https://consumerrights.wiki/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=BananaConsumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]2026-05-18T08:39:54ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.44.0https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Firefox_introduces_TOS&diff=39531Firefox introduces TOS2026-02-24T16:56:24Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Mozilla<br />
|StartDate=2025-02-26<br />
|EndDate=2025-06-10<br />
|Status=Resolved<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=Firefox<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Type=Advertising, Privacy, Terms of Service<br />
|Description=Mozilla introduced a vague terms of service, arousing concerns over the privacy of data and the use of data in advertising.<br />
}}<br />
In February 2025 Mozilla introduced [[Terms of service|terms of service]] (TOS) for the Firefox browser for the first time as well as an updated {{wplink|Privacy policy|privacy policy}}. These terms of service contain a section about the rights and permissions the user gives to Mozilla. This has caused concern among Firefox users due to how this section was initially phrased.<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
On 26 February 2025, Mozilla announced they were introducing terms of service and updating their privacy policy for the Firefox web browser. Until February 2025, Mozilla always relied on Firefox's open source license (the [https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/MPL/2.0/ Mozilla Public License version 2.0]) for the browser and their public commitments. They say that by adding these terms, they want to make their commitments "abundantly clear and accessible."<ref name="tos-announce">{{Cite web |first= Ajit |last= Varma |title= Introducing a terms of use and updated privacy notice for Firefox |url= https://blog.mozilla.org/en/products/firefox/firefox-news/firefox-terms-of-use/ |website= Mozilla blog |date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=27 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227075559/https://blog.mozilla.org/en/products/firefox/firefox-news/firefox-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=27 Feb 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
However, concerns arose regarding whether Firefox itself, rather than just Mozilla's online services (such as Firefox Sync or Mozilla VPN), would be subject to the company's Acceptable Use Policy, which restricts certain types of content. Mozilla's Acceptable Use Policy includes prohibitions on graphic depictions of sexuality, violence, and hate speech, which are standard for services like Firefox Sync but were not previously associated with the Firefox browser itself. While Mozilla later removed references to the Acceptable Use Policy in a revision, this initial concern fueled distrust.<ref name="acceptable-use">{{Cite web |author=<!--not cited --> |title= Acceptable Use Policy |url=https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/acceptable-use |website= Mozilla |access-date=2 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228075344/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/acceptable-use/ |archive-date=28 Feb 2025<br />
}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Questionable phrasing in the TOS and consumer response==<br />
The new terms contained phrasing that has caused concern by users of Firefox and the reasoning for its inclusion in the privacy focused browser.<ref name="reddit-1">{{Cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title= Introducing a terms of use and updated privacy notice for Firefox |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/1iyzmo6/introducing_a_terms_of_use_and_updated_privacy/ |website= [[Reddit]] |date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=27 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250314081754/https://old.reddit.com/r/linux/comments/1iyzmo6/introducing_a_terms_of_use_and_updated_privacy/ |archive-date=14 Mar 2025}}</ref><ref name="discourse">{{Cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title= Why does Mozilla now require a "nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license" when entering information in Firefox? |url=https://discourse.mozilla.org/t/why-does-mozilla-now-require-a-nonexclusive-royalty-free-worldwide-license-when-entering-information-in-firefox/140700 |website= Mozilla discourse |date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=27 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227171303/https://discourse.mozilla.org/t/why-does-mozilla-now-require-a-nonexclusive-royalty-free-worldwide-license-when-entering-information-in-firefox/140700 |archive-date=27 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref name="lemmy">{{Cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title= Mozilla Introducing 'Terms of Use' to Firefox |url= https://lemmy.world/post/26091770 |website=Lemmy |date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=27 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227171252/https://lemmy.world/post/26091770 |archive-date=27 Feb 2025}}</ref><ref name="moz-connect">{{Cite web |author=AshleyT |title= Information about the New Terms of Use and Updated Privacy Notice for Firefox |url=https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/information-about-the-new-terms-of-use-and-updated-privacy/m-p/87949/highlight/true#M33725 |website=Mozilla connect |date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=28 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228135428/https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/information-about-the-new-terms-of-use-and-updated-privacy/m-p/87949/highlight/true#M33725 |archive-date=28 Feb 2025}}</ref> Concerns center especially around the phrasing of terms outlined in the section titled "You Give Mozilla Certain Rights and Permissions".<ref name="TOS">{{Cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title= Firefox Terms of Use<br />
|url=https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/firefox/ |website= Mozilla |date=25 Feb 2025 |access-date=27 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227073459/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/firefox/ |archive-date=27 Feb 2025}}</ref> <br />
<br />
This is what that section originally said: <br />
<blockquote><br />
You give Mozilla all rights necessary to operate Firefox, including processing data as we describe in the Firefox Privacy Notice, as well as acting on your behalf to help you navigate the internet. When you upload or input information through Firefox, you hereby grant us a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use that information to help you navigate, experience, and interact with online content as you indicate with your use of Firefox.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
The vagueness of the terms resulted in users questioning how much of their data they were granting Mozilla a license to use, especially since the company puts a lot of emphasis on transparency and privacy on their manifesto.<ref name="manifesto">{{Cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title= The Mozilla Manifesto Addendum; Pledge for a Healthy Internet |url=https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/manifesto/ |website= Mozilla |date=25 Feb 2025 |access-date=27 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227045402/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/manifesto/ |archive-date=27 Feb 2025}}</ref> One notable concern is the possibility that license to user input could be used to train artificial intelligence tools. This became a concern since Mozilla has recently been working on AI tools.<ref name="orbit" /><br />
<br />
===AI training concerns===<br />
Mozilla's original TOU could have allowed AI training on user input. Mozilla's wording in their first round of TOS changes granted Mozilla a "nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license" to "use" user input, without specifying clear limitations.<ref name="connect">{{Cite web |title= Re: Information about the New Terms of Use and Updated Privacy Notice for Firefox |url= https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/information-about-the-new-terms-of-use-and-updated-privacy/m-p/87949/highlight/true |website= Mozilla Connect |date=27 Feb 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2025<br />
|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118002756/https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/information-about-the-new-terms-of-use-and-updated-privacy/m-p/87949/highlight/true |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
Mozillla's vague writing caused concern among Firefox users that their input could be used for artificial intelligence training, especially given Mozilla's AI-related projects.<ref name="orbit">{{Cite web |title= Orbit by Mozilla |url= https://orbitbymozilla.com/ |website= Mozilla AI |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250717125351/https://orbitbymozilla.com:443/ |archive-date=17 Jul 2025}}</ref> After backlash, Mozilla revised the TOU to clarify that data usage is restricted to user-requested actions.<ref name="tos-update">{{Cite web |title= An update on our Terms of Use |url= https://blog.mozilla.org/en/products/firefox/update-on-terms-of-use/ |website= Mozilla Blog |date=28 Feb 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250410145724/https://blog.mozilla.org/en/products/firefox/update-on-terms-of-use/ |archive-date=10 Apr 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Date of effect===<br />
It is also worth noting that the announcement of the introduction of the TOS and new privacy policy was made in a blog post one day after the terms and privacy policy were originally set to take effect.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Firefox Terms of Use - Febuary 28 |url=https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/firefox/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228023710/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/firefox/ |archive-date=28 Feb 2025 |access-date=28 Feb 2025}}</ref> No other communication was made to users of the browser as of 27 February 2025. The terms of use page was then edited to read "Effective February 28, 2025"<ref name="TOS" /> following the update in the language.<br />
<br />
===Change of Firefox's FAQ===<br />
[[File:Firefox faq.png|thumb|Firefox FAQ wording changes]]<br />
Mozilla's Terms of Use no longer explicitly state that the company does not and will never sell user data. Previously, Mozilla's FAQ included the statement, "Nope. Never have, never will," when addressing whether they sell user data. The section promising not to sell personal data<ref name="faq-old">{{Cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title= Firefox FAQ |url= https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/faq/ |website= Mozilla |access-date=28 Feb 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227214216/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/faq/<br />
|archive-date=27 Feb 2025}}</ref> was quietly removed from their documentation.<ref name="github-tos">{{Cite web |title= Tos copy updates (fix #16016) (#16018) |url= https://github.com/mozilla/bedrock/commit/d459addab846d8144b61939b7f4310eb80c5470e |website= GitHub |date=28 Feb 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220025231/https://github.com/mozilla/bedrock/commit/d459addab846d8144b61939b7f4310eb80c5470e |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
Before its removal, the section said:<blockquote><br />
''Does Firefox sell your personal data?''<br />
<br />
''Nope. Never have, never will. And we protect you from many of the advertisers who do. Firefox products are designed to protect your privacy. That's a promise.''<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Another section Mozilla changed was removing part of the answer to the question "Is Firefox free?". This section concluded with the phrase "and we don't sell your personal data.".<br />
<br />
Both of these were present in the FAQ until at least January 30th 2025.<ref name="faq">{{Cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title= Firefox older FAQ |url= https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/faq/ |website= Mozilla |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130092351/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/faq/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref name="github-faq">{{Cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |title= Github commit showing TOS FAQ changes |url= https://github.com/mozilla/bedrock/commit/d459addab846d8144b61939b7f4310eb80c5470e |website= Github<br />
|access-date= 1 Mar 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
Mozilla justified this change by pointing to evolving legal definitions of "data selling," particularly under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which defines "sale" broadly to include certain data-sharing arrangements. However, the revised Terms of Use do not explicitly prohibit Mozilla from selling user data in the future, leaving open the possibility of future monetization.<ref name="tos-update" /><br />
<br />
Mozilla justified this by pointing to broad legal definitions under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which define "selling data" as any transfer of data for "valuable consideration," even if anonymized.<ref name="ccpa">{{Cite web |title= CCPA Full Text |url= https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1798.140.#<br />
|website= Legilature.ca.gov |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123033324/https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1798.140. |archive-date=23 Jan 2026}}</ref> However, the new Terms of Use do not explicitly prohibit Mozilla from selling user data in the future, meaning they could legally do so if they chose.<ref name="tos-update" /><br />
<br />
==Mozilla's response==<br />
[[File:Firefox-privacy-lawful-bases.png|thumb|Partial screenshot of the lawful basis section for data usage from the Firefox privacy policy.]]<br />
Initially, Mozilla added an update to their initial blog post in an attempt to clarify the language of the terms of use.<ref name="tos-announce" /> <br />
<br />
This is what the update says: <br />
<blockquote><br />
'''UPDATE''': We've seen a little confusion about the language regarding licenses, so we want to clear that up. We need a license to allow us to make some of the basic functionality of Firefox possible. Without it, we couldn't use information typed into Firefox, for example. It does NOT give us ownership of your data or a right to use it for anything other than what is described in the Privacy Notice.<br />
</blockquote><br />
<br />
Notably, this update doesn't address the concerns relating to the broadness that can be attributed to the wording of the terms.<br />
<br />
Mozilla's privacy policy contains fairly extensive and clear statements on how Mozilla uses user data. It does not explicitly mention artificial intelligence tools other than the ability to use third party chat assistants. The privacy policy clarifies that Mozilla has no access to these chats.<br />
<br />
On 28 February, Mozilla updated the terms of use to address the concerns people were having. The section about rights and permissions given to Mozilla was reworded to be more clear:<br />
<blockquote><br />
You give Mozilla the rights necessary to operate Firefox. This includes processing your data as we describe in the Firefox Privacy Notice. It also includes a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license for the purpose of doing as you request with the content you input in Firefox. This does not give Mozilla any ownership in that content.</blockquote><br />
<br />
As well as this, the new terms have removed the reference to the acceptable use policy.<br />
<br />
Mozilla has also provided an explanation for why they changed their FAQ.<ref name="tos-update" /> They say this is because different legislation has different definitions of "sale of data"and this makes it uncertain on whether a business is legally considered to be selling data. Mozilla explicitly cites the California Consumer Privacy Act<ref name="ccpa" /> with regards to how existing privacy legislation defines the sale of data.<ref group="footnotes">Mozilla in the version of the CCPA they quoted on their update (see ''[https://blog.mozilla.org/en/products/firefox/update-on-terms-of-use/ "An update on out terms of use"]'') a draft version of the CCPA. The difference in the definition used is the inclusion of "another business" in the wording. [https://www.quippd.com/social/posts/2025/03/06/mozilla-quoted-an-incorrect-version-of-the-ccpa-in-their-terms-of-use-update.html "Mozilla Quoted an Incorrect Version of the CCPA in their Terms of Use update"].''Youssuff Quips'' ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250410145724/https://blog.mozilla.org/en/products/firefox/update-on-terms-of-use/ Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
==Mozilla's business model and potential CCPA violations==<br />
Before the Terms of Use update, Mozilla publicly stated that it did not and would never sell user data. However, under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), some of Mozilla's existing business practices may have legally qualified as "selling data." While there is no confirmed evidence that Mozilla violated the CCPA, their data-sharing practices placed them in a legally gray area.<br />
<br />
===Potential CCPA compliance issues before the TOU update===<br />
The CCPA defines "selling data" as: <blockquote><br />
'' “Sell,” “selling,” “sale,” or “sold,” means selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer’s personal information by the business to a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.''<ref name="ccpa" /><br />
</blockquote> <br />
<br />
*'''Search Engine Partnerships (Google, Bing, Yandex, etc.)''': Mozilla's largest revenue source comes from deals with search engines like Google, which pay Mozilla to be Firefox's default search provider.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Mozilla Foundation and Subsidiaries ; Independent Auditors’ Report, and Consolidated Financial Statement |url=https://assets.mozilla.net/annualreport/2022/mozilla-fdn-2022-fs-final-0908.pdf |website= Mozilla |access-date=2 Mar 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250211174819/https://assets.mozilla.net/annualreport/2022/mozilla-fdn-2022-fs-final-0908.pdf |archive-date=11 Feb 2025}}. [[:File:Mozilla-fdn-2022-fs-final-0908.pdf|See file on the wiki]]</ref><br />
<br />
These deals involve sending search query data to search partners. Under the CCPA, if Mozilla transmitted search data in exchange for financial compensation, this could be classified as a ''"sale of data."'' This is a practice that Mozilla had already been openly taking part in.<br />
<br />
===Mozilla's sponsored ads and potential CCPA implications===<br />
<br />
====How Mozilla's sponsored ads work====<br />
Mozilla monetizes Firefox through advertising programs:<br />
*'''Pocket Sponsored Stories''': Mozilla owns Pocket, which provides content recommendations. Mozilla shares aggregated data with ad platforms (such as Adzerk) so advertisers can track engagement.<ref name="pocket-sponsored">{{Cite web |title= Pocket Sponsored Stories on New Tabs |url= https://support.mozilla.org/kb/pocket-sponsored-stories-new-tabs |website= Mozilla Support<br />
|access-date=2 Mar 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223044805/https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/pocket-sponsored-stories-new-tabs |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
*'''Sponsored Shortcuts''': Mozilla displays paid website shortcuts on the New Tab page. Mozilla gets paid per user click & routes click data through a Mozilla-owned proxy service.<ref name="sponsored-shortcuts">{{Cite web |title= Sponsored Shortcuts on the New Tab Page |url= https://support.mozilla.org/kb/sponsored-shortcuts-new-tab |website= Mozilla Support |access-date=2 Mar 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
*'''Sponsored Suggestions in Search''': Mozilla processes search queries & shares de-identified interaction data with partners, including search engines and ad networks.<ref name="firefox-privacy" /><br />
<br />
Mozilla says all data shared with advertisers is anonymized, aggregated, or de-identified before being disclosed.<br />
<br />
====How this relates to Mozilla's privacy policy====<br />
Mozilla's Privacy Policy states that user data is only shared in an aggregated or de-identified form.<ref name="mozilla-privacy">{{Cite web |title= Mozilla Privacy Policy |url=https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/privacy/ |website= Mozilla |access-date=2 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213162458/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/privacy/ |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> The Firefox Privacy Notice also confirms:<br />
<blockquote>''Mozilla processes interaction data (such as ad clicks) & shares de-identified information with partners. Partners cannot associate these interactions with an individual user.<ref name="firefox-privacy" />''</blockquote><br />
<br />
This lines up with Mozilla's claim that it does not sell personal data under the CCPA.<br />
<br />
====Potential CCPA compliance issues====<br />
Mozilla's ad system does not clearly violate the CCPA, but it exists in a gray area because of:<br />
*'''Valuable Consideration Clause:''' Mozilla earns money from clicks on Sponsored Shortcuts, which may be considered a sale under the CCPA if user data has "value."<br />
<br />
*'''Lack of a Clear "Do Not Sell" Option:''' The CCPA requires an explicit "Do Not Sell My Data" button, but Mozilla bundles opt-out settings under "technical and interaction data." Mozilla's privacy policy page states ''"You can opt out of having your data processed for personalization or advertising purposes by turning off “technical and interaction data” on Desktop and Mobile at any time".''<ref name="firefox-privacy" /> Firefox does have this option in the privacy and security section of the settings as of version 135 (4 February 2025).<ref>https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-turn-do-not-track-feature?as=u&utm_source=inproduct ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260122040142/https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-turn-do-not-track-feature?as=u&utm_source=inproduct Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
*'''Potential Re-identification of Data:''' CCPA states that anonymized data can still be personal information if it can be linked to a user.<ref name="ccpa" /><br />
<br />
While Mozilla tells users that advertisers cannot directly identify users, regulators may argue that user interactions still hold monetary value, which could require Mozilla to revise its privacy policy for full compliance.<br />
<br />
===Legitimate reasons for Mozilla updating its Terms of Use===<br />
Mozilla's sudden change to its Terms of Use and Privacy Policy can be viewed as hedges to Mozilla's legal risks and exposure under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), rather than an admission of wrongdoing.<br />
<br />
*'''Legal Definitions of "Selling Data" Under the CCPA Are Broad:''' As noted above, the CCPA's definition encompasses many data-sharing practices that may not align with common understanding of "selling data".<ref name="ccpa" /> Even if Mozilla was not directly selling user data, its search partnerships, telemetry data sharing, and sponsored content could have been interpreted as data sales if Mozilla received any financial benefit from them, all of which were actions that Mozilla has already been transparent and upfront about.<br />
<br />
*'''Mozilla's Search Engine Deals Could Be Considered Data Sales:''' As mentioned earlier, these partnerships could legally qualify as data sales under the CCPA definition, despite being an existing part of Mozilla's business model that consumers are already aware of.<ref name="tos-announce" /><br />
<br />
*'''Sponsored Content in Firefox's New Tab Page Involves Data Exchange:''' Mozilla dReferencesisplays sponsored content and ads on the Firefox New Tab page, which may involve user interaction data being shared with advertisers.<ref name="tos-update" /> Even if the data is anonymized, the CCPA considers certain types of aggregated data as personal information if it can be linked back to users.<ref name="ccpa" /><br />
<br />
By removing explicit guarantees such as "we never sell your data" and rewriting the Terms of Use, Mozilla eliminated legal ambiguity while maintaining its existing business model. <br />
<br />
While the new terms of use does not confirm that Mozilla intends to sell user data, and puts its current practices in-line with California's Consumer Privacy Act, it no longer explicitly prohibits it, leaving open the possibility for future monetization.<br />
<br />
==Community concerns and digging into the validity of them==<br />
Mozilla's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy update led to loud public protest over them. Here is an analysis of the primary concerns raised by the Firefox community:<br />
<br />
===Valid concerns===<br />
====Vague licensing language in the TOU====<br />
Initially, Mozilla's TOU granted the company a "nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license" to user input, which raised concerns about potential data ownership and usage rights.<ref name="connect">{{Cite web |title= Re: Information about the New Terms of Use and Updated Privacy Notice for Firefox |url= https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/information-about-the-new-terms-of-use-and-updated-privacy/m-p/87949/highlight/true |website= Mozilla Connect |date=27 Feb 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2025<br />
|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118002756/https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/discussions/information-about-the-new-terms-of-use-and-updated-privacy/m-p/87949/highlight/true |archive-date=18 Nov 2025}}</ref> This was later revised after backlash.<ref name="tos-update" /><br />
<br />
====Mozilla removed explicit language about not selling user data====<br />
Mozilla's FAQ previously stated, "We don't and never will sell your personal data," but this was quietly removed from its website and documentation.<ref name="github-tos"><ref name="github-tos">{{Cite web |title= Tos copy updates (fix #16016) (#16018) |url= https://github.com/mozilla/bedrock/commit/d459addab846d8144b61939b7f4310eb80c5470e |website= GitHub |date=28 Feb 2025 |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220025231/https://github.com/mozilla/bedrock/commit/d459addab846d8144b61939b7f4310eb80c5470e |archive-date=20 Feb 2026}}</ref> Mozilla later stated that different legal jurisdictions, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), had vague definitions of "data selling," which led them to revise this wording.<ref name="tos-update" /><br />
<br />
====Users were not notified before the TOU changes took effect====<br />
Mozilla announced the new terms on 26 February 2025, but they had already taken effect by 25 February 2025.<ref name="tos-announce" /><br />
<br />
====Lack of clarity on why Mozilla needs a license to user input====<br />
Users questioned why Mozilla needed licensing rights over user input when browsers have worked for 25+ years without these terms.<ref name="connect" /> While the new TOU does not confirm that Mozilla intends to sell user data, it no longer explicitly prohibits it, leaving open the possibility for future monetization.<br />
<br />
===Concerns likely based on misinterpretation===<br />
====Mozilla will log and track all user browsing data====<br />
Some users assumed the TOU granted Mozilla unlimited access to browsing history.<ref name="connect" /> However, Mozilla's privacy policy still states that it does not store user browsing history or personal data beyond necessary telemetry.<ref name="tos-announce" /><br />
<br />
====Mozilla's telemetry data collection doesn't seem to constitute a "sale" under the CCPA====<br />
Firefox collects telemetry data by default, including interaction metrics (such as the number of open tabs, visited webpages, & search partner referrals) & technical data (such as OS version, hardware specs, and crash reports).<ref name="telemetry">{{Cite web |title=Telemetry collection and deletion |url=https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/telemetry-clientid |website= Mozilla Support |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250228192345/https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/telemetry-clientid |archive-date=28 Feb 2025}}</ref> However, Mozilla clearly says that this data is only sent to Mozilla and does not explicitly mention sharing this with third parties<ref name="firefox-privacy">{{Cite web |title= Firefox Privacy Notice |url= https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/privacy/firefox/#notice |website= Mozilla |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213162458/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/privacy/ |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), a "sale" requires data to be transferred to a third party in exchange for monetary or other valuable consideration.<ref name="ccpa" /> Since Mozilla does not explicitly transfer telemetry data to third parties, it is unlikely to be classified as a "sale" under the CCPA. Users can opt out of telemetry data collection, and Mozilla deletes previously collected data within 30 days of opting out.<ref name="telemetry" /><br />
<br />
Mozilla tried to clarify where they stand on data privacy, but the way they've written their terms as well as the manner in which they communicated them has resulted in user protest and distrust. <br />
<br />
==Mozilla removes controversial license from Firefox's ToS (June 2025)==<br />
On 10 June 2025, [[Mozilla]] changed their [[firefox]]'s [[terms of service]] for unknown reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mozilla Firefox Terms of Service |url=https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/firefox/#you-give-mozilla-certain-rights-and-permissions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007184549/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/firefox/#you-give-mozilla-certain-rights-and-permissions |archive-date=7 Oct 2025 |access-date=22 Oct 2025 |website=Mozilla.org}}</ref> There were no announcements nor coverage on this matter. The motives and the reason why it is removed are currently unclear as of writing. The [https://web.archive.org/web/20250227004713/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/firefox/ original] and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20250328021454/https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/firefox/ fixed] versions were last seen before 10 June 2025.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Mozilla]]<br />
<br />
==Footnotes==<br />
<references group="footnotes" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Incidents]]<br />
[[Category:Firefox]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Projects_talk:Archive_everything&diff=39440Projects talk:Archive everything2026-02-24T10:05:59Z<p>Banana: /* Automation? List updating? */ Reply</p>
<hr />
<div>==Note on this==<br />
<br />
There are two main places to archive things, the Internet Archive, and archive.today if the IA says no (from my understanding). Would like to incorporate this into the article but have no clue how to lol. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:26, 19 November 2025 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Also, there is an IA extension which I use, it makes archiving extremely easy. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:29, 19 November 2025 (UTC)<br />
::Thanks! I'll add this into the 'What you need to do' bit [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 08:52, 19 November 2025 (UTC)<br />
::Which extension do you use in particular? addons dot mozilla dot org has several and it would be useful to have a recommendation.<br />
::By the way, Archive.today has a "Install Firefox Extension" button which leads to its github repo and the user can install it by Releases (right side), downloading the .zip and installing it through Manage your Add-Ons > Install from file. The explanation may be helpful for less tech-savvy wiki people. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 08:32, 4 December 2025 (UTC)<br />
:::Firefox: [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/wayback-machine_new/]<br />
:::Chrome (ew): [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/waybackmachine/fpnmgdkabkmnadcjpehmlllkndpkmiak?hl=en-US]<br />
:::Rest can be found at bottom left of https://web.archive.org/ [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:01, 4 December 2025 (UTC)<br />
:::worryingly, it looks like archive.today is down at the moment. I'm hoping this is not a permenant thing, as I think they were getting into some legal squabbles recently [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 17:46, 4 December 2025 (UTC)<br />
::::nvm, might just be a firefox thing? [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 17:57, 4 December 2025 (UTC)<br />
::::up for me right now and I'm using LibreWolf (a fork of firefox). [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:58, 4 December 2025 (UTC)<br />
:There's also https://preservetube.com/ and https://ghostarchive.org/ both of which I saw used to archive a few references, and had added to the list but unfortunately my edit updating the list entries all the way up to and including F was lost in a merge error. [[Special:Contributions/185.230.125.6|185.230.125.6]] 00:11, 23 January 2026 (UTC)<br />
::Worth looking at for other options. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 06:38, 23 January 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==LIES!==<br />
<br />
a lot of the ones that say "Yes" are not infact very yes.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[1Password#cite_note-14]]<br />
<br />
[[4k_Video_Downloader%2B#cite_note-4KVD-1]], [[4k_Video_Downloader%2B#cite_note-4KDL-2]]<br />
<br />
[[Activision_Blizzard#cite_note-6]]<br />
<br />
[[Adobe#cite_note-1]], [[Adobe#cite_ref-8]] [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 19:04, 23 January 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:please update before I call the police [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 19:05, 23 January 2026 (UTC)<br />
::Archived em and updated the list accordingly, thanks for pointing them out since some of the older entries like those might be less accurate, cheers! (pls don't call the cops) [[User:Tempo123|Tempo123]] ([[User talk:Tempo123|talk]]) 22:48, 23 January 2026 (UTC)<br />
:::I nearly placed the call but the situation's resolved itself. good work people keep it up [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 09:43, 24 January 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Should we archive videos?==<br />
<br />
I was looking through the [[Amazon]] page and noticed there's nearly two dozen video references. Video files are way bigger than webpage snapshots, and it shows by PreserveTube being the only one listed on this page (implying that if there's another archive for that purpose, it's not too popular).<br />
<br />
For references leaning more on video, would it be better for one to work toward finding non-video references as well? e.g. finding websites that Louis shows in his videos? It would be a mountain of work, but as the saying goes we can't put all our archive (eggs) in one basket (host). [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 18:12, 1 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Yeah, I'd say that, where possible, we should prefer to archive webpages/documents over videos, especially when the it's the original/primary source and the video only references it. [[User:Tempo123|Tempo123]] ([[User talk:Tempo123|talk]]) 15:10, 6 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
::PreserveTube seems good for archiving videos. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:37, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Archive.today==<br />
<br />
With the recent controversy (see the related {{Wplink|Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Archive.is RFC 5|Wikipedia community conversation}}), where does that leave citations that have no easy replacement?<br />
<br />
An example I have for this is the [[Vont]] article page that I created last year, specifically the passage regarding Vont's store page on Amazon and its activity. I first tried using Internet Archive, but it had resulted in an error — which led me to use Archive.today. And originally, I hadn't even planned on multiple captures but that changed when I noticed the postings looked different while I was drafting the article in my sandbox.<br />
<br />
I just tried archiving their Amazon storefront page using the IA and it actually worked ''this'' time, so ''hopefully'' I'll be able to "re-build" the archival links that'll still illustrate the same point (see the [https://archive.is/https://www.amazon.com/s?srs=19824332011&rh=p_89:Vont archive.is history] for comparison). But if not, I would rather the citations be left alone in this instance.<br />
<br />
Any other thoughts? — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 05:46, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:"[...] an analysis of existing links has shown that most of its uses can be replaced. Several editors started to work out implementation details during this RfC and the community should figure out how to efficiently remove links to archive.today."<br />
:I think it wise to follow in the footsteps of this conclusion of the Wikipedia RFC: making a best-effort to replace all Archive.today links with alternatives. It will probably be a slow process anyhow, and any content that is difficult to archive on IA or elsewhere can be left until last, by which time hopefully we will have found a suitable Archive.today replacement for such content. [[User:Tempo123|Tempo123]] ([[User talk:Tempo123|talk]]) 18:00, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Automation? List updating?==<br />
<br />
I see many of the pages listed as not archived have been updated by [[User:Bananabot|Bananabot]] (usually early today), which is as its name implies, a bot.<br />
<br />
Eg: [[Cerberus]], [[Cloudflare]], [[Denon HEOS Speakers]]<br />
<br />
Is there a plan to segment pages into the ones humans need to add archive links to, vs ones that a bot can take care of? It's great if this task can be automated, and if so, it would be nice if we carbon-based contributors could focus on those pages the bot(s) can't handle. Or is there a way we ourselves can look at a page and determine that?<br />
<br />
And when we add archive links, do we need to manually update "The list" with the new status for those pages? Or is the list updated through some automatic process periodically? (I looked at some history and can't tell.) Either way, could mention of that be added to the directions? Thanks! [[User:Marc84|Marc84]] ([[User talk:Marc84|talk]]) 20:06, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Hi, I'd like to first say that Bananabot is not a bot made by the CRW team, it is made by [[User:Banana]] (who sounds pretty cool btw). I think we should manually update the table for now unless Banana wants to code that in themself. There's no plan to segment pages, we only recently got an archiving bot anyway. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:35, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
:The list is currently manually maintained, I think it would be lovely if it could be automated, it took a fair amount of human effort to initially fill it out and standardise its look.<br />
:I'm not sure how Bananabot or similar work and which pages bots can or cannot handle. [[User:Tempo123|Tempo123]] ([[User talk:Tempo123|talk]]) 20:37, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
::It would indeed be good, but it depends on whether Banana (who is simply a volunteer, not someone who is paid) wants to code it. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:44, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
:::Also, due to how archiving works, Bananabot is (i think) able to handle all pages the IA can. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:45, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
::::Bananabot can handle everything that IA can save. Right now limits are rate on IA itself (itgets rate limited + uploading takes quite a while). About project page table - I'll check out if I can automate it [[User:Banana|Banana]] ([[User talk:Banana|talk]]) 10:05, 24 February 2026 (UTC)</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Android_data_collection&diff=39114Android data collection2026-02-23T12:13:25Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Google<br />
|StartDate=<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Unresolved<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=Android, Google Pixel<br />
|ArticleType=<br />
|Type=Privacy<br />
|Description=Google and Android phones alike deliberately collect user information, even when they choose to opt-out.<br />
}}<br />
This article addresses the manner in which Android phones share personal user information with [[Google]], usually in a complete user unaware and unapproved way, and the legal consequences Google has endured for deceptive practices in users' location tracking. This article also discusses non-Google OEM privacy concerns with companies who implement their own modified version of Android such as [[Samsung]] and [[Xiaomi]].<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
'''[[Android]]''', the global top mobile operating system,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/worldwide |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221164626/https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/mobile/worldwide |archive-date=21 Feb 2026|access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[StatCounter]]}}</ref> is used to power billions of devices globally. Tests have shown that Android phones with [[List of Google products|Google Services]] transmit user data to Google on multiple occasions even when users try to restrict sharing of data via settings. This has encouraged increasing alarm over user privacy, transparency, and personal data control.<br />
<br />
A study found that data collection happens without any chance to opt out even before the user has even opened their first app.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Connor |date=4 Mar 2025 |title=How Google tracks Android device users before they've even opened an app |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/04/google_android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214065909/https://www.theregister.com/2025/03/04/google_android/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026|access-date=2025-03-05 |website=The Register}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Moreover, most phone vendors do their own tracking on top and pre-install so-called [[bloatware]] in exchange for payment from the respective company, such as social media and shopping apps [[Meta]], [[TikTok]], Aliexpress, [[eBay]], …), which transmit data in the background without user consent even if the apps are never even opened and the user never agreed to their TOS.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trinity College Dublin |date=October 11, 2021 |title=Study reveals scale of data-sharing from Android mobile phones |url=https://techxplore.com/news/2021-10-reveals-scale-data-sharing-android-mobile.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251117171125/https://techxplore.com/news/2021-10-reveals-scale-data-sharing-android-mobile.html |archive-date=17 Nov 2025|access-date=2025-03-05 |website=TechXplore}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Data sharing with Google==<br />
A research examined the frequency of data sharing between Google and Android phones with Google services.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Leith |first=Douglas J. |date=25 Mar 2021 |title=Mobile Handset Privacy: Measuring The Data iOS and Android Send to Apple And Google |url=https://www.scss.tcd.ie/doug.leith/apple_google.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219165022/https://www.scss.tcd.ie/doug.leith/apple_google.pdf |archive-date=19 Dec 2025|access-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref> The research showed that even if an Android phone is set to minimal setting and left on its own, it shares data with Google on average every 4.5 minutes. The shared data includes sensitive information like:<br />
<br />
*IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)<br />
<br />
*Hardware serial number<br />
*SIM serial number and IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity)<br />
*Handset phone number<br />
<br />
In addition, Google services on Android sends telemetry data to Google even when customers directly decline to have their data collected. For instance, each time a SIM card is inserted into the device, Google services sends its information to Google automatically.<br />
<br />
Data exchanged with Google by Google Messages and Google Dialer applications on an Android smartphone was also researched.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leith |first=Douglas J. |date=28 Feb 2022 |title=What Data Do The Google Dialer and Messages Apps On Android Send to Google? |url=https://www.scss.tcd.ie/doug.leith/privacyofdialerandsmsapps.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219161507/https://www.scss.tcd.ie/doug.leith/privacyofdialerandsmsapps.pdf |archive-date=19 Dec 2025|access-date=15 Mar 2025}}</ref> These applications report to Google whenever messages are being sent/received or calls are being received/made. Precisely:<br />
<br />
*Google Messages sends a message text hash so Google can match the sender and receiver in a message exchange.<br />
*Google Dialer also transmits call time and call duration to Google for linking both devices for a call.<br />
*Both of the apps forward phone numbers to Google.<br />
*Both user interaction timing and duration with both apps are also forwarded to Google in addition to the above.<br />
<br />
No exemption option exists in the data transmission. Data comes through two pathways:<br />
<br />
#The [[wikipedia:Google_Play_Services|Google Play Services]] Clearcut logger.<br />
#Google/Firebase Analytics.<br />
<br />
===Location History Lawsuit===<br />
Google misled some Android users into thinking that the setting titled “Location History” was the only Google account setting that affected whether the company collected, kept and used personally identifiable data about their location. In fact, another account setting titled “Web & App Activity” also enabled Google to collect, store and use personally identifiable location data when it was turned on, and that setting was turned on by default.<br />
<br />
For this, Google was sued in the United States and in Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gatlan |first=Sergiu |date=14 Nov 2022 |title=Google will pay $391M to settle Android location tracking lawsuit |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-will-pay-391m-to-settle-android-location-tracking-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218125205/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-will-pay-391m-to-settle-android-location-tracking-lawsuit/ |archive-date=18 Feb 2026|access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[BleepingComputer]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Aug 2022 |title=Google LLC to pay $60 million for misleading representations |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/google-llc-to-pay-60-million-for-misleading-representations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Jn1fd |archive-date=17 Aug 2022 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ACCC]]}}</ref><br />
==Data sharing with OEM’s custom Android==<br />
==Privacy respecting alternatives==<br />
Not many alternatives are available to users for completely avoiding this data sharing. Attempts to disable data collection via settings, Android integration with Google services does make it impossible to fully discontinue the passing on of person and device details.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
The use of [[wikipedia:List_of_custom_Android_distributions|custom ROMs]] or privacy-focused applications, do cut down on sharing data, these are likely to require technical know-how and are not necessarily in the hands of the average user.<br />
<br />
In general, Google services which are the source of most of the data collection serve two functions:<br />
<br />
#Application dependencies, like network location services, debugging tooling, advertising services etc.<br />
#Application distribution<br />
<br />
A privacy replacing alternative should therefore have an alternative for these functions.<br />
<br />
The only fully degoogled alternate configuration comprises of MicroG applications, which is an open source reimplementation of Google services. It provides necessary dependencies so that most of the applications which depend on Google services can function on a device without those Google services. <br />
<br />
Another option is [https://grapheneos.org/ GrapheneOS], an optionally degoogled privacy and security focused Android ROM. While not replacing google play services completely, GrapheneOS offers a sandboxed version of the google play services. The sandboxing allows users to control the permissions of the google play services, limiting the privacy risk they pose. GrapheneOS has many other privacy features like more control over app permissions and automatic time-based Wifi and Bluetooth off switches. Despite these features, users may choose not to consider this Android ROM due to its development history and other controversies.<ref> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4To-F6W1NT0 ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=4To-F6W1NT0 Archived])</ref><ref> https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx7CZ-2Bajg ([https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Dx7CZ-2Bajg Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
As for application distribution, alternate channels, such as [https://f-droid.org/ F-droid], [https://auroraoss.com/aurora-store Aurora Store], [https://accrescent.app/ Accrescent], and [https://obtainium.imranr.dev/ Obtanium], do exist. These alternative application sources allow users to install applications of their choosing without a single entity to regulate the applications.<br />
These application sources have different uses, with F-droid acting as an app store for only free and open source apps, Aurora Store acts as an anonymized version of the Google Play Store, Accrescent focuses on app-installation security, and Obtanium acts as an update-grabber from code repositories like Github, Gitlab, and Codeberg.<br />
<br />
[https://murena.com/ Murena], Fairphone and [https://iode.tech/ Iodé] sells devices pre-installed with de-googled Android based on [https://lineageos.org/ LineageOS] and MicroG, making privacy friendly Android phones accessible to non-technical users. However, the operating system called /e/ on Murena devices has a history of not always addressing security vulnerabilities in a timely manner.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duval |first=Gael |date=Sep 2023 |title=Some clarification regarding security vs privacy in /e/OS |url=https://community.e.foundation/t/some-clarification-regarding-security-vs-privacy-in-e-os/51839 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107035830/https://community.e.foundation/t/some-clarification-regarding-security-vs-privacy-in-e-os/51839 |archive-date=7 Nov 2025|access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[e]]}}</ref> However the situation is still much better than the millions of phones in active use that no longer get manufacturer support.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Android]]<br />
[[Category:Data collection]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=User_talk:Banana&diff=38706User talk:Banana2026-02-23T05:35:12Z<p>Banana: /* Changing Flock Safety archive links */ Reply</p>
<hr />
<div>==About the CRWCitationBot==<br />
<br />
It's a minor thing, but something that could be irritating to future editors is that the bot is adding a duplicate |url-status field to the citations it's modifying. Just something to keep in mind. — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 05:23, 16 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Will check it out. I’m currently working on improving it and some pages vary from others really much. I plan to make sure all data is filled, than all data is same, and then fit it to needs of everyone. Will take few days to make it run properly, right now it was article by article with lots of manual checks. Bet I could just miss it, but thanks a lot for pointing this out [[User:Banana|Banana]] ([[User talk:Banana|talk]]) 05:56, 16 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
::okay, found issue and fixed it, wil lrun a job to clean up all citations with duplications [[User:Banana|Banana]] ([[User talk:Banana|talk]]) 06:05, 16 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
==Changing Flock Safety archive links==<br />
<br />
[[Flock Safety]] is specifically excluded from the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, as I noted on its talk page [[Talk:Flock_Safety#A_note_on_archiving_links|back in January]]. Your bot will have to use a different archival service for that page. — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 05:24, 23 February 2026 (UTC)<br />
<br />
:Hey! Thanks for pointing this out. I know some services specifically block archiving thru robots.txt or proxy settings. I'll find out what to use later as currently we deprecated archive.today and still need good alternative for reddit and some sites that block archiving. Ping me if you have any issues with how stuff is archived and what would you suggest to change in how bot works. Thanks! [[User:Banana|Banana]] ([[User talk:Banana|talk]]) 05:35, 23 February 2026 (UTC)</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Autodesk&diff=38483Autodesk2026-02-23T03:08:40Z<p>Banana: Undo revision 38482 by Bananabot (talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete}}{{CompanyCargo<br />
| Founded = 1982<br />
| Industry = Software<br />
| Logo = Autodesk.png<br />
| ParentCompany = <br />
| Type = Public<br />
| Website = https://autodesk.com<br />
| Description = Software company known for various products such as AutoCAD. Modern versions operate via Always-online DRM. Has ended users' lifetime subscriptions.<br />
}}<br />
[[wikipedia:Autodesk|'''Autodesk, Inc.''']] is an American software company headquartered in San Francisco, California, that provides software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. The company was founded in 1982 by John Walker, who was a co-author of the first versions of AutoCAD.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Alex |date=6 Mar 2024 |title=John Walker, Tech Executive Who Popularized AutoCAD, Dies at 74 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708174807/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/technology/john-walker-dead.html |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Autodesk primarily develops and maintains computer-aided design (CAD) software used globally across many engineering and design industries. Autodesk's extensive portfolio of proprietary software enables its programs to interoperate, facilitating cloud-based building information management (BIM) collaboration among owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro: Create, collaborate, and stay up to date |url=https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130014051/https://www.autodesk.com/products/bim-collaborate/overview?plc=COLLRP&term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription |archive-date=30 Jan 2025 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
Modern versions of Autodesk Products, such as Inventor or AutoCAD, have been known to operate via [[Digital rights management#Always-online DRM|always-online DRM]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Install network licensing software |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/download-install/admins/network-deploy/install-licensing-software |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130014417/https://www.autodesk.com/support/download-install/admins/network-deploy/install-licensing-software |archive-date=30 Jan 2025 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> and have served to provide significant inconvenience for consumers if their internet goes out or their license verification servers are offline for maintenance. <br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
<br />
==='''User Freedom'''===<br />
Autodesk ceased to sell perpetual licenses for HSMWorks (2016) and will eliminate access altogether (2025–2028), rendering locally stored information unusable{{Citation needed}}.<br />
<br />
Future Fusion versions will lack support for Windows 10, with unclear implications for existing installations{{Citation needed}}.<br />
<br />
==='''Business Model'''===<br />
Autodesk transitioned their go-to-market model from perpetual licenses to subscriptions and multi-year contracts billed annually<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-05-06 |title=Autodesk Fiscal Year 2025 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement |url=https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=Autodesk Investor Relations |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250705192736/https://investors.autodesk.com/static-files/5a13740d-d370-40e9-aeac-8ac257ca85ff |archive-date=5 Jul 2025}}</ref><!-- Cited Autodesk's annual proxy statement from their investor relations website. A "archived" copy should be available at sec.gov, but I'm struggling to find it since the search feature there is awful. A copy is almost certainly held on the Nasdaq website as well. -->. As noted in their annual proxy statement: <blockquote>Our go-to-market (GTM) model has evolved significantly and purposefully over the years, from the transition to subscription and multi-year contracts billed annually, through self-service enablement, the adoption of direct billing, and more. In fiscal 2025, we completed the launch of our direct billing model (“the new transaction model”) and are now beginning the optimization phase, positioning Autodesk to better meet the evolving needs of its customers and channel partners. This comes from faster and less complex processes and more digital self-service and automation that enable tighter channel partnerships and less duplication of effort. The new transaction model will further unlock long-term value by strengthening our sales and marketing efficiency.<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Removal of legacy entitlements (e.g., HSMWorks from Fusion 360), in addition to the refusal to honor permanent licenses (e.g., Product Design Suite 2013){{Citation needed}}.<br />
<br />
In the End User License Agreement (EULA) for Autodesk products, section 9.7 allows Autodesk to audit a users premises to verify compliance{{Citation needed}}. If the user or company is found to have overextended licenses, Autodesk requires the user to purchase additional licenses to cover the overextended licenses in question. However, the software does not limit the number of machines that can sign in and activate it simultaneously{{Citation needed}}. Autodesk compliance agents threatened to increase fines if legal counsel is hired against Autodesk. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Vondran |first=Steve |date=2023-04-12 |title=Autodesk Internal Getting Very Aggressive in 2023 Beware of Over-Assigning Licenses |url=https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730215441/https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/autodesk-internal-getting-very-7707218/ |archive-date=2025-07-30 |access-date=2025-10-23}}</ref><br />
<br />
==='''Market Control'''===<br />
Autodesk holds a majority of the market share on CAD software, especially in the BIM category{{Citation needed}}. This allows Autodesk to significantly raise its prices each year.<br />
<br />
===Vernor v. Autodesk, Inc.===<br />
In 2007, Timothy Vernor tried to sell his physical copy of Autodesk. Autodesk sued Vernor for copyright infringement in Timothy Vernor v. Autodesk, Inc as Vernor's purchase was for a license. The case made its way to the US Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, where it was decided in Autodesk's favor, limiting the [[first-sale doctrine]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timothy Vernor v. Autodesk Inc |url=https://dockets.justia.com/docket/circuit-courts/ca9/09-35969 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=Justia |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210923200001/https://dockets.justia.com/docket/circuit-courts/ca9/09-35969 |archive-date=23 Sep 2021}}</ref>. <br />
<br />
==Controversies==<br />
<br />
=== Telemetry bugs and harmful fines ===<br />
In 2017, consumers reported that Autodesk's telemetry on paid versions of software detected pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly received<ref>{{Cite web |title=AUTODESK ANALYTICS PROGRAMS |url=https://www.autodesk.com/company/autodesk-analytics |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> on paid versions of software detecting pirated versions of their software on PCs, and they explicitly sent large fines as a punishment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804044043/https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/autodesk_detected_pirated_programs_after/ |archive-date=4 Aug 2025 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> This software has also been reported to malfunction, and Autodesk is allegedly pressuring consumers into purchasing expensive versions of their licenses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Autodesk detected pirated programs after purchasing licenses (Reply) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Architects/comments/1ct8nqd/comment/lod8lo2/ |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== '''Ian Davis ended lifetime subscriptions''' ===<br />
'''In 2023, YouTuber Ian Davis owned a permanent, standalone license for Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2013, which failed to renew. Autodesk refused to issue a new license without an additional subscription purchase.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ian |first=Davis |date=2023-06-29 |title=So much for Permanent Standalone licensing... |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4-pp1uKNnM |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=YouTube |type=video |publication-place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel}}</ref>'''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Louis |first=Rossmann |date=2023-06-30 |title=Autodesk screws customers by turning lifetime licenses into subscriptions |url=Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHY9K8X45XA |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=YouTube |type=video}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ian |first=Davis |date=2023-07-03 |title=Thoughts on AutoCad License invalidation |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iQP62_X13g |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=YouTube |place=Ian Davis' personal YouTube channel |type=video}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Windows 10 support discontinuation ===<br />
In 2024, Autodesk announced that Autodesk Fusion would no longer be supported for Windows 10 users after the start of January 2026. Stated in their support article, "Autodesk will no longer consider Windows 10 for Validation, bug fixing, and product support of future releases." The phrasing has rightfully baffled consumers, and with a lack of elaboration from support teams, it is unclear whether existing installations will continue to function, especially since the line "existing installations cannot be repaired or reinstalled" is confusing and leaves questions unanswered.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Dec 2024 |title=Fusion Announcing End of Support for Windows 10 |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130015007/https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Fusion-Announcing-End-of-Support-for-Windows-10.html?_ga=2.208606034.1190329573.1738186074-1680147263.1738186073 |archive-date=30 Jan 2025 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== HSMWorks end of life ===<br />
In 2012, Autodesk acquired HSMWorks, a computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) product for programming Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, with the intention of integrating the technology into its own software and cloud services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Oct 2012 |title=Autodesk Acquires HSMWorks Technology |url=https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/autodesk-acquires-hsmworks-technology |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215230602/https://investors.autodesk.com/news-releases/news-release-details/autodesk-acquires-hsmworks-technology |archive-date=15 Feb 2026 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> HSMWorks could continue to be purchased with a perpetual license until 2016, when Autodesk announced that all Autodesk products, including HSMWorks, would transition to a subscription model, ending support and maintenance plans for perpetual licenses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson Swan |first=Keli |date=14 Jun 2021 |title=Recent Developments in Autodesk Licensing and Audits, Part I |url=https://scottandscottllp.com/recent-developments-in-autodesk-licensing-and-audits-part-i/#:~:text=Autodesk%20introduced%20subscription%20plans%20in,previous%20versions%20of%20perpetual%20software. |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251118133920/https://scottandscottllp.com/recent-developments-in-autodesk-licensing-and-audits-part-i/ |archive-date=18 Nov 2025 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=scottandscottllp.com}}</ref> In 2019, Autodesk transitioned HSMWorks subscribers to Fusion 360 subscribers, granting them entitlement to download and use HSMWorks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 Apr 2019 |title=HSMWorks 2020 now included with Fusion 360 subscriptions |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/4ZktnaH9yvV8DxOnwA0LCv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251116105651/https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/4ZktnaH9yvV8DxOnwA0LCv.html |archive-date=16 Nov 2025 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> In February 2025, Autodesk sent an email to Fusion 360 subscribers that HSMWorks entitlement would no longer be included on new subscriptions after March 25, 2025. and entitlement would end March 25, 2028, for all subscribers. "''At that point, you will no longer be able to download, access, '''or use''' HSMWorks.''"<ref>{{Cite web |last=@lenny_1962 |date=3 Feb 2025 |title=HSMWorks End Of Life March 25th, 2028 |url=https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174804/https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/hsm-support-forum/hsmworks-end-of-life-march-25th-2028/td-p/13297431 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025 |access-date=2 Aug 2025 |website=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
Because HSMWorks was subscription-only, or entitlement was only available through a Fusion 360 subscription, from 2016 onward, any person or organization that used up-to-date versions of HSMWorks since then will cease to have access to all data associated with HSMWorks, despite the data being locally stored and HSMWorks being installed (although unusable). HSMWorks data is not compatible with Fusion 360 nor Inventor CAM (products that share some technology with HSMWorks), thus, no solution exists to bridge users' data to actively supported software.<br />
<br />
==Products<!-- I personally remember taking a class that used Inventor, and the spotty internet connection some computers in the industrial building would have on occasion would make it HELL for me to do classes since if the internet went out and I did not save before then, I had to start from scratch! LITERALLY forced me to drop my class halfway through because of this, and I did not get my money back for it! - JamesTDG -->==<br />
*AutoCAD - Autodesk's flagship CAD software, used for free-form 2D and 3D design<br />
*Revit - 3D design software that is primarily used by architects, engineers, and structural designers to design, draft, and model buildings and other structures<br />
*Autodesk Inventor - 3D digital modeling<br />
*Autodesk Fusion - 3D digital modeling<br />
*Civil 3D - 3D design focused on civil infrastructure<br />
*3ds Max - 3D Animation<br />
*Maya - 3D Animation<br />
*Mudbox - 3D digital painting and sculpting<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Autodesk]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Android_Developer_Verification&diff=38479Android Developer Verification2026-02-23T02:57:11Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Google<br />
|StartDate=2025-08-25<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=Google-certified Android devices<br />
|Product=Android<br />
|ArticleType=Service<br />
|Type=Anticompetitive Behavior, Digital restrictions, Privacy<br />
|Description=A planned restriction that forces developers to submit their identity to Google and pay a fee for their apps to be installable onto Android devices.<br />
}}<br />
On August 25th, 2025, [[Google]] announced an upcoming application installation restriction on Google-certified [[Android]] devices, requiring '''all''' developers to register and verify their real-life identity through the Developer Verification program and be approved by Google before their apps can be installed on Android devices. This requirement extends to '''''all''''' installation methods including "[[sideloading]]", third-party app repositories like [[F-Droid]], and direct APK installations. Google stated that this change "keeps the ecosystem open".<ref>[https://archive.today/2025.08.26-115350/https://web.archive.org/web/20250825180832/https://developer.android.com/developer-verification Android developer console &#x7c; Android developer verification &#x7c; Android Developers]</ref><br />
<br />
This is a giant shift from Android's traditionally open ecosystem and an abandonment of Android's founding principles.<ref>https://source.android.com/about/philosophy.html ([https://archive.today/2012.12.04-171030/https://source.android.com/about/philosophy.html Archive]) Philosophy and Goals &#x7C; Android Open Source] (2012) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20140621023054/http://source.android.com/about/philosophy.html Archived])</ref> It renders all existing APK files created throughout the years useless, and gives Google the ability to censor apps they dislike, such as those that can create permanent local backups of YouTube videos outside of Google's ecosystem with no [[data lock-in]] (a popular example being TubeMate), and lets them terminate developers out of spite for reasons unrelated to their apps (such as holding political views Google disagrees with), in addition to giving governments the ability to order Google to censor unwanted apps, similar to what already happened with Apple in China.<ref>[https://www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/apple-censoring-its-app-store-china Apple Is Censoring its App Store for China] - Tech Transparency Projects ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251124220615/https://www.techtransparencyproject.org/articles/apple-censoring-its-app-store-china Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
It also prevents new Android applications from being developed offline with no Internet connection or Google account, given that every package name has to be registered in the developer console. This can prevent even verified developers from creating apps in countries where governments intermittently turn off Internet access, block access to Google services, or selectively block individuals from accessing the Internet.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/30/middleeast/iran-internet-blackout-censorship-intl The future of Iran’s internet connectivity is still bleak, even as weeks-long blackout begins to lift &#x7C; CNN] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223025239/https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/30/middleeast/iran-internet-blackout-censorship-intl Archived])</ref> <br />
<br />
Individuals who lose access to their Google accounts (for example, as a result of losing an authentication factor) would no longer be able register new applications.<ref>[https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ You Can't Control Your Data in the Cloud] - Karl Voit ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260202071758/https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ Archived])</ref> Unlimited offline distribution can also become a thing of the past. Google can impose arbitrary installation quotas, meaning limit the number of installations, like they are planning to do with [[#Limited_distribution|student accounts]]. In the future, Google can also stop accepting submissions for older Android versions altogether, forcing people to purchase new devices to run software that could technically run on their existing device.<br />
<br />
As with any Google service, there exists a possibility that it will shut down entirely, given that Google has a long history of launching and shutting down experimental services.<ref>[https://gcemetery.co/ The Google Cemetery - Dead Google products] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260221111719/https://gcemetery.co/ Archived])</ref><ref>[https://killedbygoogle.com/ Google Graveyard - Killed by Google] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260221152454/https://killedbygoogle.com/ Archived])</ref> If Google shut down the Android Developer Console, no one could develop new Android application anymore, for any device sold with this verification requirement built in.<br />
<br />
==Take action, make our voice heard==<br />
Direct link to the useful resources provided by the [https://techlore.tech Techlore] https://keepandroidopen.org/<br />
<br />
The keep android open website includes the following resources:<br />
<br />
*ways to contact national regulators<br />
*open letter and petitions<br />
*f-droid additional sources<br />
*editorial blogs and press reactions<br />
*public discussions<br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
Android has historically allowed users to freely install applications from any source through APK files (sometimes called [[sideloading]]). This openness differentiated Android from competitors like iOS. It enabled alternative app repositories, including open-source repositories like [[F-Droid]], & direct developer-to-user distribution, offline installation with no Internet connection and Google account required, installation of applications not available in the Play Store (such as ''Flappy Bird'', after it was taken down by its developer, or ''TubeMate'', which Google does not allow on the Play Store), and installation of earlier versions (such as non-adware versions of ''ES File Explorer'').<br />
<br />
The only technical requirements were that applications follow Android's technical guidelines for functionality & be signed with any certificate to maintain a chain of trust during updates.<br />
<br />
This openness has been a defining characteristic of Android since its inception, supporting many different use cases from enterprise deployments to privacy-focused distributions. Google has defended this approach in antitrust proceedings, with Google's lawyers arguing in the [[Epic Games]] case that "Android and Google Play provide more choice and openness than any other major mobile platform"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-11 |title=Fortnite maker Epic Games wins its antitrust fight against Google |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/11/epic-games-google-antitrust-win/ |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=TechCrunch |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126195055/https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/11/epic-games-google-antitrust-win/ |archive-date=26 Nov 2025}}</ref> & that the company's app store practices were "part of its fierce competition with Apple".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-12 |title=Epic Games wins antitrust lawsuit against Google |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/11/epic-google-trial-verdict/ |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=The Washington Post |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723224500/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/12/11/epic-google-trial-verdict/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Announcement and rationale==<br />
Google announced the Developer Verification requirements on August 25th, 2025, through the Android Developers Blog.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Android Developers Blog: A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825180832/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |archive-date=2025-08-25 |access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref> According to Suzanne Frey, VP of Product, Trust & Growth for Android, the system is designed to combat malicious actors who "''hide behind anonymity to harm users by impersonating developers and using their brand image to create convincing fake apps."''<br />
<br />
Google cited security statistics showing ''"over 50 times more malware from internet-sideloaded sources than on apps available through Google Play".''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Google will require developer verification to install Android apps, including sideloading |url=https://9to5google.com/2025/08/25/android-apps-developer-verification/ |website=9to5Google |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211442/https://9to5google.com/2025/08/25/android-apps-developer-verification/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref> The company framed the verification as ''"an ID check at the airport, which confirms a traveler's identity but is separate from the security screening of their bags".''<br />
<br />
===Implementation timeline===<br />
The implementation will be conducted in global rollout phases:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Android developer verification {{!}} Android Developers |url=https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/android-developer-console |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250825204008/https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/android-developer-console |archive-date=2025-08-25 |access-date=2025-08-25}}</ref><br />
<br />
*'''October 2025''': Early access opens for invited developers<br />
*'''March 2026''': Open to all developers<br />
*'''September 2026''': Enforcement begins in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand<br />
*'''2027 and beyond''': Global rollout continues<br />
<br />
Key implementation details:<br />
*No grandfather clauses for existing apps or developers<br />
*[[wikipedia:Google_Play|Play Store]] developers likely already meet requirements through 2023's D-U-N-S implementation<br />
*Organizations requiring D-U-N-S numbers should begin the process 28 days before deadlines<br />
*Developers can initiate verification 60 days before enforcement<br />
*90-day deadline extensions available for developers needing additional time<br />
*After deadlines, users encounter system-level blocks with no override option when attempting to install unverified apps<br />
<br />
=== Updates ===<br />
Google announced that it is developing an 'advanced flow' for 'experienced users' to be able to install apps from unverified developers and described the process as 'high-friction'.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Forsythe |first=Matthew |date=12 Nov 2025 |title=Android developer verification: Early access starts now as we continue to build with your feedback |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/11/android-developer-verification-early.html}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260221030624/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/11/android-developer-verification-early.html Archived])</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=19 Jan 2026 |title=Google calls Android’s new sideloading flow ‘high friction’ |url=https://9to5google.com/2026/01/19/google-calls-androids-new-sideloading-flow-high-friction/}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260120014243/https://9to5google.com/2026/01/19/google-calls-androids-new-sideloading-flow-high-friction/ Archived])</ref> Free and open software distributor, F-Droid, clarified in a blog post that the android developer program remains to a credible threat to open source ecosystem on android and added a banner on the website as well as app linking to https://keepandroidopen.org/, for informing the dangers and recommending users to voice their concerns to relevant authority.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Feb 2026 |title=Keep Android Open - TWIF curated on Friday, 20 Feb 2026, Week 8 - f-droid.org |url=https://f-droid.org/en/2026/02/20/twif.html}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223025319/https://f-droid.org/en/2026/02/20/twif.html Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
==Technical implementation==<br />
<br />
===Distribution types===<br />
The Developer Verification system creates two tiers of developer accounts:<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
====Limited distribution====<br />
*Allows for distribution on up to 20 devices<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Android Developer Console: Account creation form |url=https://get.google.com/adc-early-access/u/0/onboarding |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=Android Developer Console}} ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223010845/https://accounts.google.com/v3/signin/identifier?continue=https%3A%2F%2Fget.google.com%2Fadc-early-access%2Fu%2F0%2Fonboarding&dsh=S-116450265%3A1771808922850823&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fget.google.com%2Fadc-early-access%2Fu%2F0%2Fonboarding&ifkv=ASfE1-qms7IwZjbAdjvxowYFy5Kb9DL9vPDu06W9LMpkaBqy285wVRrX7HSp5xXdFaxXqzHM9tztDA&osid=1&passive=1209600&flowName=WebLiteSignIn&flowEntry=ServiceLogin Archived])</ref><br />
*Intended for ''"students, hobbyists, and other personal use"''<br />
*Free registration<br />
*Identity verification requirements unclear<br />
<br />
====Full distribution====<br />
*No limits on app numbers or installations<br />
*Intended for ''"organizations and professional developers with wide distribution"''<br />
*Requires a one-time $25 fee<br />
*Requires complete identity verification including:<br />
**Government-issued photo ID<br />
**Proof of address<br />
**Private email<br />
**Phone number<br />
**For organizations: <br />
***Website<br />
***D-U-N-S number (can take up to 28 days to obtain)<br />
<br />
===Package name registration===<br />
Developers must register package names before apps can be installed. The system creates a cryptographic link between developer identity & app signing keys. Ownership priority is determined by installation statistics - developers whose signing keys account for over 50% of known installs receive registration priority.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Updates to Play Console for Android developer verification: A first look |url=https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/assets/pdfs/updates-to-play-console-for-android-developer-verification.pdf |website=Android Developers |access-date=2025-09-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128020558/https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/assets/pdfs/updates-to-play-console-for-android-developer-verification.pdf |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Resources {{!}} Android developer verification {{!}} Android Developers |url=https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/resources |website=Android Developers |access-date=2025-08-25}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251123194919/https://developer.android.com/developer-verification/guides/resources Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
===Affected devices===<br />
The requirements apply to all ''"[https://www.android.com/certified/partners/ Google-certified Android devices]"'' which includes:<br />
*Devices with Google Play Store<br />
*Devices with [[Google Mobile Services]] (GMS)<br />
*Devices with Play Protect<br />
*All mainstream Android devices from manufacturers including Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, OnePlus, and Google Pixel<br />
<br />
Custom ROMs without Google services & uncertified devices are not affected by these restrictions.<br />
<br />
==Developer response==<br />
<br />
===Technical concerns===<br />
Prominent Android developer Mark Murphy (CommonsWare) raised several technical concerns:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=Uncomfortable Questions About Android Developer Verification |url=https://commonsware.com/blog/2025/08/26/uncomfortable-questions-android-developer-verification.html |website=CommonsWare |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251121201157/https://commonsware.com/blog/2025/08/26/uncomfortable-questions-android-developer-verification.html |archive-date=21 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
*Debug keystore handling for development workflows remains unaddressed<br />
*Sample code from Android development books would become unusable as "at most one person on the entire planet" could register each package name<br />
*Beta testing workflows using different package names face complications<br />
*Questions whether "it will no longer be possible to test apps under development on Google-certified production hardware" after 2027<br />
<br />
===Privacy and safety concerns===<br />
Developers expressed significant privacy concerns:<br />
*Murphy cited the ICEBlock app developer who faced federal prosecution threats after identity disclosure, with his wife being fired from a DOJ job<br />
*EFF, Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticized risks of centralization in censorship as well as surveillance capability retained by Google<ref>{{Cite web |last=McSherry |first=Corynne |date=2025-11-03 |title=Application Gatekeeping: An Ever-Expanding Pathway to Internet Censorship |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/11/application-gatekeeping-ever-expanding-pathway-internet-censorship |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111101548/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/11/application-gatekeeping-ever-expanding-pathway-internet-censorship |archive-date=2025-11-11}}</ref><br />
*Google's privacy policy allows sharing developer information with ''"trusted businesses or persons"'' without clear restrictions<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy |url=https://news.itsfoss.com/new-android-sideloading-rules/ |website=It's FOSS |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107074008/https://news.itsfoss.com/new-android-sideloading-rules/ |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
*Open source developers fear harassment and doxxing after forced identity disclosure<br />
*F-Droid mentions that play store verification is proven to be ineffective at combating malware due to repeated instances of malware distributed through play store<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arntz |first=Pieter |date=2025-09-17 |title=224 malicious apps removed from the Google Play Store after ad fraud campaign discovered |url=https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/09/224-malicious-apps-removed-from-the-google-play-store-after-ad-fraud-campaign-discovered |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005173848/www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2025/09/224-malicious-apps-removed-from-the-google-play-store-after-ad-fraud-campaign-discovered |archive-date=2025-10-05 |website=malwarebytes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Lain |date=2025-08-26 |title=Malware-ridden apps made it into Google's Play Store, scored 19 million downloads |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/apps_android_malware/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005173850/www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/apps_android_malware/ |archive-date=2025-10-05 |website=The Register}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Open source community impact===<br />
The F-Droid community reacted strongly, with one forum member stating: "F*** Google. Use GrapheneOS to drop Android... I find this development downright alarming".<ref>{{Cite web |title=FAQ - App Developers {{!}} F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository |url=https://f-droid.org/en/docs/FAQ_-_App_Developers/ |website=F-Droid |access-date=2025-08-29}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260116144646/https://f-droid.org/en/docs/FAQ_-_App_Developers/ Archived])</ref> Specific challenges include:<br />
*F-Droid builds apps from source with its own signing keys, creating coordination requirements with upstream developers to ensure that the applications distributed are reproducible<br />
*Community estimates suggest 85% of F-Droid apps could be "stuck in limbo" due to package ID conflicts<br />
*Some developers announced via [https://github.com/woheller69/FreeDroidWarn FreeDroidWarn] that their apps "will no longer work on certified Android devices after that time"<br />
*Open source app, Kotatsu, shuts down development citing pressure from Google against sideloading among other threats against its operation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KotatsuApp/Kotatsu: Manga reader for android |url=https://github.com/KotatsuApp/Kotatsu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105185519/github.com/KotatsuApp/Kotatsu |archive-date=5 Nov 2025 |access-date=16 Nov 2025 |website=Github}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer and user response==<br />
Google's Q&A page for the announcement received lots of feedback, including:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Q&A: New Android developer verification requirements |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/thread/361325854 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829100055/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/thread/361325854/%F0%9F%92%AC-q-a-new-android-developer-verification-requirements |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=Play Console Help}}</ref><br />
<br />
*Users highlighting the hypocrisy of enforcing security on sideloaded apps while Google Play distributes apps classified as scamware, malware, and adware<br />
*Confusion over whether users would need to pay $25 to install apps on their own devices<br />
*Concerns about offline device functionality (barcode scanners, kiosks) requiring internet connections for app signing verification<br />
*Comparisons to Windows, where users noted: "I can install an app onto a Windows computer from any source without verification by Microsoft"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google to restrict Android app sideloading to verified devs |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |website=The Register |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260119211440/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading/ |archive-date=19 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
*Users voiced their opinions through community wiki, [https://keepandroidopen.org/ keepandroidopen.org] criticizing it as an anti-consumer move since a software update irrevocably blocks right to install any software and requires developers to seek permission from Google to develop apps. The users also noted that it harms digital sovereignty of nations as well as raising questions on placing critical infrastructure "at the mercy of distant and unaccountable organization"<ref>{{Cite web |title=(Archive) Keep Android Open |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109112509/keepandroidopen.org |url-status=live}}</ref><br />
<br />
The Android community produced numerous critical videos,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mental Outlaw |date=2025-08-29 |title=Google is Locking Down Android |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1S0SiBuJN8 |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=L1S0SiBuJN8 |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=BrenTech |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google Will Soon Block Apps from Unverified Developers! Is This The End of Sideloading on Android? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nCgnXByGrY |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TechLore |date=2025-08-27 |title=Android Is Becoming iOS: The End of Sideloading? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxGjwtiI8uM |access-date=2025-08-29 |website=YouTube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=PxGjwtiI8uM |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> with titles like "Google is Locking Down Android" and "Android Is Becoming iOS: The End of Sideloading?"<br />
<br />
==Industry and organizational response==<br />
<br />
===Support===<br />
The Developers Alliance stood as the sole organizational voice supporting the change, with co-founder Jake Ward stating it was "a critical step to ensure trust, accountability, and security across the Android ecosystem".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Developers Alliance Applauds Google's New Android Developer Verification |url=https://news.devalliance.org/developers-alliance-applauds-googles-new-android-developer-verification/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029120724/https://news.devalliance.org/developers-alliance-applauds-googles-new-android-developer-verification/ |archive-date=2025-10-29 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Developers Alliance}}</ref><br />
<br />
Government support emerged from initial rollout regions:<br />
*Brazil's Federation of Banks called it a "significant advancement in protecting users"<br />
*Indonesia's Ministry of Communications praised the "balanced approach that protects users while keeping Android open"<br />
*Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy described it as a "positive and proactive measure"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Google to Verify All Android Developers in 4 Countries to Block Malicious Apps |url=https://thehackernews.com/2025/08/google-to-verify-all-android-developers.html |website=The Hacker News |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128015131/https://thehackernews.com/2025/08/google-to-verify-all-android-developers.html |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Criticism===<br />
Technology publications characterized the change as fundamental to Android's nature:<br />
*The Daily Security Review called it "a significant philosophical shift for Android, mirroring Apple's tightly curated ecosystem"<br />
*Cory Doctorow writes that Google is abusing it's duopoly position in mobile ecosystem to lock-in users for monetary profit<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doctorow |first=Cory |date=2025-09-01 |title=Darth Android |url=https://pluralistic.net/2025/09/01/fulu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012004854/pluralistic.net/2025/09/01/fulu/ |archive-date=2025-10-12}}</ref><br />
*Many news outlets warn that the ID requirements could end alternative app stores and affirm play store's position as an effective monopoly<ref>{{Cite web |last=Debasish |date=30 Sep 2025 |title=Google’s new developer rules could threaten sideloading and F-Droid’s future |url=https://www.gizmochina.com/2025/09/30/googles-new-developer-rules-could-threaten-sideloading-and-f-droids-future/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251102075559/www.gizmochina.com/2025/09/30/googles-new-developer-rules-could-threaten-sideloading-and-f-droids-future/ |archive-date=2 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mous |first=Anton |date=30 Sep 2025 |title=Google’s developer registration ‘decree’ means the end for alternative app stores |url=https://cybernews.com/tech/googles-developer-registration-decree-end-alternative-app-stores/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111111050/https://cybernews.com/tech/googles-developer-registration-decree-end-alternative-app-stores/ |archive-date=11 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
*Afam Onyimadu writes for makeuseof, that the move is an overreach of google's position when programs such as Play Protect already exist, calling it "security theatre"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Onyimadu |first=Afam |date=11 Oct 2025 |title=Android’s sideloading limits are its most anti-consumer move yet |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/androids-sideloading-limits-are-anti-consumer-move-yet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012005122/www.makeuseof.com/androids-sideloading-limits-are-anti-consumer-move-yet/ |archive-date=12 Oct 2025}}</ref><br />
*It's FOSS warned "this could turn Google into the effective gatekeeper for all apps on 'certified' Android devices"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Android Security or Vendor Lock-In? Google's New Sideloading Rules Smell Fishy |url=https://news.itsfoss.com/new-android-sideloading-rules/ |website=It's FOSS |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107074008/https://news.itsfoss.com/new-android-sideloading-rules/ |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
*OSnews criticized it as "the death of our digital freedoms"<br />
*Hackaday noted the timing "coincides with Google's court-mandated opening of Android following Epic Games' antitrust victory"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google Will Require Developer Verification Even For Sideloading |url=https://hackaday.com/2025/08/26/google-will-require-developer-verification-even-for-sideloading/ |website=Hackaday |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203082923/https://hackaday.com/2025/08/26/google-will-require-developer-verification-even-for-sideloading/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Impact on specific use cases==<br />
<br />
===Enterprise and MDM deployments===<br />
NomidMDM advised IT managers to "audit application inventory today" & make sure all line-of-business app developers complete verification before deadlines.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Core Change: Mandatory Verification for All Android Apps |url=https://www.nomidmdm.com/en/blog/the-core-change-mandatory-verification-for-all-android-apps |website=NomidMDM |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209230703/https://www.nomidmdm.com/en/blog/the-core-change-mandatory-verification-for-all-android-apps |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}}</ref> Affected deployments include:<br />
*Wall-mounted displays<br />
*Classroom broadcasting systems<br />
*Shared device configurations<br />
*Kiosk applications<br />
*Industrial control systems<br />
<br />
===Alternative app stores===<br />
F-Droid faces serious challenges with the repository's build-from-source model conflicting with developer verification requirements. Alternative stores must make sure all hosted apps come from verified developers, effectively extending Google's verification to all distribution channels.<br />
<br />
===Educational development===<br />
Educational institutions face challenges as well:<br />
*Student projects require individual verification for testing<br />
*Sample code from textbooks becomes unusable without verification<br />
*Classroom demonstrations need verified developer accounts<br />
*Research projects face additional identity disclosure requirements<br />
<br />
==Regulatory context==<br />
The announcement arrives during active regulatory scrutiny of Google's platform practices:<br />
<br />
===European Union===<br />
The EU [[Digital Markets Act]] investigation issued preliminary findings against Google on March 19, 2025, for self-preferencing and payment system restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-19 |title=Google Search, Play Store falling foul of Digital Markets Act rules, says EU |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/19/google-search-play-store-falling-foul-of-digital-markets-act-rules-says-eu/ |website=TechCrunch |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251123150559/https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/19/google-search-play-store-falling-foul-of-digital-markets-act-rules-says-eu/ |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref> Legal experts note potential conflicts with DMA provisions requiring gatekeepers to permit third-party software installation without the gatekeeper's identification services.<br />
<br />
===United States===<br />
The timing coincides with court-mandated changes following Epic Games' antitrust victory. The FTC outlined remedy concerns in an August 2024 amicus brief after the jury found Google illegally monopolized app distribution.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-29 |title=FTC Outlines Remedy Concerns in Amicus Brief After Jury Finds Google Illegally Monopolized App Store |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/ftc-outlines-remedy-concerns-amicus-brief-after-jury-finds-google-illegally-monopolized-app-store |website=Federal Trade Commission |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116072044/https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/08/ftc-outlines-remedy-concerns-amicus-brief-after-jury-finds-google-illegally-monopolized-app-store |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===United Kingdom===<br />
The UK Competition and Markets Authority continues its Strategic Market Status investigation, with consultation closing on August 20, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SMS investigation into Google's mobile platform |url=https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/sms-investigation-into-googles-mobile-ecosystem |website=GOV.UK |access-date=2025-08-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725034936/https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/sms-investigation-into-googles-mobile-ecosystem |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref> No specific response to the verification requirements has been issued.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Digital Markets Act]]<br />
*[[Sideloading]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Android]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS_%22sliding_clip%22_battery_connector_defect&diff=38473ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect2026-02-23T02:46:27Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductCargo<br />
|Company=Asus<br />
|ProductLine=ROG Zephyrus, Vivobook, Zenbook, TUF Gaming<br />
|ReleaseYear=2020<br />
|InProduction=No<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Category=Laptop<br />
|Description=Asus laptops (2020-24) feature a sliding metal battery clip that causes motherboard shorts during service. 2025 models include a silent tape fix.<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg}}<br />
<br />
'''ASUS laptops manufactured between 2020 and 2024, including the Zephyrus G14 and Strix G16 series, feature a hazardous battery connector design where a non-insulated metal sliding clip can easily pop off its rails during service.'''<br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
Between 2020 and 2024, ASUS implemented a proprietary battery connector design across its primary laptop lines that utilizes a conductive metal sliding bracket. This component is a critical maintenance hazard because the act of disconnecting the battery, which is a mandatory safety requirement for internal service, frequently results in a catastrophic motherboard short circuit.<ref name="G14_Do_Not_Disconnect">1. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/s/T3uiYxLCax "DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY (2020 G14/G15)."] r/ZephyrusG14. Documentation of motherboard failure occurring during standard battery removal procedures.</ref><br />
<br />
Despite the systemic nature of this failure, ASUS routinely denies warranty claims for affected devices, classifying the damage as "Customer Induced Damage" (CID).<ref name="ASUS_CID">2. ASUS Official Support. [https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ "Customer Induced Damage (CID) Criteria (FAQ 1044955)."] The manufacturer's official policy used to deny warranty claims based on internal electrical shorts and "improper maintenance."</ref> This practice effectively forces consumers to pay for motherboard replacements caused by a design flaw. Starting in late 2024, ASUS began applying "silent" insulation fixes to newer models without offering a remedy or acknowledgment for existing owners.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents related to this product.<br />
===Motherboard Short Circuits via "The Maintenance Trap" (2020 to Present)===<br />
{{Main|Asus}}<br />
The "Maintenance Trap" occurs when a consumer follows the manufacturer’s official service manual, which mandates disconnecting the battery before performing upgrades. The uninsulated metal clip is designed without a physical travel stop.<ref name="Vivobook_Design">3. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupportgore/comments/1r46k7n/asus_vivobook_battery_disconnect_shorts_the/ "Asus Vivobook battery disconnect shorts the motherboard by design."] r/techsupportgore. Technical breakdown of the conductive path and the lack of physical stops on the metal bracket.</ref> Sliding it just 1mm too far or "pushing it out" entirely off its rails allows the metal to bridge the 19V power rail to nearby motherboard components.<ref name="G14_Short_Case">4. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ "Metal Battery Clip in Asus ROG G14 2022 Cause Catastrophic Short."] r/ZephyrusG14. Incident report of a motherboard failure caused specifically by the clip popping off its rails during a RAM upgrade.</ref> This results in blown charging ICs or burnt PCB traces.<ref name="HardwareGore_Asus">5. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwaregore/comments/161uliy/thanks_asus_for_putting_a_metal_lock_on_the/ "Thanks ASUS for putting a metal lock on the battery."] r/hardwaregore. Visual documentation of the specific motherboard components (KBC/PMIC) destroyed by the clip's over-travel.</ref> Because the damage occurs during a user-initiated upgrade, ASUS utilizes its "improper maintenance" warranty exclusion to deny redress.<ref name="ROG_Forum_Throttling">6. ROG Community Forum. [https://web.archive.org/web/20250815103107/https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 "Loss of CPU performance after short circuit in the battery connector."] User report documenting permanent hardware throttling and damage following a connector-related short circuit.</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Right to repair]]<br />
*[[Planned obsolescence]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|refs=<br />
<ref name="G14_Do_Not_Disconnect">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/s/T3uiYxLCax "DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY (2020 G14/G15)."] r/ZephyrusG14. Documentation of motherboard failure during routine battery removal.</ref><br />
<ref name="ASUS_CID">ASUS Support. [https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ "Customer Induced Damage (CID) Criteria."] Official FAQ 1044955.</ref><br />
<ref name="Vivobook_Design">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupportgore/comments/1r46k7n/asus_vivobook_battery_disconnect_shorts_the/ "Asus Vivobook battery disconnect shorts the motherboard by design."] r/techsupportgore.</ref><br />
<ref name="G14_Short_Case">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ "Metal Battery Clip in Asus ROG G14 2022 Cause Catastrophic Short."] r/ZephyrusG14.</ref><br />
<ref name="HardwareGore_Asus">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwaregore/comments/161uliy/thanks_asus_for_putting_a_metal_lock_on_the/ "Thanks ASUS for putting a metal lock on the battery."] r/hardwaregore.</ref><br />
<ref name="ROG_Forum_Throttling">ROG Forum. [https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 "Loss of CPU performance after short circuit in the battery connector."] Official community documentation of performance throttling post-short.</ref><br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Laptops]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS_%22sliding_clip%22_battery_connector_defect&diff=38469ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect2026-02-23T02:38:37Z<p>Banana: Undo revision 38409 by Bananabot (talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductCargo<br />
|Company=Asus<br />
|ProductLine=ROG Zephyrus, Vivobook, Zenbook, TUF Gaming<br />
|ReleaseYear=2020<br />
|InProduction=No<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Category=Laptop<br />
|Description=Asus laptops (2020-24) feature a sliding metal battery clip that causes motherboard shorts during service. 2025 models include a silent tape fix.<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg}}<br />
<br />
'''ASUS laptops manufactured between 2020 and 2024, including the Zephyrus G14 and Strix G16 series, feature a hazardous battery connector design where a non-insulated metal sliding clip can easily pop off its rails during service.'''<br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
Between 2020 and 2024, ASUS implemented a proprietary battery connector design across its primary laptop lines that utilizes a conductive metal sliding bracket. This component is a critical maintenance hazard because the act of disconnecting the battery, which is a mandatory safety requirement for internal service, frequently results in a catastrophic motherboard short circuit.<ref name="G14_Do_Not_Disconnect">1. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/s/T3uiYxLCax "DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY (2020 G14/G15)."] r/ZephyrusG14. Documentation of motherboard failure occurring during standard battery removal procedures.</ref><br />
<br />
Despite the systemic nature of this failure, ASUS routinely denies warranty claims for affected devices, classifying the damage as "Customer Induced Damage" (CID).<ref name="ASUS_CID">2. ASUS Official Support. [https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ "Customer Induced Damage (CID) Criteria (FAQ 1044955)."] The manufacturer's official policy used to deny warranty claims based on internal electrical shorts and "improper maintenance."</ref> This practice effectively forces consumers to pay for motherboard replacements caused by a design flaw. Starting in late 2024, ASUS began applying "silent" insulation fixes to newer models without offering a remedy or acknowledgment for existing owners.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents related to this product.<br />
===Motherboard Short Circuits via "The Maintenance Trap" (2020 to Present)===<br />
{{Main|Asus}}<br />
The "Maintenance Trap" occurs when a consumer follows the manufacturer’s official service manual, which mandates disconnecting the battery before performing upgrades. The uninsulated metal clip is designed without a physical travel stop.<ref name="Vivobook_Design">3. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupportgore/comments/1r46k7n/asus_vivobook_battery_disconnect_shorts_the/ "Asus Vivobook battery disconnect shorts the motherboard by design."] r/techsupportgore. Technical breakdown of the conductive path and the lack of physical stops on the metal bracket.</ref> Sliding it just 1mm too far or "pushing it out" entirely off its rails allows the metal to bridge the 19V power rail to nearby motherboard components.<ref name="G14_Short_Case">4. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ "Metal Battery Clip in Asus ROG G14 2022 Cause Catastrophic Short."] r/ZephyrusG14. Incident report of a motherboard failure caused specifically by the clip popping off its rails during a RAM upgrade.</ref> This results in blown charging ICs or burnt PCB traces.<ref name="HardwareGore_Asus">5. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwaregore/comments/161uliy/thanks_asus_for_putting_a_metal_lock_on_the/ "Thanks ASUS for putting a metal lock on the battery."] r/hardwaregore. Visual documentation of the specific motherboard components (KBC/PMIC) destroyed by the clip's over-travel.</ref> Because the damage occurs during a user-initiated upgrade, ASUS utilizes its "improper maintenance" warranty exclusion to deny redress.<ref name="ROG_Forum_Throttling">6. ROG Community Forum. [https://web.archive.org/web/20250815103107/https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 "Loss of CPU performance after short circuit in the battery connector."] User report documenting permanent hardware throttling and damage following a connector-related short circuit.</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Right to repair]]<br />
*[[Planned obsolescence]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|refs=<br />
<ref name="G14_Do_Not_Disconnect">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/s/T3uiYxLCax "DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY (2020 G14/G15)."] r/ZephyrusG14. Documentation of motherboard failure during routine battery removal.</ref><br />
<ref name="ASUS_CID">ASUS Support. [https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ "Customer Induced Damage (CID) Criteria."] Official FAQ 1044955.</ref><br />
<ref name="Vivobook_Design">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupportgore/comments/1r46k7n/asus_vivobook_battery_disconnect_shorts_the/ "Asus Vivobook battery disconnect shorts the motherboard by design."] r/techsupportgore.</ref><br />
<ref name="G14_Short_Case">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ "Metal Battery Clip in Asus ROG G14 2022 Cause Catastrophic Short."] r/ZephyrusG14.</ref><br />
<ref name="HardwareGore_Asus">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwaregore/comments/161uliy/thanks_asus_for_putting_a_metal_lock_on_the/ "Thanks ASUS for putting a metal lock on the battery."] r/hardwaregore.</ref><br />
<ref name="ROG_Forum_Throttling">ROG Forum. [https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 "Loss of CPU performance after short circuit in the battery connector."] Official community documentation of performance throttling post-short.</ref><br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Laptops]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS_%22sliding_clip%22_battery_connector_defect&diff=38468ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect2026-02-23T02:36:08Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductCargo<br />
|Company=Asus<br />
|ProductLine=ROG Zephyrus, Vivobook, Zenbook, TUF Gaming<br />
|ReleaseYear=2020<br />
|InProduction=No<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Category=Laptop<br />
|Description=Asus laptops (2020-24) feature a sliding metal battery clip that causes motherboard shorts during service. 2025 models include a silent tape fix.<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg}}<br />
<br />
'''ASUS laptops manufactured between 2020 and 2024, including the Zephyrus G14 and Strix G16 series, feature a hazardous battery connector design where a non-insulated metal sliding clip can easily pop off its rails during service.'''<br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
Between 2020 and 2024, ASUS implemented a proprietary battery connector design across its primary laptop lines that utilizes a conductive metal sliding bracket. This component is a critical maintenance hazard because the act of disconnecting the battery, which is a mandatory safety requirement for internal service, frequently results in a catastrophic motherboard short circuit.<ref name="G14_Do_Not_Disconnect">1. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/s/T3uiYxLCax "DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY (2020 G14/G15)."] r/ZephyrusG14. Documentation of motherboard failure occurring during standard battery removal procedures.</ref><br />
<br />
Despite the systemic nature of this failure, ASUS routinely denies warranty claims for affected devices, classifying the damage as "Customer Induced Damage" (CID).<ref name="ASUS_CID">2. ASUS Official Support. [https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251201223103/https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ Archived]) "Customer Induced Damage (CID) Criteria (FAQ 1044955)."] The manufacturer's official policy used to deny warranty claims based on internal electrical shorts and "improper maintenance."</ref> This practice effectively forces consumers to pay for motherboard replacements caused by a design flaw. Starting in late 2024, ASUS began applying "silent" insulation fixes to newer models without offering a remedy or acknowledgment for existing owners.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents related to this product.<br />
===Motherboard Short Circuits via "The Maintenance Trap" (2020 to Present)===<br />
{{Main|Asus}}<br />
The "Maintenance Trap" occurs when a consumer follows the manufacturer’s official service manual, which mandates disconnecting the battery before performing upgrades. The uninsulated metal clip is designed without a physical travel stop.<ref name="Vivobook_Design">3. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupportgore/comments/1r46k7n/asus_vivobook_battery_disconnect_shorts_the/ "Asus Vivobook battery disconnect shorts the motherboard by design."] r/techsupportgore. Technical breakdown of the conductive path and the lack of physical stops on the metal bracket.</ref> Sliding it just 1mm too far or "pushing it out" entirely off its rails allows the metal to bridge the 19V power rail to nearby motherboard components.<ref name="G14_Short_Case">4. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20230208191728/https://old.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ Archived]) "Metal Battery Clip in Asus ROG G14 2022 Cause Catastrophic Short."] r/ZephyrusG14. Incident report of a motherboard failure caused specifically by the clip popping off its rails during a RAM upgrade.</ref> This results in blown charging ICs or burnt PCB traces.<ref name="HardwareGore_Asus">5. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwaregore/comments/161uliy/thanks_asus_for_putting_a_metal_lock_on_the/ "Thanks ASUS for putting a metal lock on the battery."] r/hardwaregore. Visual documentation of the specific motherboard components (KBC/PMIC) destroyed by the clip's over-travel.</ref> Because the damage occurs during a user-initiated upgrade, ASUS utilizes its "improper maintenance" warranty exclusion to deny redress.<ref name="ROG_Forum_Throttling">6. ROG Community Forum. [https://web.archive.org/web/20250815103107/https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815103107/https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 Archived]) "Loss of CPU performance after short circuit in the battery connector."] User report documenting permanent hardware throttling and damage following a connector-related short circuit.</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Right to repair]]<br />
*[[Planned obsolescence]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|refs=<br />
<ref name="G14_Do_Not_Disconnect">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/s/T3uiYxLCax "DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY (2020 G14/G15)."] r/ZephyrusG14. Documentation of motherboard failure during routine battery removal.</ref><br />
<ref name="ASUS_CID">ASUS Support. [https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ "Customer Induced Damage (CID) Criteria."] Official FAQ 1044955.</ref><br />
<ref name="Vivobook_Design">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupportgore/comments/1r46k7n/asus_vivobook_battery_disconnect_shorts_the/ "Asus Vivobook battery disconnect shorts the motherboard by design."] r/techsupportgore.</ref><br />
<ref name="G14_Short_Case">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ "Metal Battery Clip in Asus ROG G14 2022 Cause Catastrophic Short."] r/ZephyrusG14.</ref><br />
<ref name="HardwareGore_Asus">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwaregore/comments/161uliy/thanks_asus_for_putting_a_metal_lock_on_the/ "Thanks ASUS for putting a metal lock on the battery."] r/hardwaregore.</ref><br />
<ref name="ROG_Forum_Throttling">ROG Forum. [https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 "Loss of CPU performance after short circuit in the battery connector."] Official community documentation of performance throttling post-short.</ref><br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Laptops]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38460ASUS2026-02-23T02:16:48Z<p>Banana: MAnually fixed citations</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260206165729/https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Archived]) </ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251014125638/https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Archived])</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005329/https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223010005/https://old.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ Archived])</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005411/https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%C2%B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216104715/https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Archived])</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck] ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251102151541/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Archived]) </ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38459ASUS2026-02-23T02:14:46Z<p>Banana: Undo revision 38407 by Bananabot (talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260206165729/https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Archived]) Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251014125638/https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Archived]) Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005329/https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report Archived]) ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223010005/https://old.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ Archived]) ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005411/https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%C2%B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 Archived]) High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216104715/https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Archived]) Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251102151541/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Archived]) Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38458ASUS2026-02-23T02:13:52Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260206165729/https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260206165729/https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Archived]) Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251014125638/https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251014125638/https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Archived]) Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005329/https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005329/https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report Archived]) ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223010005/https://old.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ Archived]) ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260223010005/https://old.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ Archived]) ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005411/https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%C2%B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005411/https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%C2%B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 Archived]) High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216104715/https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216104715/https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Archived]) Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251102151541/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251102151541/https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Archived]) Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38456ASUS2026-02-23T02:09:45Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38453ASUS2026-02-23T02:07:18Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38447ASUS2026-02-23T02:01:25Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38444ASUS2026-02-23T01:58:42Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38442ASUS2026-02-23T01:57:30Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38439ASUS2026-02-23T01:53:34Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38437ASUS2026-02-23T01:48:56Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38433ASUS2026-02-23T01:46:01Z<p>Banana: testing</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38430ASUS2026-02-23T01:41:20Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38428ASUS2026-02-23T01:38:32Z<p>Banana: Sorry for testing</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38424ASUS2026-02-23T01:27:53Z<p>Banana: fixing after bot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
<br />
Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
<br />
Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=AirPods&diff=38422AirPods2026-02-23T01:21:50Z<p>Banana: Undo revision 38413 by Bananabot (talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{Cleanup}}<br />
{{ProductLineCargo<br />
| ReleaseYear = 2016-12-13<br />
| Website = https://apple.com/airpods<br />
| Logo = AirPods logo.svg<br />
|ArticleType=ProductLine|Category=Wireless earbuds|Company=Apple|InProduction=Yes}}<br />
<br />
'''AirPods''' are wireless earbuds designed by [[Apple]]. They first debuted on September 07, 2016, alongside the iPhone 7, and were released on December 13, 2016.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 Sep 2016 |title=Apple reinvents the wireless headphone with AirPods |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044455/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2016/09/apple-reinvents-the-wireless-headphones-with-airpods/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
AirPods are designed in a way that makes them unrepairable, leading to customers having to buy a new pair after a few years of use. Apple can replace them, but won't repair them or help you do it yourself. According to an expert from iFixit:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Dalvin |date=20 Apr 2023 |title=Apple Doesn’t Repair AirPods. Here’s Why. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omMPJEoZGJE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=omMPJEoZGJE |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=Youtube |publisher=Wall Street Journal}}</ref><blockquote>If you want to take this apart, non-destructively, to replace the batteries, as far as I know, that's impossible.[[File:Airpods-pro-3-carepricecomparison.png|alt=an image depicting the price difference between normal Apple service and AppleCare service.|thumb|Price difference between normal Apple service and AppleCare service.]]</blockquote>The rechargeable batteries in AirPods can see fast-tracked degradation at a certain number of battery cycles,<ref name=":1" /> with two-year-old sets lasting for less than half of the advertised five hours.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elalj |first=Simo |date=2024-04-16 |title=How Long Do AirPods Last? (Battery & Lifespan) |url=https://www.refurb.me/blog/how-long-do-airpods-last-battery-lifespan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723215441/https://www.refurb.me/blog/how-long-do-airpods-last-battery-lifespan |archive-date=2025-07-23 |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=RefurbMe}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Apple Service and Repair for AirPods |url=https://support.apple.com/airpods/repair?services=service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220050147/https://support.apple.com/airpods/repair?services=service |archive-date=2026-02-20 |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Apple}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Up until September 22, 2023, Apple used their proprietary Lightning connector on the AirPods' charging case.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Borresen |first=Jennifer |date=22 Sep 2023 |title=iPhone 15 pro uses USB-C charger: An exploration of how Apple got here |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044745/https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2023/09/22/iphone-15-pro-usb-c-charger-explained/70916655007/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=24 Nov 2025 |website=USA Today}}</ref><br />
<br />
Apple has a program to service batteries and purchase replacement individual AirPods and charging cases. The replacement of one or both AirPods or the charging case has a lower price with AppleCare+ than without. Apple offers battery servicing for free with AppleCare+ and for a fee without.<ref name=":2" /><br />
<br />
===User Freedom===<br />
The features that AirPods are marketed with restrict interoperability, because the customer can only get them within the Apple ecosystem. When used with non-Apple products the functionality is on par with a basic wireless headphone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Christian |date=2025-03-26 |title=Don't use AirPods with Android |url=https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407044828/https://www.soundguys.com/dont-use-airpods-android-20767/ |archive-date=2025-04-07 |access-date=2026-01-05 |website=SOUNDGUYS}}</ref> However there have been projects attempting to regain marketed features of AirPods with non-apple products, such as LibrePods.<ref>https://github.com/cysgodi/librepods</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hardwick |first=Tim |date=2025-11-21 |title=This Free App Unlocks AirPods Features on Android Devices |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/21/librepods-unlocks-airpods-features-android/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251218044102/https://www.macrumors.com/2025/11/21/librepods-unlocks-airpods-features-android/ |archive-date=18 Dec 2025|access-date=2026-02-02 |website=MacRumors}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product line. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].<br />
{{Placeholder box|Replace the placeholder text in the sections below with the incidents that affect this product line and a short summary. Also replace the link so it point to the right company article.}}a link dump for now until myself or someone else does the proper headings:<br />
<br />
<br />
AirPod max moisture issue:<br />
<br />
- https://www.slashgear.com/1918064/what-is-lawsuit-against-apple-airpods-max-headphones/<br />
<br />
- https://web.archive.org/web/20250119175742/https://www.reddit.com/r/Airpodsmax/comments/s64ztx/condensation_broke_my_device_apple_says_theres/<br />
<br />
- https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252267540?sortBy=rank<br />
<br />
<br />
AirPod connection vulnerability:<br />
<br />
- https://www.headphonesty.com/2024/07/apple-fixes-airpods-flaw-users-risk/<br />
<br />
<br />
===Example incident one (''date'')===<br />
{{Main|link to the main article}} {{Placeholder box|Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).}}<br />
<br />
===Example incident two (''date'')===<br />
...<br />
<br />
Incidents affecting all of the company's products can be found in the company article: [[Company article]]<br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
<br />
*AirPods (1st generation) (December 13, 2016<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 March 2025 |title=Every Apple AirPods Generation: A Full History of Release Dates - IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104044220/https://www.ign.com/articles/all-apple-airpods-release-dates-in-order |archive-date=2026-01-04 |website=IGN}}</ref>)<br />
*AirPods (2nd generation) (March 20, 2019<ref name=":0" />)<br />
*AirPods Pro (1st generation) (October 30, 2019<ref name=":0" />)<br />
*AirPods Max (December 15, 2020<ref name=":0" />)<br />
*AirPods (3rd generation) (October 26, 2021<ref name=":0" />)<br />
*AirPods Pro 2 (previously 2nd generation) (September 23, 2022<ref name=":0" />)<br />
*AirPods 4/ANC (September 20, 2024<ref name=":0" />)<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Apple]]<br />
*[[Sony's WF-1000XM4 earbuds]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Airpods]]<br />
[[Category:Apple]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS_%22sliding_clip%22_battery_connector_defect&diff=38421ASUS "sliding clip" battery connector defect2026-02-23T01:21:14Z<p>Banana: Undo revision 38409 by Bananabot (talk)</p>
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<div>{{ProductCargo<br />
|Company=Asus<br />
|ProductLine=ROG Zephyrus, Vivobook, Zenbook, TUF Gaming<br />
|ReleaseYear=2020<br />
|InProduction=No<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Category=Laptop<br />
|Description=Asus laptops (2020-24) feature a sliding metal battery clip that causes motherboard shorts during service. 2025 models include a silent tape fix.<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg}}<br />
<br />
'''ASUS laptops manufactured between 2020 and 2024, including the Zephyrus G14 and Strix G16 series, feature a hazardous battery connector design where a non-insulated metal sliding clip can easily pop off its rails during service.'''<br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
Between 2020 and 2024, ASUS implemented a proprietary battery connector design across its primary laptop lines that utilizes a conductive metal sliding bracket. This component is a critical maintenance hazard because the act of disconnecting the battery, which is a mandatory safety requirement for internal service, frequently results in a catastrophic motherboard short circuit.<ref name="G14_Do_Not_Disconnect">1. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/s/T3uiYxLCax "DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY (2020 G14/G15)."] r/ZephyrusG14. Documentation of motherboard failure occurring during standard battery removal procedures.</ref><br />
<br />
Despite the systemic nature of this failure, ASUS routinely denies warranty claims for affected devices, classifying the damage as "Customer Induced Damage" (CID).<ref name="ASUS_CID">2. ASUS Official Support. [https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ "Customer Induced Damage (CID) Criteria (FAQ 1044955)."] The manufacturer's official policy used to deny warranty claims based on internal electrical shorts and "improper maintenance."</ref> This practice effectively forces consumers to pay for motherboard replacements caused by a design flaw. Starting in late 2024, ASUS began applying "silent" insulation fixes to newer models without offering a remedy or acknowledgment for existing owners.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents related to this product.<br />
===Motherboard Short Circuits via "The Maintenance Trap" (2020 to Present)===<br />
{{Main|Asus}}<br />
The "Maintenance Trap" occurs when a consumer follows the manufacturer’s official service manual, which mandates disconnecting the battery before performing upgrades. The uninsulated metal clip is designed without a physical travel stop.<ref name="Vivobook_Design">3. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupportgore/comments/1r46k7n/asus_vivobook_battery_disconnect_shorts_the/ "Asus Vivobook battery disconnect shorts the motherboard by design."] r/techsupportgore. Technical breakdown of the conductive path and the lack of physical stops on the metal bracket.</ref> Sliding it just 1mm too far or "pushing it out" entirely off its rails allows the metal to bridge the 19V power rail to nearby motherboard components.<ref name="G14_Short_Case">4. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ "Metal Battery Clip in Asus ROG G14 2022 Cause Catastrophic Short."] r/ZephyrusG14. Incident report of a motherboard failure caused specifically by the clip popping off its rails during a RAM upgrade.</ref> This results in blown charging ICs or burnt PCB traces.<ref name="HardwareGore_Asus">5. Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwaregore/comments/161uliy/thanks_asus_for_putting_a_metal_lock_on_the/ "Thanks ASUS for putting a metal lock on the battery."] r/hardwaregore. Visual documentation of the specific motherboard components (KBC/PMIC) destroyed by the clip's over-travel.</ref> Because the damage occurs during a user-initiated upgrade, ASUS utilizes its "improper maintenance" warranty exclusion to deny redress.<ref name="ROG_Forum_Throttling">6. ROG Community Forum. [https://web.archive.org/web/20250815103107/https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 "Loss of CPU performance after short circuit in the battery connector."] User report documenting permanent hardware throttling and damage following a connector-related short circuit.</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Right to repair]]<br />
*[[Planned obsolescence]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist|refs=<br />
<ref name="G14_Do_Not_Disconnect">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/s/T3uiYxLCax "DO NOT DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY (2020 G14/G15)."] r/ZephyrusG14. Documentation of motherboard failure during routine battery removal.</ref><br />
<ref name="ASUS_CID">ASUS Support. [https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1044955/ "Customer Induced Damage (CID) Criteria."] Official FAQ 1044955.</ref><br />
<ref name="Vivobook_Design">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupportgore/comments/1r46k7n/asus_vivobook_battery_disconnect_shorts_the/ "Asus Vivobook battery disconnect shorts the motherboard by design."] r/techsupportgore.</ref><br />
<ref name="G14_Short_Case">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG14/comments/10x712m/metal_battery_clip_in_asus_rog_g14_2022_cause/ "Metal Battery Clip in Asus ROG G14 2022 Cause Catastrophic Short."] r/ZephyrusG14.</ref><br />
<ref name="HardwareGore_Asus">Reddit. [https://www.reddit.com/r/hardwaregore/comments/161uliy/thanks_asus_for_putting_a_metal_lock_on_the/ "Thanks ASUS for putting a metal lock on the battery."] r/hardwaregore.</ref><br />
<ref name="ROG_Forum_Throttling">ROG Forum. [https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-notebooks/loss-of-cpu-performance-after-short-circuit-in-the-battery/td-p/1000012 "Loss of CPU performance after short circuit in the battery connector."] Official community documentation of performance throttling post-short.</ref><br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Laptops]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Amazon_Kindle&diff=38420Amazon Kindle2026-02-23T01:20:48Z<p>Banana: Undo revision 38411 by Bananabot (talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{ProductLineCargo<br />
|ArticleType=Product, Service<!-- both? the kindles and the kindle store are pretty intertwined--><br />
|Category=E-readers, Publishing<br />
|Company=Amazon<br />
|Description=<br />
|InProduction=Yes<br />
|Logo=Amazon kindle logo.png<br />
|ReleaseYear=2007<br />
|Website=https://amazon.com/kindle<br />
}}<br />
'''Amazon Kindle''' is a product line of e-readers made by '''[[Amazon]]'''.<br />
<br />
=Consumer-impact summary=<br />
{{Ph-C-CIS}}<br />
<br />
==Controversies==<br />
While EPUB has been the widely adopted format for digital books,<ref>{{Cite web |title=EPUB 3.3 |url=https://www.w3.org/TR/epub-33/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128221235/https://www.w3.org/TR/epub-33/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026|access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[w3.org]]}}</ref> the Kindle e-readers do not support this format natively. That means that it is not possible to load these files directly to the e-reader (which is called {{Wplink|sideloading}}), but have to be converted first to one of the proprietary formats the Kindle uses. Books directly purchased through Amazon come with [[DRM]] restrictions.<br />
<br />
Around 2022 it was announced that there would be an option to read these files,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schroeder |first=Stan |date=3 May 2022 |title=Amazon's Kindle will finally support epub files |url=https://mashable.com/article/amazon-kindle-epub |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251018065850/https://mashable.com/article/amazon-kindle-epub |archive-date=18 Oct 2025|access-date=16 Mar 2022 |website=[[Mashable]]}}</ref> which was not through native support but via their e-mail service or dedicated app for the Kindle. Both send the file to the Kindle Cloud Library, and process the file on Amazon servers to the proprietary format. <br />
<br />
As for the sideloading itself, newer firmware versions of Kindle e-readers only work with {{Wplink|Media Transfer Protocol|MTP}},<ref>{{Cite web |author=Nathan |date=20 Oct 2024 |title=Amazon Removed Download and Transfer Option for New Kindles |url=https://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2024/10/20/amazon-removed-download-and-transfer-option-for-new-kindles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251014062925/https://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2024/10/20/amazon-removed-download-and-transfer-option-for-new-kindles/ |archive-date=14 Oct 2025|access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Ebook Reader]]}}</ref> which led to controversy among {{Wplink|power user}}s as it disrupted existing workflow, which is to be expected. Book management software like Calibre<ref>{{Cite web |author=Kovid Goyal |date= |title=calibre - E-book management |url=https://www.calibre-ebook.com |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222054742/https://calibre-ebook.com/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-02-06 |website=}}</ref> addresses this issue, and can do the conversion of file formats locally. The recent firmware updates have caused other issues, like faster battery drain than before and a slower user experience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kozlowski |first=Micheal |date=20 Aug 2024 |title=The Amazon Kindle is in a state of decline |url=https://goodereader.com/blog/kindle/the-amazon-kindle-is-in-a-state-of-decline |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219161317/https://goodereader.com/blog/kindle/the-amazon-kindle-is-in-a-state-of-decline |archive-date=19 Dec 2025|access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Good EReader]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Anti-repair and anti-ownership practices===<br />
Kindle devices regularly receive bad scores in repair reviews.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frauenheim |first=Carsten |title=Kindle 11 Repair |url=https://it.ifixit.com/Device/Kindle_11 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221125927/https://it.ifixit.com/Device/Kindle_11 |archive-date=21 Feb 2026|access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[iFixit]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Kris |title=Kindle Paperwhite 5 (11th Generation) Repair |url=https://ifixit.com/Device/Kindle_Paperwhite_11th_Generation |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212013608/https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Kindle_Paperwhite_11th_Generation |archive-date=12 Dec 2025|access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[iFixit]]}}</ref> The baseline model has a replaceable battery, but provides no official replacement parts or repair instructions, and solders the power button and usb-c port to the motherboard.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">[https://www.ifixit.com/repairability/e-reader-repairability-scores e-reader repairability scores]</ref> The paper-white model uses excessive amounts of adhesive for the battery and motherboard, which make it harder to replace the battery.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Most of the components of the device, most importantly the e-ink screen, are not available to the general market. Any stock for e-ink displays for these devices can rarely be found, and they usually approach the cost of the device itself, making repair uneconomical.<br />
<br />
Kindle devices run a Linux distribution, however the bootloader is locked down and users have had trouble accessing debug ports on newer hardware.{{Citation needed|reason=Personal account}} Adding to this, Amazon relies on proprietary software and drivers which make it difficult to port a standard mainline Linux kernel onto their devices.{{Citation needed|date=30 Nov 2025}}<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents related to this product line. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [:Category:{{PAGENAME}} {{PAGENAME}} category].<br />
<br />
===Download feature removed for purchased books (2025.02.26)===<br />
{{Main|Amazon Kindle removes download feature of purchased books}}<br />
[[File:Fyi-amazon-is-removing-download-transfer-option-on-feb-26th-v0-s7wd6fm1rqie1.webp|alt=Amazon notice about removing download capability|thumb|Amazon notice about removing download capability.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |date=12 Feb 2025 |title=FYI Amazon is removing Download & Transfer option on Feb 26th |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/kindle/comments/1inr9uy/fyi_amazon_is_removing_download_transfer_option/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250804001513/https://old.reddit.com/r/kindle/comments/1inr9uy/fyi_amazon_is_removing_download_transfer_option/ |archive-date=4 Aug 2025|publisher=Reddit |language=en |format=forum thread}}</ref>]]<br />
On 26 February 2025, [[Amazon]] removed the "download and transfer via USB" feature from their website. This means [[Amazon Kindle]] users are no longer able to download their purchased e-books from Amazon's website to their computers using the "download and transfer via USB" feature. A message describing this change appeared on the page for the download feature a few weeks before the feature was removed.<br />
<br />
===Example incident two (''date'')===<br />
...<br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
{{Ph-C-P}}<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Amazon alters the content of purchased ebooks]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Amazon Kindle]]<br />
[[Category:Amazon]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=ASUS&diff=38419ASUS2026-02-23T01:19:27Z<p>Banana: </p>
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<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Taiwanese tech company known for laptops, phones, networking equipment, and GPUs.<br />
|Founded=1989<br />
|Industry=Computing, Electronics<br />
|Logo=ASUS Logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://asus.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''ASUS''' ('''[[wikipedia:Asus|ASUSTeK Computer Inc]].''') is a multinational technology company headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of computers, laptops, motherboards, graphics cards, and other electronics. ASUS is known for its gaming hardware under the ROG (Republic of Gamers) brand.<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Boot loader unlocking tool disappearing===<br />
{{Main|Asus Charges for Free Service}}<br />
In May 2023, ASUS removed a tool they provided for unlocking the bootloader of their Zenfone and Republic of Gamers (ROG) smartphones. This tool was mentioned in advertising to appeal to tech-savvy customers and was provided free-of-charge. By early 2024, ASUS was charging approximately €185 for this same service.<br />
<br />
===Repair practices===<br />
{{Main|Asus voids warranty of devices sent for repair over minor damages and performs unrelated repairs}}<br />
ASUS customers reported that the company was rejecting their repairs under warranty due to alleged "Customer Induced Damage". An investigation by Gamers Nexus revealed that ASUS's repair process would void the warranty of products and charge for unrelated repairs, despite the customer only mentioning issues that are covered under warranty. A dispute had to be made for ASUS to finally agree to perform the repairs under warranty.<br />
<br />
<br />
Asus sells replacement parts on their [https://partshop.asus.com website], which (In my experience) was cheaper and less hassle than the warranty.<br />
<br />
===Systemic Firmware Negligence and PCI-SIG Violations (2021–2026)===<br />
Between 2021 and 2026, flagship ASUS ROG laptops (including Strix, Scar, and Zephyrus lines) shipped with firmware that violated fundamental hardware programming standards, rendering devices unstable for real-time tasks. Independent forensic analysis revealed that ASUS engineers had placed blocking `Sleep()` commands (specifically `Sleep(0x64)`) inside high-priority Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs).<ref>[https://github.com/Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive Zephkek/Asus-ROG-Aml-Deep-Dive: A deep dive into the ACPI.sys DPC latency problems on Asus ROG laptops - GitHub]</ref><ref>[https://linustechtips.com/topic/1622920-asus-gaming-laptops-have-been-broken-since-2021-a-deep-dive/ Asus Gaming Laptops Have Been Broken Since 2021: A Deep Dive - Linus Tech Tips]</ref> This practice, which is strictly forbidden in kernel-level programming, caused the CPU to hang for over 100 milliseconds at a time, resulting in rhythmic system stutters and audio failure.<ref>[https://www.techpowerup.com/341073/asus-gaming-laptops-from-2021-2024-have-buggy-bios-causing-stuttering-report ASUS Gaming Laptops from 2021-2024 Have Buggy BIOS Causing Stuttering - TechPowerUp]</ref><br />
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Additionally, investigations in 2025 revealed a "broken by design" violation of the PCI-SIG specifications regarding Power Management. The firmware hardcoded a mismatch in Latency Tolerance Reporting (LTR) values between the CPU Root Port (765µs) and the NVIDIA GPU Endpoint (0ns).<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ASUS/comments/1pw1ndb/asus_rog_laptops_are_broken_by_design_a_forensic/ ASUS ROG Laptops are Broken by Design: A Forensic Deep Dive - Reddit]</ref> This synchronization failure caused "Blue Screen of Death" (WHEA 0x124) crashes and black screens on high-end models.<ref>[https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/High-ACPI-sys-DPC-Latency-gt-34-000%25C2%25B5s-on-new-ASUS-ROG-Strix-Scar/m-p/1724004 High ACPI.sys DPC Latency on new ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025) - Intel Community]</ref><br />
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Despite user reports spanning four years, ASUS support routinely misdiagnosed these firmware defects as software or driver conflicts, instructing users to perform ineffective Windows reinstallations or RMAs for hardware that was defective by design. While the ACPI stutter was patched in late 2025 following media outcry,<ref>[https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/asus-ships-beta-bios-to-fix-stuttering-rog-laptops Asus addresses stuttering issues plaguing its gaming laptops - Tom's Hardware]</ref><ref>[https://www.notebookcheck.net/Asus-releases-major-updates-to-ROG-gaming-laptops-with-stuttering-and-performance-interruption-fixes.1126029.0.html Asus releases major updates to ROG gaming laptops with stuttering fixes - NotebookCheck]</ref> the PCIe stability violations persist in 2026 model generations.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Asus]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Anthem_server_shutdown&diff=38418Anthem server shutdown2026-02-23T01:19:06Z<p>Banana: Undo revision 38414 by Bananabot (talk)</p>
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<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Electronic Arts, BioWare<br />
|StartDate=2025-07-03<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|Product=Anthem (game)<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Type=Service Termination<br />
|Description=EA plans to shut down Anthem's always-online servers on January 12, 2026, rendering the game completely unplayable for all owners.<br />
}}{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Missing responses section, both from EA (if any) and consumers|Issue 2=Fix the citations to follow standard formattting}}<br />
On July 3, 2025, [[Electronic Arts]] (EA) and [[BioWare]] announced the "sunsetting", or server shutdown, of their video game ''[[Anthem]],'' with January 12, 2026, set as the shutdown date.<ref name=":0">https://www.ea.com/games/anthem/news/anthem-game-update ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111142943/https://www.ea.com/games/anthem/news/anthem-game-update Archived])</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hore |first=Jamie |date=Jul 3, 2025 |title=Anthem will soon die for good, as Bioware confirms a full server shut down |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/anthem/servers-shutting-down-bioware |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250902201052/https://www.pcgamesn.com/anthem/servers-shutting-down-bioware |archive-date=2 Sep 2025|access-date=Jul 4, 2025 |work=Ars Technica}}</ref> Premium in-game currency was taken off sale on the same day as the announcement,<ref name=":0" /> and the game was removed from the [[EA Play]] and [[Xbox Game Pass Ultimate]] libraries on August 15, 2025.<ref name=":1">https://in.ign.com/bioware-edmonton-project/235520/news/ea-will-shut-down-anthem-in-january ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215215952/https://www.ign.com/articles/ea-will-shut-down-anthem-in-january Archived])</ref> ''[[Anthem]]'' is an "online-only title", so the game will no longer be playable after sunset.<ref name=":0" /><br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
'''<big>Post-Release Trajectory</big>'''<br />
<br />
''[[Anthem]]'' is an online multiplayer role-playing game (RPG) developed by [[BioWare]] and published by EA. The game was released on February 22, 2019,<ref>https://www.gamespot.com/articles/anthem-was-released-two-years-ago-a-quick-recap-of-its-history-and-what-could-come-next/1100-6487883/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251017225723/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/anthem-was-released-two-years-ago-a-quick-recap-of-its-history-and-what-could-come-next/1100-6487883/ Archived])</ref> and had widely "lukewarm reviews",<ref name=":1" /> such as [https://in.ign.com/ IGN]'s 6.5/10 and [https://gameinformer.com Game Informer]'s 7/10.<ref>https://in.ign.com/bioware-edmonton-project ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260211115658/https://in.ign.com/bioware-edmonton-project Archived])</ref><ref name=":2">https://gameinformer.com/review/anthem/grinding-gears ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260215220106/https://gameinformer.com/review/anthem/grinding-gears Archived])</ref> Due to this mixed reception, the game's sales failed to reach EA's March 2019 target of 5-6 million copies,<ref>https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/-i-anthem-i-fell-short-of-ea-s-sales-expectations ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251018072532/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/-i-anthem-i-fell-short-of-ea-s-sales-expectations Archived])</ref> only reaching the milestone in December 2023.<ref name=":1" /> Despite this, active development of the game continued, and a major update dubbed "Anthem 2.0" was announced to be in the works in October 2020.<ref name=":2" /> However, this update was cancelled and active development of the game was discontinued in February 2021 as [[BioWare]] shifted resources towards other projects.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> <br />
<br />
<big>'''Always-Online Functionality'''</big><br />
<br />
''[[Anthem]]'' was designed to be played with up to three other people online,<ref>https://www.ea.com/games/anthem ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260111023948/https://www.ea.com/games/anthem Archived])</ref> so the game has dedicated centralized servers to allow this. Apart from that, the servers are also responsible for all other game operations, which includes single-player missions.<ref>https://anthem.fandom.com/wiki/Anthem ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260115034448/https://anthem.fandom.com/wiki/Anthem Archived])</ref> This means that the functioning of the entire video game is completely dependent upon the operational status of these centralized servers, and that an Internet connection will always be required to play ''[[Anthem]]'', regardless of whether a person fully owns a copy of the game, be it physical or digital.<br />
==Server shutdown==<br />
The [[BioWare]] team posted an update on [https://www.ea.com/games/anthem ''Anthem''<nowiki/>'s website] on July 3, 2025, stating that the game will be sunset on January 12, 2026.<ref name=":0" /> In the FAQ section of the update, the team announced that the game would be removed from the [[EA Play]] library, which removes the game from the [[Xbox Game Pass Ultimate]] library by extension, on <br />
===EA's Terms of Service===<br />
{{Ph-I-ComR}}<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
{{Ph-I-ConR}}<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Electronic Arts]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Advertising_overload&diff=38417Advertising overload2026-02-23T01:18:16Z<p>Banana: Fix after bot</p>
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<div>{{SloppyAI}}{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Bottom section of the article includes AI generated lists|Issue 2=Bottom section of the article NEEDS sources!}}<br />
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Advertising overload refers to the practice of not only integrating advertising as a source of revenue in software and websites, but also increasing the number of ads within platforms that consumers use. This has increasingly caused inconvenience to consumers. A commonly cited issue is the ever-increasing length of unskippable ads, which are forcibly shown even to people who need to watch CPR videos.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Luke |date=5 Jun 2023 |title=YouTube is playing three-minute-long adverts before FIRST AID videos — and they've already been linked to at least one death |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12143973/YouTube-playing-30-second-adverts-AID-videos.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709000810/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12143973/YouTube-playing-30-second-adverts-AID-videos.html |archive-date=2025-07-09 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |work=[[Daily Mail]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube Playing Three Minute Ads Prior To First Aid Videos |url=https://1059themountain.com/mornings/youtube-playing-three-minute-ads-prior-to-first-aid-videos/ |url-status=dead |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=105.9 The Mountain}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Applications in industries==<br />
<br />
===Operating systems===<br />
Operating systems have been experiencing advertising overload, most notably the large market lead [[Windows]]. [[Activision Blizzard|King]]'s Candy Crush frequently comes pre-installed on [[Windows]] 10 operating systems,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moscaritolo |first=Angela |date=15 May 2025 |title=Windows 10 Will Come With Candy Crush Saga Pre-Installed |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-will-come-with-candy-crush-saga-pre-installed |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[PCMag]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250130100032/https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-will-come-with-candy-crush-saga-pre-installed |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> without consumer consent, and this game is additionally loaded with ads.<ref>[https://www.clashofgaming.com/en/problems-with-ads-in-candy-crush-saga-solutions-and-tips Problems with ads in Candy Crush Saga - Solutions and tips]</ref> Microsoft Solitaire Collection, a mainstay title for Windows devices, has had unnecessary ads inserted into the software.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Feb 2020 |title=Unwanted ads in solitaire collection |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unwanted-ads-in-solitaire-collection/814c97f6-30e5-478d-89f0-dfcad1085485 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174717/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unwanted-ads-in-solitaire-collection/814c97f6-30e5-478d-89f0-dfcad1085485 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Aug 2024 |title=How to stop ads on Microsoft Solitaire collection? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/how-to-stop-ads-on-microsoft-solitaire-collection/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Games Learning Society]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250508004832/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/how-to-stop-ads-on-microsoft-solitaire-collection/ |archive-date=8 May 2025}}</ref> Users who purchased Windows 10+ licenses have reported a progressively increasing number of ads within the software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=28 Feb 2021 |title=How to Disable All of Windows 10's Built-in Advertising |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[How-To Geek]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260125093825/https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/ |archive-date=25 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=De Leon |first=Nicholas |date=21 Oct 2024 |title=How to Get Rid of the Ads and Other Shortcomings in Windows 11 |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/windows-11-how-to-get-rid-of-ads-and-other-shortcomings-a7800213441/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Consumer Reports]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723174357/https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/windows-11-how-to-get-rid-of-ads-and-other-shortcomings-a7800213441/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Apr 2023 |title=Every time I login to my PC a screen advertising Game Pass appears. How do I stop this? |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/every-time-i-login-to-my-pc-a-screen-advertising/6f83ad8a-3dab-43ef-871e-979b58965f6f |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174703/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/every-time-i-login-to-my-pc-a-screen-advertising/6f83ad8a-3dab-43ef-871e-979b58965f6f |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> Windows 10 additionally has pop-ups that frequently prompt legacy users to purchase Windows 11-supported hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irwin |first=Kate |date=21 Nov 2024 |title=Microsoft Pushes Copilot+ PCs on Windows 10 Users With Pop-Up Ads |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-pushes-copilot-plus-pcs-on-windows-10-users-with-pop-up-ads |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2024 |website=[[PCMag]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250126125054/https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-pushes-copilot-plus-pcs-on-windows-10-users-with-pop-up-ads |archive-date=26 Jan 2025}}</ref> While it is possible to disable this pop-up via registry editing in Win 10 Pro edition,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stagg |first=Dave |date=Feb 14, 2022 |title=How to disable the Windows 11 Upgrade prompt |url=https://endpointfocus.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-11-upgrade-prompt/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Endpoint Focus |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250130215921/https://endpointfocus.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-11-upgrade-prompt/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> the registries that are changed with this method are the ones which handle receiving any update, including security updates.<br />
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Smart televisions also have been seeing a sharp increase in advertisements within the operating system as well, such as [[Roku]]<ref>https://advertising.roku.com/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260201023014/https://advertising.roku.com/ Archived])</ref> and [[Amazon]] Fire TV.<ref>https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/ad-specs/fire-tv ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251215085117/https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/ad-specs/fire-tv Archived])</ref> [[Roku]] has faced criticism for its plans to introduce ads that appear whenever users pause a game they are playing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=4 Apr 2024 |title=Roku’s New HDMI Tech Could Show Ads When You Pause Your Game |url=https://kotaku.com/roku-patent-hdmi-tech-tv-ads-game-console-pause-screen-1851388976 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174717/https://kotaku.com/roku-patent-hdmi-tech-tv-ads-game-console-pause-screen-1851388976 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This introduces privacy concerns since these detection systems depend on constant spying on consumer's activities.<br />
[[File:Fire TV ads.png|thumb|A screenshot of the home screen for an Amazon Fire TV]]<br />
[[File:Xbox One Dashboard.jpg|thumb|The Xbox One dashboard as of 2022]]<br />
Users of [[Xbox]] One/Series<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=26 Jul 2023 |title=New Xbox Dashboard Looks Great, Still Has Too Many Ads |url=https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725071633/https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Micheals |first=Steve |date=22 Jan 2024 |title=Xbox Gamers Not Happy About Full-Screen Ads |url=https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[GameRant]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724143350/https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> and [[PlayStation]] 4/5 consoles,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=30 Sep 2024 |title=PS5 Homescreen Now Replaces Unique Video Game Art With Annoying Ads You Can’t Turn Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-homescreen-now-replaces-unique-video-game-art-with-annoying-ads-you-cant-turn-off |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250722001903/https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-homescreen-now-replaces-unique-video-game-art-with-annoying-ads-you-cant-turn-off |archive-date=22 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=1 Oct 2024 |title=PlayStation Blames PS5 Dashboard Ads On "Tech Error" |url=https://www.thegamer.com/ps5-dashboard-ads-were-a-bug-tech-issue-removed/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Gamer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241005041024/https://www.thegamer.com/ps5-dashboard-ads-were-a-bug-tech-issue-removed/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Co |first=Alex |date=29 Sep 2024 |title=PS5 New UI Update Also Brought Ads You Can’t Turn Off and Unwanted Forced News Feed to Select Titles |url=https://mp1st.com/news/ps5-new-ui-update-also-brought-unwanted-forced-news-feed-and-ads-to-select-titles |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[MP1ST]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174701/https://mp1st.com/news/ps5-new-ui-update-also-brought-unwanted-forced-news-feed-and-ads-to-select-titles |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> have been receiving ads on the home screens of their systems for over a decade.<ref>[https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/pictures-2023/xbox-one-dashboard-ads Archive of dashboard ads for Xbox consoles]</ref> This practice dates back to the 7th console generation, such as on the [[Xbox]] 360.<ref>[https://www.neogaf.com/threads/the-ads-finally-were-removed-from-the-xbox-360-dashboard.1549854/ The ads finally were removed from the Xbox 360 dashboard]</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Low-quality source}}<br />
<br />
===Streaming services===<br />
In the late 2010s, there was a polarizing shift within the streaming service industry. New streaming services like IMDB TV and [[Roku]] Television came onto the scene offering free streaming, with the caveat of ads.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=Free ad-supported streaming television |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_ad-supported_streaming_television |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203184000/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_ad-supported_streaming_television |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> This inspired corporations who operated premium streaming services to do the same. In the early 2020s, paying users were forced to watch ads.<ref name=":8">[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131131/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 Archived]) Ads on Netflix]</ref> Since then, users have only been reporting an increase in the amounts of ads<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=11 Sep 2021 |title=Share of adults who think there were too many ads on video streaming services in the United States as of September 2021, by generation |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Statista]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215212237/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> that they watch on their services.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Scott |date=5 Jan 2025 |title=Amazon Prime Video Increases Ad Frequency In The US To Boost Revenue |url=https://9meters.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-prime-video-increases-advertisements-in-the-us-to-boost-revenue-increase-ad-free-signups |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[9meters]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724175144/https://9meters.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-prime-video-increases-advertisements-in-the-us-to-boost-revenue-increase-ad-free-signups |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> These premium providers, such as [[Netflix, Inc.|Netflix]],<ref name=":8" /> do offer versions of their services that are ad free at a higher cost. Consumers have labeled this practice as a form of extortion.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Roettgers |first=Janko |date=23 Sep 2023 |title=Why every streaming service wants you to watch ads now |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Fast Company]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127234258/https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> Plex is one of the few services which only offer a paid, ad-supported version of its platform.<!-- I paid for Plex premium, but still get ads, and I cannot find out how to disable them --> <br />
<br />
These ad-free tiers additionally are increasing in price,<ref name=":2" /> so it often forces consumers who are disinterested in alternative means to either pay an excessive amount of money to watch their favorite media, or be barraged by increasing ads.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> <br />
<!-- We should have a mini section on Youtube here, they deserve a dedicated article as well, so make it brief and link to the primary article.<br />
<br />
Some references to note as well:<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/<br />
<br />
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/why-youtube-premium-users-may-still-see-ads/story<br />
<br />
https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ --><br />
<br />
===Traditional gaming<!-- Something to read later on: https://ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_13_No_1_March_2022/9.pdf -->===<br />
While not on par with its Mobile gaming counterpart<!-- Referencing a later section like this is mildly confusing, this should be rephrased or article rearranged. -->, traditional video games have also been experiencing this heavy increase in advertising. This has especially been seen and documented from titles such as [[Call of Duty]] and [[Fortnite]]. The home screen and launch screen experience for these games often aim to direct players toward the storefront, encouraging them to purchase the products that are being promoted that day.<ref>{{Cite news |last=u/Character-Acrobatic |date=Jun 16, 2024 |title=Stop advertising inside the game |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1dgvt12/stop_advertising_inside_the_game/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=reddit |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250118135659/https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1dgvt12/stop_advertising_inside_the_game/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=Nov 3, 2023 |title=Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Has A Full-Screen Ad That Some People Don't Like |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-has-a-full-screen-ad-that-some-people-dont-like/1100-6518890/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Gamespot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211104346/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-has-a-full-screen-ad-that-some-people-dont-like/1100-6518890/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, killcams in Call of Duty have seen ads as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aguilar |first=Jorge A. |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Call of Duty Brings Advertisements to Player Killcams |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/call-of-duty-advertisements-player-killcams/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=How to Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207081717/https://www.howtogeek.com/call-of-duty-advertisements-player-killcams/ |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref> <!-- For the advertising pile whenever we get a dedicated COD page:<br />
<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1b1uu4y/this_is_literally_just_an_ad_for_the_new_show_why/<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/17286lp/ads_which_directly_address_fomo_dont_make_me_want/<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1gbnxjr/advertising_tactics_mw3/<br />
--> <br />
<br />
[[Activision Blizzard]] has a dedicated advertising division for companies to advertise their products inside their games.<ref>https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260103021919/https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260103021919/https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ Archived])</ref> [[Epic Games, Inc.|Epic Games]] has done a similar thing.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Joey |date=24 Jul 2024 |title=Fortnite Ads |url=https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Media Shark]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215212419/https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lattin |first=Pesach |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=Fortnite In-Game Advertising. How does it Work? |url=https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[aDOtat]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164045/https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |archive-date=17 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=Dec 2, 2020 |title=How Fortnite Became Gaming’s Great Shameless Marketing Tool |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Den of Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215013514/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> It is expected that legitimate ads may be progressively more pervasive within the media that users pay for.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Olivia |date=11 Oct 2023 |title=In-Game Advertising: How it Works and Why it Works |url=https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Abios]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251205150742/https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |archive-date=5 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=In-game advertising |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251201201031/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |archive-date=1 Dec 2025}}</ref> Advertising agencies in general are also trying to integrate billboard ads for legitimate products inside games, such as Trackmania.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vargas |first=Anthony |date=2 Mar 2022 |title=NBCU Adds In-Game Ads To Its Sales Roster Through Partnership With Anzu |url=https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Ad Exchanger]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114020308/https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
[[File:Anzu-NBCU-partership-1024x490.jpg|thumb|In-game ads in Trackmania]]<br />
Some platforms have gone so far as to send users notifications explicitly promoting these new products available for purchase within the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Huzaifa |date=24 Nov 2023 |title=Ubisoft Cites “Technical Error” For Recent In-Game Pop-Up Fiasco |url=https://exputer.com/news/games/ubisoft-technical-error-in-game-ad/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Exputer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206085537/https://exputer.com/news/games/ubisoft-technical-error-in-game-ad/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Most have kept these notifications in-game,<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to get rid of GTA Online ads on loading screens |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandTheftAutoV/comments/l3xthb/how_to_get_rid_of_gta_online_ads_on_loading/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210127195925/https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandTheftAutoV/comments/l3xthb/how_to_get_rid_of_gta_online_ads_on_loading/ |archive-date=27 Jan 2021}}</ref><!-- There isn't a whole lot of documentation on everything advertised in GTAO, but when I used to play it, I remembered it often trying to encourage me to buy Shark Cards. --> but some have been reported to leave notification pop-ups directly on users' devices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Mar 2023 |title=Why am I constantly having game app ads popping up even when I'm not playing games? |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/204580579/why-am-i-constantly-having-game-app-ads-popping-up-even-when-i-m-not-playing-games?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Google Play Help]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250115063953/https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/204580579/why-am-i-constantly-having-game-app-ads-popping-up-even-when-i-m-not-playing-games?hl=en |archive-date=15 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Oct 2023 |title=Game ads keep popping up every 15-30 seconds! |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CLnjCLSQZ/game-ads-keep-popping-up-every-1530-seconds |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon Forum]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174714/https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CLnjCLSQZ/game-ads-keep-popping-up-every-1530-seconds |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> It is entirely plausible that these marketplace advertisements will increase in popularity from publishers as time goes on. <gallery><br />
File:Example of in-game ads.jpg|Cod MW3 - Ad in-game marketing the premium version<br />
File:Tmobile Ad in fortnite.webp|Fortnite - Ad marketing T-Mobile<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
====Advergaming====<br />
Further reading: [[Advergames]]<br />
While not as popular as it once was, companies would pay developers to work on games that exist solely to advertise a product, such as McDonald's McWorld, which also advertised other products inside the game.<ref>https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005215/https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250829122526/https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ Archived])</ref> Sometimes these games would also introduce additional anticonsumer practices, often to the detriment of young kids.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Eric |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=McWorld: What happens when a fast food restaurant create an online virtual world |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nerFPG-PEQ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250825132954/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nerFPG-PEQ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> <!-- Okay, I actually think McWorld deserves a bit of an article here lol - JamesTDG -->Many of these games were made as shovelware as well, so many of these games are often not meant for an extended period of time to be accessible. Older advergames often only sold for a short period, only up to a few years at best, so if a game held any quality, there is a problem of [[FOMO]], this has been seen with popular titles such as Pepsiman on the PS1 or Cool Spot on the Sega Genesis. In the 2000s, these games often preferred accessing servers, mostly to encourage serving additional ads. Many of these would not last long, and these products people invest into are just taken away from them, such as ToonTown<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Heather |date=23 Aug 2013 |title=Coping with the loss of an online world |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/23/tech/gaming-gadgets/closing-toontown/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250813162715/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/23/tech/gaming-gadgets/closing-toontown/index.html |archive-date=13 Aug 2025}}</ref> or Club Penguin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Marissa |date=3 Apr 2017 |title=Disney’s Beloved Club Penguin Has Shut Down After More Than a Decade. We Documented Its Final Days. |url=https://slate.com/culture/2017/04/what-the-end-of-disneys-mmo-club-penguin-was-like-inside-the-game.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Slate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219191942/https://slate.com/culture/2017/04/what-the-end-of-disneys-mmo-club-penguin-was-like-inside-the-game.html |archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
In the modern day, Advergaming has largely preferred existing metaverses, such as Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bains |first=Callum |date=13 Jul 2024 |title=‘Advergames’: how games platform Roblox became a corporate marketing playground |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215212500/https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Chantelle |date=4 Jun 2024 |title=Ikea is Hiring 10 Roblox Players to Work at In-Game Store |url=https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Time]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723195409/https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref> or the literal Metaverse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laughlin |first=Charles |date=14 Jun 2022 |title=Is Dining in the Metaverse Real? Brands Seem to Think So |url=https://www.localogy.com/2022/06/is-dining-in-the-metaverse-real-brands-seem-to-think-so/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Localogy]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174722/https://www.localogy.com/2022/06/is-dining-in-the-metaverse-real-brands-seem-to-think-so/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> These too, have brought controversy<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=22 Apr 2022 |title=Roblox is ‘exploiting’ users with deceptive advertising, watchdog group says |url=https://www.polygon.com/23035640/roblox-ads-deceptive-ftc-complaint |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Polygon]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210010651/https://www.polygon.com/23035640/roblox-ads-deceptive-ftc-complaint/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> and can be seen as anti-consumer.<br />
<br />
===Mobile gaming===<br />
A feature often associated with modern day mobile games are ads, especially [[False advertising|misleading ads]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shetty |first=Saurabh |date=27 Jan 2024 |title=How misleading mobile game ads are hurting the industry |url=https://gamingonphone.com/editorial/how-misleading-mobile-game-ads-are-hurting-the-industry/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[GamingonPhone]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250821164359/https://gamingonphone.com/editorial/how-misleading-mobile-game-ads-are-hurting-the-industry/ |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghuram |first=Vignesh |date=25 Oct 2024 |title=False Promises, Real Profits: Why Misleading Ads Work for Mobile Games |url=https://afkgaming.com/global/false-promises-real-profits-why-misleading-ads-work-for-mobile-games |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[AFKGaming]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250803090619/https://afkgaming.com/global/false-promises-real-profits-why-misleading-ads-work-for-mobile-games |archive-date=3 Aug 2025}}</ref> Unfortunately, publishers such as Puzzle1Studio, Metacore Games, and [[Rovio]] have a history of publishing titles that corner the consumer into frequently watching ads in the middle of their games.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=LaMarca |first=Livia |date=8 Dec 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} Oh my god, please stop the excessive ads on mobile games! |url=https://pittnews.com/article/177875/opinions/opinion-oh-my-god-please-stop-the-excessive-ads-on-mobile-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ThePittNews]]|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211161555/https://pittnews.com/article/177875/opinions/opinion-oh-my-god-please-stop-the-excessive-ads-on-mobile-games/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> This practice additionally leeches into Microtransactions, wherein these app developers will intentionally try to coax users into watching ads for increased rewards, or to reduce cooldown times.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Kew-Denniss |first=Zachary |date=7 Dec 2023 |title=Google and Apple share the blame for mobile gaming's awful reputation |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-apple-share-blame-for-mobile-gamings-awful-reputation/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Android Police]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213062816/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-apple-share-blame-for-mobile-gamings-awful-reputation/ |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Major software distribution platforms, such as the Google Play store or the iOS App Store, often allow this behavior<ref name=":4" /> to persist from app developers, even featuring these ad-heavy games.<br />
<br />
===Social media===<br />
Social media has become a fundamental part of the advertising world, thanks to the ease with which targeted audiences can be reached based on their interests. There are various types of advertising that users encounter when using all major social media platforms. <br />
<br />
====Native ads (In-feed ads)====<br />
Native ads are designed to blend seamlessly into the rest of the feed, mimicking its appearance. They are generally more engaging and lead to stronger brand identification among consumers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Apr 2015 |title=Ad Effectiveness Study: Native Ads Vs Banner Ads |url=https://www.sharethrough.com/blog/ad-effectiveness-study-native-ads-vs-banner-ads |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sharethrough]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215071950/https://www.sharethrough.com/blog/ad-effectiveness-study-native-ads-vs-banner-ads |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> Native ads are distinguishable from organic content by the label “sponsored,” often written in very small text. As highlighted by Dr. Bartosz W. Wojdynski’s research,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wojdynski |first=Bartosz W. |date=Jul 2016 |title=The Deceptiveness of Sponsored News Articles: How Readers Recognize and Perceive Native Advertising |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305718389_The_Deceptiveness_of_Sponsored_News_Articles_How_Readers_Recognize_and_Perceive_Native_Advertising |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230129003538/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305718389_The_Deceptiveness_of_Sponsored_News_Articles_How_Readers_Recognize_and_Perceive_Native_Advertising |archive-date=29 Jan 2023}}</ref> native ads can easily be misleading. In fact, 68% of participants in his study failed to distinguish them from organic content. Therefore, it is crucial that these ads do not come across as deceptive. The [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] follows these three principles:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Native Advertising: A Guide for Businesses |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[FTC]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103230211/https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref><blockquote><br />
#'''Transparency is key''': An advertisement or promotional message should not suggest or imply to consumers that it is anything other than an ad.<br />
#'''Clarity of commercial intent''': Some native ads may be so clearly commercial in nature that they are unlikely to mislead consumers even without a specific disclosure. In other cases, a disclosure may be necessary to ensure consumers understand the content is advertising.<br />
#'''Clear and prominent disclosures''': If a disclosure is necessary to prevent deception, it must be clear and prominent.<br />
</blockquote><br />
====Video Ads====<br />
Video ads are among the most common forms of advertising on social media. They can appear either as standalone content or be inserted at the beginning, end, or middle of another video. Shorter, skippable, and non-intrusively placed ads perform better, as they respect user autonomy. Targeted ads are more likely to capture interest. As with other ad formats, transparency is crucial here as well, ensuring that the ad is not perceived as intrusive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krishnan |first=S. Shunmuga |last2=Sitaraman |first2=Ramesh K. |title=Understanding the Effectiveness of Video Ads: A Measurement Study |url=https://www.akamai.com/site/en/documents/research-paper/understanding-the-effectiveness-of-video-ads-a-measurement-study-technical-publication.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240722060725/https://www.akamai.com/site/en/documents/research-paper/understanding-the-effectiveness-of-video-ads-a-measurement-study-technical-publication.pdf |archive-date=22 Jul 2024}}</ref> <br />
<br />
====Stories Ads====<br />
Ads that appear in Stories are full-screen, vertical, and often feature interactive elements like swipe-up links, polls, or countdowns. They expire after 24 hours, giving them an ephemeral nature. Story ads are better perceived when they are creative, non-intrusive, and relevant to users' interests.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahatmavidya |first=P.A. |last2=Kerti Yasa |first2=Ni Nyoman |date=Mar 2020 |title=ADVERTISING VALUE OF INSTAGRAM STORIES AND THE EFFECT ON MILLENNIAL’S ATTITUDE |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339884883_ADVERTISING_VALUE_OF_INSTAGRAM_STORIES_AND_THE_EFFECT_ON_MILLENNIAL%27S_ATTITUDE |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231126232406/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339884883_ADVERTISING_VALUE_OF_INSTAGRAM_STORIES_AND_THE_EFFECT_ON_MILLENNIAL'S_ATTITUDE |archive-date=26 Nov 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Influencer marketing====<br />
Influencer marketing is a type of advertising in which brands team up with social media personalities, also known as influencers, to promote a product or service. <br />
<br />
Most of these influencers have built a credible standing among a large and engaged following. Brands use brand deals to leverage the influencers' credibility and relatibility and reach audiences in ways that feel far more authentic than traditional advertising.<br />
<br />
Users are more influenced by social media personalities who share their values and lifestyles. Consequently, authenticity, trustworthiness, and relevance are the key drivers of consumer behavior. Thus, when influencers share real-life experiences of using a product or service, their recommendations are more likely to resonate with followers and result in higher levels of engagement and purchase intent.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anjali |date=Jun 2020 |title=Influencer Marketing: An Exploratory Study to Identify Antecedents of Consumer Behavior of Millennial |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342181914_Influencer_Marketing_An_Exploratory_Study_to_Identify_Antecedents_of_Consumer_Behavior_of_Millennial |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230506202540/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342181914_Influencer_Marketing_An_Exploratory_Study_to_Identify_Antecedents_of_Consumer_Behavior_of_Millennial |archive-date=6 May 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
Congruence—the match between the persona of the influencer, the product they are promoting, and the interests of the audience—is crucial. When the fit among these elements is strong it makes the campaign appear more genuine, and therefore more credible. Strong congruence will improve the credibility of an influencer, and create a stronger emotional relationship with the audience.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Belanche |first=Daniel |last2=Ibáñez Sánchez |first2=Sergio |last3=Casaló Ariño |first3=Luis Vicente |last4=Flavián |first4=Marta |date=Apr 2021 |title=Understanding influencer marketing: The role of congruence between influencers, products and consumers |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352120476_Understanding_influencer_marketing_The_role_of_congruence_between_influencers_products_and_consumers |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
Over-commercialization—when influencers promote too many products or aren't transparent—can erode their audience's trust. Clear disclosures, such as #ad or #sponsored, help to maintain transparency and adherence with advertising regulations. Unfortunately, such disclosures are often hidden among numerous hashtags or omitted altogether.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><br />
<br />
===Web===<br />
See also: [[Advertising overload in websites|Advertising Overload in Websites]]<br />
Ever since the introduction of cookies in the early 1990s, websites have been trying to make progressively more money off of advertisers. This pattern used to be easily thwarted, as in the early days of the web, consumers could simply choose not to visit these websites to avoid being so pervasively served advertisements. Unfortunately, in modern times, consumers lack this capability, as mass advertising has now become a systemic problem. Popular news sources, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others, are filled to the brim with advertisements. As mentioned by publications such as The Huffington Post,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elliot |first=Christopher |date=8 Feb 2017 |title=Yes, There Are Too Many Ads Online. Yes, You Can Stop Them. Here's How. |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[HuffPost]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127141328/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297 |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> The Conversation,<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Steve |date=18 Sep 2024 |title=Why is the internet overflowing with rubbish ads – and what can we do about it? |url=https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Conversation]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126234756/https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref> and B2,<ref>https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815092938/https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815092938/https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Archived])</ref> the web itself has too many ads.<br />
<br />
====Banner Ads====<br />
Banner ads are the most common form of web ads and one of the oldest forms of digital advertising, usually appearing as rectangular graphics at the top, bottom, or sides of a webpage. However, despite their pervasiveness, their effectiveness has been questioned due to phenomena such as banner blindness, where users unconsciously ignore ad-like content. Banner ads work only if they are rightly placed, well designed, and relevant.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Joowon |last2=Ahn |first2=Jae-Hyeon |date=Oct 2012 |title=Attention to Banner Ads and Their Effectiveness: An Eye-Tracking Approach |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220930043417/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach |archive-date=30 Sep 2022}}</ref><br />
<br />
This research<ref name=":7" /> featured the use of eye-tracking technology to analyze how users behave with banner ads. It was found that such ads placed in central or prominent positions on a webpage receive significantly more attention than those in peripheral areas. Moreover, the animated and interactive banners are better at capturing attention than static ones; however, too much may become distracting and otherwise counterproductive. This also underlines that the relevance of the ad to the user's interests is one of the critical drivers of engagement. If banner ads are contextual, relating either to the content of the webpage or the browsing behavior of the user, they are more likely to be noticed and clicked. Advertisers should focus on creating non-intrusive, contextually relevant advertisements that add value to the user experience—not disrupt it.<br />
<br />
==Notable Examples==<br />
This section is a stub, please add to it!<br />
<br />
===YouTube===<br />
Here’s a breakdown of YouTube advertising, focusing on the specific ad formats and experiences across the website, iOS/Android apps, and TV platforms:<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on the Website=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll Ads (Video Ads)''':<br />
#*Play before the selected video.<br />
#*'''Types''':<br />
#**'''Skippable Ads''': Allow users to skip after 5 seconds.<br />
#**'''Non-Skippable Ads''': Typically 15-20 seconds long and cannot be skipped.<br />
#'''Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Appear during longer videos (10 minutes or more) at natural breaks.<br />
#'''Bumper Ads''':<br />
#*Short, non-skippable ads of 6 seconds.<br />
#'''Display Ads''':<br />
#*Banner ads that appear above the video suggestions sidebar.<br />
#'''Overlay Ads''':<br />
#*Semi-transparent banners that appear at the bottom of the video.<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on iOS/Android Apps=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Similar to the website, but often more frequent due to the higher engagement on mobile devices.<br />
#'''Bumper Ads''':<br />
#*Similar to the website.<br />
#'''In-Feed Ads''':<br />
#*Appear in the home feed or search results as promoted videos.<br />
#'''Shorts Ads''':<br />
#*Short, vertical video ads that appear between YouTube Shorts clips.<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on TV Platforms (Smart TVs, Streaming Devices)=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Longer pre-roll ads (up to 30 seconds) are common, as viewers are less likely to skip them.<br />
#*Mid-roll ads are placed at natural breaks in longer videos, similar to traditional TV commercials.<br />
#*Non-skippable ads are more prevalent<br />
#'''Interactive Ads''':<br />
#*Ads that allow users to interact using their remote (e.g., clicking for more information).<br />
<br />
====Youtube premium controversy====<br />
Recent controversy has brought up cases in which YouTube Premium subscribers still see advertisements—contrary to the service's own highlighting of offering an ad-free experience. Users have reported both pre-roll ads and mid-roll ads, along with promotional content in the Home feed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I have YouTube premium, why am I getting adds. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250615050502/https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |archive-date=15 Jun 2025}}</ref> In one prominent case, a user in Germany received an email from support at YouTube which said, in essence: "Sometimes promotional ads may appear for specific partnerships or limited-time offers," thereby hinting at the possibility of factors like location, viewing history, or special marketing efforts that could influence the event.<br />
<br />
In response to these reports, a YouTube spokesperson confirmed that Premium members should not see either pre-roll or mid-roll ads. They further stated that if subscribers do, they should reach out to support immediately. YouTube also said that Premium members may have access to different rewards with trusted partners, which they outline on their benefits page, but those shouldn't show up as ads within the video itself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=13 Nov 2024 |title=Some YouTube Premium users are seeing ads, but YouTube says they shouldn’t be |url=https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[9to5google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250801232117/https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ |archive-date=1 Aug 2025}}</ref> A fix for this is also shown in [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/why-youtube-premium-users-may-still-see-ads/story this guide].<br />
<br />
==Further Reading==<br />
<br />
*[[Stellantis in car advertisements]]<br />
*[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]<br />
*[[Ad block]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]<br />
[[Category:Theme]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Advertising_overload&diff=38416Advertising overload2026-02-23T01:13:17Z<p>Banana: Undo revision 38415 by Banana (talk)</p>
<hr />
<div>{{SloppyAI}}{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Bottom section of the article includes AI generated lists|Issue 2=Bottom section of the article NEEDS sources!}}<br />
<br />
Advertising overload refers to the practice of not only integrating advertising as a source of revenue in software and websites, but also increasing the number of ads within platforms that consumers use. This has increasingly caused inconvenience to consumers. A commonly cited issue is the ever-increasing length of unskippable ads, which are forcibly shown even to people who need to watch CPR videos.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Luke |date=5 Jun 2023 |title=YouTube is playing three-minute-long adverts before FIRST AID videos — and they've already been linked to at least one death |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12143973/YouTube-playing-30-second-adverts-AID-videos.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709000810/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12143973/YouTube-playing-30-second-adverts-AID-videos.html |archive-date=2025-07-09 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |work=[[Daily Mail]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube Playing Three Minute Ads Prior To First Aid Videos |url=https://1059themountain.com/mornings/youtube-playing-three-minute-ads-prior-to-first-aid-videos/ |url-status=dead |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=105.9 The Mountain}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Applications in industries==<br />
<br />
===Operating systems===<br />
Operating systems have been experiencing advertising overload, most notably the large market lead [[Windows]]. [[Activision Blizzard|King]]'s Candy Crush frequently comes pre-installed on [[Windows]] 10 operating systems,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moscaritolo |first=Angela |date=15 May 2025 |title=Windows 10 Will Come With Candy Crush Saga Pre-Installed |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-will-come-with-candy-crush-saga-pre-installed |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[PCMag]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250130100032/https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-will-come-with-candy-crush-saga-pre-installed |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> without consumer consent, and this game is additionally loaded with ads.<ref>[https://www.clashofgaming.com/en/problems-with-ads-in-candy-crush-saga-solutions-and-tips Problems with ads in Candy Crush Saga - Solutions and tips]</ref> Microsoft Solitaire Collection, a mainstay title for Windows devices, has had unnecessary ads inserted into the software.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Feb 2020 |title=Unwanted ads in solitaire collection |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unwanted-ads-in-solitaire-collection/814c97f6-30e5-478d-89f0-dfcad1085485 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174717/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unwanted-ads-in-solitaire-collection/814c97f6-30e5-478d-89f0-dfcad1085485 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Aug 2024 |title=How to stop ads on Microsoft Solitaire collection? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/how-to-stop-ads-on-microsoft-solitaire-collection/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Games Learning Society]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250508004832/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/how-to-stop-ads-on-microsoft-solitaire-collection/ |archive-date=8 May 2025}}</ref> Users who purchased Windows 10+ licenses have reported a progressively increasing number of ads within the software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=28 Feb 2021 |title=How to Disable All of Windows 10's Built-in Advertising |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[How-To Geek]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260125093825/https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/ |archive-date=25 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=De Leon |first=Nicholas |date=21 Oct 2024 |title=How to Get Rid of the Ads and Other Shortcomings in Windows 11 |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/windows-11-how-to-get-rid-of-ads-and-other-shortcomings-a7800213441/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Consumer Reports]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723174357/https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/windows-11-how-to-get-rid-of-ads-and-other-shortcomings-a7800213441/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Apr 2023 |title=Every time I login to my PC a screen advertising Game Pass appears. How do I stop this? |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/every-time-i-login-to-my-pc-a-screen-advertising/6f83ad8a-3dab-43ef-871e-979b58965f6f |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174703/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/every-time-i-login-to-my-pc-a-screen-advertising/6f83ad8a-3dab-43ef-871e-979b58965f6f |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> Windows 10 additionally has pop-ups that frequently prompt legacy users to purchase Windows 11-supported hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irwin |first=Kate |date=21 Nov 2024 |title=Microsoft Pushes Copilot+ PCs on Windows 10 Users With Pop-Up Ads |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-pushes-copilot-plus-pcs-on-windows-10-users-with-pop-up-ads |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2024 |website=[[PCMag]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250126125054/https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-pushes-copilot-plus-pcs-on-windows-10-users-with-pop-up-ads |archive-date=26 Jan 2025}}</ref> While it is possible to disable this pop-up via registry editing in Win 10 Pro edition,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stagg |first=Dave |date=Feb 14, 2022 |title=How to disable the Windows 11 Upgrade prompt |url=https://endpointfocus.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-11-upgrade-prompt/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Endpoint Focus |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250130215921/https://endpointfocus.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-11-upgrade-prompt/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> the registries that are changed with this method are the ones which handle receiving any update, including security updates.<br />
<br />
Smart televisions also have been seeing a sharp increase in advertisements within the operating system as well, such as [[Roku]]<ref>[https://advertising.roku.com/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260201023014/https://advertising.roku.com/ Archived]) Roku Advertising]</ref> and [[Amazon]] Fire TV.<ref>[https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/ad-specs/fire-tv ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251215085117/https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/ad-specs/fire-tv Archived]) Amazon Advertising]</ref> [[Roku]] has faced criticism for its plans to introduce ads that appear whenever users pause a game they are playing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=4 Apr 2024 |title=Roku’s New HDMI Tech Could Show Ads When You Pause Your Game |url=https://kotaku.com/roku-patent-hdmi-tech-tv-ads-game-console-pause-screen-1851388976 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174717/https://kotaku.com/roku-patent-hdmi-tech-tv-ads-game-console-pause-screen-1851388976 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This introduces privacy concerns since these detection systems depend on constant spying on consumer's activities.<br />
[[File:Fire TV ads.png|thumb|A screenshot of the home screen for an Amazon Fire TV]]<br />
[[File:Xbox One Dashboard.jpg|thumb|The Xbox One dashboard as of 2022]]<br />
Users of [[Xbox]] One/Series<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=26 Jul 2023 |title=New Xbox Dashboard Looks Great, Still Has Too Many Ads |url=https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725071633/https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Micheals |first=Steve |date=22 Jan 2024 |title=Xbox Gamers Not Happy About Full-Screen Ads |url=https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[GameRant]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724143350/https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> and [[PlayStation]] 4/5 consoles,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=30 Sep 2024 |title=PS5 Homescreen Now Replaces Unique Video Game Art With Annoying Ads You Can’t Turn Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-homescreen-now-replaces-unique-video-game-art-with-annoying-ads-you-cant-turn-off |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250722001903/https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-homescreen-now-replaces-unique-video-game-art-with-annoying-ads-you-cant-turn-off |archive-date=22 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=1 Oct 2024 |title=PlayStation Blames PS5 Dashboard Ads On "Tech Error" |url=https://www.thegamer.com/ps5-dashboard-ads-were-a-bug-tech-issue-removed/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Gamer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241005041024/https://www.thegamer.com/ps5-dashboard-ads-were-a-bug-tech-issue-removed/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Co |first=Alex |date=29 Sep 2024 |title=PS5 New UI Update Also Brought Ads You Can’t Turn Off and Unwanted Forced News Feed to Select Titles |url=https://mp1st.com/news/ps5-new-ui-update-also-brought-unwanted-forced-news-feed-and-ads-to-select-titles |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[MP1ST]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174701/https://mp1st.com/news/ps5-new-ui-update-also-brought-unwanted-forced-news-feed-and-ads-to-select-titles |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> have been receiving ads on the home screens of their systems for over a decade.<ref>[https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/pictures-2023/xbox-one-dashboard-ads Archive of dashboard ads for Xbox consoles]</ref> This practice dates back to the 7th console generation, such as on the [[Xbox]] 360.<ref>[https://www.neogaf.com/threads/the-ads-finally-were-removed-from-the-xbox-360-dashboard.1549854/ The ads finally were removed from the Xbox 360 dashboard]</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Low-quality source}}<br />
<br />
===Streaming services===<br />
In the late 2010s, there was a polarizing shift within the streaming service industry. New streaming services like IMDB TV and [[Roku]] Television came onto the scene offering free streaming, with the caveat of ads.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=Free ad-supported streaming television |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_ad-supported_streaming_television |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203184000/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_ad-supported_streaming_television |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> This inspired corporations who operated premium streaming services to do the same. In the early 2020s, paying users were forced to watch ads.<ref name=":8">[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131131/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 Archived]) Ads on Netflix]</ref> Since then, users have only been reporting an increase in the amounts of ads<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=11 Sep 2021 |title=Share of adults who think there were too many ads on video streaming services in the United States as of September 2021, by generation |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Statista]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215212237/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> that they watch on their services.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Scott |date=5 Jan 2025 |title=Amazon Prime Video Increases Ad Frequency In The US To Boost Revenue |url=https://9meters.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-prime-video-increases-advertisements-in-the-us-to-boost-revenue-increase-ad-free-signups |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[9meters]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724175144/https://9meters.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-prime-video-increases-advertisements-in-the-us-to-boost-revenue-increase-ad-free-signups |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> These premium providers, such as [[Netflix, Inc.|Netflix]],<ref name=":8" /> do offer versions of their services that are ad free at a higher cost. Consumers have labeled this practice as a form of extortion.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Roettgers |first=Janko |date=23 Sep 2023 |title=Why every streaming service wants you to watch ads now |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Fast Company]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127234258/https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> Plex is one of the few services which only offer a paid, ad-supported version of its platform.<!-- I paid for Plex premium, but still get ads, and I cannot find out how to disable them --> <br />
<br />
These ad-free tiers additionally are increasing in price,<ref name=":2" /> so it often forces consumers who are disinterested in alternative means to either pay an excessive amount of money to watch their favorite media, or be barraged by increasing ads.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> <br />
<!-- We should have a mini section on Youtube here, they deserve a dedicated article as well, so make it brief and link to the primary article.<br />
<br />
Some references to note as well:<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/<br />
<br />
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/why-youtube-premium-users-may-still-see-ads/story<br />
<br />
https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ --><br />
<br />
===Traditional gaming<!-- Something to read later on: https://ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_13_No_1_March_2022/9.pdf -->===<br />
While not on par with its Mobile gaming counterpart<!-- Referencing a later section like this is mildly confusing, this should be rephrased or article rearranged. -->, traditional video games have also been experiencing this heavy increase in advertising. This has especially been seen and documented from titles such as [[Call of Duty]] and [[Fortnite]]. The home screen and launch screen experience for these games often aim to direct players toward the storefront, encouraging them to purchase the products that are being promoted that day.<ref>{{Cite news |last=u/Character-Acrobatic |date=Jun 16, 2024 |title=Stop advertising inside the game |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1dgvt12/stop_advertising_inside_the_game/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=reddit |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250118135659/https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1dgvt12/stop_advertising_inside_the_game/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=Nov 3, 2023 |title=Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Has A Full-Screen Ad That Some People Don't Like |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-has-a-full-screen-ad-that-some-people-dont-like/1100-6518890/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Gamespot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211104346/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-has-a-full-screen-ad-that-some-people-dont-like/1100-6518890/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, killcams in Call of Duty have seen ads as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aguilar |first=Jorge A. |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Call of Duty Brings Advertisements to Player Killcams |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/call-of-duty-advertisements-player-killcams/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=How to Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207081717/https://www.howtogeek.com/call-of-duty-advertisements-player-killcams/ |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref> <!-- For the advertising pile whenever we get a dedicated COD page:<br />
<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1b1uu4y/this_is_literally_just_an_ad_for_the_new_show_why/<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/17286lp/ads_which_directly_address_fomo_dont_make_me_want/<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1gbnxjr/advertising_tactics_mw3/<br />
--> <br />
<br />
[[Activision Blizzard]] has a dedicated advertising division for companies to advertise their products inside their games.<ref>https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260103021919/https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260103021919/https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ Archived])</ref> [[Epic Games, Inc.|Epic Games]] has done a similar thing.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Joey |date=24 Jul 2024 |title=Fortnite Ads |url=https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Media Shark]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215212419/https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lattin |first=Pesach |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=Fortnite In-Game Advertising. How does it Work? |url=https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[aDOtat]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164045/https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |archive-date=17 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=Dec 2, 2020 |title=How Fortnite Became Gaming’s Great Shameless Marketing Tool |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Den of Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215013514/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> It is expected that legitimate ads may be progressively more pervasive within the media that users pay for.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Olivia |date=11 Oct 2023 |title=In-Game Advertising: How it Works and Why it Works |url=https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Abios]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251205150742/https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |archive-date=5 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=In-game advertising |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251201201031/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |archive-date=1 Dec 2025}}</ref> Advertising agencies in general are also trying to integrate billboard ads for legitimate products inside games, such as Trackmania.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vargas |first=Anthony |date=2 Mar 2022 |title=NBCU Adds In-Game Ads To Its Sales Roster Through Partnership With Anzu |url=https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Ad Exchanger]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114020308/https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
[[File:Anzu-NBCU-partership-1024x490.jpg|thumb|In-game ads in Trackmania]]<br />
Some platforms have gone so far as to send users notifications explicitly promoting these new products available for purchase within the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Huzaifa |date=24 Nov 2023 |title=Ubisoft Cites “Technical Error” For Recent In-Game Pop-Up Fiasco |url=https://exputer.com/news/games/ubisoft-technical-error-in-game-ad/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Exputer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206085537/https://exputer.com/news/games/ubisoft-technical-error-in-game-ad/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Most have kept these notifications in-game,<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to get rid of GTA Online ads on loading screens |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandTheftAutoV/comments/l3xthb/how_to_get_rid_of_gta_online_ads_on_loading/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210127195925/https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandTheftAutoV/comments/l3xthb/how_to_get_rid_of_gta_online_ads_on_loading/ |archive-date=27 Jan 2021}}</ref><!-- There isn't a whole lot of documentation on everything advertised in GTAO, but when I used to play it, I remembered it often trying to encourage me to buy Shark Cards. --> but some have been reported to leave notification pop-ups directly on users' devices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Mar 2023 |title=Why am I constantly having game app ads popping up even when I'm not playing games? |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/204580579/why-am-i-constantly-having-game-app-ads-popping-up-even-when-i-m-not-playing-games?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Google Play Help]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250115063953/https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/204580579/why-am-i-constantly-having-game-app-ads-popping-up-even-when-i-m-not-playing-games?hl=en |archive-date=15 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Oct 2023 |title=Game ads keep popping up every 15-30 seconds! |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CLnjCLSQZ/game-ads-keep-popping-up-every-1530-seconds |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon Forum]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174714/https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CLnjCLSQZ/game-ads-keep-popping-up-every-1530-seconds |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> It is entirely plausible that these marketplace advertisements will increase in popularity from publishers as time goes on. <gallery><br />
File:Example of in-game ads.jpg|Cod MW3 - Ad in-game marketing the premium version<br />
File:Tmobile Ad in fortnite.webp|Fortnite - Ad marketing T-Mobile<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
====Advergaming====<br />
Further reading: [[Advergames]]<br />
While not as popular as it once was, companies would pay developers to work on games that exist solely to advertise a product, such as McDonald's McWorld, which also advertised other products inside the game.<ref>https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005215/https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250829122526/https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ Archived])</ref> Sometimes these games would also introduce additional anticonsumer practices, often to the detriment of young kids.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Eric |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=McWorld: What happens when a fast food restaurant create an online virtual world |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nerFPG-PEQ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250825132954/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nerFPG-PEQ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> <!-- Okay, I actually think McWorld deserves a bit of an article here lol - JamesTDG -->Many of these games were made as shovelware as well, so many of these games are often not meant for an extended period of time to be accessible. Older advergames often only sold for a short period, only up to a few years at best, so if a game held any quality, there is a problem of [[FOMO]], this has been seen with popular titles such as Pepsiman on the PS1 or Cool Spot on the Sega Genesis. In the 2000s, these games often preferred accessing servers, mostly to encourage serving additional ads. Many of these would not last long, and these products people invest into are just taken away from them, such as ToonTown<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Heather |date=23 Aug 2013 |title=Coping with the loss of an online world |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/23/tech/gaming-gadgets/closing-toontown/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250813162715/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/23/tech/gaming-gadgets/closing-toontown/index.html |archive-date=13 Aug 2025}}</ref> or Club Penguin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Marissa |date=3 Apr 2017 |title=Disney’s Beloved Club Penguin Has Shut Down After More Than a Decade. We Documented Its Final Days. |url=https://slate.com/culture/2017/04/what-the-end-of-disneys-mmo-club-penguin-was-like-inside-the-game.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Slate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219191942/https://slate.com/culture/2017/04/what-the-end-of-disneys-mmo-club-penguin-was-like-inside-the-game.html |archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
In the modern day, Advergaming has largely preferred existing metaverses, such as Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bains |first=Callum |date=13 Jul 2024 |title=‘Advergames’: how games platform Roblox became a corporate marketing playground |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215212500/https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Chantelle |date=4 Jun 2024 |title=Ikea is Hiring 10 Roblox Players to Work at In-Game Store |url=https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Time]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723195409/https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref> or the literal Metaverse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laughlin |first=Charles |date=14 Jun 2022 |title=Is Dining in the Metaverse Real? Brands Seem to Think So |url=https://www.localogy.com/2022/06/is-dining-in-the-metaverse-real-brands-seem-to-think-so/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Localogy]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174722/https://www.localogy.com/2022/06/is-dining-in-the-metaverse-real-brands-seem-to-think-so/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> These too, have brought controversy<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=22 Apr 2022 |title=Roblox is ‘exploiting’ users with deceptive advertising, watchdog group says |url=https://www.polygon.com/23035640/roblox-ads-deceptive-ftc-complaint |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Polygon]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210010651/https://www.polygon.com/23035640/roblox-ads-deceptive-ftc-complaint/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> and can be seen as anti-consumer.<br />
<br />
===Mobile gaming===<br />
A feature often associated with modern day mobile games are ads, especially [[False advertising|misleading ads]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shetty |first=Saurabh |date=27 Jan 2024 |title=How misleading mobile game ads are hurting the industry |url=https://gamingonphone.com/editorial/how-misleading-mobile-game-ads-are-hurting-the-industry/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[GamingonPhone]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250821164359/https://gamingonphone.com/editorial/how-misleading-mobile-game-ads-are-hurting-the-industry/ |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghuram |first=Vignesh |date=25 Oct 2024 |title=False Promises, Real Profits: Why Misleading Ads Work for Mobile Games |url=https://afkgaming.com/global/false-promises-real-profits-why-misleading-ads-work-for-mobile-games |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[AFKGaming]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250803090619/https://afkgaming.com/global/false-promises-real-profits-why-misleading-ads-work-for-mobile-games |archive-date=3 Aug 2025}}</ref> Unfortunately, publishers such as Puzzle1Studio, Metacore Games, and [[Rovio]] have a history of publishing titles that corner the consumer into frequently watching ads in the middle of their games.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=LaMarca |first=Livia |date=8 Dec 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} Oh my god, please stop the excessive ads on mobile games! |url=https://pittnews.com/article/177875/opinions/opinion-oh-my-god-please-stop-the-excessive-ads-on-mobile-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ThePittNews]]|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211161555/https://pittnews.com/article/177875/opinions/opinion-oh-my-god-please-stop-the-excessive-ads-on-mobile-games/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> This practice additionally leeches into Microtransactions, wherein these app developers will intentionally try to coax users into watching ads for increased rewards, or to reduce cooldown times.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Kew-Denniss |first=Zachary |date=7 Dec 2023 |title=Google and Apple share the blame for mobile gaming's awful reputation |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-apple-share-blame-for-mobile-gamings-awful-reputation/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Android Police]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213062816/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-apple-share-blame-for-mobile-gamings-awful-reputation/ |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Major software distribution platforms, such as the Google Play store or the iOS App Store, often allow this behavior<ref name=":4" /> to persist from app developers, even featuring these ad-heavy games.<br />
<br />
===Social media===<br />
Social media has become a fundamental part of the advertising world, thanks to the ease with which targeted audiences can be reached based on their interests. There are various types of advertising that users encounter when using all major social media platforms. <br />
<br />
====Native ads (In-feed ads)====<br />
Native ads are designed to blend seamlessly into the rest of the feed, mimicking its appearance. They are generally more engaging and lead to stronger brand identification among consumers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Apr 2015 |title=Ad Effectiveness Study: Native Ads Vs Banner Ads |url=https://www.sharethrough.com/blog/ad-effectiveness-study-native-ads-vs-banner-ads |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sharethrough]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215071950/https://www.sharethrough.com/blog/ad-effectiveness-study-native-ads-vs-banner-ads |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> Native ads are distinguishable from organic content by the label “sponsored,” often written in very small text. As highlighted by Dr. Bartosz W. Wojdynski’s research,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wojdynski |first=Bartosz W. |date=Jul 2016 |title=The Deceptiveness of Sponsored News Articles: How Readers Recognize and Perceive Native Advertising |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305718389_The_Deceptiveness_of_Sponsored_News_Articles_How_Readers_Recognize_and_Perceive_Native_Advertising |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230129003538/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305718389_The_Deceptiveness_of_Sponsored_News_Articles_How_Readers_Recognize_and_Perceive_Native_Advertising |archive-date=29 Jan 2023}}</ref> native ads can easily be misleading. In fact, 68% of participants in his study failed to distinguish them from organic content. Therefore, it is crucial that these ads do not come across as deceptive. The [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] follows these three principles:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Native Advertising: A Guide for Businesses |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[FTC]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103230211/https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref><blockquote><br />
#'''Transparency is key''': An advertisement or promotional message should not suggest or imply to consumers that it is anything other than an ad.<br />
#'''Clarity of commercial intent''': Some native ads may be so clearly commercial in nature that they are unlikely to mislead consumers even without a specific disclosure. In other cases, a disclosure may be necessary to ensure consumers understand the content is advertising.<br />
#'''Clear and prominent disclosures''': If a disclosure is necessary to prevent deception, it must be clear and prominent.<br />
</blockquote><br />
====Video Ads====<br />
Video ads are among the most common forms of advertising on social media. They can appear either as standalone content or be inserted at the beginning, end, or middle of another video. Shorter, skippable, and non-intrusively placed ads perform better, as they respect user autonomy. Targeted ads are more likely to capture interest. As with other ad formats, transparency is crucial here as well, ensuring that the ad is not perceived as intrusive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krishnan |first=S. Shunmuga |last2=Sitaraman |first2=Ramesh K. |title=Understanding the Effectiveness of Video Ads: A Measurement Study |url=https://www.akamai.com/site/en/documents/research-paper/understanding-the-effectiveness-of-video-ads-a-measurement-study-technical-publication.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240722060725/https://www.akamai.com/site/en/documents/research-paper/understanding-the-effectiveness-of-video-ads-a-measurement-study-technical-publication.pdf |archive-date=22 Jul 2024}}</ref> <br />
<br />
====Stories Ads====<br />
Ads that appear in Stories are full-screen, vertical, and often feature interactive elements like swipe-up links, polls, or countdowns. They expire after 24 hours, giving them an ephemeral nature. Story ads are better perceived when they are creative, non-intrusive, and relevant to users' interests.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahatmavidya |first=P.A. |last2=Kerti Yasa |first2=Ni Nyoman |date=Mar 2020 |title=ADVERTISING VALUE OF INSTAGRAM STORIES AND THE EFFECT ON MILLENNIAL’S ATTITUDE |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339884883_ADVERTISING_VALUE_OF_INSTAGRAM_STORIES_AND_THE_EFFECT_ON_MILLENNIAL%27S_ATTITUDE |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231126232406/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339884883_ADVERTISING_VALUE_OF_INSTAGRAM_STORIES_AND_THE_EFFECT_ON_MILLENNIAL'S_ATTITUDE |archive-date=26 Nov 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Influencer marketing====<br />
Influencer marketing is a type of advertising in which brands team up with social media personalities, also known as influencers, to promote a product or service. <br />
<br />
Most of these influencers have built a credible standing among a large and engaged following. Brands use brand deals to leverage the influencers' credibility and relatibility and reach audiences in ways that feel far more authentic than traditional advertising.<br />
<br />
Users are more influenced by social media personalities who share their values and lifestyles. Consequently, authenticity, trustworthiness, and relevance are the key drivers of consumer behavior. Thus, when influencers share real-life experiences of using a product or service, their recommendations are more likely to resonate with followers and result in higher levels of engagement and purchase intent.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anjali |date=Jun 2020 |title=Influencer Marketing: An Exploratory Study to Identify Antecedents of Consumer Behavior of Millennial |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342181914_Influencer_Marketing_An_Exploratory_Study_to_Identify_Antecedents_of_Consumer_Behavior_of_Millennial |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230506202540/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342181914_Influencer_Marketing_An_Exploratory_Study_to_Identify_Antecedents_of_Consumer_Behavior_of_Millennial |archive-date=6 May 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
Congruence—the match between the persona of the influencer, the product they are promoting, and the interests of the audience—is crucial. When the fit among these elements is strong it makes the campaign appear more genuine, and therefore more credible. Strong congruence will improve the credibility of an influencer, and create a stronger emotional relationship with the audience.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Belanche |first=Daniel |last2=Ibáñez Sánchez |first2=Sergio |last3=Casaló Ariño |first3=Luis Vicente |last4=Flavián |first4=Marta |date=Apr 2021 |title=Understanding influencer marketing: The role of congruence between influencers, products and consumers |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352120476_Understanding_influencer_marketing_The_role_of_congruence_between_influencers_products_and_consumers |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
Over-commercialization—when influencers promote too many products or aren't transparent—can erode their audience's trust. Clear disclosures, such as #ad or #sponsored, help to maintain transparency and adherence with advertising regulations. Unfortunately, such disclosures are often hidden among numerous hashtags or omitted altogether.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><br />
<br />
===Web===<br />
See also: [[Advertising overload in websites|Advertising Overload in Websites]]<br />
Ever since the introduction of cookies in the early 1990s, websites have been trying to make progressively more money off of advertisers. This pattern used to be easily thwarted, as in the early days of the web, consumers could simply choose not to visit these websites to avoid being so pervasively served advertisements. Unfortunately, in modern times, consumers lack this capability, as mass advertising has now become a systemic problem. Popular news sources, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others, are filled to the brim with advertisements. As mentioned by publications such as The Huffington Post,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elliot |first=Christopher |date=8 Feb 2017 |title=Yes, There Are Too Many Ads Online. Yes, You Can Stop Them. Here's How. |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[HuffPost]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127141328/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297 |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> The Conversation,<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Steve |date=18 Sep 2024 |title=Why is the internet overflowing with rubbish ads – and what can we do about it? |url=https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Conversation]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126234756/https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref> and B2,<ref>https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815092938/https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815092938/https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Archived])</ref> the web itself has too many ads.<br />
<br />
====Banner Ads====<br />
Banner ads are the most common form of web ads and one of the oldest forms of digital advertising, usually appearing as rectangular graphics at the top, bottom, or sides of a webpage. However, despite their pervasiveness, their effectiveness has been questioned due to phenomena such as banner blindness, where users unconsciously ignore ad-like content. Banner ads work only if they are rightly placed, well designed, and relevant.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Joowon |last2=Ahn |first2=Jae-Hyeon |date=Oct 2012 |title=Attention to Banner Ads and Their Effectiveness: An Eye-Tracking Approach |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220930043417/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach |archive-date=30 Sep 2022}}</ref><br />
<br />
This research<ref name=":7" /> featured the use of eye-tracking technology to analyze how users behave with banner ads. It was found that such ads placed in central or prominent positions on a webpage receive significantly more attention than those in peripheral areas. Moreover, the animated and interactive banners are better at capturing attention than static ones; however, too much may become distracting and otherwise counterproductive. This also underlines that the relevance of the ad to the user's interests is one of the critical drivers of engagement. If banner ads are contextual, relating either to the content of the webpage or the browsing behavior of the user, they are more likely to be noticed and clicked. Advertisers should focus on creating non-intrusive, contextually relevant advertisements that add value to the user experience—not disrupt it.<br />
<br />
==Notable Examples==<br />
This section is a stub, please add to it!<br />
<br />
===YouTube===<br />
Here’s a breakdown of YouTube advertising, focusing on the specific ad formats and experiences across the website, iOS/Android apps, and TV platforms:<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on the Website=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll Ads (Video Ads)''':<br />
#*Play before the selected video.<br />
#*'''Types''':<br />
#**'''Skippable Ads''': Allow users to skip after 5 seconds.<br />
#**'''Non-Skippable Ads''': Typically 15-20 seconds long and cannot be skipped.<br />
#'''Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Appear during longer videos (10 minutes or more) at natural breaks.<br />
#'''Bumper Ads''':<br />
#*Short, non-skippable ads of 6 seconds.<br />
#'''Display Ads''':<br />
#*Banner ads that appear above the video suggestions sidebar.<br />
#'''Overlay Ads''':<br />
#*Semi-transparent banners that appear at the bottom of the video.<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on iOS/Android Apps=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Similar to the website, but often more frequent due to the higher engagement on mobile devices.<br />
#'''Bumper Ads''':<br />
#*Similar to the website.<br />
#'''In-Feed Ads''':<br />
#*Appear in the home feed or search results as promoted videos.<br />
#'''Shorts Ads''':<br />
#*Short, vertical video ads that appear between YouTube Shorts clips.<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on TV Platforms (Smart TVs, Streaming Devices)=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Longer pre-roll ads (up to 30 seconds) are common, as viewers are less likely to skip them.<br />
#*Mid-roll ads are placed at natural breaks in longer videos, similar to traditional TV commercials.<br />
#*Non-skippable ads are more prevalent<br />
#'''Interactive Ads''':<br />
#*Ads that allow users to interact using their remote (e.g., clicking for more information).<br />
<br />
====Youtube premium controversy====<br />
Recent controversy has brought up cases in which YouTube Premium subscribers still see advertisements—contrary to the service's own highlighting of offering an ad-free experience. Users have reported both pre-roll ads and mid-roll ads, along with promotional content in the Home feed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I have YouTube premium, why am I getting adds. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250615050502/https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |archive-date=15 Jun 2025}}</ref> In one prominent case, a user in Germany received an email from support at YouTube which said, in essence: "Sometimes promotional ads may appear for specific partnerships or limited-time offers," thereby hinting at the possibility of factors like location, viewing history, or special marketing efforts that could influence the event.<br />
<br />
In response to these reports, a YouTube spokesperson confirmed that Premium members should not see either pre-roll or mid-roll ads. They further stated that if subscribers do, they should reach out to support immediately. YouTube also said that Premium members may have access to different rewards with trusted partners, which they outline on their benefits page, but those shouldn't show up as ads within the video itself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=13 Nov 2024 |title=Some YouTube Premium users are seeing ads, but YouTube says they shouldn’t be |url=https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[9to5google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250801232117/https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ |archive-date=1 Aug 2025}}</ref> A fix for this is also shown in [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/why-youtube-premium-users-may-still-see-ads/story this guide].<br />
<br />
==Further Reading==<br />
<br />
*[[Stellantis in car advertisements]]<br />
*[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]<br />
*[[Ad block]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]<br />
[[Category:Theme]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Advertising_overload&diff=38415Advertising overload2026-02-23T01:11:47Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{SloppyAI}}{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Bottom section of the article includes AI generated lists|Issue 2=Bottom section of the article NEEDS sources!}}<br />
<br />
Advertising overload refers to the practice of not only integrating advertising as a source of revenue in software and websites, but also increasing the number of ads within platforms that consumers use. This has increasingly caused inconvenience to consumers. A commonly cited issue is the ever-increasing length of unskippable ads, which are forcibly shown even to people who need to watch CPR videos.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Luke |date=5 Jun 2023 |title=YouTube is playing three-minute-long adverts before FIRST AID videos — and they've already been linked to at least one death |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12143973/YouTube-playing-30-second-adverts-AID-videos.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250709000810/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12143973/YouTube-playing-30-second-adverts-AID-videos.html |archive-date=2025-07-09 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |work=[[Daily Mail]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube Playing Three Minute Ads Prior To First Aid Videos |url=https://1059themountain.com/mornings/youtube-playing-three-minute-ads-prior-to-first-aid-videos/ |url-status=dead |archive-url= |archive-date= |website=105.9 The Mountain}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Applications in industries==<br />
<br />
===Operating systems===<br />
Operating systems have been experiencing advertising overload, most notably the large market lead [[Windows]]. [[Activision Blizzard|King]]'s Candy Crush frequently comes pre-installed on [[Windows]] 10 operating systems,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moscaritolo |first=Angela |date=15 May 2025 |title=Windows 10 Will Come With Candy Crush Saga Pre-Installed |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-will-come-with-candy-crush-saga-pre-installed |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[PCMag]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250130100032/https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-will-come-with-candy-crush-saga-pre-installed |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> without consumer consent, and this game is additionally loaded with ads.<ref>[https://www.clashofgaming.com/en/problems-with-ads-in-candy-crush-saga-solutions-and-tips Problems with ads in Candy Crush Saga - Solutions and tips]</ref> Microsoft Solitaire Collection, a mainstay title for Windows devices, has had unnecessary ads inserted into the software.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Feb 2020 |title=Unwanted ads in solitaire collection |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unwanted-ads-in-solitaire-collection/814c97f6-30e5-478d-89f0-dfcad1085485 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174717/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/unwanted-ads-in-solitaire-collection/814c97f6-30e5-478d-89f0-dfcad1085485 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Aug 2024 |title=How to stop ads on Microsoft Solitaire collection? |url=https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/how-to-stop-ads-on-microsoft-solitaire-collection/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Games Learning Society]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250508004832/https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/how-to-stop-ads-on-microsoft-solitaire-collection/ |archive-date=8 May 2025}}</ref> Users who purchased Windows 10+ licenses have reported a progressively increasing number of ads within the software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=28 Feb 2021 |title=How to Disable All of Windows 10's Built-in Advertising |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[How-To Geek]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260125093825/https://www.howtogeek.com/269331/how-to-disable-all-of-windows-10s-built-in-advertising/ |archive-date=25 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=De Leon |first=Nicholas |date=21 Oct 2024 |title=How to Get Rid of the Ads and Other Shortcomings in Windows 11 |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/windows-11-how-to-get-rid-of-ads-and-other-shortcomings-a7800213441/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Consumer Reports]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723174357/https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/computers/windows-11-how-to-get-rid-of-ads-and-other-shortcomings-a7800213441/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 Apr 2023 |title=Every time I login to my PC a screen advertising Game Pass appears. How do I stop this? |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/every-time-i-login-to-my-pc-a-screen-advertising/6f83ad8a-3dab-43ef-871e-979b58965f6f |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174703/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/every-time-i-login-to-my-pc-a-screen-advertising/6f83ad8a-3dab-43ef-871e-979b58965f6f |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> Windows 10 additionally has pop-ups that frequently prompt legacy users to purchase Windows 11-supported hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Irwin |first=Kate |date=21 Nov 2024 |title=Microsoft Pushes Copilot+ PCs on Windows 10 Users With Pop-Up Ads |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-pushes-copilot-plus-pcs-on-windows-10-users-with-pop-up-ads |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2024 |website=[[PCMag]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250126125054/https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-pushes-copilot-plus-pcs-on-windows-10-users-with-pop-up-ads |archive-date=26 Jan 2025}}</ref> While it is possible to disable this pop-up via registry editing in Win 10 Pro edition,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stagg |first=Dave |date=Feb 14, 2022 |title=How to disable the Windows 11 Upgrade prompt |url=https://endpointfocus.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-11-upgrade-prompt/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Endpoint Focus |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250130215921/https://endpointfocus.com/how-to-disable-the-windows-11-upgrade-prompt/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> the registries that are changed with this method are the ones which handle receiving any update, including security updates.<br />
<br />
Smart televisions also have been seeing a sharp increase in advertisements within the operating system as well, such as [[Roku]]<ref>[https://advertising.roku.com/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260201023014/https://advertising.roku.com/ Archived])</ref> and [[Amazon]] Fire TV.<ref>[https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/ad-specs/fire-tv ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251215085117/https://advertising.amazon.com/resources/ad-specs/fire-tv Archived]) Amazon Advertising]</ref> [[Roku]] has faced criticism for its plans to introduce ads that appear whenever users pause a game they are playing.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=4 Apr 2024 |title=Roku’s New HDMI Tech Could Show Ads When You Pause Your Game |url=https://kotaku.com/roku-patent-hdmi-tech-tv-ads-game-console-pause-screen-1851388976 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174717/https://kotaku.com/roku-patent-hdmi-tech-tv-ads-game-console-pause-screen-1851388976 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> This introduces privacy concerns since these detection systems depend on constant spying on consumer's activities.<br />
[[File:Fire TV ads.png|thumb|A screenshot of the home screen for an Amazon Fire TV]]<br />
[[File:Xbox One Dashboard.jpg|thumb|The Xbox One dashboard as of 2022]]<br />
Users of [[Xbox]] One/Series<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=26 Jul 2023 |title=New Xbox Dashboard Looks Great, Still Has Too Many Ads |url=https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250725071633/https://kotaku.com/xbox-series-x-s-dashboard-update-game-pass-ui-1850679127 |archive-date=25 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Micheals |first=Steve |date=22 Jan 2024 |title=Xbox Gamers Not Happy About Full-Screen Ads |url=https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[GameRant]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724143350/https://gamerant.com/xbox-full-screen-ads/ |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> and [[PlayStation]] 4/5 consoles,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=30 Sep 2024 |title=PS5 Homescreen Now Replaces Unique Video Game Art With Annoying Ads You Can’t Turn Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-homescreen-now-replaces-unique-video-game-art-with-annoying-ads-you-cant-turn-off |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250722001903/https://www.ign.com/articles/ps5-homescreen-now-replaces-unique-video-game-art-with-annoying-ads-you-cant-turn-off |archive-date=22 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=1 Oct 2024 |title=PlayStation Blames PS5 Dashboard Ads On "Tech Error" |url=https://www.thegamer.com/ps5-dashboard-ads-were-a-bug-tech-issue-removed/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Gamer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241005041024/https://www.thegamer.com/ps5-dashboard-ads-were-a-bug-tech-issue-removed/ |archive-date=5 Oct 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Co |first=Alex |date=29 Sep 2024 |title=PS5 New UI Update Also Brought Ads You Can’t Turn Off and Unwanted Forced News Feed to Select Titles |url=https://mp1st.com/news/ps5-new-ui-update-also-brought-unwanted-forced-news-feed-and-ads-to-select-titles |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[MP1ST]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174701/https://mp1st.com/news/ps5-new-ui-update-also-brought-unwanted-forced-news-feed-and-ads-to-select-titles |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> have been receiving ads on the home screens of their systems for over a decade.<ref>[https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/pictures-2023/xbox-one-dashboard-ads Archive of dashboard ads for Xbox consoles]</ref> This practice dates back to the 7th console generation, such as on the [[Xbox]] 360.<ref>[https://www.neogaf.com/threads/the-ads-finally-were-removed-from-the-xbox-360-dashboard.1549854/ The ads finally were removed from the Xbox 360 dashboard]</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Low-quality source}}<br />
<br />
===Streaming services===<br />
In the late 2010s, there was a polarizing shift within the streaming service industry. New streaming services like IMDB TV and [[Roku]] Television came onto the scene offering free streaming, with the caveat of ads.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=Free ad-supported streaming television |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_ad-supported_streaming_television |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203184000/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_ad-supported_streaming_television |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> This inspired corporations who operated premium streaming services to do the same. In the early 2020s, paying users were forced to watch ads.<ref name=":8">[https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128131131/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/126831 Archived]) Ads on Netflix]</ref> Since then, users have only been reporting an increase in the amounts of ads<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=11 Sep 2021 |title=Share of adults who think there were too many ads on video streaming services in the United States as of September 2021, by generation |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Statista]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215212237/https://www.statista.com/statistics/1307619/video-streaming-advertising-frequency-by-generation-us/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> that they watch on their services.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Scott |date=5 Jan 2025 |title=Amazon Prime Video Increases Ad Frequency In The US To Boost Revenue |url=https://9meters.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-prime-video-increases-advertisements-in-the-us-to-boost-revenue-increase-ad-free-signups |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[9meters]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724175144/https://9meters.com/entertainment/streaming/amazon-prime-video-increases-advertisements-in-the-us-to-boost-revenue-increase-ad-free-signups |archive-date=24 Jul 2025}}</ref> These premium providers, such as [[Netflix, Inc.|Netflix]],<ref name=":8" /> do offer versions of their services that are ad free at a higher cost. Consumers have labeled this practice as a form of extortion.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Roettgers |first=Janko |date=23 Sep 2023 |title=Why every streaming service wants you to watch ads now |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Fast Company]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127234258/https://www.fastcompany.com/90956587/why-every-streaming-service-wants-you-to-watch-ads-now |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> Plex is one of the few services which only offer a paid, ad-supported version of its platform.<!-- I paid for Plex premium, but still get ads, and I cannot find out how to disable them --> <br />
<br />
These ad-free tiers additionally are increasing in price,<ref name=":2" /> so it often forces consumers who are disinterested in alternative means to either pay an excessive amount of money to watch their favorite media, or be barraged by increasing ads.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> <br />
<!-- We should have a mini section on Youtube here, they deserve a dedicated article as well, so make it brief and link to the primary article.<br />
<br />
Some references to note as well:<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/<br />
<br />
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/why-youtube-premium-users-may-still-see-ads/story<br />
<br />
https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ --><br />
<br />
===Traditional gaming<!-- Something to read later on: https://ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_13_No_1_March_2022/9.pdf -->===<br />
While not on par with its Mobile gaming counterpart<!-- Referencing a later section like this is mildly confusing, this should be rephrased or article rearranged. -->, traditional video games have also been experiencing this heavy increase in advertising. This has especially been seen and documented from titles such as [[Call of Duty]] and [[Fortnite]]. The home screen and launch screen experience for these games often aim to direct players toward the storefront, encouraging them to purchase the products that are being promoted that day.<ref>{{Cite news |last=u/Character-Acrobatic |date=Jun 16, 2024 |title=Stop advertising inside the game |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1dgvt12/stop_advertising_inside_the_game/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=reddit |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250118135659/https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1dgvt12/stop_advertising_inside_the_game/ |archive-date=18 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=Nov 3, 2023 |title=Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Has A Full-Screen Ad That Some People Don't Like |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-has-a-full-screen-ad-that-some-people-dont-like/1100-6518890/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Gamespot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211104346/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-has-a-full-screen-ad-that-some-people-dont-like/1100-6518890/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> Additionally, killcams in Call of Duty have seen ads as well.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aguilar |first=Jorge A. |date=Feb 25, 2025 |title=Call of Duty Brings Advertisements to Player Killcams |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/call-of-duty-advertisements-player-killcams/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=How to Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260207081717/https://www.howtogeek.com/call-of-duty-advertisements-player-killcams/ |archive-date=7 Feb 2026}}</ref> <!-- For the advertising pile whenever we get a dedicated COD page:<br />
<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1b1uu4y/this_is_literally_just_an_ad_for_the_new_show_why/<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/17286lp/ads_which_directly_address_fomo_dont_make_me_want/<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/ModernWarfareIII/comments/1gbnxjr/advertising_tactics_mw3/<br />
--> <br />
<br />
[[Activision Blizzard]] has a dedicated advertising division for companies to advertise their products inside their games.<ref>https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260103021919/https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260103021919/https://www.activisionblizzardmedia.com/ Archived])</ref> [[Epic Games, Inc.|Epic Games]] has done a similar thing.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Joey |date=24 Jul 2024 |title=Fortnite Ads |url=https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Media Shark]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260215212419/https://gomediashark.com/fortnite-ads/ |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lattin |first=Pesach |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=Fortnite In-Game Advertising. How does it Work? |url=https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[aDOtat]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251017164045/https://www.adotat.com/2023/01/fortnite-in-game-advertising-how-does-it-work/ |archive-date=17 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Byrd |first=Matthew |date=Dec 2, 2020 |title=How Fortnite Became Gaming’s Great Shameless Marketing Tool |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |access-date=Mar 15, 2025 |work=Den of Geek |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215013514/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/fortnite-marketing-tool-epic-games-events-star-wars-marvel/ |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> It is expected that legitimate ads may be progressively more pervasive within the media that users pay for.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Olivia |date=11 Oct 2023 |title=In-Game Advertising: How it Works and Why it Works |url=https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Abios]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251205150742/https://abiosgaming.com/press/in-game-adverting-fortnite/ |archive-date=5 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Mar 2025 |title=In-game advertising |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |url-status=live |website=[[Wikipedia]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251201201031/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-game_advertising |archive-date=1 Dec 2025}}</ref> Advertising agencies in general are also trying to integrate billboard ads for legitimate products inside games, such as Trackmania.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vargas |first=Anthony |date=2 Mar 2022 |title=NBCU Adds In-Game Ads To Its Sales Roster Through Partnership With Anzu |url=https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Ad Exchanger]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114020308/https://www.adexchanger.com/gaming/nbcu-adds-in-game-ads-to-its-sales-roster-through-partnership-with-anzu/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
[[File:Anzu-NBCU-partership-1024x490.jpg|thumb|In-game ads in Trackmania]]<br />
Some platforms have gone so far as to send users notifications explicitly promoting these new products available for purchase within the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Huzaifa |date=24 Nov 2023 |title=Ubisoft Cites “Technical Error” For Recent In-Game Pop-Up Fiasco |url=https://exputer.com/news/games/ubisoft-technical-error-in-game-ad/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Exputer]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206085537/https://exputer.com/news/games/ubisoft-technical-error-in-game-ad/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Most have kept these notifications in-game,<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to get rid of GTA Online ads on loading screens |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandTheftAutoV/comments/l3xthb/how_to_get_rid_of_gta_online_ads_on_loading/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210127195925/https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandTheftAutoV/comments/l3xthb/how_to_get_rid_of_gta_online_ads_on_loading/ |archive-date=27 Jan 2021}}</ref><!-- There isn't a whole lot of documentation on everything advertised in GTAO, but when I used to play it, I remembered it often trying to encourage me to buy Shark Cards. --> but some have been reported to leave notification pop-ups directly on users' devices.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Mar 2023 |title=Why am I constantly having game app ads popping up even when I'm not playing games? |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/204580579/why-am-i-constantly-having-game-app-ads-popping-up-even-when-i-m-not-playing-games?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Google Play Help]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250115063953/https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/204580579/why-am-i-constantly-having-game-app-ads-popping-up-even-when-i-m-not-playing-games?hl=en |archive-date=15 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Oct 2023 |title=Game ads keep popping up every 15-30 seconds! |url=https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CLnjCLSQZ/game-ads-keep-popping-up-every-1530-seconds |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Amazon Forum]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174714/https://www.amazonforum.com/s/question/0D56Q0000CLnjCLSQZ/game-ads-keep-popping-up-every-1530-seconds |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> It is entirely plausible that these marketplace advertisements will increase in popularity from publishers as time goes on. <gallery><br />
File:Example of in-game ads.jpg|Cod MW3 - Ad in-game marketing the premium version<br />
File:Tmobile Ad in fortnite.webp|Fortnite - Ad marketing T-Mobile<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
====Advergaming====<br />
Further reading: [[Advergames]]<br />
While not as popular as it once was, companies would pay developers to work on games that exist solely to advertise a product, such as McDonald's McWorld, which also advertised other products inside the game.<ref>https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260223005215/https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250829122526/https://massivelyop.com/2020/05/23/the-game-archaeologist-mcdonalds-mcworld-mmo-is-a-thing-that-existed/ Archived])</ref> Sometimes these games would also introduce additional anticonsumer practices, often to the detriment of young kids.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moran |first=Eric |date=27 Jan 2023 |title=McWorld: What happens when a fast food restaurant create an online virtual world |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nerFPG-PEQ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250825132954/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nerFPG-PEQ |archive-date=25 Aug 2025}}</ref> <!-- Okay, I actually think McWorld deserves a bit of an article here lol - JamesTDG -->Many of these games were made as shovelware as well, so many of these games are often not meant for an extended period of time to be accessible. Older advergames often only sold for a short period, only up to a few years at best, so if a game held any quality, there is a problem of [[FOMO]], this has been seen with popular titles such as Pepsiman on the PS1 or Cool Spot on the Sega Genesis. In the 2000s, these games often preferred accessing servers, mostly to encourage serving additional ads. Many of these would not last long, and these products people invest into are just taken away from them, such as ToonTown<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Heather |date=23 Aug 2013 |title=Coping with the loss of an online world |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/23/tech/gaming-gadgets/closing-toontown/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250813162715/https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/23/tech/gaming-gadgets/closing-toontown/index.html |archive-date=13 Aug 2025}}</ref> or Club Penguin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martinelli |first=Marissa |date=3 Apr 2017 |title=Disney’s Beloved Club Penguin Has Shut Down After More Than a Decade. We Documented Its Final Days. |url=https://slate.com/culture/2017/04/what-the-end-of-disneys-mmo-club-penguin-was-like-inside-the-game.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Slate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219191942/https://slate.com/culture/2017/04/what-the-end-of-disneys-mmo-club-penguin-was-like-inside-the-game.html |archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
In the modern day, Advergaming has largely preferred existing metaverses, such as Roblox<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bains |first=Callum |date=13 Jul 2024 |title=‘Advergames’: how games platform Roblox became a corporate marketing playground |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215212500/https://www.theguardian.com/games/article/2024/jul/13/advergames-how-games-platform-roblox-became-a-corporate-marketing-playground |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Chantelle |date=4 Jun 2024 |title=Ikea is Hiring 10 Roblox Players to Work at In-Game Store |url=https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Time]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723195409/https://time.com/6985642/ikea-hiring-workers-roblox-game/ |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref> or the literal Metaverse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laughlin |first=Charles |date=14 Jun 2022 |title=Is Dining in the Metaverse Real? Brands Seem to Think So |url=https://www.localogy.com/2022/06/is-dining-in-the-metaverse-real-brands-seem-to-think-so/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Localogy]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174722/https://www.localogy.com/2022/06/is-dining-in-the-metaverse-real-brands-seem-to-think-so/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> These too, have brought controversy<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=22 Apr 2022 |title=Roblox is ‘exploiting’ users with deceptive advertising, watchdog group says |url=https://www.polygon.com/23035640/roblox-ads-deceptive-ftc-complaint |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Polygon]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210010651/https://www.polygon.com/23035640/roblox-ads-deceptive-ftc-complaint/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> and can be seen as anti-consumer.<br />
<br />
===Mobile gaming===<br />
A feature often associated with modern day mobile games are ads, especially [[False advertising|misleading ads]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shetty |first=Saurabh |date=27 Jan 2024 |title=How misleading mobile game ads are hurting the industry |url=https://gamingonphone.com/editorial/how-misleading-mobile-game-ads-are-hurting-the-industry/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[GamingonPhone]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250821164359/https://gamingonphone.com/editorial/how-misleading-mobile-game-ads-are-hurting-the-industry/ |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghuram |first=Vignesh |date=25 Oct 2024 |title=False Promises, Real Profits: Why Misleading Ads Work for Mobile Games |url=https://afkgaming.com/global/false-promises-real-profits-why-misleading-ads-work-for-mobile-games |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[AFKGaming]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250803090619/https://afkgaming.com/global/false-promises-real-profits-why-misleading-ads-work-for-mobile-games |archive-date=3 Aug 2025}}</ref> Unfortunately, publishers such as Puzzle1Studio, Metacore Games, and [[Rovio]] have a history of publishing titles that corner the consumer into frequently watching ads in the middle of their games.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=LaMarca |first=Livia |date=8 Dec 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} Oh my god, please stop the excessive ads on mobile games! |url=https://pittnews.com/article/177875/opinions/opinion-oh-my-god-please-stop-the-excessive-ads-on-mobile-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ThePittNews]]|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211161555/https://pittnews.com/article/177875/opinions/opinion-oh-my-god-please-stop-the-excessive-ads-on-mobile-games/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref> This practice additionally leeches into Microtransactions, wherein these app developers will intentionally try to coax users into watching ads for increased rewards, or to reduce cooldown times.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Kew-Denniss |first=Zachary |date=7 Dec 2023 |title=Google and Apple share the blame for mobile gaming's awful reputation |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-apple-share-blame-for-mobile-gamings-awful-reputation/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Android Police]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213062816/https://www.androidpolice.com/google-apple-share-blame-for-mobile-gamings-awful-reputation/ |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Major software distribution platforms, such as the Google Play store or the iOS App Store, often allow this behavior<ref name=":4" /> to persist from app developers, even featuring these ad-heavy games.<br />
<br />
===Social media===<br />
Social media has become a fundamental part of the advertising world, thanks to the ease with which targeted audiences can be reached based on their interests. There are various types of advertising that users encounter when using all major social media platforms. <br />
<br />
====Native ads (In-feed ads)====<br />
Native ads are designed to blend seamlessly into the rest of the feed, mimicking its appearance. They are generally more engaging and lead to stronger brand identification among consumers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Apr 2015 |title=Ad Effectiveness Study: Native Ads Vs Banner Ads |url=https://www.sharethrough.com/blog/ad-effectiveness-study-native-ads-vs-banner-ads |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Sharethrough]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215071950/https://www.sharethrough.com/blog/ad-effectiveness-study-native-ads-vs-banner-ads |archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> Native ads are distinguishable from organic content by the label “sponsored,” often written in very small text. As highlighted by Dr. Bartosz W. Wojdynski’s research,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wojdynski |first=Bartosz W. |date=Jul 2016 |title=The Deceptiveness of Sponsored News Articles: How Readers Recognize and Perceive Native Advertising |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305718389_The_Deceptiveness_of_Sponsored_News_Articles_How_Readers_Recognize_and_Perceive_Native_Advertising |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230129003538/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305718389_The_Deceptiveness_of_Sponsored_News_Articles_How_Readers_Recognize_and_Perceive_Native_Advertising |archive-date=29 Jan 2023}}</ref> native ads can easily be misleading. In fact, 68% of participants in his study failed to distinguish them from organic content. Therefore, it is crucial that these ads do not come across as deceptive. The [[Federal Trade Commission|FTC]] follows these three principles:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Native Advertising: A Guide for Businesses |url=https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[FTC]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260103230211/https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses |archive-date=3 Jan 2026}}</ref><blockquote><br />
#'''Transparency is key''': An advertisement or promotional message should not suggest or imply to consumers that it is anything other than an ad.<br />
#'''Clarity of commercial intent''': Some native ads may be so clearly commercial in nature that they are unlikely to mislead consumers even without a specific disclosure. In other cases, a disclosure may be necessary to ensure consumers understand the content is advertising.<br />
#'''Clear and prominent disclosures''': If a disclosure is necessary to prevent deception, it must be clear and prominent.<br />
</blockquote><br />
====Video Ads====<br />
Video ads are among the most common forms of advertising on social media. They can appear either as standalone content or be inserted at the beginning, end, or middle of another video. Shorter, skippable, and non-intrusively placed ads perform better, as they respect user autonomy. Targeted ads are more likely to capture interest. As with other ad formats, transparency is crucial here as well, ensuring that the ad is not perceived as intrusive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krishnan |first=S. Shunmuga |last2=Sitaraman |first2=Ramesh K. |title=Understanding the Effectiveness of Video Ads: A Measurement Study |url=https://www.akamai.com/site/en/documents/research-paper/understanding-the-effectiveness-of-video-ads-a-measurement-study-technical-publication.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240722060725/https://www.akamai.com/site/en/documents/research-paper/understanding-the-effectiveness-of-video-ads-a-measurement-study-technical-publication.pdf |archive-date=22 Jul 2024}}</ref> <br />
<br />
====Stories Ads====<br />
Ads that appear in Stories are full-screen, vertical, and often feature interactive elements like swipe-up links, polls, or countdowns. They expire after 24 hours, giving them an ephemeral nature. Story ads are better perceived when they are creative, non-intrusive, and relevant to users' interests.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahatmavidya |first=P.A. |last2=Kerti Yasa |first2=Ni Nyoman |date=Mar 2020 |title=ADVERTISING VALUE OF INSTAGRAM STORIES AND THE EFFECT ON MILLENNIAL’S ATTITUDE |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339884883_ADVERTISING_VALUE_OF_INSTAGRAM_STORIES_AND_THE_EFFECT_ON_MILLENNIAL%27S_ATTITUDE |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231126232406/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339884883_ADVERTISING_VALUE_OF_INSTAGRAM_STORIES_AND_THE_EFFECT_ON_MILLENNIAL'S_ATTITUDE |archive-date=26 Nov 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Influencer marketing====<br />
Influencer marketing is a type of advertising in which brands team up with social media personalities, also known as influencers, to promote a product or service. <br />
<br />
Most of these influencers have built a credible standing among a large and engaged following. Brands use brand deals to leverage the influencers' credibility and relatibility and reach audiences in ways that feel far more authentic than traditional advertising.<br />
<br />
Users are more influenced by social media personalities who share their values and lifestyles. Consequently, authenticity, trustworthiness, and relevance are the key drivers of consumer behavior. Thus, when influencers share real-life experiences of using a product or service, their recommendations are more likely to resonate with followers and result in higher levels of engagement and purchase intent.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Chopra |first=Anjali |date=Jun 2020 |title=Influencer Marketing: An Exploratory Study to Identify Antecedents of Consumer Behavior of Millennial |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342181914_Influencer_Marketing_An_Exploratory_Study_to_Identify_Antecedents_of_Consumer_Behavior_of_Millennial |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230506202540/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342181914_Influencer_Marketing_An_Exploratory_Study_to_Identify_Antecedents_of_Consumer_Behavior_of_Millennial |archive-date=6 May 2023}}</ref><br />
<br />
Congruence—the match between the persona of the influencer, the product they are promoting, and the interests of the audience—is crucial. When the fit among these elements is strong it makes the campaign appear more genuine, and therefore more credible. Strong congruence will improve the credibility of an influencer, and create a stronger emotional relationship with the audience.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Belanche |first=Daniel |last2=Ibáñez Sánchez |first2=Sergio |last3=Casaló Ariño |first3=Luis Vicente |last4=Flavián |first4=Marta |date=Apr 2021 |title=Understanding influencer marketing: The role of congruence between influencers, products and consumers |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352120476_Understanding_influencer_marketing_The_role_of_congruence_between_influencers_products_and_consumers |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]]}}</ref><br />
<br />
Over-commercialization—when influencers promote too many products or aren't transparent—can erode their audience's trust. Clear disclosures, such as #ad or #sponsored, help to maintain transparency and adherence with advertising regulations. Unfortunately, such disclosures are often hidden among numerous hashtags or omitted altogether.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><br />
<br />
===Web===<br />
See also: [[Advertising overload in websites|Advertising Overload in Websites]]<br />
Ever since the introduction of cookies in the early 1990s, websites have been trying to make progressively more money off of advertisers. This pattern used to be easily thwarted, as in the early days of the web, consumers could simply choose not to visit these websites to avoid being so pervasively served advertisements. Unfortunately, in modern times, consumers lack this capability, as mass advertising has now become a systemic problem. Popular news sources, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others, are filled to the brim with advertisements. As mentioned by publications such as The Huffington Post,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elliot |first=Christopher |date=8 Feb 2017 |title=Yes, There Are Too Many Ads Online. Yes, You Can Stop Them. Here's How. |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[HuffPost]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251127141328/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/yes-there-are-too-many-ads-online-yes-you-can-stop_b_589b888de4b02bbb1816c297 |archive-date=27 Nov 2025}}</ref> The Conversation,<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Steve |date=18 Sep 2024 |title=Why is the internet overflowing with rubbish ads – and what can we do about it? |url=https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980 |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[The Conversation]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126234756/https://theconversation.com/why-is-the-internet-overflowing-with-rubbish-ads-and-what-can-we-do-about-it-237980 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026}}</ref> and B2,<ref>https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815092938/https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Archived]) ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250815092938/https://www.b2.ai/ad-overload-are-publishers-showing-too-many-ads/ Archived])</ref> the web itself has too many ads.<br />
<br />
====Banner Ads====<br />
Banner ads are the most common form of web ads and one of the oldest forms of digital advertising, usually appearing as rectangular graphics at the top, bottom, or sides of a webpage. However, despite their pervasiveness, their effectiveness has been questioned due to phenomena such as banner blindness, where users unconsciously ignore ad-like content. Banner ads work only if they are rightly placed, well designed, and relevant.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Joowon |last2=Ahn |first2=Jae-Hyeon |date=Oct 2012 |title=Attention to Banner Ads and Their Effectiveness: An Eye-Tracking Approach |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[ResearchGate]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220930043417/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262090327_Attention_to_Banner_Ads_and_Their_Effectiveness_An_Eye-Tracking_Approach |archive-date=30 Sep 2022}}</ref><br />
<br />
This research<ref name=":7" /> featured the use of eye-tracking technology to analyze how users behave with banner ads. It was found that such ads placed in central or prominent positions on a webpage receive significantly more attention than those in peripheral areas. Moreover, the animated and interactive banners are better at capturing attention than static ones; however, too much may become distracting and otherwise counterproductive. This also underlines that the relevance of the ad to the user's interests is one of the critical drivers of engagement. If banner ads are contextual, relating either to the content of the webpage or the browsing behavior of the user, they are more likely to be noticed and clicked. Advertisers should focus on creating non-intrusive, contextually relevant advertisements that add value to the user experience—not disrupt it.<br />
<br />
==Notable Examples==<br />
This section is a stub, please add to it!<br />
<br />
===YouTube===<br />
Here’s a breakdown of YouTube advertising, focusing on the specific ad formats and experiences across the website, iOS/Android apps, and TV platforms:<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on the Website=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll Ads (Video Ads)''':<br />
#*Play before the selected video.<br />
#*'''Types''':<br />
#**'''Skippable Ads''': Allow users to skip after 5 seconds.<br />
#**'''Non-Skippable Ads''': Typically 15-20 seconds long and cannot be skipped.<br />
#'''Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Appear during longer videos (10 minutes or more) at natural breaks.<br />
#'''Bumper Ads''':<br />
#*Short, non-skippable ads of 6 seconds.<br />
#'''Display Ads''':<br />
#*Banner ads that appear above the video suggestions sidebar.<br />
#'''Overlay Ads''':<br />
#*Semi-transparent banners that appear at the bottom of the video.<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on iOS/Android Apps=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Similar to the website, but often more frequent due to the higher engagement on mobile devices.<br />
#'''Bumper Ads''':<br />
#*Similar to the website.<br />
#'''In-Feed Ads''':<br />
#*Appear in the home feed or search results as promoted videos.<br />
#'''Shorts Ads''':<br />
#*Short, vertical video ads that appear between YouTube Shorts clips.<br />
<br />
=====YouTube Ads on TV Platforms (Smart TVs, Streaming Devices)=====<br />
<br />
#'''Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll Ads''':<br />
#*Longer pre-roll ads (up to 30 seconds) are common, as viewers are less likely to skip them.<br />
#*Mid-roll ads are placed at natural breaks in longer videos, similar to traditional TV commercials.<br />
#*Non-skippable ads are more prevalent<br />
#'''Interactive Ads''':<br />
#*Ads that allow users to interact using their remote (e.g., clicking for more information).<br />
<br />
====Youtube premium controversy====<br />
Recent controversy has brought up cases in which YouTube Premium subscribers still see advertisements—contrary to the service's own highlighting of offering an ad-free experience. Users have reported both pre-roll ads and mid-roll ads, along with promotional content in the Home feed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I have YouTube premium, why am I getting adds. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250615050502/https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |archive-date=15 Jun 2025}}</ref> In one prominent case, a user in Germany received an email from support at YouTube which said, in essence: "Sometimes promotional ads may appear for specific partnerships or limited-time offers," thereby hinting at the possibility of factors like location, viewing history, or special marketing efforts that could influence the event.<br />
<br />
In response to these reports, a YouTube spokesperson confirmed that Premium members should not see either pre-roll or mid-roll ads. They further stated that if subscribers do, they should reach out to support immediately. YouTube also said that Premium members may have access to different rewards with trusted partners, which they outline on their benefits page, but those shouldn't show up as ads within the video itself.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schoon |first=Ben |date=13 Nov 2024 |title=Some YouTube Premium users are seeing ads, but YouTube says they shouldn’t be |url=https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[9to5google]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250801232117/https://9to5google.com/2024/11/13/youtube-premium-ads-statement/ |archive-date=1 Aug 2025}}</ref> A fix for this is also shown in [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/why-youtube-premium-users-may-still-see-ads/story this guide].<br />
<br />
==Further Reading==<br />
<br />
*[[Stellantis in car advertisements]]<br />
*[[Samsung ads in refrigerators]]<br />
*[[Ad block]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]<br />
[[Category:Theme]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Electronic_Arts&diff=37341Electronic Arts2026-02-17T06:27:07Z<p>Banana: Added archive URLs for 21 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=American video game developer and publisher.<br />
|Founded=1982<br />
|Industry=Video Games<br />
|Logo=Electronic Arts.png<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://ea.com/<br />
}}<br />
[[wikipedia:Electronic_Arts|'''Electronic Arts''']] ('''EA''') is a former video-game developer and now publisher founded in 1982 by Trip Hawkins. It is well known for its simulator titles under the ''Sim'' series (''The Sims,'' ''SimCity,'' ''MySims,'' etc.), titles published under its EA Sports division (''Madden,'' ''FIFA,'' etc.), and its ''Battlefield'' series.<br />
<br />
EA has received criticism for its reliance on microtransactions, its focus on [[downloadable content]] (DLC), and other business practices that both consumers and the media perceive as excessively unfavorable predatory and anti-consumer. <br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
<br />
*User freedom: limited; removed capability to play games on 32-bit systems via Origin, extensive abuse of DRM ([[SecuROM]], [[Denuvo]]), monopolization of game genres, orphaned content/game licenses, and more.<br />
*User privacy: questionable; uses kernel-level anti-cheat in many games,<ref>{{Cite web |last=SEgopher |date=Sep 15, 2022 |title=The insanity of EA's anti-cheat system by a Kernel Dev |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/xf1cwr/the_insanity_of_eas_anticheat_system_by_a_kernel/ |access-date=Jun 1, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> DRM abuse, considerations for advertisements in games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=May 10, 2024 |title=EA is prototyping in-game ads even as we speak |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/10/24153809/ea-in-game-ads-redux |access-date=Jun 1, 2025 |work=The Verge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124074306/https://www.theverge.com/2024/5/10/24153809/ea-in-game-ads-redux |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
*Business model: Game sales, [[microtransactions]], DLC, [[Non-fungible tokens|NFTs]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Colp |first=Tyler |date=Nov 3, 2021 |title=EA calls NFT and blockchain games 'the future of our industry' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/ea-calls-nft-and-blockchain-games-the-future-of-our-industry/ |access-date=Jun 1, 2025 |work=PC Gamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116010512/https://www.pcgamer.com/ea-calls-nft-and-blockchain-games-the-future-of-our-industry/ |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
*Market competition: Extensive; [[Nintendo]], [[Microsoft]]/[[Xbox]], [[Ubisoft]], [[Valve]]<br />
<br />
EA has [[EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles|open-sourcing older Command & Conquer games]] in 2025. However, the company continues to have a history of little to no consumer rights.<br />
<br />
==Incidents<!--Page to reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Electronic_Arts Extra note: Incidents will be split into 2 sections: Standard incidents: self-explanatory Anti-consumer practices: practices that are in fact anti-consumer.-->==<br />
<br />
===Origin shutdown===<br />
On April 17, 2025, EA shut down the Origin client,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Will |title=EA is ditching Origin, which means you could lose access to your games |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-sims-4/ea-origin-shut-down |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=PCGamesN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251121113702/https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-sims-4/ea-origin-shut-down |archive-date=21 Nov 2025}}</ref> which was the last option for 32-bit hardware owners to run EA-published titles. While most consumers have switched to 64-bit hardware, the discontinued support for 32-bit hardware signifies that vintage enthusiasts, tech historians, and others users of 32-bit hardware are unable to either install or play the games they have purchased, unless they upgrade to 64-bit hardware. <br />
<br />
===Lootboxes===<br />
{{Hatnote|See also: [[Microtransactions]]}}<br />
<br />
Multiple games published by EA in recent years have garnered significant controversy over what is essentially legal gambling. This is most commonly seen in EA sports titles and their "''Ultimate Team''" modes, which has players using in-game currency that can be purchased with real-world money to buy card packs, in order to potentially get high-value player cards. This monetization method, considered by many to be "predatory", most notably introduced controversy within the modern release of ''Star Wars Battlefront 2'', wherein the most powerful character in-game, Darth Vader, could only be obtained through this lootbox system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dingman |first=Hayden |date=10 Oct 2017 |title=How loot boxes are turning full-priced PC games into pay-to-win games of chance |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/407482/loot-boxes-ruining-gaming.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=PCWorld |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122024918/https://www.pcworld.com/article/407482/loot-boxes-ruining-gaming.html |archive-date=22 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=10 Oct 2017 |title=Star Wars Battlefront 2 has a loot crate problem |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/star-wars-battlefront-2-has-a-loot-crate-problem |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Robert Purchese |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113073209/https://www.eurogamer.net/star-wars-battlefront-2-has-a-loot-crate-problem |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey |first=Rob |date=13 Oct 2017 |title=Thinking outside the loot box |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/thinking-outside-the-loot-box |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Games Industry |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206121255/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/thinking-outside-the-loot-box |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> It was not until several weeks after the backlash that EA would tone down these lootboxes by changing loot pools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=1 Nov 2017 |title=Star Wars: Battlefront II changes its loot box plans… but is it enough? |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/star-wars-battlefront-ii-changes-its-loot-box-plans-but-is-it-enough/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113052311/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/10/star-wars-battlefront-ii-changes-its-loot-box-plans-but-is-it-enough/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=James |date=13 Oct 2017 |title=After beta controversy, DICE has better clarified the 'loot crate' and progression systems in Star Wars Battlefront 2 |url=https://www.vg247.com/after-beta-controversy-dice-has-better-clarified-the-loot-crate-system-in-the-final-version-of-star-wars-battlefront-2 |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=VG247}}</ref> Lootboxes remained within the title until ''[[Disney]]'' directly instructed EA to stop because of gambling concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Needleman |first=Sarah E. |last2=Fritz |first2=Ben |date=17 Nov 2017 |title=Electronic Arts Pulls Microtransactions From ‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ After Fan Backlash |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/electronic-arts-pulls-microtransactions-from-star-wars-battlefront-ii-after-fan-backlash-1510936871 |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> <!--Honestly deserving of an article considering the sheer insanity of EA here--><!--Concept section:<br />
At the moment, The Sims 4 holds EA's record for game with the most DLC for sale, with a total of $519.97 for expansion DLC being sold at $40 a pop, and a grand total of $1064.45 for all DLC. Purchase of these DLCs are necessitated since compared to the previous entry in the series, The Sims 3, there is a lower amount of content in TS4's base game.<br />
<br />
Sources:<br />
https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-sims-4/sims-4-dlc-price<br />
<br />
https://snootysims.com/wiki/sims-4/sims-3-vs-sims-4-which-one-is-better/--><br />
<br />
===DRM===<br />
EA holds the record for most pirated game with the title ''[[Spore (game)|Spore]],'' which was directly because of EA's use of ''[[SecuROM]]'', and was one of the earlier known titles to introduce always-online [[digital rights management]] (DRM).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Modern Vintage Gamer |date=25 Nov 2019 |title=SecuROM - The PC CD-ROM DRM that broke games {{!}} MVG |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8ltfyqD3lM |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Some releases of ''Mass Effect'' also used ''[[SecuROM]]'', and would instill excessive limits, such as a three-install limit that both could not be refunded by uninstalling and could only be increased through customer-service calls, and a recurring-validation system that required that the game have its activation code run every 10 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=8 May 2008 |title=Mass Effect, Spore To Use Recurring Validation |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/Mass-Effect-Spore-To-Use-Recurring-Validation/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=The Escapist |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251202160156/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/mass-effect-spore-to-use-recurring-validation/ |archive-date=2 Dec 2025}}</ref> While its use of SecuROM died off in the mid-2010s, the company merely switched to DRM that has been far worse for consumers, [[Denuvo]]. One significant EA title that has used this DRM is ''Star Wars: Jedi Survivor.x'' <!-- Need to add more examples later here --><br />
<br />
===''Spore''===<br />
{{Hatnote|Further reading: ''[[Spore (game)]]''}}<!-- I believe there is far more controversy to document inside a dedicated article. I also recommend mentioning Darkspore and Spore Adventures, since both of these are directly affected by what EA does with Spore itself. --><br />
<br />
''Spore'' retains a historical 1.7+ million pirated copies,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Molina |first=Andres |date=21 Jun 2024 |title=How many times was Spore pirated? |url=https://www.ncesc.com/gaming-pedia/how-many-times-was-spore-pirated/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=ncesc.com |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250414054642/https://www.ncesc.com/gaming-pedia/how-many-times-was-spore-pirated/ |archive-date=14 Apr 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Van der Sar |first=Ernesto |date=13 Sep 2008 |title=Spore: Most Pirated Game Ever Thanks to DRM |url=https://torrentfreak.com/spore-most-pirated-game-ever-thanks-to-drm-080913/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=TorrentFreak |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260130152354/https://torrentfreak.com/spore-most-pirated-game-ever-thanks-to-drm-080913/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2026}}</ref> directly related to EA's use of [[SecuROM]].<ref name=":0" /> In more recent years, ''Spore'''s server access was locked down to EA accounts,<ref name=":1">[https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=582350678 How to Connect to Spore Servers (Steam/GOG/EA App)]</ref> mostly because of free [[Steam]] key exploit. This has led to various problems for legitimate consumers who wanted to play the iconic game and its sibling ''Darkspore,'' since according to guides,<ref name=":1" /> users could only have a singular install of the game on any device, were required to have an EA account using an alphanumeric password, and needed a CD key to redeem on the user's EA account.<ref>[https://support.gog.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002333209-Spore-How-to-get-access-to-online-features?product=gog Spore - How to get access to online features]</ref> This has brought concern among the community, leading to community-developed tools to circumvent these server problems.<ref>[https://sporecommunity.com/ Spore Community Hub]</ref><br />
<br />
===License exclusivity===<br />
With various [[Intellectual property|intellectual properties]], from ''Star Wars''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dolen |first=Rob |date=15 Jan 2021 |title=EA No Longer Has Exclusive Rights to Star Wars, But Is It Too Late? |url=https://gamerant.com/ea-no-longer-star-wars-exclusive-publisher-lucasfilm-games-ubisoft-bethesda/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Game Rant |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251024210316/https://gamerant.com/ea-no-longer-star-wars-exclusive-publisher-lucasfilm-games-ubisoft-bethesda/ |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref> to the NFL, EA has created an artificial monopoly over large genres and major IP of the industry. Its exclusive licenses with various football organizations, such as the AFL and NFL, has resulted in an antitrust lawsuit against it.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20110510050257/http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_documents/0611_nfl_ea_wm.pdf</ref> This lawsuit ended in a $600K settlement, but did not resolve the primary problems caused by EA's exclusive deals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=13 Jun 2008 |title=Lawsuit flags EA for illegal procedure on football monopoly |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/06/lawsuit-flags-ea-for-illegal-procedure-on-football-monopoly/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251227210233/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/06/lawsuit-flags-ea-for-illegal-procedure-on-football-monopoly/ |archive-date=27 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kravets |first=David |date=28 Jun 2016 |title=EA punts, gives $600k to former football star in Madden NFL rights flap |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/ea-punts-gives-600k-to-former-football-star-in-madden-nfl-rights-flap/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208100019/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/06/ea-punts-gives-600k-to-former-football-star-in-madden-nfl-rights-flap/ |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref> NCAA players brought additional lawsuits against EA, alleging that it was not authorized to use their likeness in its games. These suits were also settled out of court.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eder |first=Steve |date=26 Sep 2016 |title=E.A. Sports Settles Lawsuit With College Athletes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/27/sports/ncaafootball/ea-sports-wont-make-college-video-game-in-2014.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=The New York Times |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221151143/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/27/sports/ncaafootball/ea-sports-wont-make-college-video-game-in-2014.html?_r=0 |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/23859858/ea-sports-settles-likeness-suits-thousands-of-current-former-players-eligible-for-money ([http://web.archive.org/web/20160507131507/http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/dennis-dodd/23859858/ea-sports-settles-likeness-suits-thousands-of-current-former-players-eligible-for-money Archived])</ref><!--Diminishing quality section here?--><br />
<br />
===Buyouts and closures===<br />
In order for EA to hold its high position, it has been known to buy out its competition.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stebbins |first=Samuel |last2=Comen |first2=Evan |last3=Sauter |first3=Michael B. |last4=Stockdale |first4=Charles |date=1 Feb 2018 |title=Bad reputation: America’s Top 20 most-hated companies |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/02/01/bad-reputation-americas-top-20-most-hated-companies/1058718001/ |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230013406/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/02/01/bad-reputation-americas-top-20-most-hated-companies/1058718001/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2019 |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Usa Today}}</ref> Often, this has led to the detriment of the companies they buy out,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hsu |first=Tiffany |date=4 Apr 2012 |title=Electronic Arts: ‘Worst company in America’? Consumerist says yes |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-apr-04-la-fi-mo-electronic-arts-worst-company-consumerist-20120404-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251227051302/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2012-apr-04-la-fi-mo-electronic-arts-worst-company-consumerist-20120404-story.html |archive-date=27 Dec 2025}}</ref> and by extension, the media which they release. A historical example, Westwood Studios, which pioneered the RTS genre with the ''Command & Conquer'' series, was shut down about five years after its purchase by EA, and its notable franchise was left abandoned years later, with entries either delisted or broken after GameSpy-based DRM were broken circa 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maiberg |first=Emanuel |date=8 Apr 2014 |title=Reddit compiles terrifying list of games affected by GameSpy shutdown |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/reddit-compiles-terrifying-list-of-games-affected-by-gamespy-shutdown/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=PCGamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213064431/https://www.pcgamer.com/reddit-compiles-terrifying-list-of-games-affected-by-gamespy-shutdown/ |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> While its habit of buying and closing studios has thinned since 2008, it similarly closed Visceral Games, the developer of ''Dead Space,'' in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=18 Oct 2017 |title=EA shuts down the studio behind 'Dead Space' |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017-10-17-ea-shuts-down-visceral-games.html |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=endgadget |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251003042709/https://www.engadget.com/2017-10-17-ea-shuts-down-visceral-games.html |archive-date=3 Oct 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Switching to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat after purchase===<br />
{{Main|EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase}}<br />
<br />
EA has implemented a change to the anti-cheat of several games after release including: EA SPORTS WRC, Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2, Battlefield 2042, Battlefield V, and Battlefield 1. This change breaks the ability to play the game, even after purchase, on older [[Windows]] versions and alternative operating systems to Windows including Linux and SteamOS. EA refuses to give you a refund for these games.<br />
<br />
===Shutting down Anthem===<br />
{{Main|Anthem server shutdown}}<br />
On 3 July, 2025, EA announced that the Anthem servers would be sunset on 12 January, 2026. Since the game was designed to require connection to the Anthem servers, the game would become unplayable following the shutdown of the servers. According to the terms of service that all consumers must agree to in order to play the game, this action by EA to revoke the purchase from the consumer is legal and permissible so long as 30 days notice was provided.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ELECTRONIC ARTS USER AGREEMENT |url=https://tos.ea.com/legalapp/WEBTERMS/US/en/PC/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/dW0Zg |archive-date=21 Sep 2024 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=tos.ea.com}}</ref><br />
<br />
On 12 January, 2026, the servers were shut down to the dismay of many.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |last=Shepard |first=Kenneth |date=2026-01-13 |title=7 Years Later, BioWare's Anthem Is Dead But It'll Never Be Forgotten |url=https://kotaku.com/anthem-server-shutdown-final-hours-videos-clips-stream-2000659367 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=Kotaku |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114200220/https://kotaku.com/anthem-server-shutdown-final-hours-videos-clips-stream-2000659367 |archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Battlefield 6===<br />
{{Main|EA requires open beta players of battlefield 6 to change their motherboard bios settings}}<br />
The open beta of Battlefield 6 imposes strict requirements on the computer hardware people use to play the game, which caused discontent among the player base.<br />
<br />
==Positive incidents==<br />
<br />
===Release of Command & Conquer source code (2025)===<br />
{{Main|EA releases source code of classic command and conquer titles}}<br />
In February 2025, EA worked with C&C community members to open source four Command & Conquer games under the GPL license, in a move widely celebrated by the gaming community.<ref>{{Cite web |date=Feb 2025 |title=EA Open Sources Command and Conquer: Red Alert, along with other games |url=https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43197131 |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=HackerNews |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708165349/https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43197131 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rudra |first=Sourav |date=28 Feb 2025 |title=Unbelievable! EA Open Sources 4 Command & Conquer Games |url=https://news.itsfoss.com/ea-open-source-cc-games/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=It's FOSS News |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250811112138/https://news.itsfoss.com/ea-open-source-cc-games/ |archive-date=11 Aug 2025}}</ref> Despite this good measure, the only content available to consumers via these repositories is exclusively the code, and the only way to compile the source code continues to require ownership of a copy of Command & Conquer, meaning once users cannot purchase any Command & Conquer game, this source code repository is effectively useless.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Anti-Cheat_Expert&diff=37306Anti-Cheat Expert2026-02-16T15:25:19Z<p>Banana: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete|Issue 1=needs better resources (not Wikipedia)|Issue 2=use [[Template:Cite web]] for references}}<br />
{{ProductCargo<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Category=Anti-cheat, Software<br />
|Company=Tencent<br />
|Description=<br />
|InProduction=Yes<br />
|Logo=ACE_logo.jpeg<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|ReleaseYear=2005<br />
|Website=https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/<br />
}}<br />
[[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 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128170949/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert Archived])</ref> <br />
<br />
ACE provides cheat prevention for PC as well as Android <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-android ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251230160719/https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-android/ Archived])</ref> and iOS <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-ios ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251230175316/https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/anti-cheat-ios/ Archived])</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 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251220062540/https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/economy-risk-management/ Archived])</ref> and moderation tools <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/content-moderation ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251224031647/https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/products/content-moderation/ Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
====Freedom====<br />
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.<br />
<br />
====Privacy====<br />
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}}<br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
===Chinese Government Ties===<br />
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 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260128170949/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Cheat_Expert Archived])</ref> <br />
<br />
===Technical Implications===<br />
The kernel-level access combined with potential government compulsion is particularly concerning because:<br />
*Ring 0 access provides complete system control.<br />
*Users cannot monitor or restrict ACE's activities at this level.<br />
*Depending on the game the anti-cheat maybe be running 24/7 which means the system is potentially vulnerable even when not gaming.<br />
*The software could theoretically be used as a backdoor if compelled by authorities.<br />
*The software could have a negative performance impact even when doing other if the game publishers has chosen the driver to run 24/7<br />
<br />
===Privacy and Security Assurances===<br />
* Some [https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/doc-center/ documentation] is available publicly <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/doc-center/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250916112407/https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/doc-center Archived])</ref><br />
* ACE provides a uninstaller in the ACE installation folder <ref>https://intl.anticheatexpert.com/doc-center/884daf3ac6cd65d2ced6ab280d21ed75354b9ac0 ([https://archive.ph/ayElP Archived])</ref> <br />
<br />
====Consumer Response====<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Dymo&diff=37292Dymo2026-02-16T06:23:51Z<p>Banana: Removed 4 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 4 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=<br />
|Founded=1958<br />
|Industry=Electronics<br />
|Logo=Dymo logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Subsidiary<br />
|Website=https://www.dymo.com/<br />
}}<br />
[[wikipedia:Dymo_Corporation|'''Dymo Corporation''']] is an American manufacturing company of handheld label printers and thermal-transfer printing tape as accessory, embossing tape label makers, and other printers such as CD and DVD labelers and durable medical equipment. The company is a subsidiary of [https://www.newellbrands.com/ Newell Brands], a company with over 50 brands.<ref>[https://www.newellbrands.com/ Newell Brands] Retrieved 6 October 2025. ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260208080245/https://www.newellbrands.com/ Archived])</ref><br />
<br />
==Anti-consumer practices==<br />
<br />
===Restriction to First party labels===<br />
The Dymo LabelWriter 550 Turbo and other 500 series label printers have introduced a controversial feature: [[DRM]] (Digital Rights Management) via [[wikipedia:Radio-frequency_identification|RFID]] tags in their consumables.<ref>[https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/02/21/if-you-thought-printer-cartridge-drm-was-bad-dymo-is-forcing-users-to-buy-rfid-paper "If you thought printer cartridge DRM was bad, Dymo is forcing users to buy RFID paper"] - appleinsider.com - accessed 2025-02-03 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250919024424/https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/02/21/if-you-thought-printer-cartridge-drm-was-bad-dymo-is-forcing-users-to-buy-rfid-paper Archived])</ref><ref>[https://walledculture.org/drm-on-paper-shows-why-anti-circumvention-laws-are-copyrights-biggest-blunder/ "DRM on paper shows why anti-circumvention laws are copyright’s biggest blunder"] - walledculture.org - accessed 2025-02-03 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260131073524/https://walledculture.org/drm-on-paper-shows-why-anti-circumvention-laws-are-copyrights-biggest-blunder/ Archived])</ref> <ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2022-02-23 |title=Dymo printers are putting DRM in the paper - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJs9_xELKbI |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=YJs9_xELKbI |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>Affected printers come with "Automatic Label Recognition™", a marketing term that translates to DRM implementation in thermal labels. This system restricts users to purchasing only Dymo-branded labels, potentially increasing costs and limiting consumer choice.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kingsley-Hughes |first=Adrian |date=2022-02-18 |title=Dymo causes a stir by adding DRM to printer paper {{!}} ZDNET |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/02/worst-timeline-printer-company-putting-drm-paper-now |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=ZDNET |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112110652/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/02/worst-timeline-printer-company-putting-drm-paper-now |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref> <br />
<br />
The label DRM is implemented by using RFID tags placed within the cardboard roll. If the printer does not detect the RFID tag, the software will request official labels. <ref>[https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/02/21/if-you-thought-printer-cartridge-drm-was-bad-dymo-is-forcing-users-to-buy-rfid-paper/ "If you thought printer cartridge DRM was bad, Dymo is forcing users to buy RFID paper"] - https://appleinsider.com/ - accessed 2026-01-22</ref> A partial work-around is taking the RFID tag and keeping it within proximity to the printer (such as the side), however this will only work for the amount of prints that RFID tag supports.<br />
<br />
This move has sparked frustration among users and prompted the hacking community to develop a solution to remove the restrictions that is available via a free license on GitHub.<ref>[https://hackaday.com/2022/03/30/freedmo-gets-rid-of-dymo-label-printer-drm/ "#FreeDMO Gets Rid Of DYMO Label Printer DRM"] - hackaday.com - accessed 2025-02-03 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251018125152/https://hackaday.com/2022/03/30/freedmo-gets-rid-of-dymo-label-printer-drm/ Archived])</ref><br />
<ref>[https://github.com/free-dmo/free-dmo-stm32 "FreeDMO"] - github.com - accessed 2025-02-03 ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251018102518/https://github.com/free-dmo/free-dmo-stm32 Archived])</ref><ref group="Video References">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=2022-04-01 |title=Dymo labelwriter paper DRM HACKED - you can use your own paper now - but does it matter?? - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lezr3kYbFvY |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Lezr3kYbFvY |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
==Marketing==<br />
As of 2025-08-20 Dymo continues selling the LabelWriter 550 Turbo with the exclusivity of their labels as a feature stating that it exclusively works with DYMO-branded labels saving you time, money and effort<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-20 |title=DYMO LabelWriter 550 Turbo Label Printer {{!}} Dymo |url=https://www.dymo.com/label-makers-printers/labelwriter-label-printers/dymo-labelwriter-550-turbo-label-printer/SAP_2112553.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530215450/https://www.dymo.com/label-makers-printers/labelwriter-label-printers/dymo-labelwriter-550-turbo-label-printer/SAP_2112553.html |archive-date=2024-05-30 |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Dymo}}</ref>. <br />
<br />
When comparing their archived product page from 2024<ref name=":0" /> to today's 2025-08-20<ref name=":0" /> product page and those previous to it, the current product page lists the above quote at the top of the feature list compared to previous iterations where the feature of "Automatic Label Recognition™" was listed at the top with the exclusivity disclosure listed further down the list. One could surmise that the more recent revision to the listings order could be due to pressure from consumers who bought the device without realizing it would only accept first party labels. This subtle listing order may have impacted consumers negatively by leveraging marketing tactics which affect the reader's decision making.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-20 |title=Examples of Order Effects in Decision-Making and Marketing |url=https://examplesweb.net/order-effects/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=ExamplesWeb |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250909125058/https://examplesweb.net/order-effects/ |archive-date=9 Sep 2025}}</ref> <br />
<br />
Features listed higher in the list for example in this case "Automatic Label Recognition™" being listed first in the 2024 version of the site. Readers will see "Automatic Label Recognition™ first marketing research shows that items at the beginning of a list attract the attention and are more likely to be remembered when considering a purchase. While in the later revision of the site as seen on 2025-08-20 the order has changed where the seemingly least-desirable feature of label exclusivity is listed first which would allow the consumer to make a more informed decision before purchasing the label printer. <ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
==Business Tactics==<br />
This DRM locked consumable type of business tactic is not unfamiliar among different industries or variances in product. It can be found in the refrigerator industry in the form of water filters, power tool industry in the form of batteries, automotive industry in the form of parts or diagnostic software, or most commonly known in the printing industry. <br />
<br />
In some cases, it can be that a standard for the consumable hasn't been agreed upon or the technology is proprietary to the company, but in most cases it's a form of greed locking the consumer into a product that they are then required to purchase in many cases at a significantly inflated price. For example, a printer company might sell a printer at next to or less than the cost to build it as a loss leader, but<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-01-29 |title=Maximizing Sales Withy Loss Leader Pricing - Conjointly |url=https://conjointly.com/blog/loss-leader-pricing-strategy/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=conjointly |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251106035933/https://conjointly.com/blog/loss-leader-pricing-strategy/ |archive-date=6 Nov 2025}}</ref> now that the consumer has bought into their product line, they are obliged through marketing, embedded DRM, or necessity to purchase the consumables for the product from the original manufacturer. <br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
==Video References==<br />
<references group="Video References" responsive="0" /><br />
[[Category:Dymo Corporation]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Dyson_battery_lifespan_reduced_by_design_and_difficult_to_repair&diff=37291Dyson battery lifespan reduced by design and difficult to repair2026-02-16T06:23:46Z<p>Banana: Removed 6 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 6 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Dyson<br />
|StartDate=<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Unresolved<br />
|ProductLine=V series<br />
|Product=V6, V7, V10, V11<br />
|ArticleType=Service, Product<br />
|Type=Ownership, Repairability, Third-party<br />
|Description=Dyson battery packs do not work as intended. Third party solutions are prevented from charging through Dyson's Battery Management System.<br />
}}<br />
'''[[Dyson]]''' battery packs include a '''[[wikipedia:Battery_management_system|Battery Management System (BMS)]]''' equipped with a chip capable of balancing the individual cells. However, the manufacturer has omitted some considerably inexpensive yet essential resistors, preventing the balancing function from working as intended. As a result, the battery pack degrades much faster than it should.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nardi |first=Tom |date=23 May 2022 |title=Fighting Back Against Dodgy Dyson Batteries |url=https://hackaday.com/2022/05/23/fighting-back-against-dodgy-dyson-batteries/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=HACKADAY |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251208022417/https://hackaday.com/2022/05/23/fighting-back-against-dodgy-dyson-batteries/ |archive-date=8 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Battery Management System Balancing |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_management_system#Balancing |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=Wikipedia |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203001747/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_management_system |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
Even if a user attempts to charge and balance the individual cells using a third-party charger, or replaces the cells entirely, the Battery Management System will still prevent the battery from charging. This is because the BMS firmware writes two bytes into the microcontroller's configuration memory, effectively rendering the battery pack unusable.<ref name=":2" /><!-- Lacking reference that confirms this information. --><br />
<br />
==Impact on consumers==<br />
This issue significantly reduces the lifespan of Dyson battery packs, causing them to wear out much faster than they otherwise would. As a result, customers must replace their battery packs more frequently.<br />
<br />
==Affected product lines==<br />
*V6 and V7 models.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@tinfever |title=Compatible vacuums/batteries |url=https://github.com/tinfever/FW-Dyson-BMS?tab=readme-ov-file#compatible-vacuumsbatteries |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=GitHub |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250709090405/https://github.com/tinfever/FW-Dyson-BMS?tab=readme-ov-file |archive-date=9 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@Lesolee |date=22 Jan 2020 |title=Dyson v7 Trigger cordless vacuum - TEARDOWN of battery pack |url=https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/dyson-v7-trigger-cordless-vacuum-teardown-of-battery-pack/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=EEVblog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174338/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/dyson-v7-trigger-cordless-vacuum-teardown-of-battery-pack/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
*V10 and V11 models.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=@davidmpye |title=A reworked unofficial firmware for Dyson V10 Battery Management Systems |url=https://github.com/davidmpye/V10_Dyson_BMS |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=GitHub |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250709140529/https://github.com/davidmpye/V10_Dyson_BMS/ |archive-date=9 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
Potentially, all product lines newer than V6 are affected by this issue, although more information is required to confirm this.<br />
<br />
==Workarounds==<br />
Open-source firmware has been developed to un-brick the battery pack by overwriting the board firmware on some models using a 3.3V Arduino board.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=@tinfever |title=(Unofficial) Firmware Upgrade for Dyson V6/V7 Vacuum Battery Management System |url=https://github.com/tinfever/FW-Dyson-BMS |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=GitHub |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126141100/https://github.com/tinfever/FW-Dyson-BMS |archive-date=26 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=@kumdzio |title=Simple implementation to program PIC16LF1847 using arduino board |url=https://github.com/kumdzio/PIC16LF1847arduino-programmer |url-status=live |access-date=25 Mar 2025 |website=GitHub |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174340/https://github.com/kumdzio/PIC16LF1847arduino-programmer |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Warranty==<br />
All "cordless vacuums" are covered by a 2-year warranty, which explicitly does not cover "normal wear and tear" on batteries.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://www.dyson.com/inside-dyson/terms/the-dyson-warranty* "The Dyson warranty"] - dyson.com</ref> New replacement batteries come with a 1-year warranty.<ref name=":0">[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118201437/https://www.dyson.com/support/journey/tools/969352-03 "Replacement battery for your Dyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuum"] - dyson.com - 18 Jan 2025</ref><br />
<br />
Dyson also advertises their "batteries undergo over 2,000 hours of rigorous testing, to strike the delicate balance between energy density, power density and lifespan."<ref name=":1">[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118201707/https://www.dyson.com/support/vacuum-cleaners/cordless/battery-care "Vacuum battery care"] - dyson.com - 18 Jan 2025</ref> This may have the implication they are rated for 2,000 hours of runtime, which, if used for 1 hour per day, is 5.48 years of use.<br />
<br />
====Replacement batteries====<br />
Batteries generally are around $95 - US$130 and can be a significant percentage of a new or refurbished unit. For example, a replacement battery for a Dyson Cyclone V10 cordless vacuum is $129.99.<ref name=":0" /> A Dyson-refurbished unit can be purchased at $219.99<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118201541/https://www.dyson.com/outlet/refurbished-vacuum-cleaners/cordless/v10-animal-plus-purple-iron "Refurbished Dyson V10 Animal+ (Purple) vacuum] - dyson.com - 18 Jan 2025</ref> and a new unit at $499.99.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118201336/https://www.amazon.com/Dyson-Cyclone-Animal-Cordless-Cleaner/dp/B0BTDXZBFL "Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal Cordless Vacuum Cleaner"] (New) - amazon.com - 4 Dec 2024</ref> A replacement battery's price ranges from 26.0% to 46.4% the price of a functional unit.<br />
<br />
====Third-party batteries====<br />
Dyson states that "Only by using a genuine Dyson battery are you ensuring that your machine continues to work as intended, and that your warranty remains intact."<ref name=":1" /> and "Dyson does not warrant the use of any third-party batteries or parts and assumes no liability for any such use of third-party parts or the injuries or damages caused by their use."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20250118202722/https://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/replacement-battery "Genuine Dyson replacement batteries for your cordless vacuum"] - dyson.com - 18 Jan 2025</ref><br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Dyson]]<br />
[[Category:Incidents]]<br />
[[Category:Right to repair]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Dyson&diff=37290Dyson2026-02-16T06:23:41Z<p>Banana: Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=Singaporean appliance manufacturer known for household cleaning devices like vacuum cleaners and air purifiers.<br />
|Founded=1991<br />
|Industry=Household Appliances<br />
|Logo=Dyson-Logo.webp<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Private<br />
|Website=https://dyson.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''{{Wplink|Dyson (company)|Dyson Limited}}''' is a manufacturer of home appliances, most notably vacuum cleaners. The company has been involved in several incidents related to the aftermarket repair of its products.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
Dyson's policies have been troublesome for [[Planned obsolescence|product longevity]] and [[Right to repair|repair]].<br />
* Their battery design speeds up degradation.<br />
* Adhesive on printed circuit boards makes easy repairs impossible, leading to expensive replacements.<br />
* Restricting consumers from using third-party repair shops, forcing them into manufacturer-recommended services.<br />
<br />
These policies add costs of ownership and shorten product lifespan, harming consumers.[[File:Dyson-glued-button.jpg|thumb|Glued PCB, preventing repair.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author=@vacuumtester |title=Dyson Button Replacement is no Longer Possible |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF0nNOAFnRQ |website=[[YouTube]] |date=16 Nov 2022 |access-date=17 Jul 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>]]<br />
<br />
==Incidents<!-- Will split this into incidents and practices later on -->==<br />
===Battery lifespan reduction===<br />
{{Main|Dyson intentionally reduces battery lifespan and makes them difficult to repair}}<br />
'''Dyson''' battery packs include a '''Battery Management System (BMS)''' equipped with a chip capable of balancing the individual cells. However, the manufacturer omitted a few inexpensive but essential resistors, preventing the balancing function from working as intended. As a result, the battery pack degrades much faster than it should.<br />
<br />
===Circuit boards covered in glue===<br />
{{Main|Dyson covers circuit board in glue which prevents repairs}}<br />
'''[[Dyson]]''' started applying a thick layer of glue to the circuit board of their devices. This makes it impossible to replace the power button for a device when it breaks, and leading to consumers having to replace the entire housing.<br />
<br />
===Removing third-party repairs options===<br />
{{Main|Dyson ends relationship with third-party repair centers}}<br />
The company no longer allows repairs through third-party repair centers. Dyson described this decision as ''"difficult"'' but emphasized its commitment to ensuring that ''"all services and repairs meet Dyson's high-quality standards for our owners"''.<br />
<br />
===Difficult to repair battery packs for Dyson V6 cordless vacuum===<br />
The Dyson V6 uses replaceable battery packs that are available for purchase on their website.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Replacement Dyson V6™ vacuum battery |url=https://www.dyson.com/support/journey/tools/967810-23 |website=Dyson |date= |access-date=17 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708183421/https://www.dyson.com/support/journey/tools/967810-23 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> The battery packs have a plastic casing that is clipped shut in such a way that opening it is impossible without damaging the casing. Additionally, the BMS used does not have a reset button. This leads to unnecessary replacements for the entire battery pack when a fault could have been resolved with a reset. For example, Steve Porter from TronicsFix was unable to repair a Dyson V6 battery pack that was stuck sending the voltage without the button pressed down because of the lack of a BMS reset button, and had to replace the whole battery.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@TronicsFix |title=Are Expensive Dyson Products Repairable? |url=https://youtu.be/Wa1dsoZK4tk?t=1109 |website=[[YouTube]] |date=28 Mar 2025 |access-date=17 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Wa1dsoZK4tk |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Using under-dimensioned trigger in V10/V11 cordless vacuum===<br />
{{Main|Dyson V10/V11 trigger design}}<br />
The trigger design of the V10/V11 cordless vacuums uses under-dimensioned material that tend to break after some years of use.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Dyson]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=EduVULCAN&diff=37289EduVULCAN2026-02-16T06:23:35Z<p>Banana: Removed 6 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 6 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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<div>{{ProductLineCargo<br />
|ArticleType=Service<br />
|Category=Software<br />
|Company=<br />
|Description=<br />
|InProduction=Yes<br />
|Logo=EduVULCAN logo alt.png<br />
|ReleaseYear=2024<br />
|Website=https://eduvulcan.pl/<br />
}}<br />
[https://eduvulcan.pl/ eduVULCAN] is a Polish school e-journal service developed by [https://aleo.com/int/company/vulcan-spolka-z-ograniczona-odpowiedzialnoscia215 Vulcan sp. z o.o.]., allowing students and their parents to view grades, submit absence notes, contact teachers, and more. Similarly, it enables teachers to record student attendance, add or modify grades, and perform other administrative tasks.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Dziennik VULCAN |url=https://www.vulcan.edu.pl/szkoly-i-przedszkola/oprogramowanie/dziennik-vulcan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120434/https://www.vulcan.edu.pl/szkoly-i-przedszkola/oprogramowanie/dziennik-vulcan |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=vulcan.edu.pl}}</ref><br />
<br />
It is the successor to '''Dzienniczek VULCAN''' (referred to here as simply VULCAN). Most students previously using VULCAN were encouraged to switch to eduVULCAN unless their school employed a custom solution incompatible with the new system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historia eduVULCAN |url=https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/edu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120445/https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/edu |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Czy Vulcana pojebało?}}</ref><br />
<br />
Many schools in Poland rely exclusively on Vulcan’s services to manage their systems, effectively requiring many students to use the platform.<br />
<br />
The service has faced a lot of controversy, particularly around their restructuring beginning around the 2024/2025 school year.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
<br />
*User Freedom:<br />
*User Privacy:<br />
*Business Model:<br />
*Market Control:<br />
<br />
==Anti-consumer practices==<br />
<br />
===Blocking of third-party clients===<br />
Many students utilized unofficial clients to use the VULCAN service, particularly during COVID when the service was constantly overloaded as these apps had the ability to download data once and work fully offline,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Szczodrzyński |first=Kuba |title=Koniec |url=https://szkolny.eu/finale |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120431/https://szkolny.eu/finale |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=szkolny.eu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Arkadiusz |first=Stando |date=2020-03-15 |title=Nie działają Librus i Vulcan. Zdalne nauczanie w całej Polsce pod znakiem zapytania |url=https://www.dobreprogramy.pl/nie-dzialaja-librus-i-vulcan-zdalne-nauczanie-w-calej-polsce-pod-znakiem-zapytania,6628713723516545a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120445/https://www.dobreprogramy.pl/nie-dzialaja-librus-i-vulcan-zdalne-nauczanie-w-calej-polsce-pod-znakiem-zapytania,6628713723516545a |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |work=dobreprogramy}}</ref> making these apps more preferred as they were generally more reliable than the official app.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dzienniczek VULCAN - Apps on Google Play |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.edu.vulcan.hebe |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226100218/https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.edu.vulcan.hebe |archive-date=2025-02-26 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Google Play Store}}</ref><br />
[[File:Wulkanowy announcement.webp|alt=Wulkanowy's announcement|thumb|284x284px|Wulkanowy's announcement on Facebook regarding the app being blocked]]<br />
<br />
====Blocking third-party apps====<br />
On 25 April 2024, [https://github.com/wulkanowy/wulkanowy Wulkanowy], one of the most popular third-party [[Free and open-source|free-and-open-source]] (FOSS) clients mysteriously stopped working and started displaying a "''No Access''" error message upon logging in. Wulkanowy stated this was a deliberate move by Vulcan, who allegedly placed an extra piece of code in the login endpoint’s response. This tricked the app into interpreting the request as a failure, while the official app would continue to function.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=1.webp |url=https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/1.webp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120431/https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/1.webp |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Czy Vulcana pojebało?}}</ref><br />
<br />
The website [https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia czyvulcanapojebalo.pl] also alleges that Vulcan analyzed the Wulkanowy SDK further to try to exploit every potential vulnerability that could cause the app to malfunction.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Historia |url=https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119151457/https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/historia |archive-date=2025-01-19 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Czy Vulcana pojebało?}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2.webp |url=https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/2.webp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120444/https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/2.webp |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Czy Vulcana pojebało?}}</ref><br />
<br />
Later versions of VULCAN introduced additional variables in the web requests made by the app, causing third-party clients to become inoperable after each official app update, as these variables were altered with every new version.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title=wulkanowy/messages/generator/src/main/kotlin/mapping/VTokens.kt#L64 |url=https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/78eb70a76aad7815563ab9a63882b2b788aeb9cf/generator/src/main/kotlin/mapping/VTokens.kt#L64 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120438/https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/78eb70a76aad7815563ab9a63882b2b788aeb9cf/generator/src/main/kotlin/mapping/VTokens.kt#L64 |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=GitHub}}</ref><br />
<br />
====Legal threats====<br />
In the beginning of June, VULCAN started sending out cease-and-desist letters to third-party app developers, ordering them to cease app development completely and make all apps display a message that was allegedly prepared by Vulcan themselves.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> As such, nearly all forks and clients of the app stopped development and were updated to only display a static message,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-26 |title=wulkanowy/messages/generator/src/main/kotlin/end.kt |url=https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/c3b888cfb45e3b0419a9cb25714c6307ca3063a1/generator/src/main/kotlin/end.kt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120433/https://github.com/wulkanowy/messages/blob/c3b888cfb45e3b0419a9cb25714c6307ca3063a1/generator/src/main/kotlin/end.kt |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=GitHub}}</ref> and their respective app store pages were removed in June and July.<br />
<br />
On August 22, 2024, just before the new school year began, [https://github.com/wezuwiusz/neowulkanowy Wezuwiusz], a fork of Wulkanowy preparing for compatibility with eduVULCAN, also received a cease-and-desist letter. It was allegedly sent by one of the biggest law firms in Poland and was accusing the developers of:<br />
<br />
*Trademark infringement,<br />
*Unfair competition,<br />
*Damaging their server infrastructure by scraping, allegedly leading to higher server costs, and<br />
*Harming Vulcan's reputation.<br />
<br />
Additionally, Vulcan criticized the [https://czyvulcanapojebalo.pl/assets/10.webp developer’s review of the official app on Google Play] and referred to unofficial apps as "parasites".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><br />
<br />
The eduVULCAN [[terms of service]] were also adjusted to forbid the use of apps that "automate logging in and receiving data from the website" for "security and confidentiality reasons" and to clarify that Vulcan "may employ technological measures to block access to the service using such software" (§3, section 11).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=Regulamin świadczenia usług drogą elektroniczną w ramach Platformy internetowej eduVULCAN i Aplikacji mobilnej eduVULCAN |url=https://eduvulcan.pl/dokumenty/regulamin |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120444/https://eduvulcan.pl/dokumenty/regulamin |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=eduVULCAN}}</ref> These measures appeared to prepare the way for the new account system.<br />
<br />
===New eduVULCAN account system===<br />
Just before the start of the 2024/2025 school year, Vulcan announced the eduVULCAN platform and changes to their account system. There are now two types of accounts:<br />
<br />
#'''Basic accounts''', which have no access to the mobile app, and<br />
#'''''eduVULCAN'' accounts,''' which provide access to the mobile app but with new limitations.<br />
<br />
Several previously free features in the VULCAN mobile app, such as push notifications, messaging teachers, and submitting absence notes, are now behind a paywall. The cost for the full school year is 32.99 PLN (around 8 USD) with tax per student.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rozpoczęcie sprzedaży Usługi rozszerzonej |url=https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/usluga-rozszerzona/#oferta |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120430/https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/usluga-rozszerzona/#oferta |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=eduVULCAN}}</ref> This fee is in addition to the costs schools pay for access to the service, which remains undisclosed.<br />
<br />
Access to the website version of these features is still free, as required by law.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-15 |title=Dziennik Ustaw Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, poz. 50 |url=https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20240000050/O/D20240050.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Internetowy System Aktów Prawnych |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114014516/https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20240000050/O/D20240050.pdf |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
While you can quickly switch a basic account to an ''eduVULCAN'' one<ref>{{Cite web |title=Konto zwykłe w Dzienniku VULCAN |url=https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kzw/#:~:text=czy%20moge%20zmienic%20zwyk%C5%82e%20konto%20na%20konto%20eduvulcan%3F |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117020305/https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kzw/ |archive-date=2025-01-17 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Dziennik VULCAN}}</ref>, you can't switch back an ''eduVULCAN'' account to a basic one without having to reset your entire account (this requires the school's secretary office to print a new one-time code).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baza wiedzy |url=https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/baza-wiedzy/#:~:text=czy%20moge%20zmienic%20konto%20eduvulcan%20na%20zwyk%C5%82e%20konto%3F |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120120437/https://dziennik.vulcan.edu.pl/kev/baza-wiedzy/ |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=eduVULCAN}}</ref><br />
<br />
This new account system is still present as of the 2025/2026 school year.<br />
<br />
====Public reception====<br />
The changes were met with extreme criticism as students and parents opposed the new payment options, sparking discussion around the Polish parliament about a possible creation of a free state-owned e-journal system.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Konczal |first=Magdalena |date=2024-09-12 |title=Opłaty za e-dzienniki? Rodzice narzekają, a firmy się tłumaczą. Będzie nowa platforma dla szkół |url=https://strefaedukacji.pl/oplaty-za-edzienniki-rodzice-narzekaja-a-firmy-sie-tlumacza-bedzie-nowa-platforma-dla-szkol/ar/c5-18803353#medukacja-zamiast-komercyjnych-firm-z-dziennikami |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319235513/https://strefaedukacji.pl/oplaty-za-edzienniki-rodzice-narzekaja-a-firmy-sie-tlumacza-bedzie-nowa-platforma-dla-szkol/ar/c5-18803353#medukacja-zamiast-komercyjnych-firm-z-dziennikami |archive-date=2025-03-19 |access-date=2025-01-16 |work=Strefa Edukacji}}</ref><br />
<br />
Several Polish MPs submitted interpellations to the Minister of Education.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Płaczek |first=Grzegorz Adam |date=2024-09-03 |title=Interpelacja nr 4577 do ministra edukacji w sprawie kosztów poniesionych przez szkoły na zakup licencji do e-dzienników |url=https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9E |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251212191426/https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9E |archive-date=12 Dec 2025}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Płaczek |first=Grzegorz Adam |date=2024-09-03 |title=Interpelacja nr 4578 do ministra edukacji w sprawie kosztów poniesionych przez samorządy na zakup licencji do e-dzienników |url=https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9F |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251123180307/https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9F |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-04 |title=Interpelacja nr 4595 do ministra edukacji w sprawie opłat za korzystanie z e-dzienników |url=https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9X |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251126234702/https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93F9X |archive-date=26 Nov 2025}} </ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Osos |first=Katarzyna |date=2024-09-10 |title=Interpelacja nr 4735 do ministra edukacji w sprawie elektronicznych dzienników |url=https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93FEA |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251209041909/https://www.sejm.gov.pl/sejm10.nsf/InterpelacjaTresc.xsp?key=D93FEA |archive-date=9 Dec 2025}} </ref> However, the responses offered no substantial new information, as Vulcan complies with legal requirements by providing "at least one channel of free access to the electronic journal [...] whether on a stationary device or on a mobile device with Internet access (via a web browser)."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-05 |title=Zawiadomienie z sposobie załatwienia petycji 1 i 2 z 15 września 2024 r. |url=https://www.gov.pl/attachment/549af198-803b-4216-a5f2-088dc2fa9082 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=gov.pl |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708172657/https://www.gov.pl/attachment/549af198-803b-4216-a5f2-088dc2fa9082 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> The Minister of Education recently said, that the free state-owned e-journal, will be working in the 2027/2028 school year.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]<br />
[[Category:EduVULCAN]]<br />
<references /></div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Device_lifecycle&diff=37288Device lifecycle2026-02-16T06:23:29Z<p>Banana: Removed 8 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 8 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Stub}}<br />
Lifecycle means series of stages which something (services, products, ..) passes during its lifetime. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-04 |title=Life cycle definition |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251219075944/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle |archive-date=19 Dec 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
This article is aimed primarily for physical products at the moment.<br />
<br />
Standard product lifecycle consists of multiple phases from manufacturer's perspective:<br />
<br />
#Conceive<br />
#Design, prototype & validate<br />
#Realise<br />
##Introduce to markets<br />
##Growth phase (sales increase)<br />
##Maturity phase (sales flatten)<br />
##Decline phase (sales decline) <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-08 |title=Product Lifecycle |url=https://www.scrum.org/resources/product-lifecycle |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-08 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213074526/https://www.scrum.org/resources/product-lifecycle |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref><br />
#End of life<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-08 |title=PLM: The Future of Product Development |url=https://www.sap.com/products/scm/plm-r-d-engineering/what-is-product-lifecycle-management.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-08 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107195622/https://www.sap.com/products/scm/plm-r-d-engineering/what-is-product-lifecycle-management.html |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-08 |title=Product Lifecycle - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_lifecycle |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-08 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206034110/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_lifecycle |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
And similar lifecycle model modified to consumer's perspective:<br />
#Purchase<br />
#Useful life<br />
##Repairs, modifications<br />
#End of life<br />
##Repairs not possible/viable<br />
<br />
== How decisions in different phases affect the product ==<br />
<br />
=== Design ===<br />
Lifecycle costs are defined primarily during design phase.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-14 |title=How product design decisions can make or break your cost model |url=https://www.manufacturinghub.io/product-design/how-product-design-decisions-can-make-or-break-your-cost-model/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251024111742/https://www.manufacturinghub.io/product-design/how-product-design-decisions-can-make-or-break-your-cost-model/ |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref> The impact estimates vary but are usually around 80% probably by reference to [[wikipedia:Pareto_principle|Pareto principle]].<br />
<br />
During design phase it is the easiest to affect end result by setting specific goals to end product. For example aiming for thin product instead of relatively thin and easily repairable. The actual differences are usually relatively insignificant.<br />
<br />
If you want to hear comments from person being involved in design processes, you should check out for example video by Design Theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrv45bvP8qo<br />
<br />
Other thing playing significant role is spare part availability and general reliability. Are standardised easy to get components being prioritised in the design. Are the designs based on known good reference designs that might lack some performance for example.<br />
<br />
=== Useful life ===<br />
At least some products have repeating redesign rounds when they are being in active production. Some component availability might change and replacements are needed. Or management deems incoming warranty cases too infrequent and they see opportunity to cut BOM costs. As seen in official comment from Milwaukee Tools:<blockquote>Products can change several times within their lifetime for a variety of reasons, but the goal is always to exceed the users’ expectations. This time we clearly did not hit the mark.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-14 |title=Milwaukee 2767 M18 Fuel Impact Wrenc Issue: Official Response |url=https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-2767-m18-fuel-impact-wrench-issue-official-response/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251020070625/https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-2767-m18-fuel-impact-wrench-issue-official-response/ |archive-date=20 Oct 2025}}</ref></blockquote>One hearsay is that first version of a product are the sturdiest and follow prudent design guidelines to minimise risks for need to expensive recall campaigns and unexpected increases in Costs Of Goods Sold<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-14 |title=Cost Of Goods Sold explained |url=https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cogs.asp |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-14 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114131028/https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cogs.asp |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>. When manufacturer has known good baseline that does not get too much warranty cases, they can start redesigning internal components while everything looks the same for consumers.<br />
<br />
Tracking such internal revisions are practically impossible. See some reasons from the next chapter. From consumer's perspective these are either unknown unknowns or known unknowns when looking things through Rumsfeld Matrix<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-14 |title=Rumsfeld Matrix |url=https://www.theuncertaintyproject.org/tools/rumsfeld-matrix |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-15 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260130052928/https://www.theuncertaintyproject.org/tools/rumsfeld-matrix |archive-date=30 Jan 2026}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
And the ultimate decision during useful life is the [[wikipedia:End-of-life_product|End Of Life (EOL) announcement]].<br />
<br />
==Why understanding the concept is important==<br />
Things described in this chapter are hard to confirm because usually everyone working with any products have strict [[wikipedia:Non-disclosure_agreement|Non-Disclosure Agreements]]. And any written documentation are [[wikipedia:Trade_secret|trade secrets]].<br />
<br />
Understanding different lifecycle phases and concepts might make it easier to identify different strategies and practices that manufacturers can use to control the lifecycle.<br />
<br />
It might also help estimate [[wikipedia:Total_cost_of_ownership|Total Cost of Ownership]] (TCO) more accurately. Majority of manufacturer adjustments to it's products work in a specific way. People make purchase decisions based on past performance/track record and thus might assume too optimistic useful life duration. Manufacturers benefit significantly from the asymmetric information when consumers get the information only when it is already too late. This leads to higher than initially expected TCO.<br />
<br />
It is paradoxical that the manufacturers or their contract manufacturers in general keep a keen eye for factory equipment useful life with other metrics and at the same time cannibalise the useful life of their end products.<br />
<br />
==General strategies for manufacturers to control lifecycle==<br />
Manufacturers have multiple ways to control device lifecycles. The list is not exhaustive. And multiple items from the list might be applicable at the same time.<br />
<br />
#Spare parts not available at all<br />
#*Non-OEM spares might still be available but using them is always risky<br />
#Spare parts available, but with relatively high price compared to new product<br />
#*Cost of repair and spare part might be higher than new product<br />
#Spare parts available, but in larger subassemblies/modules<br />
#*See for example [https://www.salesforce.com/sales/cpq/bundle-pricing/ Bundle pricing] but with a twist that you need only one single component<br />
#Spare parts are serialised and require pairing programmatically or device does not work properly<br />
#*Manufacturer can deny third party programming equipment and threaten to sue in case someone tries to circumvent the protection<br />
#Lock the product remotely or use any other way to prevent using it<br />
#*Just come up with any reason and pull the plug<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Denon_HEOS_Speakers&diff=37287Denon HEOS Speakers2026-02-16T06:23:24Z<p>Banana: Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Needs expansion|Issue 2=Needs additional references}}{{ProductCargo<br />
|Company=Denon<br />
|Logo=Denon HEOS Home 250.png<br />
|ProductLine=Home Speaker<br />
|InProduction=Yes<br />
|ArticleType=Product<br />
|Category=Audio Device<br />
|Website = https://www.denon.com/en-us/<br />
|Description=Smart speakers which can be controlled over local network. Can play from internet sources or aux in, bluetooth or local airplay.<br />
}}Denon HEOS / Home Speakers are "wireless speakers offer high-fidelity sound and seamless integration with home systems, providing an immersive audio experience."<br />
<br />
They integrate with multiple streaming services, and can also play local content such as aux in, Bluetooth and local Airplay. They can be controlled locally over a home network.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
Denon Home speakers can be controlled using the HEOS app. This allows control of speakers, and initially was designed to work fully locally with an optional sign-in to a HEOS account. <br />
<br />
HEOS have since removed the ability to use the app without sign-in. This is documented on their HEOS FAQs page:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-16 |title=Why do I need a HEOS account? |url=https://manuals.denon.com/heoslink/all/en/OKNRSYbzkikfnu.php |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Denon Web Manual |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200809200126/http://manuals.denon.com:80/HEOSLINK/ALL/EN/OKNRSYbzkikfnu.php |archive-date=9 Aug 2020}}</ref><br />
<br />
''With the HEOS account you just have to enter your music services login names and passwords one time. This allows you to easily and quickly use multiple controller apps on different devices. You just log into your HEOS account on any device and you will have access to all of your associated music services, play history and custom playlists, even if you are at a friend’s house listening to music on their HEOS system.''<br />
<br />
This does not however answer the question of why you would ''need'' to use a HEOS account, it only covers why some may choose to use one for additional functionality. There is no technical reason why the local functionality of the speakers can't still be used without an account as before. This raises privacy concerns as this forces many users who would be happy to use the app locally without an account, to sign up and sign in to the app, allowing Denon to collect data about users' listening habits.<br />
<br />
This issue has been discussed in a reddit thread<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-06 |title=Heos app update requires account to access any functionality. 3.34.610 |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/heos/comments/1h835yh/heos_app_update_requires_account_to_access_any/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Reddit}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
*Denon Home 150<ref name="HEOS Denon">{{Cite web|url=https://www.denon.com/en-us/category/heos/|title=HEOS®-Enabled Products|work=Denon|access-date=2025-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250630223023/https://www.denon.com/en-us/category/heos/|archive-date=2025-06-30|url-status=live}}</ref><br />
*Denon Home 250<ref name="HEOS Denon" /><br />
*Denon Home 350<ref name="HEOS Denon" /><br />
*Denon Home Subwoofer<ref name="HEOS Denon" /><br />
*Denon Home Sound Bar 550<ref name="HEOS Denon" /><br />
*Denon Home Amp<ref name="HEOS Denon" /><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Device_bricking&diff=37286Device bricking2026-02-16T06:23:19Z<p>Banana: Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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A device being "[https://foundershield.com/insurance-terms/definition/bricking/#:~:text=Bricking%20is%20a%20term%20that,which%20renders%20the%20device%20useless. Bricked]" means the device has been rendered entirely unusable. The act of "Device Bricking" is specifically a company-side action meant to prevent a consumer from using a device they purchased if they attempt to do anything that [https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-revises-user-agreement-and-if-you-break-it-nintendo-reserves-the-right-to-brick-your-switch#:~:text=You%20acknowledge%20that%20if%20you%20fail%20to%20comply%20with%20the%20foregoing%20restrictions%20Nintendo%20may%20render%20the%20Nintendo%20Account%20Services%20and/or%20the%20applicable%20Nintendo%20device%20permanently%20unusable%20in%20whole%20or%20in%20part.%22 goes against the terms of service the company sets] for their devices, seen from the release of the Switch 2 from [[Nintendo]]. The act is intended to prevent "[https://www.techopedia.com/definition/10649/homebrew Homebrewed]" devices (devices with unofficial, third-party or user-created modifications) from being created and to try to discourage piracy and hacking. <br />
<br />
Device bricking also occurs very commonly as a result of [[Planned obsolescence]], where a company's goal is to force the consumer to buy and replace the old, now unusable, product with a new one<br />
<br />
==Recent cases of Device bricking==<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|+<br />
!Time of incident<br />
!Company name<br />
!Reason<br />
!Effects<br />
!Details<br />
|-<br />
|June 2025 - Ongoing<br />
|Nintendo<br />
|EULA violation<br />
|All games not fully downloaded prior rendered unplayable<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-07-27 |title=What does a banned Switch 2 ACTUALLY mean? |url=https://youtu.be/MqFY3rICDWs?si=T3lLrbrbUH7CUT39 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=YouTube |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=MqFY3rICDWs |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>, online features disabled<br />
|In a May 2025 policy update, Nintendo stated they may ''"render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part."''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-20 |title=Nintendo Account User Agreement |url=https://accounts.nintendo.com/term/eula/US?lang=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250513142857/https://accounts.nintendo.com/term/eula/US?lang=en-US |archive-date=2025-05-13 |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Nintendo Official Site}}</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|-<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|<br />
|}<br />
<references /></div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Data_brokers&diff=37285Data brokers2026-02-16T06:23:13Z<p>Banana: Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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<div>'''[[wikipedia:Data_broker|Data brokers]]''' are companies that collect, aggregate, analyze, and sell personal information about consumers without having a direct relationship with those individuals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ftc.gov/reports/data-brokers-call-transparency-accountability-report-federal-trade-commission-may-2014 |title=Data Brokers: A Call for Transparency and Accountability: A Report of the Federal Trade Commission |publisher=Federal Trade Commission |date=May 2014 |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251029193058/https://www.ftc.gov/reports/data-brokers-call-transparency-accountability-report-federal-trade-commission-may-2014 |archive-date=29 Oct 2025}}</ref> These companies operate largely behind the scenes of the digital economy, accumulating vast databases of consumer information from both public and private sources to create detailed profiles used primarily for marketing, risk assessment, and other business purposes.<br />
<br />
==How they work==<br />
<br />
Data brokers obtain personal information through various channels:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://privacyrights.org/data-brokers |title=Data Brokers |publisher=Privacy Rights Clearinghouse |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201012510/https://privacyrights.org/data-brokers |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
*Collection from public records (court records, property records, voter registrations)<br />
*Purchase of consumer data from other companies (retailers, financial institutions, social media platforms)<br />
*Scraping of publicly available information from websites and social media<br />
*Inference of additional data points through analysis and algorithms<br />
*Tracking of online behavior through cookies, device fingerprinting, and other technologies<br />
<br />
Once collected, this data is processed, combined, and categorized to create detailed consumer profiles. These profiles are then sold or licensed to third parties for various purposes, including targeted advertising, credit decisioning, insurance underwriting, and fraud prevention.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact==<br />
<br />
===Privacy erosion===<br />
Data brokers collect and process vast amounts of personal information, often without consumers' knowledge or meaningful consent. Many consumers are unaware of the extent of information being collected about them, who has access to it, or how it's being used.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/01/15/1086513/the-ftcs-unprecedented-move-against-data-brokers-explained/ |title=The FTC's unprecedented move against data brokers, explained |publisher=MIT Technology Review |date=January 15, 2024 |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216035819/https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/01/15/1086513/the-ftcs-unprecedented-move-against-data-brokers-explained/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> This creates a fundamental asymmetry of information and power between data brokers and consumers.<br />
<br />
===Limited transparency and choice===<br />
Consumers typically have minimal visibility into data broker practices and limited ability to control the collection and use of their personal information. Unlike direct business relationships where consumers can choose to engage with a company, data brokers collect information about consumers without establishing a direct relationship, making it difficult for individuals to exercise choice regarding their data.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://privacyrights.org/resources/tutorial-data-brokers-and-people-search-sites |title=Tutorial: Data Brokers and People Search Sites |publisher=Privacy Rights Clearinghouse |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241207172106/https://privacyrights.org/resources/tutorial-data-brokers-and-people-search-sites |archive-date=7 Dec 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Potential for discrimination===<br />
Data broker profiles can potentially enable discriminatory practices when used for decisions regarding credit, insurance, employment, or housing. By categorizing consumers based on various attributes, data brokers create segments that can serve as proxies for protected characteristics like race, religion, or socioeconomic status, even when those characteristics aren't explicitly identified.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://epic.org/issues/consumer-privacy/data-brokers/ |title=Data Brokers |publisher=Electronic Privacy Information Center |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260201001608/https://epic.org/issues/consumer-privacy/data-brokers/ |archive-date=1 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Security vulnerabilities===<br />
The consolidation of large volumes of personal data creates security risks. Data brokers become attractive targets for hackers, and breaches of these vast repositories can expose sensitive personal information of millions of consumers, leading to identity theft and other forms of fraud.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/closing-data-broker-loophole |title=Closing the Data Broker Loophole |publisher=Brennan Center for Justice |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260209012812/https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/closing-data-broker-loophole |archive-date=9 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
And with the search for indemnification related to being held harmless for such breaches, it is becoming harder and harder to hold these companies accountable.<br />
<br />
==Examples of major data brokers==<br />
<br />
===Acxiom/LiveRamp===<br />
[[LiveRamp]] (formerly Acxiom) is one of the largest data brokers globally, maintaining detailed profiles on hundreds of millions of consumers. The company's data onboarding services connect offline customer data with online identifiers, enabling cross-device tracking and targeted advertising.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://partner-directory.liveramp.com/partners/oracle-data-cloud-bluekai |title=Oracle Data Cloud (BlueKai) |website=LiveRamp |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708191618/https://partner-directory.liveramp.com/partners/oracle-data-cloud-bluekai |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> LiveRamp has faced criticism for its extensive data collection practices and the creation of unique identifiers called "RampIDs" that connect individuals' online and offline identities without transparent consumer consent.<br />
<br />
===Experian===<br />
Beyond its role as a credit reporting agency, [[Experian]] operates as a major data broker, offering marketing services that leverage vast amounts of consumer information. Through its Experian Marketing Services division, the company provides audience segmentation, targeting, and identity resolution products based on consumer data.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://builtin.com/articles/top-data-broker-companies |title=10 Top Data Broker Companies |website=Built In |date=November 12, 2024 |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250827181051/https://builtin.com/articles/top-data-broker-companies |archive-date=27 Aug 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Oracle Data Cloud===<br />
[[Oracle Data Cloud]] (formerly BlueKai) provides data services that help marketers target consumers across digital channels. The platform processes trillions of data points monthly from various online and offline sources to create detailed audience profiles. In 2020, Oracle faced scrutiny after security researchers discovered billions of records from its BlueKai database had been left exposed on an unsecured server.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://themarkup.org/privacy/2021/04/01/the-little-known-data-broker-industry-is-spending-big-bucks-lobbying-congress |title=The Little-Known Data Broker Industry Is Spending Big Bucks Lobbying Congress |website=The Markup |date=April 1, 2021 |access-date=2025-05-07 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260105202006/https://themarkup.org/privacy/2021/04/01/the-little-known-data-broker-industry-is-spending-big-bucks-lobbying-congress |archive-date=5 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
===LexisNexis===<br />
[[LexisNexis]] is a data broker with over 75 billion records covering over 95% of the adult US population, according to their website. Their primary market includes various government agencies, banks, insurance, and legal firms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LexisNexis Risk Solutions |url=https://risk.lexisnexis.com/ |access-date=2025-05-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203045159/https://risk.lexisnexis.com/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref> Since at least 2016 the Washington, DC Office of Tax Revenue has been using LexisNexis to identify taxpayers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DC Office of Tax and Revenue |date=2016-02-29 |title=LexisNexis Risk Solutions Quiz FAQs |url=https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/release/lexisnexis-risk-solutions-quiz-faqs |url-status=live |access-date=2025-05-09 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250712050854/https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/release/lexisnexis-risk-solutions-quiz-faqs |archive-date=12 Jul 2025}}</ref> DocuSign partnered with LexisNexis to confirm identity of document signers with what they call “out of wallet” questions, or questions that someone would not be able to answer if they found your wallet laying in the street.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=DocuSign Partners |url=https://partners.docusign.com/s/partner-profile/aNQ1W0000004CEFWA2/lexisnexis-risk-solutions |url-status=live |access-date=2025-05-09}}</ref><br />
<br />
On March 13, 2024 a class action lawsuit was filed in the US District Court, Southern District of Florida alleging the defendants ([[General Motors]], [[OnStar|OnStar LLC]], and LexisNexis Risk Solutions Inc.) violated The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681), The Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FLA. STAT. § 501.201), and Florida Common-law Invasion of Privacy. Court documents allege OnStar was selling vehicle telematics data, collected through the Smart Driver program, to LexisNexis which was in turn sold to insurance providers leading to the plaintiff to be rejected on multiple car insurance applications and then having insurance rates doubled based on the information provided by LexisNexis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-13 |title=Class Action Claims General Motors, OnStar Shared Driving Behavior Data Without Consent |url=https://www.classaction.org/media/chicco-v-general-motors-llc-et-al.pdf |access-date=2025-05-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708191619/https://www.classaction.org/media/chicco-v-general-motors-llc-et-al.pdf |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> According to a NY Times article, GM has stopped selling vehicle telematics data with LexisNexis and Verisk after the lawsuit was filed. A GM document referenced but not released by the NY Times allegedly showed that as of 2022 more than 8 million vehicles were enrolled in the program, and a company employee told the NY Times the revenue from the Smart Driver program was in the low millions of dollars.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Kashmir |date=2024-03-22 |title=General Motors Quits Sharing Driving Behavior With Data Brokers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/technology/gm-onstar-driver-data.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250426081230/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/22/technology/gm-onstar-driver-data.html |archive-date=2025-04-26 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[LiveRamp]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Common terms]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Delisting_and_shut_down_of_Age_of_Empires_3&diff=37284Delisting and shut down of Age of Empires 32026-02-16T06:23:08Z<p>Banana: Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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{{IncidentCargo<br />
|Company=Microsoft, Microsoft Game Studios<br />
|StartDate=2024-10-30<br />
|EndDate=<br />
|Status=Active<br />
|ProductLine=<br />
|Product=Age of Empires 3<br />
|ArticleType=<br />
|Type=Planned Obsolescence<br />
|Description=<br />
}}<br />
On October 8, 2024, ''[[Microsoft]] Game Studios'', the publisher of the ''Age of Empires'' (AoE) series, announced that AoE 3 would be delisted on October 30th, and included the shut down of all multiplayer services for the game.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Garcia |first=Carley |date=Oct 10, 2024 |title=Age of Empires 3 is Being Delisted and Shut Down |url=https://gamerant.com/age-of-empires-3-delisted-multiplayer-no-longer-available/ |access-date=Mar 22, 2025 |work=GameRant |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260208231949/https://gamerant.com/age-of-empires-3-delisted-multiplayer-no-longer-available/ |archive-date=8 Feb 2026}}</ref> This angered fans of the game, as the multiplayer at the time was still experiencing matches running on said servers. This event was done in an attempt to force players to instead purchase the newer ''Definitive Edition.''<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Regan |first=Tom |date=Oct 10, 2024 |title=The original Age of Empires 3 is being pulled from sale at the end of the month |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/age-of-empires-3-is-being-pulled-from-sale-at-the-end-of-the-month |access-date=Mar 22, 2025 |work=Game Developer |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708183057/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/age-of-empires-3-is-being-pulled-from-sale-at-the-end-of-the-month |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
''Age of Empires'' (AoE) is a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game series developed by ''Ensemble Studios'' and published by ''[[Microsoft]]''. The 3rd game in the series was the franchise's first foray into 3D graphics and had a thriving modding community.<ref>https://www.moddb.com/games/age-of-empires-iii/mods ([http://web.archive.org/web/20250819122025/https://www.moddb.com/games/age-of-empires-iii/mods Archived])</ref> The only content accessible for owners of the original game are now the campaign and skirmish.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Microsoft |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Age of Empires III: (2007) - Multiplayer services ending October 30 |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/933110/view/4687774841103076467 |access-date=Mar 22, 2024 |work=Steam |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251115193019/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/933110/view/4687774841103076467 |archive-date=15 Nov 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Delisting and multiplayer shutdown==<br />
On October 8th, 2024, ''[[Microsoft]]'' announced<ref name=":2" /> the closure of purchases of ''Age of Empires 3'' from storefronts, on October 30th, they additionally shut down the multiplayer services for the almost 20 year old game at the time.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Rather than directly informing consumers who owned the original version of the game, they opted to leave the announcement on the page for the ''Definitive Edition'' first<ref name=":2" /> before informing owners of the original game.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Microsoft |date=Oct 9, 2024 |title=Age of Empires III: (2007) - Multiplayer services ending October 30 |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/105450/view/7365165544799598646?l=english |access-date=Mar 22, 2024 |work=Steam |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708183108/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/105450/view/7365165544799598646?l=english |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><blockquote>From today, ''Age of Empires III'' (2007) will no longer be available for purchase. After many years of support, we will be retiring the title from sale. ''Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition'' will continue to be supported.<br />
In addition, on '''October 30, 2024 at 10am PT''' multiplayer services for the game will cease to run. This is due to the technology no longer being supported.<br />
If you own the game, you will still be able to play campaign and skirmish content. Online multiplayer is the only area of the game that will no longer be available.<br />
Players can experience ''Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition'' on Steam and Windows Store, as well as 4 DLC additions which expand the civilizations and campaigns on offer. A free trial of the game is available on Steam for players who’d like to try the game before purchasing too!<br />
<br />
'''A big thank you to all of the ''Age of Empires III'' players around the world.'''</blockquote>Within the news post, it directly advertised towards consumers to purchase the ''Definitive Edition''. <br />
<br />
===Microsoft's Response===<br />
In an attempt to recover Microsoft's image, they only offered current owners of the original version a ''temporary discount'', which was soon after deleted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Microsoft |title=AoE 3 Definitive Edition Bundle |url=https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/15965/Age_of_Empires_III_2007__Definitive_Edition_Bundle/ |url-status=dead |access-date=Mar 22, 2025 |website=Steam |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240319094613/https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/15965/Age_of_Empires_III_2007__Definitive_Edition_Bundle/ |archive-date=19 Mar 2024}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Consumer response==<br />
<br />
Consumers were upset at the announcement, with Steam user ''Shadow of Antaeres'' in the discuss section<ref name=":3" /> stating:<blockquote><br />
"Multiplayer services ending October 30"<br />
<br />
Will you be giving at least partially our money back for cutting important bits of the game in October 30? No?<br />
<br />
I thought so.<br />
<br />
That is why "YARRR-games editions" are so popular - yes, no miltiplayer (usually), but no dependance on publishers, their infrastructure and goodwill(!!!) too.<br />
<br />
In cases like this we need official technology for making our own servers for multiplayer games - NOT "games as services" and other cr** like that.</blockquote>Among another Steam discussion post,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Legendary |date=Oct 8, 2024 |title=why did this get delisted? |url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/105450/discussions/0/4844275563069909864/ |access-date=Mar 22, 2025 |website=Steam |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708183056/https://steamcommunity.com/app/105450/discussions/0/4844275563069909864/ |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> users were upset at [[Microsoft]] for delisting the game. Some were complaining about the gameplay quality of the ''Definitive Edition'' being poorer than the original.<br />
<br />
==Implications==<br />
Due to the closure of multiplayer, users are unable to play matches on AoE 3 without the usage of Gameranger,<ref>https://www.gameranger.com/games/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260206101019/https://www.gameranger.com/games/ Archived])</ref> however the platform has not seen updates in nearly a decade, so the 3rd-party service may experience an unexpected closure. Consumers who own weaker hardware also are incapable of running ''AoE 3 DE''.<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
[[Category:Age of Empires 3]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Disc_rot&diff=37283Disc rot2026-02-16T06:23:02Z<p>Banana: Removed 10 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 10 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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<br />
===Editor's Note!===<br />
It has come to the attention of the wiki from an expert researcher that Disc Rot is an inaccurate term for what is covered in this article. Unfortunately, due to ongoing research still occurring, a proper generalized term is not yet available, and updates to this article is recommended to be delayed until the researcher's paper releases. Contact JamesTDG via the CRWdiscord for details.<br />
<br />
<br />
[[wikipedia:Disc_rot|Disc rot]] is an event which happens when the materials that compose a compact disc (CD) or equivalent optical storage medium degrade. Often, disc rot occurs whenever companies are neglectful with how their discs are manufactured. Disc rot's existence has been aware of by manufacturers as early as 1988<ref>{{Cite web |last=Takiff |first=Jonathan |title=Compact Discs Still Being Perfected |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-cd-corrosion/8722352/ |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=Newspapers.com |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007083915/https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-cd-corrosion/8722352/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref> and continues to prevail to this day.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ernie |date=6 Feb 2017 |title=The Hidden Phenomenon That Could Ruin Your Old Discs |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-hidden-phenomenon-that-could-ruin-your-old-discs/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=Vice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260113195153/https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-hidden-phenomenon-that-could-ruin-your-old-discs/ |archive-date=13 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
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Disc rot is not directly intentional from manufacturers, and is considered a case of neglect from manufacturers by most communities. Despite this, there are some formats, such as DVD-D, which are intentionally manufactured for the [[Planned obsolescence|purpose of degradation]], which exhibit traits that can be related to disc rot. <br />
==How it occurs<!-- Need to read this before integration: https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2015/01/the-science-of-preservation/ -->==<br />
Disc rot occurs in various formats, and has various causes depending on how it was manufactured and stored. This is not an exhaustive list of causes as new methods for the cause of disc rot continue to be found.<!-- I am working with limited sources here, this section REALLY needs more data to work with! --><br />
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===Storage/transit-specific===<br />
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====Oxidation====<br />
Often seen on aluminum-based discs, if they are exposed to the atmosphere for a prolonged period of time, the disc can begin to rot. This can additionally happen despite the media being factory-sealed.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Lampson |first=L. David |date=Sep 1995 |title=CD Bronzing |url=http://www.classical.net/music/guide/society/krs/excerpt3.php |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=Classical.net |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114025837/http://www.classical.net/music/guide/society/krs/excerpt3.php |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref> Lacquer or plastic layers are often used to block oxidation, but other factors some of which are listed here can damage this protective layer.<br />
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====Humidity====<br />
Water is known to carry ions that can eat away at both protective layers and aluminum, and humid environments can foster disc rot,<ref name=":1" /> especially if the location a disc was manufactured at is humid, which can negate any consumer's attempts to slow down or halt any form of rot. Humid environments are also hotbeds for mold, which protective layers and even the reflective layer can act as a substrate for spores to grow into colonies.<br />
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====Heat====<br />
Heat has the capability to distort protective plastic layers, or melt layers of lacquer on discs. Any damage to the protective layer risks exposure to the elements.<br />
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====Light====<br />
More specifically ultraviolet (UV) light can both impart heat and also degrade the reflective layer on a disc. <br />
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===Manufacturer-specific<!-- I read mention of laser rot in some spots, especially to laser disc, should consider adding a section later. -->===<br />
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====Chemicals====<br />
Discs are made up of various chemicals meant to protect it, however, some chemicals can be affected by their environment and degrade the disc. An example of this was when discs manufactured by Phillip's were distributed in paper sleeves which had trace elements of sulfur,<!-- Is it sulfur or sulphur???? --> which reacted with the protective layer on the disc and caused bronzing to occur.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bronzing CD's |url=https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/pages/bronzed.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801032047/https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/pages/bronzed.asp |archive-date=1 Aug 2016 |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=Hyperion}}</ref><br />
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==Appearance<!-- There are some mentions of what is called "edge-rot" on discs, see the vice article for details, need a dedicated source speaking of it! -->==<br />
The appearance of disc rot comes in different formats, such as:<br />
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===Pinholes===<br />
Small holes on the disc that can sacrifice the integrity of the data on the disc,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Tom |date=27 Aug 2004 |title=Is music safe on compact disc? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3940669.stm |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=BBC |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250709143620/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3940669.stm |archive-date=9 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ernie |date=2 Feb 2017 |title=When Discs Die |url=https://tedium.co/2017/02/02/disc-rot-phenomenon/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=Tedium. |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114193359/https://tedium.co/2017/02/02/disc-rot-phenomenon/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref> these can be made more visible if you shine a strong light on your disc.<br />
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===Bronzing===<br />
Via [[wikipedia:Compact_disc_bronzing|Wikipedia]]:<blockquote>Affected discs show an uneven brownish discoloring that usually starts at the edge of the disc and slowly works its way toward the center. The top or label layer is affected before the bottom layer. The disc becomes progressively darker over time; tracks at the end of the disc (near the outer edge) show an increasing number of disc-read errors before becoming unplayable.</blockquote><br />
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===Distorted audio===<br />
Warped or other forms of distortion can be used as a method to track disc rot, however this can only be tracked within discs intended for playing audio, such as audiobooks or music discs.<br />
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==Why it is a problem==<br />
'''Preservation:''' Optical media is currently the most common medium that media is physically distributed on. When the media it is for goes out of print and additionally is no-longer digitally distributed, these discs are the only way for the public to access this media. Physical discs are also how most digital media is accessed by public libraries, which many consumers continue to rely upon.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Apr 2010 |title=An important note to Video Game Sellers and Buyers |url=https://www.rfgeneration.com/news/Disc-Rot/An-important-note-to-Video-Game-Sellers-and-Buyers-1337.php |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=RF Generation |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231134235/https://www.rfgeneration.com/news/Disc-Rot/An-important-note-to-Video-Game-Sellers-and-Buyers-1337.php |archive-date=31 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><br />
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'''Accessibility:''' Many consumers purchase physical media with the intent that they can have prolonged access to the content that they paid for. If the disc they buy happens to have been poorly-manufactured, consumers may have a limited and ambiguous time before they cannot consume the media they purchased anymore.<br />
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'''Assurance:''' Due to how inconsistent disc rot functions, a consumer may unwittingly purchase media, either initially or more commonly 2nd-hand, and risk the media they purchased being unable to be run.<br />
==Major incidents==<br />
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===Nintendo Wii U===<br />
Consumers have reported that the discs that they purchased for their Wii U consoles are experiencing rot,<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 May 2020 |title=Are all Wii U physical discs doomed? |url=https://forums.atariage.com/topic/306522-are-all-wii-u-physical-discs-doomed/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=AtariAge |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007083956/https://forums.atariage.com/topic/306522-are-all-wii-u-physical-discs-doomed/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@Camgames |date=26 Jan 2025 |title=The Wii U Has a Massive Problem |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlVrhF7DYbg |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=MlVrhF7DYbg |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> and in some scenarios, degrading on a large scale in individual collections.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All these games in my collection are dead from disc rot |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/wiiu/comments/15t0i84/all_these_games_in_my_collection_are_dead_from/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 Mar 2023 |title=Wii U discs have a high failure rate? |url=https://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-discs-have-a-high-failure-rate.628470/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=GBATEMP |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250323030443/https://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-discs-have-a-high-failure-rate.628470/ |archive-date=23 Mar 2025}}</ref> Often, the degradation is described as pinholes scattered across the disc. [Example picture to be added]<!-- Read this post, and decide which pic is best to use as an example in this section! <br />
<br />
https://www.reddit.com/r/wiiu/comments/15tha7u/disc_rotspots_is_real/ --><br />
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===Warner DVDs===<br />
It has been reported that DVDs manufactured from 2006-08 have been rotting away,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bumbray |first=Chris |date=8 Mar 2025 |title=Hundreds of your Warner Bros DVDs probably don’t work anymore; UPDATED with response from WB |url=https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=JoBlo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251230165506/https://www.joblo.com/warner-bros-dvds-dont-work/ |archive-date=30 Dec 2025}}</ref> especially ones stored in their own cases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Sharon |date=7 Mar 2025 |title=“They curdle like milk”: WB DVDs from 2006–2008 are rotting away in their cases |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/they-curdle-like-milk-wb-dvds-from-2006-2008-are-rotting-away-in-their-cases/ |url-status=live |access-date=23 Mar 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260109124950/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/they-curdle-like-milk-wb-dvds-from-2006-2008-are-rotting-away-in-their-cases/ |archive-date=9 Jan 2026}}</ref> Unlike most distributors, Warner has been offering replacements for these degraded discs for consumers.<ref>https://www.avclub.com/warner-bros-replacing-disc-rot-dvd ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251216220601/https://www.avclub.com/warner-bros-replacing-disc-rot-dvd Archived])</ref> Toshiba HD DVDs made by Warner were also reported as having disc rot.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hometheaterforum.com/community/threads/hd-dvds-any-help-please.379100/|title=HD DVD's Any help please!|work=Home Theater Forum|date=2023-04-11|access-date=2025-03-12|author=Sega |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251007084425/https://www.hometheaterforum.com/community/threads/hd-dvds-any-help-please.379100/ |archive-date=7 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/HDDVD/comments/sm7bom/my_experience_with_disc_rot/|title=My experience with disc rot : r/HDDVD|author=u/TheFiZi|date=2022-02-06|work=Reddit|archive-url=https://archive.ph/YRvwA|archive-date=2025-03-12|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- I wonder if they would replace UMDs... --><br />
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===Sega consoles===<br />
To be written, primary source: [https://www.rfgeneration.com/news/Disc-Rot/An-important-note-to-Video-Game-Sellers-and-Buyers-1337.php <nowiki>[1]</nowiki>]<!-- Intentionally not a reference since nothing is written yet! --><br />
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==Further Reading==<br />
[[DVD-D]]<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD-D ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251228121030/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD-D Archived])</ref><br />
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==References<!-- For anyone needing a date for when these sources were collected: Mar 11, 2025 -->==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
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[[Category:Common terms]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=DSGVO-Portal&diff=37282DSGVO-Portal2026-02-16T06:22:57Z<p>Banana: Removed 3 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
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|Founded=<br />
|Industry=Data Compliance<br />
|Logo=DSGVO Portal logo.svg<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=<br />
|Website=https://www.dsgvo-portal.de/index.php?lang=en<br />
}}<br />
'''[https://www.dsgvo-portal.de/index.php?lang=en DSGVO-Portal]''' is a German service which provides a searchable and sortable list of companies, organizations and individuals that have been fined for violating the Europian Union's [[General Data Protection Regulation|GDPR]]. <br />
<br />
In addition to listing the fines in the provided details one can find relevant press releases from governing bodies as well as articles from what seem to be reputable outlets.<br />
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The list can be found here in either English and German: <br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|+<br />
!Language<br />
!URL<br />
|-<br />
|English<br />
|https://www.dsgvo-portal.de/gdpr-fine-database/<br />
|-<br />
|Deutsch (German)<br />
|https://www.dsgvo-portal.de/dsgvo-bussgeld-datenbank/<br />
|}<br />
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==Adapting content==<br />
Violations by individuals or governments/government bodies are more than likely outside the scope of our [[Project:About|mission statement]]. However, instances of a GDPR violation by a company could be worthy of an incident article depending on the size of the organization and the severity of the incident (remember [[Consumer Rights Wiki:Inclusion guidelines#Hyper-local, run-of-the-mill issues do not belong here.|hyper-local, run-of-the-mill issues do not belong in the wiki]]). A section should be added to the "Incidents" section of company articles or Product/Product lines but in many cases a full Incident article is warranted with those violations.<br />
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This website can also be used when creating a [[Consumer Rights Wiki:Article types|company page]] to quickly check if a GDPR violation worthy incident involving said company has resulted in a fine in the past. <br />
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==How to use as a source==<br />
Searching for a company and checking the details provides the relevant law violated as well as a press release from the countries regulating body. When mentioning the violation in a CAT wiki article, this press release could be used as the primary reference.<br />
<br />
Also consider adding [dsgvo-portal.de] in the <code>|via</code> parameter<ref group="footnotes"> While this parameter is meant to be used for the name of the entity hosting the original copy of the work (if different from the publisher), in this case it provides a great vessel to reference the source of the information, helping in case of discrepancies</ref> of the <code><nowiki>{{cite web}}</nowiki></code> template.<br />
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When using websites, other than government entities, that are provided as references by DSGVO-Portal in article in CAT wiki, the websites validity and reputability should also be verified by the users.<br />
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==Site provider==<br />
This website is managed by Compliance Essentials GmbH, a German company established in 2019 providing internet services and certifications in the areas of compliance and business security.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Compliance Essentials GmbH, Planegg, Germany |url=https://www.northdata.com/Compliance%20Essentials%20GmbH,%20Planegg/Amtsgericht%20M%C3%BCnchen%20HRB%20248139 |url-status=live |website=North Data |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708193917/https://www.northdata.com/Compliance%20Essentials%20GmbH,%20Planegg/Amtsgericht%20M%C3%BCnchen%20HRB%20248139 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Compliance Essentials |url=https://www.compliance-essentials.de/ |url-status=live |website=compliance-essentials.de |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206093346/https://www.compliance-essentials.de/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> The website is also accossiated with Holzhofer Consulting GmbH,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Holzhofer Consulting |url=https://www.holzhofer-consulting.de/ |website=holzhofer-consulting.de |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260209112537/https://www.holzhofer-consulting.de/ |archive-date=9 Feb 2026}}</ref> a sister company to Compliance Essentials GmbH that has been active since 2012. <br />
<br />
While the information provided seems accurate, as of June 2025 the provider does not guarantee the actuality, correctness, completeness or quality of the information provided.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Legal Information |url=https://www.dsgvo-portal.de/legal_notices.php |url-status=live |website=[[DSGVO-Portal]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217085345/https://www.dsgvo-portal.de/legal_notices.php |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> <br />
==Alternative==<br />
Another website providing of a list of GDPR fines is [https://www.enforcementtracker.com/ GDPR Enforcement Tracker] managed by CMS Hasche Sigle Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten und Steuerberatern mbB. This website provides a similar list that seems to contain the same data with a dynamically refreshed search feature and filterable columns. <br />
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==Notes==<br />
<references group="footnotes" /><br />
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==References==<br />
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[[Category:Sources]]<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Consumer Tools]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Denuvo&diff=37281Denuvo2026-02-16T06:22:50Z<p>Banana: Removed 15 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 15 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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<div>{{MergeRequest|See talk page. — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]]| [[Denuvo]]}}<br />
===Editor's note: this article is subject to restructuring in the future to instead have Denuvo be the primary page rather than a redirect. This and the anticheat article names may be retired as a result.===<br />
{{StubNotice}}<br />
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[[wikipedia:Denuvo|'''Denuvo Anti-Tamper''']] (not to be confused with Denuvo Anti-Cheat) is a video game [[DRM|digital-rights management]] (DRM) software developed as the successor to [[SecuROM]] by [[Sony]] Digital Audio Disc Corporation (DADC) since 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=19 Dec 2014 |title=Don't call it DRM: what's Denuvo Anti-Tamper? |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/denuvo-anti-tamper-drm |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=EuroGamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206130702/https://www.eurogamer.net/denuvo-anti-tamper-drm |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> After a buyout in 2018, it is now distributed by the company [[Irdeto]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Ivy |date=23 Jan 2018 |title=Irdeto acquires Denuvo in bid to beef up security for the games industry |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/irdeto-acquires-denuvo-in-bid-to-beef-up-security-in-the-games-industry |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Games Industry |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250831015024/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/irdeto-acquires-denuvo-in-bid-to-beef-up-security-in-the-games-industry |archive-date=31 Aug 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Ivy |date=29 Aug 2018 |title=Denuvo: "There is no uncrackable game. What we do is protect the initial sales" |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/denuvo-and-irdeto-on-protecting-early-sales-from-piracy |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Games Industry |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251123140716/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/denuvo-and-irdeto-on-protecting-early-sales-from-piracy |archive-date=23 Nov 2025}}</ref> It is commonly referred to simply as “Denuvo”, and it is currently the most advanced video-game DRM on the market. The goal of Denuvo is to make cracking a game as difficult as possible, in order to protect a game’s launch window.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=6 Feb 2018 |title=Denuvo: Our cracked RE7 protection is still better than nothing [Updated] |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/02/denuvo-our-cracked-re7-protection-is-still-better-than-nothing/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216035055/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/02/denuvo-our-cracked-re7-protection-is-still-better-than-nothing/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref> Denuvo does this successfully in most cases, but it has been cracked multiple times. These cracks have mostly been done by a mysterious cracker known as Empress.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Anastasio |first=Cecilia |date=22 Feb 2021 |title=The Woman Bulldozing Video Games’ Toughest DRM |url=https://www.wired.com/story/empress-drm-cracking-denuvo-video-game-piracy/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Wired |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128213433/https://www.wired.com/story/empress-drm-cracking-denuvo-video-game-piracy/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
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==General problems==<br />
<br />
===High resource usage<!--Potential sources https://www.thefastcode.com/en-idr/article/what-is-denuvo-and-why-do-gamers-hate-it https://whyisdenuvobad.github.io/-->===<br />
Despite Denuvo's denials,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lemon |first=Marshall |date=4 Sep 2018 |title=Two Point Hospital no longer uses Denuvo DRM |url=https://www.vg247.com/two-point-hospital-no-longer-uses-denuvo-drm |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=VG247 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250709125840/https://www.vg247.com/two-point-hospital-no-longer-uses-denuvo-drm |archive-date=9 Jul 2025}}</ref> its software has been documented to consume a lot of computer resources,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Machkovech |first=Sam |date=26 Dec 2018 |title=Evidence continues to mount about how bad Denuvo is for PC gaming performance |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/12/evidence-continues-to-mount-about-how-bad-denuvo-is-for-pc-gaming-performance/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ArsTechnica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251113203606/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2018/12/evidence-continues-to-mount-about-how-bad-denuvo-is-for-pc-gaming-performance/ |archive-date=13 Nov 2025}}</ref> notably documented for ''Tekken 7''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vazquez |first=Suriel |date=14 Apr 2018 |title=DRM Software Causing Performance Issues In PC Version Of Tekken 7, Says Producer |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2018/04/14/drm-software-causing-performance-issues-in-pc-version-of-tekken-7-says-producer.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521071901/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2018/04/14/drm-software-causing-performance-issues-in-pc-version-of-tekken-7-says-producer.aspx |archive-date=21 May 2018 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Game Informer}}</ref> and ''Sonic Mania Plus,''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leri |first=Michael |date=20 Jul 2018 |title=Sonic Mania Plus DRM Protection Slowing Down Legitimate Copies |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/409231-sonic-mania-plus-drm-protection-slowing-down-legitimate-copies |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Game Revolution |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206175135/https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/409231-sonic-mania-plus-drm-protection-slowing-down-legitimate-copies |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> both games where slowdown is extremely detrimental to players, especially in competitive settings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Nov 2017 |title=Does modern DRM really hurt gaming performance? |url=https://megagames.com/editorials/does-modern-drm-really-hurt-gaming-performance |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Mega Games}}</ref> This slowdown often encourages users to prefer a crack of the game as soon as a crack releases, as seen by early cracks significantly harming sales.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyson |first=Mark |date=13 Oct 2024 |title=Publishers face 20% game revenue reduction if Denuvo DRM is cracked quickly, according to new study |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/publishers-face-20-percent-game-revenue-reduction-if-denuvo-drm-is-cracked-quickly-according-to-new-study |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Tom's Hardware |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251019210731/https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/publishers-face-20-percent-game-revenue-reduction-if-denuvo-drm-is-cracked-quickly-according-to-new-study |archive-date=19 Oct 2025}}</ref><!--I believe that DRM contributes to sales loss when a crack releases, moreso because the crack is the better version of the product on the market, plus also licensing fees for early/day 1 cracks are harmful for developers.-->Consumers who run lower-end hardware are often unable to even launch these games without running cracked versions, especially when the game's publisher has under-optimized it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bayley |first=Dominic |date=24 Sep 2024 |title=Are modern PC games badly optimized or is it just time to upgrade? |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2455340/are-modern-pc-games-badly-optimized-or-is-it-just-time-to-upgrade.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=PCWorld |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260116000508/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2455340/are-modern-pc-games-badly-optimized-or-is-it-just-time-to-upgrade.html |archive-date=16 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
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=== Machine Activation Limits<!-- Can steamcommunity be used as source? have to find out: https://steamcommunity.com/app/2050650/discussions/0/4130430927307702044/ --> ===<br />
Many games that implement Denuvo's protections also come with machine activation limits, usually 5 activations per 24-hour period.[https://en.gamegpu.com/game/assassin-s-creed-shadows-drm-protection-day-and-limitation-to-5-activations-per-day] This stops consumers that have legally acquired their game software from being able to use it on all their devices by imposing arbitrary limits on activations.<br />
<br />
There are also accounts of being locked out of access to your game software by simply changing the Proton version you use multiple times to get the game working/running correctly.[https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2025/05/denuvo-will-lock-you-out-of-games-on-linux-steamos-steam-deck-if-you-keep-changing-proton-versions/]<br />
<br />
==Notable anti-consumer events==<br />
<br />
===October 2016:===<br />
The following games during were unavailable due to Denuvo's authentication servers going offline for a couple days causing games to display an error on start up: Batman Arkham Knight, Mad Max and Shadow of War.[https://www.dsogaming.com/news/denuvo-server-problems-prevented-players-from-playing-batman-arkham-knight-mad-max/]<br />
<br />
===November 7th 2021:===<br />
Guardians of the Galaxy, Football Manager 2022, Planet Zoo, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider trilogy, Wolfenstein Youngblood, Mortal Kombat 11, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2, Persona 4 Golden, Demon Slayer, among others became completely unplayable due to the Domain Codefusion expiring and not being renewed.[https://www.pcgamer.com/a-great-day-for-drm-as-denuvo-lapse-renders-tons-of-games-temporarily-unplayable/]<br />
<br />
==='''May 2nd 2024:'''===<br />
Persona 5 Royal was affected after Denuvo's authentication servers became unavailable. [https://thegeek.games/2024/05/06/when-drm-is-harmful-a-popular-game-became-unplayable-for-hours-on-pc/]<br />
<br />
==To maybe delete==<br />
Editor's note: This section of the article is unsupported and lacks significant development. It may be deleted, or if verifiable sources can be located, it will be integrated into the rest of the article.<!--Source with charts!<br />
https://www.neogaf.com/threads/new-study-piracy-can-reduce-sales-revenues-by-20-when-denuvo-is-cracked-very-early-on-while-leads-to-nearly-zero-revenue-loss-after-12-weeks.1676167/--><br />
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<br />
According to a listing on AWS Denuvo has a base cost of $25,000 per month, with an additional $0.50 per game sold. However it is worth noting that Denuvo does not provide a standard price on their website, so this price may not apply in some situations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Denuvo Anti-Tamper |url=https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-x443idlstvufi |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=AWS Marketplace |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251216052944/https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-x443idlstvufi |archive-date=16 Dec 2025}}</ref><br />
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Developers have also blamed Denuvo for negatively impacting performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parsons |first=Don |date=14 Apr 2018 |title=Tekken Director Says Denuvo Behind Recent Performance Issues On PC |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/tekken-director-says-denuvo-behind-recent-performance-issues-on-pc |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Tech Raptor |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251026031012/https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/tekken-director-says-denuvo-behind-recent-performance-issues-on-pc |archive-date=26 Oct 2025}}</ref> Many developers have stopped using Denuvo in their games<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ariyasinghe |first=Pulasthi |date=15 Oct 2024 |title=BioWare confirms Dragon Age: The Veilguard won't have Denuvo or any third-party DRM |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/bioware-confirms-dragon-age-the-veilguard-wont-have-denuvo-or-any-third-party-drm/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Neowin |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260204163245/https://www.neowin.net/news/bioware-confirms-dragon-age-the-veilguard-wont-have-denuvo-or-any-third-party-drm/ |archive-date=4 Feb 2026}}</ref>, with others using it but removing it from their games after some time has passed<ref>{{Cite web |last=Craig |first=Danny |date=11 Apr 2023 |title=Square Enix and Capcom remove Denuvo DRM from multiple games |url=https://hitmarker.net/news/square-enix-and-capcom-remove-denuvo-drm-from-multiple-games-2007312 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Hitmarker |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174742/https://hitmarker.net/news/square-enix-and-capcom-remove-denuvo-drm-from-multiple-games-2007312 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref>. Controversies surrounding performance issues has resulted in Denuvo’s brand image being severely tarnished, with them being unable to even host a Discord sever properly due to the amount of harassment and trolling they faced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Joseph |date=17 Oct 2024 |title=New Denuvo Discord Temporarily Suspended After Deluge of Hate Messages |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/denuvo-discord-suspended-inappropriate-content |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Tech Raptor |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128145101/https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/denuvo-discord-suspended-inappropriate-content |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Denuvo]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Digital_rights_management&diff=37280Digital rights management2026-02-16T06:22:43Z<p>Banana: Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
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<div><br />
[[Category:Anti-consumer practices]]<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]<br />
<!-- In general, this article has an issue with presuming the audience's knowledge. it should not throw around the names of current or past DRM schemes, or technical concepts such as video ripping or capture cards, as if the audience will be automatically familiar with them. If it would overbloat the article to include such explanations, then Wikipedia links should be provided --><br />
[[wikipedia:Digital_rights_management|'''Digital rights management''']] (DRM), alternatively known as '''digital restrictions management'''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stallman |first=Richard |title=Opposing Digital Rights Mismanagement |url=https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/opposing-drm.en.html |archive-url=https://archive.is/XwqaH |archive-date=2023-05-02}}</ref>, broadly refers to any kind of access control technology that is used to deliberately restrict the usage of media content or devices after the sale. It is typically used by a seller to prevent unauthorized distribution or replication of their product. Implementations of DRM can range from very simple (such as a basic disc check) to extremely complex executable binary obfuscation (such as Denuvo). <br />
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<blockquote><I>DRM creates a damaged good; it prevents you from doing what would be possible without it. – Defective by Design</I><ref>{{Cite web |title=What is DRM? |url=https://www.defectivebydesign.org/what_is_drm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260203202020/https://www.defectivebydesign.org/what_is_drm |archive-date=2026-02-03 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Defective by Design}}</ref></blockquote><br />
<br />
==Why it is a problem==<br />
DRM, by definition, is designed to make content less compatible with devices. This means there is a higher likelihood of software or hardware refusing to play content due to buggy or overly restrictive DRM. For example, with the aforementioned Netflix HDCP requirement, it is not enough for the display you intend to watch the content on to support HDCP—all monitors connected to the system must support it.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-24 |title=Netflix requires all monitors to be HDCP 2.2. How can I get around this? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1avkwtb/netflix_requires_all_monitors_to_be_hdcp_22_how/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126224945/https://old.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1avkwtb/netflix_requires_all_monitors_to_be_hdcp_22_how/ |archive-date=2025-01-26 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-22 |title=How do I get Netflix working at 4k on my second monitor? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/mam2l9/how_do_i_get_netflix_working_at_4k_on_my_second/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403054443/https://old.reddit.com/r/netflix/comments/mam2l9/how_do_i_get_netflix_working_at_4k_on_my_second/ |archive-date=2025-04-03 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How to use Netflix on your Windows computer or tablet |url=https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104160941/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23931 |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Netflix Help Center}}</ref> This means that on PCs with multi-monitor setup PC, older but fully functional monitors cannot be used as secondary screens without violating Netflix’s DRM restrictions.<br />
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Such requirements are not always clearly disclosed. When they are, they are often buried in the Terms of Service or, in Netflix's case, require navigating through multiple FAQ pages. Furthermore, some content may surreptitiously install DRM without the knowledge or consent of the user, such as in the Sony Rootkit scandal.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Oct 2005 |title=Sony, Rootkits and Digital Rights Management Gone Too Far |url=https://blogs.technet.com/b/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/31/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights-management-gone-too-far.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317040653/http://blogs.technet.com/b/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/31/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights-management-gone-too-far.aspx |archive-date=17 Mar 2015 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Mark Russinovich's Blog}}</ref> Such software may contain exploits that can compromise the security of the user's PC.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krebs |first=Brian |date=10 Nov 2005 |title=Virus Writers Exploit Sony Anti-Piracy Software |url=https://blog.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2005/11/virus_writers_exploit_sony_ant.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061116191907/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2005/11/virus_writers_exploit_sony_ant.html |archive-date=16 Nov 2006 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Washington Post}}</ref><br />
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DRM in video games has frequently been implemented in an intrusive manner, hurting load times and performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kessler |first=Ana |date=25 May 2023 |title=Testing Reveals Games with Denuvo Launch Up to Four Times Slower |url=https://80.lv/articles/testing-reveals-games-with-denuvo-launch-up-to-four-times-slower/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911084255/https://80.lv/articles/testing-reveals-games-with-denuvo-launch-up-to-four-times-slower |archive-date=2025-09-11 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=80.lv}}</ref> This behavior has been more a result of negligent usage of the DRM rather than deliberate malicious intent.<br />
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DRM failures can also come as a surprise. For example, with a YouTube Premium subscription, you can "Download videos to watch offline", but such videos are only available for 48 hours without an internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in select countries & regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115091128/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |archive-date=2026-01-15 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Help}}</ref> This creates confusion and problems, as users may want to download videos in anticipation of a period without internet access.<br />
<br />
===Ineffectiveness of audio and video DRM===<br />
It is nearly impossible to prevent copying of non-interactive content such as audio and video once it is distributed to the consumer.<br />
<br />
Macrovision DRM can be defeated using a widely available time base corrector,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-09 |title=Bought this box back in the early 90s to eliminate Macrovision copy guard on tapes - cost $49.95 back then. Decided to see if it still works by recording my Red Label Star Wars set to DVD. Still working it’s magic! |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/VHS/comments/so4xs5/bought_this_box_back_in_the_early_90s_to/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402200726/https://old.reddit.com/r/VHS/comments/so4xs5/bought_this_box_back_in_the_early_90s_to/ |archive-date=2025-04-02 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref> which strips out the signal that triggers the AGC on VCRs or Macrovision compliant devices.<br />
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Many HDMI splitters<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=Bypassing HDCP in 2024 |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/19dohrh/bypassing_hdcp_in_2024/lbtqiky/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121093658/https://old.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/19dohrh/bypassing_hdcp_in_2024/lbtqiky/ |archive-date=2025-01-21 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref> and capture cards<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=I bought a $40 capture card off Amazon and it seems to have hdcp bypass because my PS3 works directly with it. |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/19dohrh/bypassing_hdcp_in_2024/kj7cu60/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803020254/https://old.reddit.com/r/PS3/comments/19dohrh/bypassing_hdcp_in_2024/kj7cu60/ |archive-date=2025-08-03 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Old Reddit}}</ref> are capable of decrypting HDCP and copying the video stream. As long as at least one bypass exists at the HDCP level, all streaming content can be trivially ripped.<br />
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Audio DRM is trivial to bypass, as the audio must be decrypted into a plain analog signal in order to drive physical speakers or headphones.<br />
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===DRM degradation===<br />
The development of some forms of DRM, such as [[wikipedia:Games_for_Windows_–_Live|Games For Windows Live]], are reliant on special processes within some operating systems that end up becoming unsupported or deprecated as time goes on. Legacy [[SecuROM]]-protected titles (released roughly between 1998 and 2005) are notoriously known for not running on operating systems newer than Windows XP<ref>{{Cite web |last=D’Amico |first=Luca |date=5 May 2022 |title=Arabian Nights |url=https://www.lucadamico.dev/papers/drms/securom/ArabianNights.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112055300/https://www.lucadamico.dev/papers/drms/securom/ArabianNights.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-12 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=lucadamico.dev}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=@haggar |date=15 Oct 2006 |title=Unpacking SecuROM 4.xx |url=https://www.reversing.be/article.php?story=20061015153108847 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226230919/http://www.reversing.be/article.php?story=20061015153108847 |archive-date=26 Feb 2022 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=www.reversing.be}}</ref>. Customers must spend an extensive amount of time circumventing the DRM (or using more illicit methods) just to play content they legitimately purchased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baggs |first=Nathan |date=16 Jan 2025 |title=Hacking This Terrible DRM |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjkqI7dBDVg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=vjkqI7dBDVg |archive-date=2025-01-20 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><br />
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This DRM degradation has the worst effects on physical licenses of products, as unlike a digital installation, if a physical copy of a game's DRM stops being supported by modern hardware, developers cannot simply distribute a patch to directly modify the code on a disc, and online patches cannot last forever.<br />
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==DRM in video content==<br />
<br />
Attempting to prevent the copying of video content is one of the most common and long-standing uses of DRM. The idea of using copy obstruction on video content predates the term "DRM", one early example being the "Automatic Gain Control" requirement in VCRs used to enforce the "Macrovision" copy-protection scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1999-11-29 |title=17 U.S. Code § 1201 - Circumvention of copyright protection systems |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/1201#k_1_A |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201101756/https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/1201#k_1_A |archive-date=2026-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Cornell Law School}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=Macrovision Demystified |url=https://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/courses/cs181/projects/1999-00/dmca-2k/macrovision.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212001352/https://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/courses/cs181/projects/1999-00/dmca-2k/macrovision.html |archive-date=2025-12-12 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Stanford Engineering Computer Science}} </ref> This requirement resulted in VCRs and compliant analog to DV capture cards not being able to record commercial VHS tapes{{citation needed}}.<br />
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From 1996, DVDs began to feature the "Content Scramble System" (CSS), an encryption based DRM. CSS was successfully circumvented as early as 1999, less than five years after its introduction, partly due to the limited length of the 40-bit encryption key, which was used to comply with US government export regulations of the time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Frank Andrew |date=27 Oct 1999 |title=[Livid-dev] Successfull attack on CSS algorithm |url=https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/DeCSS/FrankStevenson/mail1.txt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260114031245/https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~dst/DeCSS/FrankStevenson/mail1.txt |archive-date=2026-01-14 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Frank A. |date=8 November 1999 |title=Cryptanalysis of Contents Scrambling System |url=http://www.dvd-copy.com/news/cryptanalysis_of_contents_scrambling_system.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000302000206/http://www.dvd-copy.com/news/cryptanalysis_of_contents_scrambling_system.htm |archive-date=2000-03-02 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=DVD-Copy}}</ref> Following this, DVDs as well as HD-DVDs and Blu-Rays would implement other types of DRM, one of them being the "Advanced Access Content System".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Advanced Access Content System (AACS) |url=https://www.aacsla.com/specifications/specs091/AACS_Spec_Common_0.91.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302130221/http://www.aacsla.com/specifications/specs091/AACS_Spec_Common_0.91.pdf |archive-date=2 Mar 2007 |access-date=20 Apr 2025}}<br />
</ref> When the first AACS processing key was similarly extracted, the AACS Licensing Administrator began issuing cease-and-desist letters to websites where the key was posted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Apr 2007 |title=AACS licensor complains of posted key |url=https://lumendatabase.org/notices/21725 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207212919/https://lumendatabase.org/notices/21725 |archive-date=2025-12-07 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lumen}}</ref> Another form of Blu-Ray DRM, [[Cinavia]], uses a form of audio watermarking that makes certain releases unplayable in devices that are not equipped to recognize it, a notable example being Sony's Playstation 3.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ganesh |first=T. S. |date=21 Mar 2012 |title=Cinavia DRM: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Blu-ray’s Self-Destruction |url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/5693/cinavia-drm-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-blurays-selfdestruction/2 |url-status=live |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=AnandTech |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708174835/https://www.anandtech.com/show/5693/cinavia-drm-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-blurays-selfdestruction/2 |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref> <br />
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In the attempt of preventing video ripping via a capture card, modern displays, optical disc players, and computers use the [[wikipedia:High-bandwidth_Digital_Content_Protection|High-Definition Content Protection]] system to encrypt display signals.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About DCP |url=https://www.digital-cp.com/about_dcp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104104231/https://www.digital-cp.com/about_dcp |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Digital CP}}</ref> For example, [[Netflix stream-quality controversy|Netflix will refuse]] to stream content at the full resolution advertised for the plan if the user is not streaming through an HDCP compliant video card and display.<br />
<br />
For terrestrial over-the-air broadcast, in 2023 [[ATSC 3.0]] pilot stations across the United States started to encrypt their signals,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=15 May 2023 |title=Broadcasters Roll Out Restrictive DRM Encryption on ATSC 3.0 Broadcasts |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/05/15/broadcasters-roll-out-restrictive-drm-encryption-on-atsc-3-0-broadcasts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104092252/https://blog.lon.tv/2023/05/15/broadcasters-roll-out-restrictive-drm-encryption-on-atsc-3-0-broadcasts/ |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref> leaving those that bought ATSC 3.0 tuners that could not decrypt broadcasts unable to watch the newly encrypted channels. Those tuners that were later certified by the A3SA authority to decrypt signals also had potential restrictions placed as part of the DRM scheme, such as blocking recordings and remote tuner access.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newman |first=Jared |date=28 Jul 2023 |title=NextGen TV’s DRM puts future of the over-the-air DVR in doubt |url=https://www.techhive.com/article/2009693/nextgen-tv-drm-puts-future-of-the-over-the-air-dvr-in-doubt.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251213194219/https://www.techhive.com/article/2009693/nextgen-tv-drm-puts-future-of-the-over-the-air-dvr-in-doubt.html |archive-date=2025-12-13 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=TechHive}}</ref><br />
<br />
==DRM in audio content==<br />
Another place DRMs were used in was audio content, which was rarely implemented due to audio's analog nature (compared to video and software), making it questionable whether it could effectively block data replication. The most notable application of audio DRM was [[wikipedia:MediaMax|MediaMax]], which essentially functioned as malware to prevent users from simply playing these audio discs on Windows and macOS. There was also the less-notable [[wikipedia:Extended_Copy_Protection|Extended Copy Protection]] (XCP) DRM, however it did leave [[Sony]] in hot water<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=1 February 2026 |title=Sony BMG copy protection rootkit scandal |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_BMG_copy_protection_rootkit_scandal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260204145529/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_BMG_copy_protection_rootkit_scandal |archive-date=2026-02-04 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref>, dubbing this form of DRM also as the Sony Rootkit.<br />
<br />
==DRM in software==<br />
Most discussions about DRM often associate its use with some form of software restriction, from the simple product key, to the infamous [[Denuvo]] DRM. Historically, DRM started off with simpler physical techniques, such as decoder wheels and [[wikipedia:Lenslok|LensLok]]. The effectiveness of these systems varied, and many cracking groups simply found ways around them, especially since second-hand copies of software that used these primitive forms of DRM could easily become lost, damaged, or worse, fail to function with certain hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitehead |first=Ben |date=15 Apr 2010 |title=Banging the DRM |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/banging-the-drm-article?page=2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251118190312/https://www.eurogamer.net/banging-the-drm-article?page=2 |archive-date=2025-11-18 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=EuroGamer}}</ref> This has essentially sparked a game of cat and mouse that continues to fester, especially for the gaming community, to this day.<br />
<br />
===Always-online DRM===<br />
Some DRM requires a constant internet connection. While this may make sense in something that inherently requires an internet connection such as a streaming service or multiplayer-only video game, this has also been employed in games with single-player content, rendering customers unable to use their purchase if they do not have an active internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kain |first=Erik |date=17 May 2012 |title='Diablo III' Fans Should Stay Angry About Always-Online DRM |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024065743/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/05/17/diablo-iii-fans-should-stay-angry-about-always-online-drm/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref> Conversely, if operations for these services are shut down, user, even those with legitimate copies of software and internet access, cannot run their games without resorting to hacking them first.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vitor |first=João |date=12 Jul 2024 |title=Rewriting completely the GameSpy support from 2000 to 2004 using Reverse Engineering on EA and Bungie Games |url=https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251216155905/https://keowu.re/posts/Rewriting-completely-the-GameSpy-support-from-2000-to-2004-using-Reverse-Engineering-on-EA-and-Bungie-Games |archive-date=2025-12-16 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Keowu Blog's}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Chris |date=4 Apr 2014 |title=GameSpy Shuts Down May 31: Will Your Game Be Affected? |url=https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251024204157/https://www.slashgear.com/gamespy-shuts-down-may-31-will-your-game-be-affected-04323788/ |archive-date=2025-10-24 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=SlashGear}}</ref> [[Ubisoft]] has historically been known for server shutdowns and transfers cutting off access to games for many players.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |date=2012-02-08 |title=Ubisoft DRM Locks Out Paying Customers |url=https://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906130332/http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/121/1218211p1.html |archive-date=2015-09-06 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=IGN Entertainment}}</ref> Encrypted [[ATSC 3.0]] channels cannot be tuned to without a persistent internet connection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Lon |date=3 Sep 2023 |title=The ADTH Nextgen TV Box Shows Us Just How Bad ATSC 3.0 Encryption Will Be.. |url=https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214005506/https://blog.lon.tv/2023/09/03/the-adth-nextgen-tv-box-shows-us-just-how-bad-atsc-3-0-encrpytion-will-be/ |archive-date=2025-12-14 |access-date=20 Apr 2025 |website=Lon.tv}}</ref><br />
<br />
<br />
==DRM present elsewhere==<br />
<br />
===Network-Attached Storage Units===<br />
''See also: [[Synology requiring proprietary-branded drives to be used with its NAS]]''<br />
<br />
In 2025, certain models of pre-built network attached storage units produced by [[Synology]] contained DRM in order to prevent the usage of non-Synology branded hard drives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morales |first=Jowi |date=2025-04-16 |title=Synology requires self-branded drives for some consumer NAS systems, drops full functionality and support for third-party HDDs |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260107215841/https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/nas/synology-requires-self-branded-drives-for-some-consumer-nas-systems-drops-full-functionality-and-support-for-third-party-hdds |archive-date=2026-01-07 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> This decision recieved a lot of backlash and was reverted in October 2025.<br />
<br />
===Printer Ink===<br />
''See also: [[HP Dynamic Security]]'' <br />
<br />
Companies such as [[HP]] only allow printers to only use ink sold by the same brand. There are a number of DRM systems employed by different companies to this end, an example of which is HP Dynamic Security, which has caught controversy during recent years. Similarly, [[Dymo]] engages in this practice with their paper products using RFID tags. <br />
<br />
===Air Filters===<br />
''See also: [[Molekule threatens to remotely shut down devices used with third party air filters]]''<br />
<br />
Some companies, namely Molekule and [[Xiaomi]], use NFC-based DRM systems to ensure that replacement air filters which are inserted in air purifying devices are made by the brand. Molekule additionally threatened to permanently shut down any devices which used third-party filters, essentially [[Device bricking|bricking]] them.<br />
<br />
===Water Filters===<br />
''See also: [[GE Refrigerator water filter DRM]]''<br />
<br />
Certain models of refrigerators manufactured by General Electric contain DRM in order to prevent customers from purchasing generic water filters and to instead force their own water filters which are more expensive. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bode |first=Karl |date=2020-01-23 |title=These Fridges Won’t Dispense Filtered Water Unless You Pay Extra for ‘Official’ Filters With RFID Chips |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/these-fridges-wont-dispense-filtered-water-unless-you-pay-extra-for-official-filters-with-rfid-chips/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251021063650/https://www.vice.com/en/article/these-fridges-wont-dispense-filtered-water-unless-you-pay-extra-for-official-filters-with-rfid-chips/ |archive-date=2025-10-21 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=VICE}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Further reading==<br />
*[[Automotive digital restrictions management]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Digital rights management]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Disney&diff=37279Disney2026-02-16T06:22:38Z<p>Banana: Removed 3 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 3 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Description=American media company known for Walt Disney Studios, Disney Parks, and acquisition of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm.<br />
|Founded=1923<br />
|Industry=Entertainment, Animation, Theme parks<br />
|Logo=Disney.png<br />
|ParentCompany=<br />
|Type=Public<br />
|Website=https://disney.com/<br />
}}<br />
'''[[Wikipedia:Disney|The Walt Disney Company]]''', founded in 1923 by Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney, is one of the most recognizable entertainment companies globally. Known for its movies, theme parks, and television networks, Disney has become a dominant player in the entertainment industry. In 2019, Disney launched the [[Disney+]] streaming service, which makes most of their content library available to viewers as a monthly subscription.<br />
<br />
==Consumer impact summary==<br />
* '''Privacy:''' Disney on multiple accounts has violated the freedom and privacy of consumers by baking [[forced arbitration]] into their [[end user license agreement]] (EULA), which users must agree to in order to use their products and services. Disney has continued to employ such tactics with little remorse for their actions.<br />
<br />
==Incidents== <!-- Potential place to find other consumer rights failures of Disney https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_the_Walt_Disney_Company --><br />
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:Disney|Disney]] category. <br />
<br />
*[[Disney+ Ad Policy Change]] (2025): In January 2025, Disney+ updated its Subscriber Agreement to include provisions allowing advertisements in content across all subscription tiers, including those marketed as "no ads" or "ad free."<br />
<br />
*[[Disney Wrongful Death Lawsuit|Forced arbitration of a wrongful death lawsuit]] (2023): In October 2023, Kanokporn Tangsuan, after dining at the Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs, died as a result of an allergic reaction.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Sep 2024 |title=Woman Dies from Eating at Disney Amusement Park Pub Despite Amusement Park Wait Staff Assurances of “Allergen-Free” Food; Disney Attempts to Bar Wrongful Death Lawsuit Due to Disney+ Subscription Arbitration Agreement |url=https://www.foxandfarleylaw.com/woman-dies-from-eating-at-disney-amusement-park-pub-despite-amusement-park-wait-staff-assurances-of-allergen-free-food-disney-attempts-to-bar-wrongful-death-lawsuit-due-to-disney-s/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 Mar 2025 |website=Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217084132/https://www.foxandfarleylaw.com/woman-dies-from-eating-at-disney-amusement-park-pub-despite-amusement-park-wait-staff-assurances-of-allergen-free-food-disney-attempts-to-bar-wrongful-death-lawsuit-due-to-disney-s/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> When her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, sued Walt Disney Parks & Resorts (WDPR) and Great Irish Pubs Florida, Inc, Disney attempted to have the case dismissed and sent to arbitration citing terms from a trial subscription to Disney+.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Cora |last2=Murphy |first2=Sean |date=16 Sep 2024 |title=Wrongful death suit against Disney serves as a warning to consumers when clicking ‘I agree’ |url=https://apnews.com/article/disney-allergy-death-lawsuit-nyu-doctor-florida-8a6256b58311a01226d167fa80d37aad |url-status=live |access-date=18 Mar 2025 |website=[[APNews]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251122160106/https://apnews.com/article/disney-allergy-death-lawsuit-nyu-doctor-florida-8a6256b58311a01226d167fa80d37aad |archive-date=22 Nov 2025}}</ref> The public outcry following this attempt prompted Disney to rescind their request for dismissal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Masunaga |first=Samantha |date=20 Aug 2024 |title=Disney reverses course on wrongful-death lawsuit, agrees to let case proceed in court |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-08-20/disney-reverses-course-on-wrongful-death-lawsuit-agrees-let-case-proceed-court |url-status=live |access-date=18 Mar 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251030071129/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2024-08-20/disney-reverses-course-on-wrongful-death-lawsuit-agrees-let-case-proceed-court |archive-date=30 Oct 2025}}</ref> The case is still ongoing.<br />
*Privacy violations at Disney Hotels: An article series from 2024 by privacy blogger Mike Kuketz traces violations of European privacy laws and illicit data collection:<br />
**Part I ( [https://www.kuketz-blog.de/disneys-datenmacht-teil-i/ German original] |[https://www-kuketz--blog-de.translate.goog/disneys-datenmacht-teil-i/?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp English via Google Translate] )<br />
**Part II ( [https://www.kuketz-blog.de/disneys-datenmacht-teil-ii/ German Original] | [https://www-kuketz--blog-de.translate.goog/disneys-datenmacht-teil-ii/?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp English via Google Translate] )<br />
**Part III ( [https://www.kuketz-blog.de/disneys-datenmacht-die-antwort-der-franzoesischen-datenschutzbehoerde-teil-iii/ German Original] | [https://www-kuketz--blog-de.translate.goog/disneys-datenmacht-die-antwort-der-franzoesischen-datenschutzbehoerde-teil-iii/?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp English via Google Translate] )<br />
<br />
==Anti-consumer practices==<br />
<br />
===Disney Vault===<br />
<br />
The Disney Vault was a moratorium program the Walt Disney Company used for home video releases of its animated films. Producing copies of the film for two months before ceasing production for a decade, restricting consumer access to these films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdfuture.com/frs.php?id=26|title=Front Row, Sofa! - Di$ney Does The Little Mermaid|publisher=dvdfuture.com|access-date=November 28, 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013185418/http://dvdfuture.com/frs.php?id=26|archive-date=October 13, 2007}}</ref> The moratorium wasn't restricted to films with a theatrical release; the direct-to-video sequels were also considered part of "The Disney Vault" program. <ref>{{cite news|last=Arnold|first=Thomas K.|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-02-06-bambi_x.htm|title='Bambi' is back - for 70 'II' days|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Gannett Company]]|date=February 6, 2006|access-date=November 28, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20120511190113/http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2006-02-06-bambi_x.htm |archive-date=11 May 2012}}</ref> The streaming service Disney+ removes various underperforming films and series from their catalog, which can be considered a successor to this practice.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/disney-remove-series-streaming-disney-plus-hulu-big-shot-willow-y-dollface-turner-hooch-pistol-1235372512 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518225702/https://deadline.com/2023/05/disney-remove-series-streaming-disney-plus-hulu-big-shot-willow-y-dollface-turner-hooch-pistol-1235372512/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 18, 2023 | title=Disney Removes Dozens of Series from Disney+ & Hulu, Including 'Big Shot', 'Willow', 'Y' & 'Dollface' | date=18 May 2023 }}</ref><br />
<br />
==Products==<br />
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.<br />
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.<br />
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}<br />
<br />
*[[Movies Anywhere]] (2014): Streaming platform<br />
*[[Disney+]] (2019): Streaming service<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Disney]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Consumer_Advice_(UK)&diff=37278Consumer Advice (UK)2026-02-16T06:22:34Z<p>Banana: Removed 1 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 1 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{StubNotice}}<br />
<br />
'''Consumer Advice''' is a specialist service available in the UK, provided by the charity Citizens Advice.<br />
<br />
It aims to provide free, impartial, and confidential advice on consumer problems.<br />
<br />
Consumers can seek advice for a range of issues. Examples listed on their website<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Consumer Advice - Citizens Advice |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/ |url-status=live |access-date=11 Sep 2025 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260205084128/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2026}}</ref> include:<br />
<br />
#Energy<br />
#Holidays and transport<br />
#Buying or repairing a car<br />
#Scams<br />
#Something's gone wrong with a purchase<br />
#Insurance<br />
#Water<br />
#Phone, internet or TV<br />
#Home improvements<br />
#You've changed your mind<br />
#Post<br />
#Event tickets<br />
#Vets and pets<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
<references /><br />
[[Category:Regulatory agencies and public support bodies]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Consent-or-pay&diff=37277Consent-or-pay2026-02-16T06:22:28Z<p>Banana: Removed 2 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>'''Consent-or-pay''', also known as '''consent-or-okay''', is a business model implemented in response to the European Union's ''[[General Data Protection Regulation]]'' [[General Data Protection Regulation|(GDPR)]]. Under this model, users of a website are presented with a choice to either:<br />
<br />
*'''Consent''' to the use of cookies and personal data for targeted advertising, '''or'''<br />
*'''Pay''' a monthly fee to access the service without tracking.<br />
<br />
The practice has been the subject of discussion among regulators, policymakers, and consumer advocates, with many viewing the practice as undermining the principle of meaningful consent within the General Data Protection Regulation. Consent-or-pay has been adopted by a number of large online platforms and news organizations. As of August 2025, 16 of the 50 largest UK news websites had implemented a consent-or-pay model.<ref name="Press Gazette">{{Cite web |first=Charlotte |last=Tobitt |title=Press Gazette, More UK news publishers are adopting 'consent or pay' advertising model |url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/consent-or-pay-uk-publishers-advertising-2025/ |url-access=limited |date=21 Aug 2025 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250821204423/https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/consent-or-pay-uk-publishers-advertising-2025/ |archive-date=21 Aug 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Background==<br />
{{Main|General Data Protection Regulation}}<br />
<br />
The General Data Protection Regulation was enacted in 2018 with the objective of protecting online users from extensive data collection by companies. The regulation requires companies to obtain user consent for data collection, which is typically facilitated through an opt-in banner or pop-up on a website.<br />
<br />
Some companies reported a negative impact on revenue following the regulation's implementation<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Mititelu |first=Andra |date=2023 |title=As the Open Marketplace Fails, Advertisers Are Turning to Publishers to Reach Audiences |url=https://advertisingweek.com/as-the-open-marketplace-fails-advertisers-are-turning-to-publishers-to-reach-audiences/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927212627/https://advertisingweek.com/as-the-open-marketplace-fails-advertisers-are-turning-to-publishers-to-reach-audiences/ |archive-date=27 Sep 2023 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=Advertising Week}}</ref>, as the scale of data collection for targeted advertising was reduced. The consent-or-pay model emerged as an approach to address this change.<br />
<br />
==How it works==<br />
When a user visits a website, a pop-up consent window is displayed. While traditional options were to '''Accept''' or '''Reject''' cookies, the consent-or-pay model presents users with the options to '''Accept or Pay'''.<br />
<br />
*The payment is typically a monthly fee (e.g. £1.99 per month).<br />
*Many sites employing this model were previously free-to-access and funded primarily through advertising.<br />
*Users must now either pay with their personal data or with a monetary fee.<br />
<br />
This effectively introduces a paywall for content that is considered freely available, even in the absence of a traditional subscription model.<br />
<br />
==Why it is a problem==<br />
<br />
===Invalid consent===<br />
This binary choice model raises questions about the validity of consent as users are required to choose between two options, both of which involve a form of payment for content that is considered free.<br />
<br />
===Lack of informed consent===<br />
Companies typically state that cookies and data collection are for "personalized ads" and "improving services." The extent to which user data is stored, shared with third-parties, sold to data brokers, or potentially exposed in data breaches is often not detailed. This may lead to users underestimating the long-term implications of sharing their personal data.<br />
<br />
===False equivalence===<br />
The consent-or-pay model equates the value of a user's data to a specific monetary amount. The methodology for calculating this equivalent monthly fee comes into question as it is difficult to ascertain the precise advertising revenue generated from an individual user. The fee is often based on an average revenue per user (ARPU) metric, which applies a generalized value to all users regardless of their individual engagement with advertisements and despite studies suggesting that data cannot be fairly valued<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fleckenstein |first=Mike |date=26 Jan 2023 |title=A Review of Data Valuation Approaches and Building and Scoring a Data Valuation Model |url=https://hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/1qxkrnig/release/1 |website=HDSR. MIT Press |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251121151158/https://hdsr.mitpress.mit.edu/pub/1qxkrnig/release/1 |archive-date=21 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Diehl |first=Hannah |date=14 Jun 2025 |title=Semivalue-based data valuation is arbitrary and gameable |url=https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.12619 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618093423/https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.12619 |archive-date=2025-06-18 |access-date=2025-10-02 |website=Cornell University}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 Jun 2025 |title=Why ARPU Lies: The Danger of Averages in Pricing Analytics |url=https://www.getmonetizely.com/articles/why-arpu-lies-the-danger-of-averages-in-pricing-analytics |website=Monetizely |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216031544/https://www.getmonetizely.com/articles/why-arpu-lies-the-danger-of-averages-in-pricing-analytics |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
===Illusion of a fair exchange===<br />
The model can create a perception that a fair exchange is taking place. By offering a seemingly low monthly fee as an alternative to data collection, users may believe they are compensating the company fairly for lost advertising revenue. This can influence the decision-making process regarding data privacy.<br />
<br />
==Meta investigation and fine==<br />
Following an investigation by the European Commission, [[Meta]] was fined on 23 April 2025 for non-compliance with the [[Digital Markets Act]] (DMA). The investigation concluded that Meta's consent-or-pay model did not meet the DMA's requirements for reducing personalized data for targeted ads and did not allow for freely given consent.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 Jun 2024 |title=Commission sends preliminary findings to Meta over its "Pay or Consent" model for breach of the Digital Markets Act |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 |website=European Commission |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217051549/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_3582 |archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> Meta was fined €228 million in April, and by July, the European Commission warned that the company could face additional daily fines if it continued to employ this model.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Foo Yun Chee |title=Meta may face daily fines over pay-or-consent model, EU warns |url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/meta-will-only-make-limited-changes-pay-or-consent-model-eu-says-2025-06-27/ |date=27 Jun 2025 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=Reuters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/WlLFg |archive-date=1 Sep 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Uses==<br />
<br />
===News organizations===<br />
Several media outlets in Europe have adopted consent-or-pay models, including:<br />
<br />
*The Mirror<br />
*The Independent<br />
*Der Spiegel<br />
*Der Standard<br />
*Le Monde<br />
*Le Parisien<br />
*Corriere della Sera<br />
*MeridioNews<br />
*Iltalehti<ref>{{Cite news |last=Partanen |first=Joonas |date=21 Oct 2025 |title=Iltalehti lisää yksityisyysasetuksen mainontaan |trans-title=Iltalehti adds a privacy setting to advertising |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/kotimaa/a/bdb1b965-c706-4d18-b975-411aa90a38fc |url-status=live |access-date=21 Oct 2025 |work=Iltalehti |language=FI |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251024080118/https://www.iltalehti.fi/kotimaa/a/bdb1b965-c706-4d18-b975-411aa90a38fc |archive-date=24 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Heikkilä |first=Markus |last2=Heikkonen |first2=Tanja |last3=Aspeslagh |first3=Tiina |date=21 Oct 2025 |title=Iltalehti haluaa tarjota valinnanvapautta, mutta se maksaa |trans-title=Iltalehti wants to provide the freedom of choice, but it comes at a cost |url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20189545 |url-status=live |access-date=21 Oct 2025 |work=Yle |language=FI |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251214184509/https://yle.fi/a/74-20189545 |archive-date=14 Dec 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Other media outlets===<br />
*HowToGeek<br />
<br />
<gallery mode="slideshow"><br />
File:Screenshot 20250910-195708 IronFox.png|alt=Screenshot of MeridioNews' consent-or-pay policy viewed on a mobile browser. (written in Italian)|Screenshot of MeridioNews' consent-or-pay policy appearing after rejecting cookies on [https://meridionews.it/piazzale-anita-garibaldi-ennesimo-raid-dei-vandali-la-provocazione-di-artale-mettiamo-una-garitta/ one of their articles]<br />
File:08cd9c3c-fd76-4cc0-bf9a-0e85d8133609.png|alt=(machine-translated from Italian) screenshot of MeridioNews' consent-or-pay policy appearing after rejecting cookies on one of their articles, viewed from a mobile device|(machine-translated) screenshot of MeridioNews' consent-or-pay policy<br />
File:Screenshot 20251103 192735.png|HowToGeek<br />
File:Screenshot 20251103 200307.png|HowToGeek premium page<br />
</gallery><br />
==Critical response==<br />
<br />
===Regulatory agencies===<br />
In 2024, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) published a non-binding opinion on "Valid Consent in the Context of Consent or Pay Models Implemented by Large Online Platforms." The opinion stated that the consent-or-pay model does not constitute valid consent and that appropriate alternative measures should provide users with an "equivalent alternative." Furthermore, it noted that if a payment model is offered, the alternative should not involve processing personal data. Choices in which users feel compelled to consent does not qualify as valid consent.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=17 Apr 2024 |title=EDPB: 'Consent or Pay' models should offer real choice |url=https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2024/edpb-consent-or-pay-models-should-offer-real-choice_en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250711204531/https://www.edpb.europa.eu/news/news/2024/edpb-consent-or-pay-models-should-offer-real-choice_en |archive-date=11 Jul 2025 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=European Data Protection Board}}</ref><br />
<br />
Anu Talus, Chair of the EDPB, said:<blockquote>"Online platforms should give users a real choice when employing 'consent or pay' models. The models we have today usually require individuals to either give away all their data or to pay. As a result most users consent to the processing in order to use a service, and they do not understand the full implications of their choices."<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><br />
<br />
===Consumer advocacy groups===<br />
"[[NOYB|noyb]]" is a data protection advocacy organization based in Austria that focuses primarily on compliance and violations of the General Data Protection Regulation<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://noyb.eu/en/about-us |website=noyb |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203194254/https://noyb.eu/en/about-us |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref>. In November 2023, the group filed a complaint with the Austrian Data Protection Authority against Meta, arguing that the company lacked "any valid legal basis for [pay-or-okay]. [...] Meta is now trying to extort supposed consent from its users with a 'yes or pay' choice".<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Nov 2023 |title=COMPLAINT UNDER ARTICLE 77(1) GDPR |url=https://noyb.eu/sites/default/files/2023-11/Complaint%20-%20Meta%20Pay%20or%20Okay%20-%20REDACTED.pdf |website=noyb - European Centre for Digital Rights |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250623121759/https://noyb.eu/sites/default/files/2023-11/Complaint%20-%20Meta%20Pay%20or%20Okay%20-%20REDACTED.pdf |archive-date=23 Jun 2025}}</ref> The complaint cited the high costs of rejecting personalized ads, which was €12.99 per month for [[Facebook]] and €8 per month for [[Instagram]], approximating a combined annual cost of €251.88.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=28 Nov 2023 |title=noyb files GDPR complaint against Meta over "Pay or Okay" |url=https://noyb.eu/en/noyb-files-gdpr-complaint-against-meta-over-pay-or-okay |website=noyb |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251220194353/https://noyb.eu/en/noyb-files-gdpr-complaint-against-meta-over-pay-or-okay |archive-date=20 Dec 2025}}</ref> ''noyb'' expressed concern that Meta's approach could set a precedent for other platforms, potentially leading to €35,000 per family when combined with other platforms and websites<ref name=":1" />.<br />
<br />
==Effectiveness==<br />
''The Open Marketplace'', once considered the easiest and most efficient platform for advertisers and publishers to transact, has been facing steady decline since the General Data Protection went into effect<ref name=":2" />. In a report by Advertising Week published in September 2023, advertisers using Open Marketplace were reaching only roughly 30% of their audience, meaning that 70% of advertising efforts were wasted due to users opting out of data collection<ref name=":2" />. Their findings were based upon a report from ''Nano Interactive,'' a company that claims to be "at the forefront of privacy-first, identity-free online advertising"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://www.nanointeractive.com/company/ |website=Nano Interactive |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203070810/https://www.nanointeractive.com/company/ |archive-date=3 Feb 2026}}</ref>, in which the company surveyed 2,000 UK consumers and found that 70% of them rejected cookies using various methods (VPN, incognito mode, clearing cache, etc)<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=UK Cookie-Blocking Research |url=https://www.nanointeractive.com/tipping-point-research/ |website=Nano Interactive |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112164552/https://www.nanointeractive.com/tipping-point-research/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Vanessa |date=9 May 2023 |title=70% of consumers blocking cookies online, research shows |url=https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2023/05/09/70-consumers-blocking-cookies-online-research-shows |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511090722/https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2023/05/09/70-consumers-blocking-cookies-online-research-shows |archive-date=11 May 2023 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=The Drum}}</ref>.<br />
<br />
''The Drum'' reported on that same survey by noting the increasing discomfort consumers have on trading personal data for free content<ref name=":4" />. Those in the survey were split 30-30% on whether they view this as a fair exchange, but over half believe advertisers should find better ways to make ads relevant. Additionally, it was reported that of consumers who are concerned about privacy, 42% report data collection as their biggest concern, while only 31% are concerned with data breaches or online scams respectively<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />.<br />
<br />
==Alternative practices==<br />
'''Contextual advertising''' is a model that serves ads based on the content of the page a user is viewing (e.g., food ingredients on a recipe page). This advertising model had once been considered the standard on the internet and has returned in high numbers since the General Data Protection Regulation went into effect<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Davies |first=Jessica |date=7 Jun 2018 |title=‘Personalization diminished’: In the GDPR era, contextual targeting is making a comeback |url=https://digiday.com/media/personalization-diminished-gdpr-era-contextual-targeting-making-comeback/ |website=Digiday |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251110100214/https://digiday.com/media/personalization-diminished-gdpr-era-contextual-targeting-making-comeback/ |archive-date=10 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Maher |first=Bron |date=21 Nov 2023 |title=Guardian gets around readers who reject cookies with new advertising product |url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/guardian-light-reject-cookies-advertising-stereotype/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128184011/https://pressgazette.co.uk/marketing/guardian-light-reject-cookies-advertising-stereotype/ |archive-date=28 Nov 2023 |access-date=1 Sep 2025 |website=Press Gazette}}<nowiki>}}</nowiki></ref>. ''The Guardian'', a UK-based news organization, reported a 35% increase in ad clicks after emplying this model, describing it as "a perfect advertising product for a privacy conscious brand"<ref name=":6" />. An article from ''Digiday'' reports that some publishers had long complained at the loss of contextual advertising in the rush to micro-target through personalized ads<ref name=":5" />. They state the infamous ''ad-pocalypse'' from YouTube could have been avoided if advertisers stuck with contextual advertising instead of following users around the internet<ref name=":6" />.<br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
<br />
* [[Europe-based news sites enact consent-or-pay for data tracking]]<br />
* [https://noyb.eu/en/years-inactivity-pay-or-ok-cases-noyb-sues-german-dpas Years of inactivity in “Pay or OK” cases: noyb sues German DPAs]<br />
* [https://noyb.eu/en/noybs-pay-or-okay-report-how-companies-make-you-pay-privacy noyb's Pay or Okay report: how companies make you pay for privacy]<br />
* [https://digiday.com/media/personalization-diminished-gdpr-era-contextual-targeting-making-comeback/ ‘Personalization diminished’: In the GDPR era, contextual targeting is making a comeback]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Common terms]]<br />
[[Category:Theme]]<br />
[[Category:Anti-consumer practices]]</div>Bananahttps://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Cox_Communications&diff=37276Cox Communications2026-02-16T06:22:23Z<p>Banana: Removed 6 duplicate url-status parameter(s) from 6 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot</p>
<hr />
<div>{{CompanyCargo<br />
|Industry=Telecommunications<br />
|ParentCompany=Cox Enterprises<br />
|Type=Subsidiary<br />
|Website=https://www.cox.com/<br />
|Description=Cox Communications is an Atlanta-based American telecommunications company which provides internet, TV, and phone services.<br />
|Founded=1962|Logo=Cox Communications Logo.svg}}<br />
<br />
'''[[wikipedia:Cox_Communications|Cox Communications, Inc.]]''' is an Atlanta-based American telecommunications company which provides internet, TV, home automation, and phone services. It operates in 18 states, providing service to roughly 7 million customers. They reported $12.6 billion in total revenue for 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cox Communications Fact Sheet |url=https://newsroom.cox.com/company-overview |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260202104031/https://newsroom.cox.com/company-overview |archive-date=2 Feb 2026}}</ref> Cox is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. It is the largest private broadband company in the United States and 3rd largest broadband company overall in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cox Communications |url=https://www.coxenterprises.com/businesses/cox-communications |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Cox Enterprises |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251221204500/https://www.coxenterprises.com/businesses/cox-communications |archive-date=21 Dec 2025}}</ref> <br />
<br />
==Consumer-impact summary==<br />
'''User Freedom:''' Every dispute must be resolved through [[Forced arbitration|'''forced arbitration''']]. Paying users with unlimited plans have their upload speed capped if there's excessive bandwidth usage.<br />
<br />
'''User Privacy:''' Cox and affiliates collect extensive private information and share it with third parties, such as data brokers.<br />
<br />
'''Business Model:''' Customers can't cancel their subscription easily as there is no '''[[click-to-cancel]]''' policy. <br />
<br />
==Incidents==<br />
<br />
===Difficult cancellation process===<br />
Cox does not have a [[click-to-cancel|'''click-to-cancel''']] policy for canceling services, instead requiring users to either call support, live chat with an agent online, or visit a physical store.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disconnect or Cancel Service |url=https://www.cox.com/residential/support/disconnect-or-cancel-service.html |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250917092501/https://www.cox.com/residential/support/disconnect-or-cancel-service.html |archive-date=17 Sep 2025}}</ref> During the call, chat, or visit, the customer service representative will attempt to convince you to keep the service. If you live chat from the website, they will request your account information even if you are signed-in.{{CitationNeeded}}<br />
<br />
===Data collection===<br />
Cox and its affiliates collects certain information, such as, "referring URL, clicks, cursor movement, and scrolling activity" to "deliver relevant ads and other content to you on the Online Service and certain third-party services."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-07 |title=Cox Online Privacy Policy Section 1B |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html#section1b |access-date=2025-08-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206192852/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> This includes [[Nielsen]], <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-07 |title=Cox Online Privacy Policy Section 5 |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html#section5 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260206192852/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/online-privacy-policy.html |archive-date=6 Feb 2026}}</ref> which is a registered [[Data brokers|data broker]] in the state of California.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-21 |title=Data Broker Registration for Nielsen Marketing Cloud |url=https://www.oag.ca.gov/data-broker/registration/559742 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=State of California Department of Justice |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251207171603/https://www.oag.ca.gov/data-broker/registration/559742 |archive-date=7 Dec 2025}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Binding arbitration===<br />
Cox has a [[forced arbitration]] clause in its [[terms of service]]:<blockquote>'''A. YOU AND COX AGREE TO ARBITRATE — RATHER THAN LITIGATE IN COURT —'''<br />
<br />
Any and all claims, disputes, or controversies between you and Cox, including any parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors, employees, or agents of Cox, whether based in contract, statute, regulation, ordinance, tort (including, but not limited to, fraud, misrepresentation, fraudulent inducement, negligence, or any other intentional tort) or other legal or equitable theory, except as expressly provided in Sections 4(G) and 4(H) below (“Dispute”) that arise out of or in any way relate to this Agreement, any of the Services provided under this Agreement or any other Services or products that Cox provides to you in connection with this Agreement (including but not limited to amounts that Cox charges you for Services or products provided, any alleged breach related to the collection, retention or disclosure of your personal information, and any alleged violation of our Privacy Notice). You and Cox also agree to arbitrate any and all Disputes that arise out of or relate in any way to any services or products provided to you by Cox or any of its affiliated entities under any other agreement, except as specified in Sections 4(G) and 4(H) below.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-01 |title=Cox Residential Customer Service Agreement - Section 4.A. |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621223603/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |archive-date=21 Jun 2025 |access-date=2025-08-16 |website=Cox}}</ref></blockquote>Opting out requires sending a letter to Cox's headquarters within 30 days of starting services for new customers:<blockquote>'''B. Opt Out:'''<br />
<br />
You may opt out of this Dispute Resolution Provision (except for the jury trial waiver contained in Section 4(K) below) by notifying Cox of that intent during the Opt-Out Period by sending an email to Cox at ArbitrationOptOut@cox.com or a letter via U.S. mail to Cox Legal Department, Attn: Litigation Counsel, 6205B Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30328 stating that you are opting out of this dispute resolution provision. Exercising this right, should you choose to do so, will not affect any of the other terms of this Agreement with Cox, and you may remain a Cox customer. If you opt out of the Dispute Resolution Provision, that opt out will remain in effect if Cox modifies this section in the future or you agree to a new term of service under this Agreement. If you enter into a new agreement with Cox that includes a dispute resolution provision and you want to opt out of that provision, you will need to follow the instructions in that agreement for opting out.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cox Residential Customer Service Agreement - Section 4.B. |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621223603/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |archive-date=21 Jun 2025 |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Cox}}</ref></blockquote>There is also a clause barring [[Class action|class-action lawsuits]]:<blockquote>'''C. Class Action and Mass Action Waiver:'''<br />
<br />
All Disputes between us must be resolved on an individual basis. Except as specified below, you and Cox agree that all Disputes between you and Cox will be arbitrated individually, and that you will not file or participate in a “Class Action” (as defined in federal, state, or arbitration procedural rules), any other form of class, collective, representative, or consolidated actions (collectively “Mass Action,” which term includes, but is not limited to, any action in which twenty-five or more similar demands for arbitration are filed against Cox or any of its affiliated entities and representation for the parties is consistent or coordinated across all cases. The twenty-five or more demands for arbitration need not be filed simultaneously. A Mass Action expressly includes any mass action as defined under National Arbitration and Mediation (“NAM”) Comprehensive Rules and Procedures (including its Mass Filing Supplemental Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures). We both agree that it is a material breach of this Dispute Resolution Provision to file or participate in a Class Action or Mass Action, and Cox may enforce this prohibition as set forth in Section 4(H) below. If you or Cox brings a claim in small claims court, this Class Action and Mass Action waiver will apply. Nothing in this subsection bars any claims by you for public injunctive relief, which must be decided in court under Section 4(H) below. We both agree that this Class Action and Mass Action waiver is an essential part of our arbitration agreement and that if this Class Action and Mass Action waiver is found to be unenforceable by any court or arbitrator then the entire arbitration agreement set forth in this Section 4 will not apply to any Dispute between you and Cox, except for the provisions of Section 4(K) waiving the right to jury trial. This Class Action and Mass Action waiver may not be severed from our arbitration agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Residential Customer Service Agreement - Section 4.C. |url=https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621223603/https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html#resolution |archive-date=21 Jun 2025 |access-date=17 Aug 2025 |website=Cox}}</ref></blockquote><br />
<br />
===Applying arbitrary bandwidth limitations===<br />
Despite customers paying for unlimited usage, the company has decreased the upload speed of entire neighborhoods from 35 to 10 Mbps due to a few customers using excessive data (8 to 12 TB per month).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=2020-06-08 |title=Cox slows Internet speeds in entire neighborhoods to punish any heavy users |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/06/cox-slows-internet-speeds-in-entire-neighborhoods-to-punish-any-heavy-users/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-16 |work=ArsTechnica |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216030608/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2020/06/cox-slows-internet-speeds-in-entire-neighborhoods-to-punish-any-heavy-users/ |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref><br />
==See also==<br />
*[[AT&T]]<br />
*[[Optimum]]<br />
*[[Spectrum]]<br />
*[[Verizon]]<br />
<br />
==References==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]</div>Banana