via its limited native controls despite sacrificing advanced functions.
*'''Network Segregation''': Technically adept users have attempted to mitigate security risks by isolating the dishwasher on a dedicated IoT VLAN, although this is not a viable solution for most.
*'''Third-Party Solutions''': Early efforts have been made to reverse engineer the Home Connect API (such as through projects like [https://github.com/osresearch/hcpy HCPY]), yet these methods require significant technical know-how and lack official support.

==Conclusion==
The controversy surrounding the Bosch Home Connect system highlights a broader debate about the role of cloud connectivity in everyday appliances. Critics argue that essential functions should remain accessible locally, with cloud services offered only as an optional convenience. Jeff Geerling’s vocal disapproval encapsulates a consumer-first sentiment that demands robust, offline functionality and transparency from appliance manufacturers.<ref name="jeff_geerling" />

==References==

[[Category:Bosch]]
[[Category:Bosch 500 series dishwashers]]
<references />

List of kernel-level anti cheats

2025-11-07T06:26:09Z

2cookie: fix formatting

{{stub}}{{Merge|Might as well put the list in the Kernel level anticheat article (at least until it becomes large).|Kernel level anticheats}}
This is a list of all [[Kernel level anti-cheats|'''kernel level anti-cheats''']].
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Title
!Release year
!Games included
|-
||[[Anti-Cheat Expert]]
|2005
|Wuthering waves
Stirnova

Blue Protocol Star resonance
|-
|BattlEye
|
|
|-
|Easy Anti-Cheat
|
|
|-
|[[Riot Vanguard]]
|
|Valorant
League of legends

2xko
|}

[[Category:Lists]]

List of kernel-level anti cheats

2025-11-07T06:25:50Z

2cookie: fix formatting

List of kernel-level anti cheats

2025-11-07T06:25:33Z

2cookie: Adding some items

{{stub}}{{Merge|Might as well put the list in the Kernel level anticheat article (at least until it becomes large).|Kernel level anticheats}}
This is a list of all [[Kernel level anti-cheats|'''kernel level anti-cheats''']].
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Title
!Release year
!Games included
|-
||[[Anti-Cheat Expert]]
|2005
|Wuthering waves
Stirnova
Blue Protocol Star resonance
|-
|BattlEye
|
|
|-
|Easy Anti-Cheat
|
|
|-
|[[Riot Vanguard]]
|
|Valorant
League of legends
2xko
|}

[[Category:Lists]]

Anti-Cheat Expert

2025-10-17T03:43:16Z

2cookie: /* Privacy and Security Assurances */

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=needs better resources (not Wikipedia)|Issue 2=use [[Template:Cite web]] for references}}
{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = {{PAGENAME}}
| Release Year = 2005
| Product Type = Anti-cheat Software
| In Production = Yes
| Logo = ACE_logo.jpeg
|Official Website=https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/}}

[[wikipedia:Anti-Cheat Expert|Anti-Cheat Expert]] commonly abbreviated as "ACE" is an modular anti-cheat system developed by Tencent, that initially released in 2005 as a anti-bot solution for Free Fantasy Online. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>

ACE provides cheat prevention for PC as well as Android <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-android</ref> and iOS <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-ios</ref> however the mobile versions do not run at the Kernel level and operates less invasively than the PC version. ACE also offers server side solutions <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/economy-risk-management</ref> and moderation tools <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/content-moderation</ref>

ACE on PC is a modular kernel level anti-cheat that allows game developers to enable or disable certain features, such as the anti-cheat running 24/7, as well as add their own game specific checks.

==Consumer impact summary==
====Freedom====
If a game publisher chooses ACE will be running from computer startup, even when not playing. As a kernel-level anti-cheat on PC, Anti-Cheat Expert has the highest level of access to your computer.

====Privacy====
ACE on PC is a kernel-level (ring 0) anti-cheat meaning it has access to everything on your computer and therefore depending on the game publishers configuration it could be a 24/7 anti cheat similar to Riot Vanguard. ACE also loads multiple drivers based on what features game publishers enable. Anti-Cheat Expert is created by Tencent, which has strong ties with the Chinese government.{{Citation needed|date=2025-10-15}}

==Incidents==
===Chinese Government Ties===
ACE is created by Tencent which has close ties to the Chinese Government and is bound by Chinese laws. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>

===Technical Implications===
The kernel-level access combined with potential government compulsion is particularly concerning because:
*Ring 0 access provides complete system control.
*Users cannot monitor or restrict ACE's activities at this level.
*Depending on the game the anti-cheat maybe be running 24/7 which means the system is potentially vulnerable even when not gaming.
*The software could theoretically be used as a backdoor if compelled by authorities.
*The software could have a negative performance impact even when doing other if the game publishers has chosen the driver to run 24/7

===Privacy and Security Assurances===
* Some [https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/doc-center/ documentation] is available publicly <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/doc-center/</ref>
* ACE provides a uninstaller in the ACE installation folder <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/doc-center/884daf3ac6cd65d2ced6ab280d21ed75354b9ac0</ref>

====Consumer Response====

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

Anti-Cheat Expert

2025-10-16T03:09:38Z

2cookie: minor rephrase

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=needs better resources (not Wikipedia)|Issue 2=use [[Template:Cite web]] for references}}
{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = {{PAGENAME}}
| Release Year = 2005
| Product Type = Anti-cheat Software
| In Production = Yes
| Logo = ACE_logo.jpeg
|Official Website=https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/}}

[[wikipedia:Anti-Cheat Expert|Anti-Cheat Expert]] commonly abbreviated as "ACE" is an modular anti-cheat system developed by Tencent, that initially released in 2005 as a anti-bot solution for Free Fantasy Online. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>

ACE provides cheat prevention for PC as well as Android <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-android</ref> and iOS <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-ios</ref> however the mobile versions do not run at the Kernel level and operates less invasively than the PC version. ACE also offers server side solutions <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/economy-risk-management</ref> and moderation tools <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/content-moderation</ref>

ACE on PC is a modular kernel level anti-cheat that allows game developers to enable or disable certain features, such as the anti-cheat running 24/7, as well as add their own game specific checks.

==Consumer impact summary==
====Freedom====
If a game publisher chooses ACE will be running from computer startup, even when not playing. As a kernel-level anti-cheat on PC, Anti-Cheat Expert has the highest level of access to your computer.

====Privacy====
ACE on PC is a kernel-level (ring 0) anti-cheat meaning it has access to everything on your computer and therefore depending on the game publishers configuration it could be a 24/7 anti cheat similar to Riot Vanguard. ACE also loads multiple drivers based on what features game publishers enable. Anti-Cheat Expert is created by Tencent, which has strong ties with the Chinese government.{{Citation needed|date=2025-10-15}}

==Incidents==
===Chinese Government Ties===
ACE is created by Tencent which has close ties to the Chinese Government and is bound by Chinese laws. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>

===Technical Implications===
The kernel-level access combined with potential government compulsion is particularly concerning because:
*Ring 0 access provides complete system control.
*Users cannot monitor or restrict ACE's activities at this level.
*Depending on the game the anti-cheat maybe be running 24/7 which means the system is potentially vulnerable even when not gaming.
*The software could theoretically be used as a backdoor if compelled by authorities.
*The software could have a negative performance impact even when doing other if the game publishers has chosen the driver to run 24/7

===Privacy and Security Assurances===

====Consumer Response====

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

Anti-Cheat Expert

2025-10-16T03:07:11Z

2cookie: Quick typo fix

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=needs better resources (not Wikipedia)|Issue 2=use [[Template:Cite web]] for references}}
{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = {{PAGENAME}}
| Release Year = 2005
| Product Type = Anti-cheat Software
| In Production = Yes
| Logo = ACE_logo.jpeg
|Official Website=https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/}}

[[wikipedia:Anti-Cheat Expert|Anti-Cheat Expert]] commonly abbreviated as "ACE" is an modular anti-cheat system developed by Tencent, that initially released in 2005 as a anti-bot solution for Free Fantasy Online. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>

ACE provides cheat prevention for PC as well as Android <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-android</ref> and iOS <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-ios</ref> however the mobile versions do not run at the Kernel level and operates less invasively than the PC version. ACE also offers server side solutions <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/economy-risk-management</ref> and moderation tools <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/content-moderation</ref>

ACE on PC is a modular kernel level anti-cheat that allows game developers to enable or disable certain features, such as the anti-cheat running 24/7, as well as add their own game specific checks.

==Consumer impact summary==
====Freedom====
If a game publisher chooses ACE will be running from computer startup, even when not playing. As a kernel-level anti-cheat on PC, Anti-Cheat Expert has the highest level of access to your computer.

====Privacy====
ACE on PC is a kernel-level (ring 0) anti-cheat meaning it has access to everything on your computer and therefore depending on the game publishers configuration it could be a 24/7 anti cheat similar to Riot Vanguard. ACE is also loads multiple drivers based on what features game publishers enable. Anti-Cheat Expert is owned by Tencent, which has strong ties with the Chinese government.{{Citation needed|date=2025-10-15}}

==Incidents==
===Chinese Government Ties===
ACE is created by Tencent which has close ties to the Chinese Government and is bound by Chinese laws. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>

===Technical Implications===
The kernel-level access combined with potential government compulsion is particularly concerning because:
*Ring 0 access provides complete system control.
*Users cannot monitor or restrict ACE's activities at this level.
*Depending on the game the anti-cheat maybe be running 24/7 which means the system is potentially vulnerable even when not gaming.
*The software could theoretically be used as a backdoor if compelled by authorities.
*The software could have a negative performance impact even when doing other if the game publishers has chosen the driver to run 24/7

===Privacy and Security Assurances===

====Consumer Response====

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

Anti-Cheat Expert

2025-10-10T09:52:01Z

2cookie: Created page with "{{InfoboxProductLine | Title = {{PAGENAME}} | Release Year = 2005 | Product Type = Anti-cheat Software | In Production = Yes | Logo = ACE_logo.jpeg |Official Website=https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/}} Anti-Cheat Expert commonly abbreviated as "ACE" is an modular anti-cheat system developed by Tencent, that initially released in 2005 as a anti-bot solution for Free Fantasy Online. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>..."

{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = {{PAGENAME}}
| Release Year = 2005
| Product Type = Anti-cheat Software
| In Production = Yes
| Logo = ACE_logo.jpeg
|Official Website=https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/}}

[[wikipedia:Anti-Cheat Expert|Anti-Cheat Expert]] commonly abbreviated as "ACE" is an modular anti-cheat system developed by Tencent, that initially released in 2005 as a anti-bot solution for Free Fantasy Online. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>

ACE provides cheat prevention for PC as well as Android <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-android</ref> and iOS <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-ios</ref> however the mobile versions do not run at the Kernel level and operate a lot less invasively then the PC version ACE also offers server side solutions <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/economy-risk-management</ref> and moderation tools <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/content-moderation</ref> h

ACE on PC is a modular kernel level anti-cheat that allows game developers to enable or disable certain features such as the anti-cheat running 24/7 as well as add their own game specific checks.

==Consumer impact summary==
Overview of concerns that arise from the conduct towards users of the product:
*Privacy: ACE on PC is a kernel-level (ring 0) anti-cheat meaning it has access to everything on your computer. and depending on the game publishers configuration it could be a 24/7 anti cheat similar to Riot Vanguard. ACE is also loads multiple drivers based on what features game publishers enable. Anti-Cheat Expert is owned by Tencent which has strong ties with the Chinese government.
*Control: If a game publisher uses the chooses ACE will be running from computer startup, even when not playing.
*Access: As a kernel-level anti-cheat on PC, Anti-Cheat Expert has the highest level of access to your computer.

==Incidents==

==Concerns==
===Chinese Government Ties===
ACE is created by Tencent which has close ties to the Chinese Government and is bound by Chinese laws <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert</ref>

===Technical Implications===
The kernel-level access combined with potential government compulsion is particularly concerning because:
*Ring 0 access provides complete system control.
*Users cannot monitor or restrict ACE's activities at this level.
*Depending on the game the anti-cheat maybe be running 24/7 which means the system is potentially vulnerable even when not gaming.
*The software could theoretically be used as a backdoor if compelled by authorities.
*The software could have a negative performance impact even when doing other if the game publishers has chosen the driver to run 24/7

===Privacy and Security Assurances===

====Community Response====

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

File:ACE logo.jpeg

2025-10-10T09:02:43Z

2cookie:

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Riot Vanguard

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{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = {{PAGENAME}}
| Release Year = 2020
| Product Type = Anti-cheat Software
| In Production = Yes
| Logo = Riot_Vanguard_Logo.png
|Official Website=https://support-valorant.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/360046160933-What-is-Vanguard}}

[[wikipedia:Riot_Vanguard|Riot Vanguard]] is an anti-cheat system developed by Riot Games, initially released for VALORANT in 2020 and later expanded to League of Legends in April of 2024.

==Consumer impact summary==
Overview of concerns that arise from the conduct towards users of the product:
*Privacy: Vanguard is a kernel-level (ring 0) anti-cheat. It has access to everything on your computer. Riot Games is owned by Tencent which has strong ties with the Chinese government.
*Control: Users must have Vanguard running from computer startup to play any Riot games, even when not playing.
*Access: As a kernel-level anti-cheat, Vanguard has the highest level of access to your computer.

==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]].
===League of Legends Implementation (April 2024)===
In April 2024, Riot Games announced that Vanguard would become mandatory for all League of Legends players. <ref>https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/24169857932435-Riot-Vanguard-FAQ-League-of-Legends</ref> This decision was particularly controversial for several reasons:

*The requirement affected a 14-year-old game that had previously operated without kernel-level anti-cheat.
*Players were required to install Vanguard to continue accessing their accounts and purchased content.
*No opt-out option was provided for players who did not wish to install kernel-level software.
*The implementation affected all regions globally, including areas with strict privacy regulations.
*Players using Linux through Wine/Proton would no longer be able to play the game.

==Concerns==
===Tencent Ownership and Chinese Government Ties===
A major concern surrounding Vanguard stems from Riot Games' ownership by Tencent Holdings, a Chinese technology conglomerate. This ownership, combined with Vanguard's kernel-level access, raises significant security and privacy implications due to Chinese legal requirements, particularly the [[wikipedia:National_Intelligence_Law_of_the_People's_Republic_of_China|National Intelligence Law of the People's Republic of China]] (2017).
The law mandates cooperation with national intelligence efforts from all organizations and citizens. Relevant articles include:<blockquote>Article 7: All organizations and citizens shall support, assist, and cooperate with national intelligence efforts in accordance with law, and shall protect national intelligence work secrets they are aware of.

Article 10: As necessary for their work, national intelligence work institutions are to use the necessary means, tactics, and channels to carry out intelligence efforts, domestically and abroad.

Article 18: As required for work, and in accordance with relevant national provisions, national intelligence work institutions may ask organs such as for customs and entry-exit border inspection to provide facilitation such as exemptions from inspection.</blockquote>These legal requirements raise several concerns:
*Tencent, as a Chinese company, could be legally compelled to provide data or access through Vanguard.
*The kernel-level access could potentially be leveraged for surveillance or data collection beyond anti-cheat purposes.
*An attack on Riot's Vanguard servers could have catastrophic consequences
*Users have no way to verify if or when such access might be utilized.
*The combination of mandatory installation, kernel-level access, and Chinese ownership creates potential security risks for:
**Government employees.
**Corporate users with sensitive data.
**Military personnel.
**Users with access to critical infrastructure.
**Critics of the Chinese government.

===Technical Implications===
The kernel-level access combined with potential government compulsion is particularly concerning because:
*Ring 0 access provides complete system control.
*Users cannot monitor or restrict Vanguard's activities at this level.
*The always-on requirement means the system is potentially vulnerable even when not gaming.
*The software could theoretically be used as a backdoor if compelled by authorities.
*The software could have a negative performance impact even when doing other things on your computer since the driver is running 24/7

==Company Response==
===Official Statements===
Riot Games has responded to various concerns about Vanguard through multiple official channels:

{Sources to be added}

*Following the League of Legends implementation announcement, Riot published a detailed FAQ addressing community concerns. They maintained that Vanguard's kernel driver is focused solely on game integrity and doesn't process any personal information.<ref>https://support-leagueoflegends.riotgames.com/hc/en-us/articles/24169857932435-Riot-Vanguard-FAQ-League-of-Legends</ref>
*Riot Security Team published a technical blog post explaining that Vanguard's kernel-level implementation is necessary to detect and prevent sophisticated cheating methods that operate at the same level.<ref>https://www.riotgames.com/en/news/a-message-about-vanguard-from-our-security-privacy-teams</ref>

{{quote|We understand the decision to run the driver component in kernel-mode can raise concerns, and that some of you want to know more about the tech behind Vanguard. We can't get too deep into the technical specifics without potentially compromising Vanguard... plus we can assure you that it has been reviewed by both internal and external security experts.|[[Riot Games]]<ref>[https://www.riotgames.com/en/news/a-message-about-vanguard-from-our-security-privacy-teams "A Message About Vanguard from our Security & Privacy Teams"] ''Riot Games''. Retrieved 2024-02-16</ref>}}

Riot Games has expressed that kernel level anti cheat is becoming an industry standard however no other anti cheat software is as invasive as Vanguard. Riot claims that to defeat cheaters operating at the kernel level, it is necessary to also be operating at the same level. This is untrue. They claim the only way to stop account botting, ranked boosting and to ban cheaters permanently via using hardware identifiers is to compromise your privacy despite the fact that other companies within the gaming industry whom are capable of banning bots and cheaters including hardware banning customers can do so without the need of kernel-level anti cheat detection that runs even when you are not playing their games.

Riot Vanguard is the only anticheat that requires it to be running at all times.

===Privacy and Security Assurances===
Riot Games has provided several assurances regarding Vanguard's security:
*The company stated that Vanguard's code has undergone multiple third-party security audits from independent cybersecurity firms.
*Riot maintains that the kernel driver cannot be remotely activated or modified without triggering operating system security protocols.
*The company emphasizes that all data collection is limited to game integrity verification, with strict internal controls preventing mission creep.

====Community Response====
The announcement led to significant backlash from the League of Legends community:
*Multiple Reddit threads reached the front page of r/leagueoflegends expressing concerns.
*Linux users can no longer play League of Legends. r/LeagueofLinux
*Players raised issues about the necessity of kernel-level anti-cheat for a MOBA game.
*Privacy advocates questioned the expansion of kernel-level software to a larger player base.

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