Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

BowFlex, Inc.

2026-05-15T20:05:45Z

321321321a: Minor cargo data update

{{StubNotice}}
{{Incomplete|Issue 1=more research & references needed|Issue 2=Needs to be formatted to [[Template:CompanyPreload]]}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Bowflex is a fitness brand selling home exercise equipment such as adjustable dumbbells, home gyms, treadmills, and accessories and workout programs & resources.
|Founded=1986
|Industry=Fitness
|Logo=Bowflex logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.bowflex.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Bowflex|'''BowFlex, Inc.''']] is a fitness-equipment manufacturer headquartered in Vancouver, Washington.

==Consumer-impact summary==

====User privacy====

*The BowFlex [[privacy policy]] includes a [[post-purchase EULA modification]] where the user must opt out of the sale of their data.

*BowFlex collects biometric information and will disclose it to "third parties who may acquire your information as a result of a merger, acquisition or other ownership transition".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-01 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://www.bowflex.com/global-assets/legal/privacy-policy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/yXo1R |archive-date=15 Apr 2026 |website=[[BowFlex]]}}</ref>

====User freedom====

*JRNY service includes [[digital rights management]], which restricts access to stock Android features, like installing apps.
*Even with a JRNY subscription, you are limited to a small subset of streaming platform applications.
*BowFlex includes [[forced arbitration]] in its [[end-user license agreement]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-03 |title=Terms of Use |url=https://www.bowflex.com/global-assets/legal/terms-of-use.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/k9WBJ |archive-date=15 Apr 2026 |website=[[BowFlex]]}}</ref>

==Incidents==
===JRNY service===
JRNY is an "adaptive fitness membership" provided by BowFlex that is facilitated by their [[wikipedia:Android_(operating_system)|Android]]-equipped fitness hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JRNY |url=https://www.bowflex.com/jrny.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/RvKkk |archive-date=15 Apr 2026 |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=[[BowFlex]]}}</ref>

===Recalls (''2025'')===
On June 5, 2025, The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled over 3.7 million BowFlex 552 adjustable dumbbells due to an impact hazard caused when the weight plates "dislodge from the handle during use"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=I. |date=10 Jun 2025 |title=BowFlex Recalls 3.8 Million Dumbbells After Injury Reports |url=https://www.drugs.com/news/bowflex-recalls-3-8-million-dumbbells-after-injury-reports-125328.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/vcDPG |archive-date=15 Apr 2026 |access-date= |work=Drugs.com}}</ref>

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

Brainly

2026-05-15T20:04:02Z

321321321a: Minor cargo data update

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Consumer impact summary doesn't need a Freedom, Privacy, Business model, Market control, format. Especially when there isn't enough description material to put there. See https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Consumer_Rights_Wiki:Article_types#Companies|Issue 2=Some incidents can be fit for the Consumer impact summary instead so that we at least have some text there|Issue 3=Probably needs to be cleaned of low verifiability opinions and original research, see wiki policy}}{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Brainly.com is an online learning platform where students ask homework questions and receive answers, explanations, and study help from peers and subject experts.
|Founded=2009
|Industry=Education
|Logo=Brainly logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://brainly.com/
}}

'''{{Wplink|Brainly}}''' (originally '''Zadane.pl''') is a [[Poland|Polish]] company and platform founded in 2009 by Michał Borkowski dedicated towards students assisting each other for homework online. In recent years, the platform has come under controversy from its users for various issues, from not honoring canceled plans to facilitating the usage of AI (instead of the platform's community).

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''Freedom:''' Accessing content requires creating a free account, and some community-generated answers are additionally paywalled behind a subscription tier. Account deletion has also been reported to also be tedious.{{Clarify|Why}}{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}

*'''Privacy:''' Unknown{{Clarify|How}}; user-generated content is difficult to request removal.

*'''Business model:''' Funded via [[advertising overload]] for free users. It additionally has "premium-tier" content.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}

*'''Market control:''' Limited competition. Brainly has had some history purchasing competitor websites such as OpenStudy,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Brainly Acquires US Social Learning Platform, OpenStudy |url=https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-06-14-brainly-acquires-us-social-learning-platform-openstudy |website=EdSurge |date=14 Jun 2016 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124153046/https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-06-14-brainly-acquires-us-social-learning-platform-openstudy |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Marketwired |title=Social Learning Platform OpenStudy Joins the Brainly Community |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/social-learning-platform-openstudy-joins-130000652.html |website=[[Yahoo!]] |date=14 Jun 2016 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005143748/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/social-learning-platform-openstudy-joins-130000652.html |archive-date=5 Oct 2016 }}</ref> and soon after deleting them.{{Citation needed|date=21 Mar 2026}}

==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]].

===Concerning TOS===
According to the Terms of Use (TOU) of Brainly,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |author= |title=Terms of Use |url=https://brainly.com/pages/terms_of_use |website=Brainly |date=10 Feb 2025 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250327192111/https://brainly.com/pages/terms_of_use |archive-date=27 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author= |title=Brainly |url=https://tosdr.org/en/service/1007 |website=Terms of Service; Didn't Read |date= |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018221453/https://tosdr.org/en/service/1007 |archive-date=18 Oct 2025}}</ref> any content a user generates for the platform may be sub-licensed out to third parties, and all content generated for the platform has its license preserved even if the consumer's account is deleted, either through an unannounced removal, or the consumer requesting their account to be deleted. Additionally, users are bound under arbitration when it comes to legal disputes against Brainly.

Users within the EU are treated more fairly in their TOS,<ref name=":0" /> however it is inaccessible to users living outside of the EU for reference. 

===Emphasis on AI generated content over user-generated content (''2023—2024'')===
Editor's note: Needs fixes!

In early 2024, Brainly experienced a transition towards favoring AI generated content for the platform,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Ravaglia |first=Ray |title=Brainly Evolving From Questions And Answers To AI Learning Companion |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/rayravaglia/2024/01/23/brainly-evolving-from-questions-and-answers-to-ai-learning-companion/ |website=Forbes |date=23 Jan 2024 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live
|archive-url= 
|archive-date=
}}</ref> however earlier in mid-to-late 2023, they integrated an excessive amount of generative AI tools within the site,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lucariello |first=Kate |title=Brainly Adds AI-Powered Tools to Its Platform |url=https://thejournal.com/articles/2023/09/14/brainly-adds-ai-powered-tools-to-its-platform.aspx |website=The Journal |date=14 Sep 2023 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108195121/https://thejournal.com/articles/2023/09/14/brainly-adds-ai-powered-tools-to-its-platform.aspx |archive-date=8 Nov 2023}}</ref> from AI-powered tutors, to encouraging answers to be generated on question pages by AI. A significant portion of the content originally published to the platform has also been used for the purposes of assisting these AI tools.<ref name=":1" />

===Concerning SEO measures===
Editor's note: may delete this section, please discuss in discuss tab!

Brainly has a problematically large amount of web domains that they own,{{Citation needed|reason=Company articles need NPOV|date=12 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=DomainIQ WhoIs lookup |url=https://www.domainiq.com/domain?brainly.com#/domains |website=DomainIQ |date= |access-date=5 May 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=  |archive-date=}}</ref> and combined with searching online for assistance with homework questions showing a considerably higher quota of results pointing to the platform, it is difficult for consumers on any of the three most popular search engines ([[Google]], [[Bing]], [[Yahoo!]]) to evade the platform in search results. This is statistically even higher when questions from online learning platforms such as Edgenuity or Odysseyware are inputted into web searches.{{Citation needed}}

===Auto-renewal deceptive billing===
Reported by consumers on several platforms, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB),<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Brainly.com - BBB Complaints |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/brooklyn/profile/educational-technology/brainlycom-0121-87151719/complaints |website=Better Business Bureau |date= |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251021083300/https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/brooklyn/profile/educational-technology/brainlycom-0121-87151719/complaints |archive-date=21 Oct 2025}}</ref> Trustpilot,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Brainly Reviews |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/brainly.com?stars=1 |website=TrustPilot |date= |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024221042/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/brainly.com?stars=1 |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref> and Complaints Board,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Brainly Reviews and Complaints
|url=https://www.complaintsboard.com/brainly-b136175#filter |website=Complaints Board |date= |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251022094220/https://www.complaintsboard.com/brainly-b136175#filter |archive-date=22 Oct 2025}}</ref> Brainly has repeatedly charged users for premium content after they cancelled their subscription.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Emma |title=A Brief Overview Of Brainly Academic Service |url=https://nocramming.com/tutoring/brainly |website=NoCramming |date=8 Mar 2024 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527092000/https://nocramming.com/tutoring/brainly |archive-date=27 May 2024}}</ref> Notably seen on the BBB, a user had an account charged by Brainly, with no refunds despite the account being fraudulently created with their credentials.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Anonymous |title=BBB Complaint |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/brooklyn/profile/educational-technology/brainlycom-0121-87151719/complaints?page=2#0121_87151719_21848927 |website=Better Business Bureau |date=14 Jun 2024 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260322052121/https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/brooklyn/profile/educational-technology/brainlycom-0121-87151719/complaints?page=2#0121_87151719_21848927 |archive-date=22 Mar 2026}}</ref> Another user cited difficulties to stop charges to their account as well.<ref>{{Cite web
|last=Brown
|first=K.
|title=Brainly Review: Poor Customer Service & Technical Difficulties Result in Bad Experience
|url=https://www.complaintsboard.com/brainly-b136175#c1531768
|website=Complaints Board
|date=
|access-date=5 May 2025
|url-status=dead 
|archive-url=
|archive-date=
}}</ref>

Users attempting to use customer service have also reported being locked into speaking with an AI assistant to handle their billing problems.<ref name=":3" />

===Difficulty to delete one's own published content===
On the platform, content published by users is impossible to delete, regardless of whether it was a question or an answer, and this content cannot be modified once published either. Additionally, attempting to remove one's account does not effectively delete this content, as-is mentioned in the TOS.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" />

Some reviews have also mentioned difficulties with the platform allowing users to delete their accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Frostism |title=Unable to delete account |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/67f03f86bb961ab810bb2139 |website=TrustPilot |date=4 Apr 2025 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708194424/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/67f03f86bb961ab810bb2139 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This problem is additionally inflated due to the only accessible way to contact site staff being the AI assistant.<ref name=":3" />

===Access limits===
Content that was initially offered to users for free, especially user-generated content, has had its accessibility become questionable. Some content initially published for free has seen it transitioned into content only accessible to premium or "legacy" accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=U. |first=Anonymous |title=Paying for Education |url=https://www.smartcustomer.com/reviews/brainly.com#72 |website=SmartCustomer |date=16 Oct 2020 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/EDPub |archive-date=22 Mar 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=One |title=Don't pay for this, it is useless and unhelpful. |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/678526449ae2412eec41a3d9 |website=TrustPilot |date=14 Jan 2025 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708194432/https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/678526449ae2412eec41a3d9 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> Additionally, there are harsh limits imposed on "free" users who wish to look up answers, as the platform currently limits accessing content to one question per day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=H. |first=James |title=One answer a day |url=https://www.smartcustomer.com/reviews/brainly.com#373 |website=SmartCustomer |date=26 Apr 2023 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live
|archive-url= 
|archive-date=
}}</ref>

===Advertising overload===
{{Main|Advertising overload}}
[[File:Brainly advertising overload example.png|thumb|237x237px|A screenshot of the notification tab, where Brainly is advertising its extension, and Adobe Creative Cloud.]]
Since the start of the 2020s, Brainly has introduced progressively more pervasive advertisements on their platform, from some simple static advertisements initially, to massively obstructive ads that have made using the platform nearly impossible.{{Citation needed|date=12 Mar 2026}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schiller |first=W. |title=The most horrible and desperate site I've ever been on
|url=https://www.complaintsboard.com/brainly-b136175#c1941947 |website=Complaints Board |date=2 Mar 2024 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419222441/https://www.complaintsboard.com/brainly-b136175#c1941947 |archive-date=19 Apr 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=L. |first=Jennifer |title=Terrible! |url=https://www.smartcustomer.com/reviews/brainly.com#111 |website=SmartCustomer |date=22 Dec 2020 |access-date=21 Mar 2026 |url-status=live
|archive-url= 
|archive-date=
}}</ref> Some ads are even visible in the notification tab, which forces advertisement notifications to be focused at the top, meaning users are forced to be advertised just to check their notifications.

Below are some general examples of the platform's advertising overload problems.
<gallery>
File:Brainly UI.webp|A screenshot of a question page as of 5 May 2025.
File:Brainly obstructive advertisements.jpg|A screenshot showing an obstructive advertisement.
File:Brainly locking answer behind premium ad.jpg|A screenshot showing content blocked behind a premium ad for 'Brainly Plus'.
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[CourseHero]]
*[[Chegg]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

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

Aura

2026-05-15T20:03:02Z

321321321a: Minor cargo data update

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Aura.com is a B2C digital security company offering identity theft protection, online privacy tools, and antivirus services via subscription plans.
|Founded=2014
|Industry=Identity theft prevention
|Logo=Aura logo.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.aura.com
}}

'''Aura''' is an American company founded by Hari Ravichandran in 2014 under the name '''iSubscribed'''.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Who owns Aura? |url=https://help.aura.com/s/article/who-owns-aura |website=Aura |date= |access-date=28 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/N0mGU |archive-date=29 Apr 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=About Us {{!}} Aura - Digital Security |url=https://www.aura.com/about |website=Aura |date= |access-date=28 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260328213405/https://www.aura.com/about |archive-date=28 Mar 2026}}</ref>

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

According to users, Aura locks users out of their accounts when they cancel their membership '''before''' it runs out whilst some users state that it is hard to cancel a subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |author=WastingTime76 |title=Identity Guard Aura - Don't do business with this company |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/IdentityTheft/comments/1ggqa8z/identity_guard_aura_dont_do_business_with_this/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=31 Oct 2024 |access-date=28 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429043703/https://old.reddit.com/r/IdentityTheft/comments/1ggqa8z/identity_guard_aura_dont_do_business_with_this/lus0e85/ |archive-date=29 Apr 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Far_Wrongdoer2219 |title=Aura vs Others |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/IdentityTheft/comments/1cmubiz/aura_vs_others/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=5 Dec 2024 |access-date=28 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429045241/https://old.reddit.com/r/IdentityTheft/comments/1cmubiz/deleted_by_user/m0kcxnp/ |archive-date=29 Apr 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=TECPlayz2-0 |title=Aura - is it any good? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/antivirus/comments/168w4no/aura_is_it_any_good/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=3 Sep 2023 |access-date= |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924235708/https://old.reddit.com/r/antivirus/comments/168w4no/aura_is_it_any_good/ |archive-date=24 Sep 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Defender452 |title=Aura sucks. Not only can you not cancel your Aura membership from the Android app. When you try to cancel through the website, the coloured button doesn't cancel, and it errors, making you call the phone number to cancel. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/12i8abi/aura_sucks_not_only_can_you_not_cancel_your_aura/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=11 Apr 2023 |access-date=28 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260429051840/https://old.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/12i8abi/aura_sucks_not_only_can_you_not_cancel_your_aura/ |archive-date=29 Apr 2026}}</ref>

==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:Aura|Aura category]].

===Data breach (''March 2026'')===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}

In March 2026, Aura experienced a data breach that exposed more than 900,000 records that contained names, e-mail addresses, IP addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses, and customer service comments.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toulas |first=Bill |title=Aura confirms data breach exposing 900,000 marketing contacts |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/aura-confirms-data-breach-exposing-900-000-marketing-contacts/ |website=BleepingComputer |date=18 Mar 2026 |access-date=27 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260318230519/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/aura-confirms-data-breach-exposing-900-000-marketing-contacts/ |archive-date=18 Mar 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Aura Data Breach |url=https://haveibeenpwned.com/breach/Aura |website=Have I Been Pwned |date=18 March 2026 |access-date=28 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260321041145/https://haveibeenpwned.com/breach/Aura |archive-date=21 Mar 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arghire |first=Ionut |title=Security Firm Aura Discloses Data Breach Impacting 900,000 Records |url=https://www.securityweek.com/security-firm-aura-discloses-data-breach-impacting-900000-records/ |website=SecurityWeek |date=19 Mar 2026 |access-date=28 Apr 2026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260320045535/https://www.securityweek.com/security-firm-aura-discloses-data-breach-impacting-900000-records/ |archive-date=20 Mar 2026}}</ref>

==Products==
{{Ph-C-P}}

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Companies]]

Revolut blocked access for users with custom OS

2026-05-15T19:55:49Z

321321321a: Minor cargo data update

{{StubNotice}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Revolut
|StartDate=2024-11-00
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=Revolut
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Digital Restrictions
|Description=Revolut blocks required app functionality on custom OS
}}
Revolut removed support to users with custom OS on their device
==Background==
[[File:Revolut Block Custom OSs.jpg|thumb|In-app message announcing the custom OS support removal]]
'''Revolut Group Holdings Ltd''', doing business as '''Revolut''', is a British multinational neobank and fintech company that offers banking services for individuals and businesses. It was founded in July 2015 by British-Russian businessman Nikolay Storonsky and British-Ukrainian software engineer Vlad Yatsenko. As of 2025, the company operated in over 48 countries and caters to over 60 million retail customers globally.

==Incident==

In November 2024, Revolut pushed an update that removed support to users with custom OS on their device. The change was announced through an in-app message, which was shown after a user tried to log in. The change also affected users whom already had an account and funds at the Company.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-27 |title=PSA: warning for graphene os users and revolut customers |url=https://stacker.news/items/785503 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260224114849/https://stacker.news/items/785503 |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=[[stacker news]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-27 |title=Revolut mobile finance - not supported on devices with custom firmware problem |url=https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/17714-revolut-mobile-finance-not-supported-on-devices-with-custom-firmware-problem |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219190942/https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/17714-revolut-mobile-finance-not-supported-on-devices-with-custom-firmware-problem/ |archive-date=19 Dec 2025 |website=GrapheneOS Discussion Forum}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=innershark |date=2024-11-30 |title=Revolut stopped working on Graphene OS |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Revolut/comments/1h8ow3b/revolut_stopped_working_on_graphene_os/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260224115006/https://old.reddit.com/r/Revolut/comments/1h8ow3b/revolut_stopped_working_on_graphene_os/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=GrapheneOS |date=2024-12-09 |title=GrapheneOS: "Revolut is misleading users..." |url=https://grapheneos.social/@GrapheneOS/113623492156274859 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126021327/https://grapheneos.social/@GrapheneOS/113623492156274859 |archive-date=26 Nov 2025 |access-date= |website=[[Mastodon]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ILoveHexa92 |date=2024-11-27 |title=Graphene OS bot supporter? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Revolut/comments/1hkd1af/graphene_os_bot_supporter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260224115127/https://old.reddit.com/r/Revolut/comments/1hkd1af/graphene_os_bot_supporter/ |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first= |date=2024-12-24 |title=Urgent: do NOT upgrade Revolut’s app. |url=https://forum.sailfishos.org/t/revolut-fails-loading-since-7-22-version-27-october-2020/3307/21 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260224115217/https://forum.sailfishos.org/t/revolut-fails-loading-since-7-22-version-27-october-2020/3307/21 |archive-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=Sailfish OS Forum}}</ref>

Revolut makes it difficult to close affected accounts or resolve issues on custom firmware devices. When attempting to communicate via support email, they insist that users must either wipe their entire device or use a second device, especially if they are using features like Vaults or Savings. Revolut clearly has the ability to delete or block funds, yet refuses to close client accounts and return the funds to the client’s bank account.

While subjective to interpretation, this practice may infringe on users' rights, particularly within the EU.

Under Directive 2015/2366 (PSD2), specifically [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2015/2366/oj/eng Articles 68 and 97], Revolut has a legal obligation to guarantee access to payment services for duly authenticated users.

If a user was previously authenticated and had access to their account, which was then blocked prior to a mandatory app update without adequate warning, this may constitute a legal violation.

== See also ==

* [[Apps deliberately refusing to work on modded devices]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions

2026-05-15T19:54:48Z

321321321a: Minor cargo data updates

{{StubNotice}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Sony
|StartDate=2021-03-28
|EndDate=
|Status=Ongoing
|ProductLine=PlayStation
|Product=PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
|ArticleType=Digital Restrictions
|Type=
|Description=PlayStation restricts how developers can give upgrades to "PS5" editions
}}
[[Sony]] have restricted how and what developers can offer people upgrading from a PS4 edition to a PS5 edition of a game post launch.

==Background==
Rust is a multiplayer survival video game developed by Facepunch Studios. It was first released in early access in December 2013 and received its full release in February 2018.

Console versions of Rust was released in May 2021 for the PS4 and Xbox One,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-03-28 |title=Rust Console Edition Release Date Announced for PS4 and Xbox One |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/rust-console-edition-release-date-announced-for-ps4-and-xbox-one |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-10 |work=IGN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208074019/https://www.ign.com/articles/rust-console-edition-release-date-announced-for-ps4-and-xbox-one |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref> with the PS5 and Xbox Series versions being released in June 2025.<ref>{{Cite news |date= |title=Rust Console Edition new gen version announcement. |url=https://x.com/playrustconsole/status/1899128521957453960 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-10 |work=@playrustconsole on X |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250322210922/https://x.com/playrustconsole/status/1899128521957453960 |archive-date=22 Mar 2025}}</ref> After much speculation, on 24 April 2025, the co-developers Double11, announced that they would be offerring a free new generation upgrade for users with the previous generation game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silva |first=Pedro |date=2025-04-24 |title=Rust Console Dev Blog 38 (confirms free upgrade) |url=https://rust.double11.com/news/dev-blog-38 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-07-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251228043655/https://rust.double11.com/news/dev-blog-38 |archive-date=28 Dec 2025}}</ref>

==Incident==
On 18 June 2025, it was finally confirmed that the free upgrades could not be completed on [[PlayStation]] until the full release date of 26 June.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |first= |date=2025-06-18 |title=Update for players on PlayStation |url=https://rust.double11.com/news/update-for-players-on-playstation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250619174133/https://rust.double11.com/news/update-for-players-on-playstation |archive-date=2025-06-19 |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref> This meant that deluxe & ultimate edition owners, who were supposed to get 7 days early access starting on 19 June could not access the game until 26 June, unless they paid full price. In addition PlayStation players were only given the standard edition, instead of an upgrade to the edition they owned, however Double11 was able to add the other benefits into players accounts from the backend<ref name=":0" />.

==Consumer response==
The consumer response was mainly a lot of anger to the Rust Console team rather than PlayStation, this is seen by a lot of the comments on their posts and the trailer<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6c3JgpXY7A ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=D6c3JgpXY7A Archived])</ref> for the rust console new gen version.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:PlayStation 5]]

Netflix Games deactivated

2026-05-15T19:51:23Z

321321321a: Mintor cargo data update

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Netflix Games removing some of their games}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Netflix
|StartDate=2024-12
|EndDate=
|Status=Ongoing
|ProductLine=Netflix Games
|Product=Netflix Games
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Service Termination
|Description=
}}
'''[[Netflix]]''' is a subscription based video-on-demand streaming website that primarily distributes original and acquired films and TV shows in multiple languages to end consumers. It also offers a library of video games for mobile devices like Android based smartphones, Apple's iPhones, and iPads. In 2024, some games provided by the "Netflix Games" service were pulled, and of those games that were already downloaded became unplayable too.

==Background==
On 2021-11-01, [[Netflix]] launched its "Netflix Games" service, the games in the service were simple arcade games at first, and it was available to everyone that had an active [[Subscription service|subscription]]. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Kasey |date=2025-08-16 |title=Frosty Pop CEO Faisal Sethi Talks About Netflix’s First Wave Mobile Games |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/interview-with-frosty-pop-ceo-faisal-sethi-studio-behind-netflixs-first-mobile-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=what's-on-netflix.com |publication-date=2021-11-12 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219111348/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/interview-with-frosty-pop-ceo-faisal-sethi-studio-behind-netflixs-first-mobile-games/ |archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref>

Over time more games were added with a bigger scope and from larger publishers, and some ports of PC games to mobile became more frequent; like ''Into the Breach, Moonlighter, Braid: Anniversary Edition, Katana Zero, Hades,'' and many more''.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Kasey |date=2025-08-16 |title=Best Netflix Mobile Games to Play in 2022 |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/what-to-watch/best-netflix-mobile-games-to-play-in-2022/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=what's-on-netflix.com |publication-date=2022-08-10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251003092932/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/what-to-watch/best-netflix-mobile-games-to-play-in-2022/ |archive-date=3 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Kasey |date=2025-08-16 |title=New Games Coming to Netflix in May 2022 |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/coming-soon/new-games-coming-to-netflix-in-may-2022/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=what's-on-netflix.com |publication-date=2022-04-28 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219111342/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/coming-soon/new-games-coming-to-netflix-in-may-2022/ |archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Kasey |date=2025-08-16 |title=Every New Mobile Game Showcased at Netflix’s Geeked Week |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/every-new-game-announced-at-netflixs-geeked-week/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=what's-on-netflix.com |publication-date=2023-11-11 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214032221/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/every-new-game-announced-at-netflixs-geeked-week/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Netflix Games removing some of their games==
Since 2021-11-01 until 2024-12, Netflix Games has only been adding games into its catalogue, but during the month of December Netflix Games began removing some games from their library; like ''Shovel Knight: Pocket Dungeon, Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City,'' and many more.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Kasey |date=2025-08-16 |title=Full List of 114 Mobile Games on Netflix & Every Removed Game |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/whats-new/full-list-of-mobile-games-on-netflix/#list-of-removed-mobile-games-from-netflix-3 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |publication-date=2025-05-07 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250819065151/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/whats-new/full-list-of-mobile-games-on-netflix/ |archive-date=19 Aug 2025}}</ref>

Netflix's own website confirms video game saves would not carry over to other devices on video games bought on other online video game stores<ref>{{Cite web |title=How do game saves work on Netflix? |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/123943 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601052303/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/123943 |archive-date=2025-06-01 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=Netflix}}</ref>. The wording "Unlimited Access"<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Netflix Mobile Games |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/121442/us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250617163902/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/121442/us |archive-date=2025-06-17 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=Netflix}}</ref> for Netflix Games on their website can be considered deceptive advertising<ref>{{Cite web |title=Deceptive Advertising: Definition, Types, and Examples |url=https://www.torhoermanlaw.com/false-or-misleading-marketing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250614085555/https://www.torhoermanlaw.com/false-or-misleading-marketing/ |archive-date=2025-06-14 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=TorHoremanLaw}}</ref>.

This also left all the games previously downloaded, unplayable past July 15th due to the games requiring to communicate with Netflix servers on start up<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |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 |website=The Verge |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>.

===Netflix's Terms of Use===
Netflix has no specific Terms of Use for its video game's library. Instead, the general Terms of Use apply to all of Netflix's services. Each specific game has its own Terms of Use as directed by the company that developed the game.

Netflix's mobile game page advertises "Unlimited access to more than 80 exclusive mobile games"<ref name=":2" /> without clear wording for what "Unlimited" means. Point 4.4 from Netflix's Terms of Use states "''The Netflix service, including the Netflix content, is regularly updated. We therefore do not guarantee that particular content will be available on the Netflix service at any given time"''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-12 |title=Netflix Terms of Use |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/legal/termsofuse |url-status=live |website=Netflix |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260111222518/https://help.netflix.com/en/legal/termsofuse |archive-date=11 Jan 2026}}</ref> contradicting the advertisement. The full point reads as follows:<blockquote>4.4. The Netflix service, including the Netflix content, is regularly updated. We therefore do not guarantee that particular content will be available on the Netflix service at any given time. We may give you the opportunity to watch live or special events (including replays of such content) or to enjoy new additional features. Such content and new features may contain commercial breaks and other types of commercial messages and advertising formats (“Advertisements”). Our service may also contain limited commercial content, such as branded content or sponsorship messaging, promos for Netflix content or information about other Netflix goods or services. Netflix does not endorse or sponsor any advertised products or services and any interactions with advertisers, including through engagement with interactive advertisements, are at your own option and risk. In addition, we continually test various aspects of our service, including our websites, user interfaces and promotional features. You can turn off test participation at any time by visiting the "Account" page and changing the "Test participation" settings.</blockquote>There is no point in Terms of Use of specific games studios that address the specific advertising of ''"Unlimited Access''<ref name=":2" />''"'' on Netflix. If we take the example of <u>OXENFREE II: Lost Signals</u>, a game developed by Night School LLC acquired by Netflix in September of 2021, which is available on Netflix for download; its Terms of Use state the following points<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-12 |title=Netflix Games Off-Service Terms of Use & Privacy Statement |url=https://nightschoolstudio.com/privacy-tos-en/ |url-status=live |website=Night School Studio |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206224418/https://nightschoolstudio.com/privacy-tos-en/ |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref><blockquote>6. Ownership of the Games

We and our affiliates and licensors own all rights in the Games, including, without limitation, all content within the Games.</blockquote><blockquote>11. Disclaimers of Warranties and Limitations of Liability

IF YOU ARE A RESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OR THE UK, THE NETFLIX PARTIES MAKE NO WARRANTY THAT THE GAMES WILL AT ALL TIMES MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR BE AVAILABLE ON AN UNINTERRUPTED, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE BASIS.

IF YOU ARE NOT A RESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION OR THE UK, THEN THE GAMES, GAME CONTENT, OR ANY FEATURES OR FUNCTIONALITIES ASSOCIATED THEREWITH, ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” WITH ALL FAULTS AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE NETFLIX PARTIES DO NOT GUARANTEE, REPRESENT, OR WARRANT THAT YOUR USE OF THE GAMES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE NETFLIX PARTIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR THE USE OF THE GAMES AND ANY GAME CONTENT, INCLUDING VIRTUAL GOODS.</blockquote>These suggest the mobile game developer and Netflix hold full rights to revoke the license and delist the game from the library rendering your downloaded game unplayable, yet it's advertised as "Unlimited Access<ref name=":2" />"

===Netflix's response===
Initially, no official statements were given by Netflix on the situation besides announcing the departure. Netflix's new president of games who was previously the VP of game development for Fortnite at Epic Games said in an interview in March of 2025, "''readjust and focus on fewer areas with more intention''"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=2025-03-21 |title=Netflix has a new plan for games |url=https://www.theverge.com/games/633481/netflix-gaming-strategy-alain-tascan-interview |url-status=live |website=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260106220957/https://www.theverge.com/games/633481/netflix-gaming-strategy-alain-tascan-interview |archive-date=6 Jan 2026}}</ref> highlighting the delisting might be a part of Netflix's new strategy for its video game library.

Later in the year a representative for Netflix Games said:<blockquote>Just like with series and film, games will be removed from Netflix as licenses expire. Players will notice a “Leaving Soon” badge and be notified by the app itself well in advance of removal. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Kasey |date=2025-08-16 |title=Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City Leaving Netflix Games in December 2024 |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/leaving-soon/grand-theft-auto-iii-and-vice-city-leaving-netflix-games-in-december-2024/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=what's-on-netflix |publication-date=2024-11-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260115015415/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/leaving-soon/grand-theft-auto-iii-and-vice-city-leaving-netflix-games-in-december-2024/ |archive-date=15 Jan 2026}}</ref></blockquote>Going into 2025, the games scheduled to be removed by 2025-07-15 increased in number to include:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Kasey |date=2025-08-16 |title=Netflix To Remove Over 20 Mobile Games Including Monument Valley Trilogy and Hades |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-games/netflix-to-remove-over-20-mobile-games-including-monument-valley-trilogy-and-hades/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=what's-on-netflix |publication-date=2025-06-23 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221030745/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-games/netflix-to-remove-over-20-mobile-games-including-monument-valley-trilogy-and-hades/ |archive-date=21 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=2025-08-16 |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=2025-08-16 |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>

*Braid, Anniversary Edition
*Battleship
*Carmen Sandiego
*CoComelon: Play with JJ
*Death’s Door
*Diner Out: Merge Cafe
*Dumb Ways to Die
*Fashionverse
*Ghost Detective
*Hades
*Katana ZERO
*LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
*Ludo King
*Monument Valley
*Monument Valley 2
*Monument Valley 3
*Rainbow Six: SMOL
*Raji: An Ancient Epic
*SpongeBob: Bubble Pop F.U.N.
*TED Tumblewords
*The Case of the Golden Idol
*The Rise of the Golden Idol
*Vineyard Valley

==Developer response==
Developer reactions suggest the delist announcement from Netflix was a sudden move, rather than a preplanned initiative, according to discussions on their Discord servers <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Kasey |title=“Out Of Our Control”: Developers and Gamers React To More Games Being Pulled from Netflix |url=https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-games/out-of-our-control-developers-and-gamers-react-to-more-games-being-pulled-from-netflix/ |url-status=live |website=What's-on-Netflix |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251003092930/https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-games/out-of-our-control-developers-and-gamers-react-to-more-games-being-pulled-from-netflix/ |archive-date=3 Oct 2025}}</ref> The founder of Color Gray Games said, in relation to their two games (The Rise of the Golden Idol and The case of the Golden Idol) that were in the list of games leaving the app on July 15<sup>th</sup>, 2025 - “''This is all recent news for us, and all the practical implications are yet to be worked out. Once we have more information, we will update you''.”

==Consumer response==

{{Incomplete section}}

Losing access to games you previously could play caused many frustrations for people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-16 |title=Why does it feel like Netflix Games is going downhill? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixGamers/comments/1m6jwc4/why_does_it_feel_like_netflix_games_is_going/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407154743/https://old.reddit.com/r/NetflixGamers/comments/1m6jwc4/why_does_it_feel_like_netflix_games_is_going/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Reddit |publication-date=2025-07-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-16 |title=Will more games be removed in August? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixGamers/comments/1m5rb09/will_more_games_be_removed_in_august/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407154939/https://old.reddit.com/r/NetflixGamers/comments/1m5rb09/will_more_games_be_removed_in_august/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Reddit}}</ref>

As most had questions about whether they'll be able to play the games somewhere else.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-16 |title=Discontinued games |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixGamers/comments/1m1fuu6/discontinued_games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407154956/https://old.reddit.com/r/NetflixGamers/comments/1m1fuu6/discontinued_games/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Reddit}}</ref>

Or if they could move their saves to another device to not lose their progress as most games don't have cloud saving.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-16 |title=Can I transfer btd6 Netflix save data to normal btd6 |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/btd6/comments/17jzpp7/can_i_transfer_btd6_netflix_save_data_to_normal/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250311042344/https://old.reddit.com/r/btd6/comments/17jzpp7/can_i_transfer_btd6_netflix_save_data_to_normal/ |archive-date=11 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-16 |title=Have I lost my save? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NetflixGamers/comments/1lv22yo/have_i_lost_my_save/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250709224239/https://old.reddit.com/r/NetflixGamers/comments/1lv22yo/have_i_lost_my_save/ |archive-date=9 Jul 2025}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Stop Killing Games]]

==Reference==
{{reflist}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Netflix Games removing some of their games}}
[[Category:Netflix Games]]
[[Category:Netflix]]

Best Buy discontinuation of Insignia Connect

2026-05-15T19:50:31Z

321321321a: Minor cargo data updates

{{incomplete}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Best Buy
|StartDate=2019-11-06
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=Insignia Connect
|ArticleType=Product termination
|Type=
|Description=
}}
On November 6, 2019, [[Best Buy|'''Best Buy''']] discontinued support for its Insignia Connect app. This resulted in major functionality losses for affected Insignia products that used the service.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Statt |first=Nick |date=2019-09-06 |title=Best Buy is leaving smart home users in the cold, but its Wi-Fi freezer will still mostly work |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/6/20853671/best-buy-connect-insignia-smart-plug-wifi-freezer-mobile-app-shutdown-november-6 |url-status=live |website=[[The Verge]]}}</ref>

==Background==
Insignia is a private label brand that Best Buy uses to stock its own items alongside name-brands within its stores.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Buy Brands. |url=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/brands/best-buy-brands/pcmcat1596746025285.c?id=pcmcat1596746025285 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241124004857/https://www.bestbuy.com/site/brands/best-buy-brands/pcmcat1596746025285.c?id=pcmcat1596746025285 |archive-date=2024-11-24 |website=[[Best Buy]]}}</ref>

==Affected products==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Product
!Model
!Affected Functionality
|-
|Insignia - Wi-Fi Smart Plug
|NS-SP1X7<ref>{{Cite web |title=Insignia™ - Wi-Fi Smart Plug - White |url=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-wi-fi-smart-plug-white/5529012.p?skuId=5529012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422085625/https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-wi-fi-smart-plug-white/5529012.p?skuId=5529012 |archive-date=2024-04-22 |website=[[Best Buy]]}}</ref>
|Plug can no longer be toggled on or off remotely with the use of an app. Existing timers that were already set on the plug will continue to function, but are no longer able to be altered.
|-
|Insignia - Wi-Fi Smart Plug with Power Metering capability
|NS-SP1XM8<ref>{{Cite web |title=Customer Reviews - Insignia™ - Wi-Fi Smart Plug with Power Metering capability - White. |url=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/reviews/insignia-wi-fi-smart-plug-with-power-metering-capability-white/5845000 |url-status=live |website=[[Best Buy]]}}([http://web.archive.org/web/20250825155820/https://www.bestbuy.com/site/reviews/insignia-wi-fi-smart-plug-with-power-metering-capability-white/5845000 Archived])</ref>
|Plug can no longer be toggled on or off remotely with the use of an app. Existing timers that were already set on the plug will continue to function, but are no longer able to be altered. Users also have no method to view the power metering statistics that the plug provides.
|-
|Insignia - Wi-Fi Smart In-Wall Light Switch
|NS-CH1XIS8<ref>{{Cite web |title=Questions and Answers - Insignia™ - Wi-Fi Smart In-Wall Light Switch - White. |url=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/insignia-wi-fi-smart-in-wall-light-switch-white/5884100 |url-status=live |website=[[Best Buy]]}}([http://web.archive.org/web/20250828072452/https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/insignia-wi-fi-smart-in-wall-light-switch-white/5884100 Archived])</ref>
|Switch can no longer be toggled on or off remotely with the use of an app.
|-
|Insignia - 720p Wi-Fi Camera
|NS-CH1IPC8<ref>{{Cite web |title=Insignia™ - 720p Wi-Fi Camera - White |url=https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-720p-wi-fi-camera-white/5971603.p?skuId=5971603 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422174716/https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-720p-wi-fi-camera-white/5971603.p?skuId=5971603 |archive-date=2018-04-22 |website=[[Best Buy]]}}</ref>
|"Affected products will still function at a basic level, but any features that rely on its Insignia Connect app and platform will no longer work."<ref name=":2" />
|-
|Insignia WiFi Freezers
|NS-UZ14XWH7
|"Affected products will still function at a basic level, but any features that rely on its Insignia Connect app and platform will no longer work."<ref name=":2" />
|}

==Consumer harm==

===Compensation with a catch===
Best Buy did provide compensation to customers affected by the discontinuation, however, this was only in the form of a partial refund in the form of a virtual gift card that was determined by the product type.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=FAQs |url=https://bestbuy.symphonysummit.com/insignia.web/Help_FAQ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212130853/https://bestbuy.symphonysummit.com/insignia.web/Help_FAQ#collapseNine |archive-date=2019-12-12 |website=[[Insignia]]}}</ref> Customers were also only able to redeem up to 10 serial numbers for product refunds, even if they owned more affected products.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":1" /> Refunds for affected products has since ceased, as the window to apply for compensation only lasted for 56 days after the discontinuation date.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Insignia Connect Product Validation Site. |url=https://bestbuy.symphonysummit.com/insignia.web/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209200148/https://bestbuy.symphonysummit.com/insignia.web/ |archive-date=2019-12-09 |website=[[Insignia]]}}</ref>

===Harm to consumer ownership===
Consumers were left with products bought full-price, but with altered or reduced functionality. Companies being able to remotely and unilaterally alter the functionality of products they sold undermines the ownership the consumers has over its items.

===Generation of E-waste===

==See Also==

*[[Retroactively amended purchase]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Best Buy]]
[[Category:Discontinued products]]

Anker Battery Bank Recall

2026-05-15T19:47:10Z

321321321a: Minor cargo data update

{{#seo:
|description=Anker recalled over 1.68 million power banks across four CPSC recalls for fire and explosion hazards, causing 90+ incidents and 9+ burn injuries.
}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Anker
|StartDate=2023-03-09
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Anker Battery Banks
|Product=
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Defective, Poor Quality, Safety
|Description=Over 1.68M Anker power banks recalled for fire/explosion risk; 90+ incidents, 9+ burn injuries across four recalls, no cash refund on largest recall
}}
'''Anker Battery Bank Recall''' covers four U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls of [[Anker]] portable power banks between March 2023 and September 2025, totaling over 1,683,000 units pulled from the market for fire and explosion hazards.<ref name="cpsc-25-338">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/More-than-One-Million-Anker-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Anker-Innovations|title=More than One Million Anker Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by Anker Innovations|date=2025-06-12|website=CPSC.gov|access-date=2026-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729123925/https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/More-than-One-Million-Anker-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Anker-Innovations|archive-date=2025-07-29|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="cpsc-25-466">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Anker-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Anker-Innovations-1|title=Anker Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by Anker Innovations|date=2025-09-18|website=CPSC.gov|access-date=2026-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250918175224/https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Anker-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Anker-Innovations-1|archive-date=2025-09-18|url-status=live}}</ref> The CPSC documented 90 incidents of batteries overheating, catching fire, or exploding across the four recalls, resulting in at least 9 burn injuries and over $60,700 in documented property damage.<ref name="cpsc-25-338" /><ref name="cpsc-23-147" /><ref name="cpsc-25-011" /><ref name="cpsc-25-466" /> Two class-action lawsuits filed in June and July 2025 allege that Anker's recall remedies are inadequate and that the company's safety marketing was false.<ref name="tca-two-lawsuits">{{Cite web|url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/two-class-actions-allege-anker-power-bank-recall-is-inadequate/|title=Two class actions allege Anker power bank recall is inadequate|website=Top Class Actions|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

== Background ==

Anker Innovations Limited, a Chinese electronics company, sells portable electronics in the U.S. through subsidiaries Fantasia Trading LLC (Ontario, California) and Power Mobile Life LLC (Bellevue, Washington).<ref name="hall-complaint">{{Cite web|url=https://www.classaction.org/media/hall-v-fantasia-trading-llc-et-al-complaint.pdf|title=Hall v. Fantasia Trading LLC et al., Case No. 1:25-cv-05505, Complaint|date=2025-07-02|website=classaction.org|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The company markets its power banks with a proprietary "MultiProtect" safety system, which it describes as providing multiple layers of protection including short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, and temperature control.<ref name="hall-complaint" /> Anker power banks sold at a premium over generic alternatives; the Hall complaint notes consumers paid $25.99 for Anker products compared to $14.99 for unbranded equivalents, based on Anker's safety claims.<ref name="hall-complaint" />

== Recall history ==

=== 2023: Anker 535 PowerCore 20K (A1366) ===

The first recall (CPSC 23-147) was announced on March 9, 2023. The CPSC and Fantasia Trading recalled approximately 42,000 units of the Anker 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K), model A1366, a $70 device marketed for laptop charging.<ref name="cpsc-23-147">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Fantasia-Trading-Recalls-Anker-Power-Banks-Due-to-Fire-Hazard|title=Fantasia Trading Recalls Anker Power Banks Due to Fire Hazard|date=2023-03-09|website=CPSC.gov|access-date=2026-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310015318/https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Fantasia-Trading-Recalls-Anker-Power-Banks-Due-to-Fire-Hazard|archive-date=2023-03-10|url-status=live}}</ref> Anker had received 10 reports of the power banks overheating, including 1 minor injury. Consumers received full refunds.<ref name="cpsc-23-147" />

=== 2024: A1642, A1647, A1652 ===

On October 17, 2024, the CPSC announced recall 25-011 covering approximately 2,100 units of three models manufactured between January 3, 2024, and September 17, 2024:<ref name="cpsc-25-011">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Anker-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Anker-Innovations|title=Anker Power Banks Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazards; Manufactured by Anker Innovations|date=2024-10-17|website=CPSC.gov|access-date=2026-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241103064736/https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Anker-Power-Banks-Recalled-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Manufactured-by-Anker-Innovations|archive-date=2024-11-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

* Anker 334 MagGo Battery (PowerCore 10K), Model A1642
* Anker Power Bank (20,000mAh, 22.5W, Built-In USB-C Cable), Model A1647
* Anker MagGo Power Bank (10,000mAh, 7.5W, Stand), Model A1652

The CPSC documented 28 incidents of batteries overheating, exploding, or catching fire. Two consumers suffered first- and second-degree burns to their hands.<ref name="cpsc-25-011" /> The remedy was a free replacement unit.<ref name="anker-2024-recall">{{Cite web|url=https://www.anker.com/a1642-a1647-a1652-recall|title=Anker Innovations Recalls A1642/A1647/A1652|website=anker.com|access-date=2025-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722184037/https://www.anker.com/a1642-a1647-a1652-recall|archive-date=2025-07-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== June 2025: PowerCore 10000 (A1263) ===

The largest single recall (CPSC 25-338), announced June 12, 2025, covered approximately 1,158,000 units of the Anker PowerCore 10000, model A1263.<ref name="cpsc-25-338" /> These units were manufactured between January 2016 and October 2019 and sold from June 2016 through December 2022 at approximately $27 per unit.<ref name="cnet">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/anker-recalls-powercore-10000-power-banks-for-burning-or-exploding-learn-how-to-get-a-free-replacement/|title=Anker Recalls PowerCore 10000 Power Banks for Fires and Explosions. Get a Free Replacement|first=Omar|last=Gallaga|date=2025-06-13|work=CNET|access-date=2025-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250614124735/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/anker-recalls-powercore-10000-power-banks-for-burning-or-exploding-learn-how-to-get-a-free-replacement/|archive-date=2025-06-14|url-status=live}}</ref> The CPSC received 19 reports of overheating, fire, or explosion. Two consumers reported minor burn injuries, and 11 incidents caused property damage totaling over $60,700.<ref name="cpsc-25-338" />

Anker did not offer cash refunds for this recall. Consumers could choose between a free replacement power bank or a $30 gift card valid only at Anker's online store.<ref name="classaction-org" /> The gap between the A1263's manufacture date (as early as January 2016) and the June 2025 recall means some units were in consumers' hands for over 9 years before the hazard was formally addressed.<ref name="cbsnews">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/anker-powercore-power-bank-recall-lithium-ion-batteries/|title=Anker recalls more than 1.1 million power banks after some users report fires|website=CBS News|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

=== September 2025: expanded recall ===

On September 18, 2025, the CPSC announced recall 25-466 as a Fast Track Recall covering approximately 481,000 units across five models: A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681, and A1689.<ref name="cpsc-25-466" /> These units sold between August 2023 and June 2025 at prices ranging from $30 to $50 through Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and other retailers.<ref name="schiffman">{{Cite web|url=https://schiffmanfirm.com/product-recalls/anker-power-banks-a1647-a1652-a1257-a1681-a1689/|title=Anker A1647, A1652, A1257, A1681 and A1689 Power Banks Recalled|website=Schiffman Firm|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref> The CPSC documented 33 incidents of fire or explosion, 4 burn injuries, and at least one instance of "substantial property damage."<ref name="cpsc-25-466" />

Unlike the A1263 recall, this recall offered consumers a full cash refund or an Anker gift card.<ref name="cpsc-25-466" />

== Root cause ==

A translated Anker recall notice dated June 20, 2025, approved by China's Hunan Provincial Market Supervision and Administration Department, identified the defect: "Some batches of industry-standard batteries supplied to Anker contained unapproved raw-material changes. This could lead to insulation failure of the diaphragm in a small number of products after long-term cyclic use, posing overheating or combustion hazards."<ref name="hall-complaint" /> Anker stated it terminated cooperation with the supplier and switched to other battery-cell vendors.<ref name="anker-rc2506">{{Cite web|url=https://www.anker.com/rc2506|title=Anker Innovations Initiates Global Voluntary Recall for Selected Power Banks|website=anker.com|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

The defect traces to a single third-party vendor that supplied lithium-ion cells across multiple Anker product lines. Anker claims its battery testing investments in 2024 exceeded $2 million, including unannounced factory inspections and X-ray scans of incoming cells.<ref name="anker-battery-safety">{{Cite web|url=https://www.anker.com/blogs/chargers/anker-battery-safety|title=Anker Battery Safety: Latest Initiatives and Key Advantages|website=anker.com|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

== Anker's response ==

=== Recall remedies ===

The four recalls offered different remedies. The 2023 A1366 recall provided full cash refunds.<ref name="cpsc-23-147" /> The 2024 recall offered free replacement units.<ref name="anker-2024-recall" /> The June 2025 A1263 recall, covering the largest number of units (1,158,000), offered only a replacement power bank or a $30 Anker gift card; no cash refund option was available.<ref name="classaction-org" /> The September 2025 recall restored the cash refund option alongside a gift card alternative.<ref name="cpsc-25-466" />

The class-action lawsuits allege the A1263 remedy is inadequate because it forces consumers to accept either a replacement product from a company whose products have caught fire, or a store credit that can only be spent on more Anker products.<ref name="classaction-org">{{Cite web|url=https://www.classaction.org/news/anker-innovations-facing-class-action-lawsuit-after-2025-power-bank-recall|title=Anker Innovations Facing Class Action Lawsuit After 2025 Power Bank Recall|date=2025-07-14|website=classaction.org|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

=== Terms of service ===

Anker's Terms of Service include an "Assumption of Risk" clause in Section 7:<blockquote>You knowingly and freely assume all risk when using Anker's Services. '''You, on behalf of yourself, your personal representatives, and your heirs, voluntarily agree to release,''' waive, discharge, hold harmless, defend, and indemnify Anker and its owners, officers, directors, employees, agents, affiliates, consultants, representatives, sublicensees, successors, assigns, parents, subsidiaries, and related entities, including but not limited to Anker Innovations Limited, Fantasia Trading LLC, Shenzhen Oceanwing Smart Innovations Technology Co., Ltd and Anker Technology (UK) Ltd. (collectively, the "Anker Companies") '''from any and all claims, actions, or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, emotional distress, loss of privacy, or other damages or harm, whether to you or third parties, that may result from your use of Anker's Services.'''<ref name="anker-tos">{{Cite web|url=https://www.anker.com/policies/terms-of-service|title=Anker-EN terms of service|date=2025-06-30|website=anker.com|access-date=2025-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722194230/https://www.anker.com/policies/terms-of-service|archive-date=2025-07-22|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote>

Such clauses are generally unenforceable against [[strict product liability]] claims involving manufacturing defects in the United States. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, limiting liability for personal injury in consumer goods is prima facie unconscionable. The "assumption of risk" defense requires that the plaintiff knew of the specific danger before exposure; a consumer purchasing a power bank does not assume the risk of a hidden manufacturing defect that causes the device to catch fire.<ref name="hall-complaint" />

== Lawsuit ==

=== Claims ===

Two class-action lawsuits were filed against Fantasia Trading LLC and affiliated Anker entities:

* '''''Light v. Fantasia Trading LLC''''', Case No. 5:25-cv-01520 (C.D. Cal., filed June 19, 2025), brought by plaintiff Jerry Light, alleging breach of contract, breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, and negligent misrepresentation.<ref name="tca-two-lawsuits" />
* '''''Hall v. Fantasia Trading LLC''''', Case No. 1:25-cv-05505 (S.D.N.Y., filed July 2, 2025), brought by plaintiff Christopher Hall, alleging violations of New York General Business Law Sections 349 and 350 (deceptive acts and false advertising) and unjust enrichment. The aggregate amount in controversy exceeds $5 million.<ref name="hall-complaint" />

Both lawsuits allege that Anker marketed its power banks as safer than competitors through its "MultiProtect" safety branding, that consumers paid a premium based on those safety claims, and that Anker knew or should have known about the defects given three prior recalls in two years.<ref name="classaction-org" />

=== Outcome ===

Both lawsuits remain pending as of March 2026. No settlements or rulings have been issued.<ref name="tca-two-lawsuits" />

== Consumer response ==

Consumers reported multiple problems with the recall process. The CPSC required consumers to write "RECALLED" and the date on the device in permanent marker and photograph it as proof of possession.<ref name="anker-a1263-recall">{{Cite web|url=https://www.anker.com/a1263-recall|title=Anker Innovations Recalls Anker PowerCore 10000 power bank (Model: A1263)|website=anker.com|access-date=2026-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213125926/https://www.anker.com/a1263-recall|archive-date=2026-02-13|url-status=live}}</ref>

Because A1263 units date back to 2016, many consumers found the serial numbers on the bottom of the device had worn off from years of use, making recall verification difficult.<ref name="cnet" />

Disposal adds a further burden. Defective [[lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]] cannot be placed in household trash or standard retail recycling bins. Consumers must locate municipal Household Hazardous Waste collection centers to dispose of the recalled units, transferring the logistical cost of a manufacturing defect to the end user.<ref name="cnet" /><ref name="pcworld">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2915073/ankers-power-bank-recall-is-now-supported-by-the-government.html|title=Anker's power bank recall is now backed by the government|website=PCWorld|access-date=2026-03-27}}</ref>

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Anker]]
[[Category:Product Safety]]

Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage

2026-05-15T19:42:59Z

321321321a: Minor updates added on cargo data

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon
|StartDate=2025-03
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Amazon Echo
|Product=Amazon Echo
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Privacy
|Description= Amazon removed an opt out option from amazon echo client device series for the amazon alexa, citing the need to collect data for generative AI training
}}
[[Amazon Echo]] is a series of client devices for the [[Amazon Alexa]] voice control platform for connected smart homes. Echo products have long offered the option to disable cloud voice analysis and perform processing on-device, in addition to a separate option that theoretically prevents the company from saving voice recordings. However, in March of 2025, the company sent an email to users with this option on that disables the first option and only leaves the second, citing the need to [[Artificial intelligence/training|train generative AI]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Robledo |first=Anthony |date=2025-03-17 |title=Amazon is removing an Echo privacy setting that keeps Alexa recordings from the company |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/03/17/amazon-echo-alexa-reporting-privacy/82503576007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319001811/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/03/17/amazon-echo-alexa-reporting-privacy/82503576007/ |archive-date=2025-03-19 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

==Background==
Alexa as a service is based around an edge client + cloud service model where a physical device acts as a conduit between voice and the cloud. This raises substantial privacy concerns as it is, because the lack of open source means that no one actually knows whether privacy settings are respected. However, much like Apple, Amazon assured customers through its settings interface that enabling the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" setting would utilize exclusively local processing, sending your data to the cloud only "for features that require the transmission of audio, such as when you make a call or send a message or announcement via Alexa."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Amazon is ending the option to not send Echo voice recordings to the cloud|url=https://www.theverge.com/news/630049/amazon-echo-discontinues-do-not-send-voice-recording-setting|url-status=live |first=Jennifer|last=Tuohy|date=2025-03-14|work=TheVerge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250814102301/https://www.theverge.com/news/630049/amazon-echo-discontinues-do-not-send-voice-recording-setting |archive-date=2025-08-14}}</ref> Local processing was available as a server on the Echo (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15, and could be utilized by lower power or older devices as clients.<ref name=":1" />

From archival analysis of the [https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 Alexa FAQ] page, it can be estimated that this feature was introduced in early to mid 2022, given the first available archived copy of the page was in September 2022. As of writing, this page still includes this feature despite its imminent removal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexa and Alexa Device FAQs |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901001441/https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 |archive-date=2022-09-01 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Amazon Customer Support}}</ref> This likely means that the Echo (4th Gen) was not launched with this feature, as it was launched 10/22/2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=2020-09-24 |title=Amazon redesigns the Echo with a new spherical design and a custom machine learning processor |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/24/21452347/amazon-echo-4th-generation-features-price-release-date-alexa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212183356/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/24/21452347/amazon-echo-4th-generation-features-price-release-date-alexa |archive-date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref> with the Echo Show 10 following not long after on 2/25/2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Dan |date=2021-02-24 |title=Amazon Echo Show 10 review: Alexa’s next move |url=https://www.theverge.com/22297810/amazon-echo-show-10-2021-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317152944/https://www.theverge.com/22297810/amazon-echo-show-10-2021-review |archive-date=2025-03-17 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref> However, the Echo Show 15 (2023) and Echo Show 15 (2024) were both launched since, as implied by their names, and even the former was announced after this feature was unveiled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuohy |first=Jennifer Pattison |date=2022-12-16 |title=Amazon Echo Show 15 review: Alexa’s on your wall |url=https://www.theverge.com/22839220/amazon-echo-show-15-review-wall-mounted-alexa-tablet-kitchen-tv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307173006/https://www.theverge.com/22839220/amazon-echo-show-15-review-wall-mounted-alexa-tablet-kitchen-tv |archive-date=2025-03-07 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

==Removal of the Do Not Send Voice feature==
[[File:Amazon Echo removal of Do Not Send Voice option.png|thumb|250px|alt=This image is a screenshot of the email sent by Amazon to customers using the Do Not Send Voice Recordings feature on Echo devices. It indicates that on March 28, 2025, this feature will be disabled and voice recordings will recorded as they "expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features."|E-mail from Amazon, 2025-03-14]]
On March 14, 2025 (unknown if this notice rolled out over multiple days), Amazon sent an email with the subject "Upcoming change to your Alexa Settings" to customers which had enabled the Do Not Send Voice feature. The email cites coming improvements to Alexa, including the addition of generative AI features. No alternative is given other than the already-existing "Don't save recordings" feature, which merely prohibits Amazon from keeping copies of the recordings.

Amazon claims in the email that "[t]he Alexa experience is designed to protect your privacy and keep your data secure." However, they do not appear to elaborate on this further than redirecting customers to the Alexa Privacy Hub, which cites features like the microphone toggle button and the ability to go back through already saved recordings and delete them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexa Privacy Hub |url=https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=19149155011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220192838/https://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Privacy-Hub/b?ie=UTF8&node=19149155011 |archive-date=2025-02-20 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Amazon.com}}</ref>

It is worth noting that other companies like Apple that admit to sending some voice/speech data for processing at least claim to use confidential computing ([[wikipedia:Confidential_computing|read more on Wikipedia]]) techniques like Private Cloud Compute.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2024 |title=Private Cloud Compute: A new frontier for AI privacy in the cloud |url=https://security.apple.com/blog/private-cloud-compute/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222050834/https://security.apple.com/blog/private-cloud-compute/ |archive-date=February 22, 2026 |website=security.apple.com}}</ref> While these are not fully open-source solutions, these privacy-preserving technologies are audited externally and claim to be inaccessible to employees. Amazon has, in the past, admitted some recordings "undergo anonymized human review,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarcella |first=Mike |date=2024-10-31 |title=Amazon denies duping US consumers over Alexa’s recording practices |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/amazon-denies-duping-us-consumers-over-alexas-recording-practices-2024-10-31/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/yJb3o |archive-date=2026-02-24 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Reuters}}</ref>" so it is evident these recordings are not fully autonomously processed in such a way.

==Consumer response==

The response to this issue has been varied--some consumers, such as many in one Reddit thread,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-14 |title=PSA: Amazon Alexa discontinuing Do Not Send Voice Recordings |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1jb8qwx/psa_amazon_alexa_discontinuing_do_not_send_voice/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250526183848/https://old.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1jb8qwx/psa_amazon_alexa_discontinuing_do_not_send_voice/ |archive-date=2025-05-26 |website=Reddit - r/privacy}}</ref> were quite displeased with the removal of the feature, with comments like "Great opportunity to discontinue Amazon Alexa!" and "We will spy on you and you will like it." However, media outlets have circulated a claim by Amazon that only 0.03% of users used the feature,<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-19 |title=Amazon ends little-used privacy feature that let Echo users opt out of sending recordings to company |url=https://apnews.com/article/amazon-privacy-echo-7fb3c19fa7f664bde5c5be259f8b23ee |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251119023958/https://apnews.com/article/amazon-privacy-echo-7fb3c19fa7f664bde5c5be259f8b23ee |archive-date=19 Nov 2025|access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Associated Press}}</ref> so it is likely that this will go broadly unnoticed whether it is positive or negative.

== See also ==

* [[Post-purchase EULA modification]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Amazon Echo]]
[[Category:Amazon]]
[[Category:2025 incidents]]