Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Urban Air Adventure Park

2026-01-14T18:30:35Z

Burt79: Changed layout and made some tonal alterations. Also fixed some grammatical errors.

{{Incomplete}}
{{SloppyAI}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = UrbanAir Adventure Park
| Parent Company = Unleashed Brands (UATP Management)
| Type =Private LLC
| Founded =Unknown
| Industry =Children's Entertainment
| Official Website =https://www.urbanair.com
| Logo =Logo-horizontal-black-outline-1.png.webp
}}

Urban Air Adventure Park is a children-focused indoor sports entertainment company under Unleashed Brands. It offers attractions such as ziplining, trampolines, and GoKarts<ref name="Attractions">{{Cite web |title=Urban Air Attractions |url=https://www.urbanair.com/pennsylvania-north-huntingdon/attractions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717153109/https://www.urbanair.com/pennsylvania-north-huntingdon/attractions/ |archive-date=2025-07-17 |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=Urban Air Adventure Park}}</ref>
. Their membership model primarily targets families, often requiring 12-month contractual commitments<ref name="UAContract">[[:File:UrbanAirContractPeriod001.png|Urban Air Contract]]</ref>.

However, concerns arise regarding privacy policies, billing practices, and the unrestricted use of children’s images and voices without additional consent or compensation. Given that minors cannot legally consent to these terms, the ethical implications are severe.

At least two Urban Air locations were also found in violation of Child Labor Laws.

=Consumer Impact Summary=

===Privacy Violations and Billing Concerns===

*Lack of Clear Billing Practices: The required 12-month commitment<ref name="UAContract" /> is not prominently disclosed during sign-up.<ref name="Memtypes">{{Cite web |title=Urban Air Membership Types |url=https://store.unleashedbrands.com/urban-air/north-huntingdon-pa/purchase/membership |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/21bae |archive-date=2025-11-09 |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=store.unleashedbrands.com}}</ref>
*Unfair Membership Alterations: Adding an additional child resets the commitment period for all family members, extending financial obligations.
*Unrestricted Use of Children’s Images: Parents unknowingly grant Urban Air full rights to their child’s likeness, allowing modification and repurposing without further approval.
*Unrestricted Use of Children’s Voices: Urban Air’s agreement enables alteration of voice recordings, meaning a child's voice could be used in commercial or political contexts without parental oversight

=Privacy Concerns=
Urban Air Adventure Park does not adequately disclose or provide safeguards for the following membership terms, which overwhelmingly affect children as the primary subjects:

#Mandatory 12-Month Memberships: Most memberships require a full year of payments, with only extremely limited cancellation options.
#Automatic Membership Extensions: If parents add an additional child, all previous members are forced into a fresh 12-month contract, increasing financial commitment unexpectedly.
#Total Loss of Image Rights: Parents sign away all rights to their child's photographs, permitting modification, repurposing, and global distribution without compensation or review. This agreement does not specifically exclude use of images in countries hostile the United States or in areas determined to be controlled by group designated federally as terrorists.
#Total Loss of Voice Rights: Any recorded voice can be altered, modified, and used for promotional purposes indefinitely —raising concerns about manipulated contexts.

Urban Air’s membership agreement requires parents to consent to photo usage of their children, but parents lose all control over how these images are modified, distributed, or repurposed worldwide, forever.

===Use of Children's Voice Recording===
Urban Air’s Membership Agreement<ref name="UMA">{{Cite web |title=Urban Air Membership Agreement |url=https://www.urbanair.com/membership-agreement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230182823/https://www.urbanair.com/membership-agreement/ |archive-date=2022-12-30 |access-date=2025-11-09 |website=Urban Air Adventure Park}}</ref> also permits unrestricted audio recording of children inside the facility. Parents forfeit control over how their child’s voice may be modified, placed in different contexts, or reused indefinitely.
===Serious Ethical Concerns:===

Excerpt from Urban Air’s Membership Agreement:<blockquote>
#Use of Personal Information, Image, Likeness, and/or Voice. Urban Air will take, and you agree to the taking and Urban Air’s storage and use of, an image of each member under this Membership Agreement for purposes of member identification for the Urban Air membership program. Urban Air will retain such image in its computerized membership system. Urban Air also may photograph, record on audio or video, or otherwise record your presence or use of any Urban Air Adventure Park. In exchange for your use of any Urban Air Adventure Park, you understand, acknowledge, and agree that you may be photographed, recorded on audio or video, or otherwise recorded while at any Urban Air Adventure Park and hereby agree and consent for all purposes to the sale, reproduction, or use in any manner of any such photograph, audio, video, or other recording or depiction of your likeness and/or voice whatsoever by us, any Urban Air Adventure Park, and any nominee or designee of us or them, including without limitation any agency, client, periodical or other publication, in all forms of media, whether now or hereafter devised, throughout the world and in perpetuity, and in all manners, including without limitation advertising, trade, display, editorial, art, and exhibition. You further understand and agree that any such photograph, audio, video, or other recording or depiction of your likeness and/or voice may be modified, altered, cropped, and combined with other content such as images, video, audio, text, and graphics, and hereby waive any right that you may have to inspect or approve any finished image, video, or audio containing a depiction of your likeness or voice. You further agree that Urban Air and/or any Urban Air Adventure Park you may visit or owner thereof may use any information gathered in this form or through your use of any Urban Air Adventure Park, provided the information does not personally identify you or provide facts that could lead to your identification, for any purpose, including without limitation research, product and program improvements, and statistical purposes. You agree to hold harmless and indemnify Urban Air and any Urban Air Adventure Park you may visit or owner thereof from and against any and all liability, damage, loss, and/or claims of any kind or nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, any and all claims and demands relating to libel, invasion of privacy, and violation of publicity rights.
</blockquote>

*Photos may be used for advertising without compensation or parental approval.
*Images can be altered—including age modifications, added individuals, or politically charged content.
*No parental review or opt-out mechanism exists, meaning parents cannot prevent misuse or misrepresentation.
*A child's likeness could be used for marketing unrelated to Urban Air, including international advertising in countries with differing legal protections.

===Ethical and Privacy Concerns===

*Children's voices may be repurposed in misleading promotional materials.
*Audio could be modified to imply political affiliations, sponsorships, or endorsements.
*Parents have no ability to review or retract consent, meaning a child’s voice could be used long after they stop attending Urban Air.

=Membership Agreement=

==Billing and Cancellation Policy==
Most Urban Air memberships require a minimum of 12 months of payments and cannot be canceled except in the following strictly defined scenarios<ref name="UAContract" />:

*Death or permanent disability (requires medical documentation).
*Relocation beyond 25 miles from an Urban Air facility (requires written proof).

Urban Air does not validate the identity of individuals signing up, relying only on self-reported names and payment details, raising concerns about potential enrollment errors or fraudulent sign-ups.

After the initial 12-month term, membership renewals can only be canceled with written notice.

==Contract Alterations and Adding Members==

Urban Air’s membership policy forces families into long-term commitments by extending obligations if new members (such as siblings) are added to an existing contract. For example, if a parent signs up one child in a 12-month membership and 3 months later decides to add a sibling of said child, the membership term for both children fully resets.

=Child Labor Violations=
The US Department of Labor collected $43,505 in civil penalties from an Urban Air location in Jacksonville, Florida for child labor law violations, which allowed 14 and 15 year-old employees to work past 7 p.m., hours later than legally permissible, on weeknights.<ref name="DOLBackWages2023">{{cite web |date=2023-02-17 |title=Jacksonville Trampoline Park Pays $43k In Civil Penalties |url=https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20230217-2 |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=U.S. Department of Labor}}</ref>

Similar violations were also found at a location in Birmingham, Alabama and $28,000 in civil penalties were issued.<ref name="DOLChildLabor2023">{{cite web |date=2023-11-13 |title=Birmingham Urban Air Indoor Fun Park Franchisee Pays $28k In Civil Penalties After Us Department Of Labor Finds Child Labor Violations |url=https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20231113 |access-date=2025-06-23 |website=U.S. Department of Labor}}</ref>

==References==
<references />

[[Category: {{PAGENAME}}]]

Brother printers causing issues with third party inks

2025-08-13T11:13:18Z

Burt79: Removed unnecessary bold lettering throughout. Minor changes elsewhere.

{{ToneWarning}}
[[Brother Industries Ltd.|Brother]] has a reputation for allowing the use of third-party toner and being more consumer friendly than competing printer companies, such as [[HP]]. In recent years, they've implemented firmware updates that deliberately lower print quality when using toner that is not from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). These updates disable color registration & other features, encouraging the use of toner manufactured by Brother over other toner options<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Jacobs |first=Skye |date=2025-03-05 |title=Brother printers are quietly sabotaging third-party toner with firmware updates |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/107022-brother-printers-quietly-sabotaging-third-party-toner-firmware.html}}</ref>.

==Exploitative practices==
*'''Post-Sale Function Removal''' – Firmware updates retroactively remove previously available features, such as automatic color registration, for users using non-OEM toner.<ref name="reddit">[https://www.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/s9b2eg Brother MFC firmware update - non-genuine toner now disables critical features.]</ref><ref name="reddit-2">[https://www.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/w60687/brother_mfcl3370cdw_firmware_downgrade_needed/ Brother MFC-L3370CDW Firmware Downgrade needed]</ref>
*'''Vendor lock-in via DRM''' – Printers continue to function with third-party toner but print at lower quality unless OEM toner is installed.<ref name=":0" />
*'''Anti-consumer software practices''' – Firmware updates cannot be easily rolled back, preventing consumers from restoring lost functionality.<ref name="github-fwupd">[https://github.com/sedrubal/brother_printer_fwupd/issues/9 Brother printer firmware downgrade discussion.]</ref>
*'''Deceptive practices''' – Printers do not reject third-party toner but intentionally cause a toner failure, which discourages use of third party toners.<ref name="hackernews">[https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31860131 Tell HN: Brother printers now locking out non-OEM paraphernalia.]</ref><ref name="reddit-2" />

==How it works==
1. Consumers purchase a Brother laser printer that previously accepted third-party toner.

2. A firmware update (e.g., W1.56) is pushed, which does not notify users of any major functional changes.

3. After updating, users notice that:

*Color registration fails automatically, misaligning prints.<ref name="cups">[https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/CUPS/Printer-specific_problems#Updating_the_firmware ArchWiki - Printer-specific problems with Brother.]</ref>
*Brother support acknowledges that installing OEM toner will resolve the issue instantly.<ref name="hackernews" />
*Older firmware versions are removed from Brother’s servers, preventing downgrades.<ref name="github-ohbrother">[https://github.com/CauldronDevelopmentLLC/oh-brother/issues/30 Discussion on firmware rollback for Brother printers.]</ref>

==Impact on Consumer Protection==
*Customers who were able to save money buying third-party toner are now coerced into expensive OEM toner purchases.
*Brother’s positive reputation for allowing third-party toner is tarnished.
*No prior warning was given to consumers before these updates were installed.
*Workarounds involve blocking firmware updates or attempting firmware downgrades, both of which Brother actively discourages.

==Brother's response==
On March 5th 2025, following the publication of a video on the Louis Rossmann YouTube channel, Brother addressed the issue, in a response given to Ars Technica, stating the following: <ref name="ars-response">[https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/brother-denies-using-firmware-updates-to-brick-printers-with-third-party-ink/ Brother denies using firmware updates to brick printers with third-party ink]</ref>
<blockquote>
"We are aware of the recent false claims suggesting that a Brother firmware update may have restricted the use of third-party ink cartridges. Please be assured that Brother firmware updates do not block the use of third-party ink in our machines."
</blockquote>
They also detailed that:
<blockquote>
"Brother printers do not intentionally degrade print quality based on whether a Brother Genuine or non-genuine ink/ toner cartridge is used. Brother cannot verify the quality of printing that will result when using a third-party compatible with a Brother printer."
</blockquote>
Finally they attributed the confusion from consumers to:
<blockquote>
"Brother encourages the use of Brother Genuine ink and toner for optimal performance and reliability, and it is standard practice that we perform a Brother Genuine check when troubleshooting a Brother printer. Compatible supplies may range in quality, and in order to verify that a printer is working properly, we like to troubleshoot with Brother Genuine supplies. We believe this check in the process may have led to a misunderstanding[,] but as we confirmed, the firmware update would not be responsible for the degradation of quality or removal of printer features."
</blockquote>
==User evidence & reports==
===Hacker News Discussion (2022)===
*Users noticed that Brother printers accepted third-party toner but deliberately degraded print quality.
*One user stated:
<blockquote>''Brother seems to be apparently accepting the ink, but then purposefully making the print quality poorer.''<ref name="hackernews" /></blockquote>

===Reddit reports (r/printers)===
*A firmware update on the Brother MFC-3750 disabled automatic color registration when third-party toner was detected.<ref name="reddit" />
*A Brother support agent confirmed that installing OEM toner would "fix" the issue instantly, proving that the printer was being artificially restricted.

===GitHub developer investigation===
*A project analyzing Brother firmware updates discovered that older firmware versions were removed from Brother’s servers, making it impossible for users to roll back to a working version.<ref name="github-fwupd" />
*Another GitHub discussion showed that Brother firmware updates lock out more non-Brother toner cartridges with each update.<ref name="github-ohbrother" />
*This is similar to [[HP Dynamic Security]], which blocks non-OEM cartridges.

===Quality Example===
[[File:Brother HL-L9310CDW 1.69 1.32 before registration deleted.png|alt=Brother HL-L9310CDW 1.69 1.32, before deletion of colour registration.|none|thumb|800x800px|Brother HL-L9310CDW 1.69 1.32, before deletion of color registration.]]

==Comparison to other industry decisions==
{| class="wikitable"
!Company!!Tactic Used
|-
|'''HP'''||"Dynamic Security" firmware updates blocking non-OEM ink
|-
|'''Epson'''||Ink expiration DRM, even when cartridges are full
|-
|'''Canon'''||Firmware updates that disable scanning when ink is low
|-
|'''Brother'''||Print degradation for non-OEM toner users
|}

==Potential legal implications==
Deliberate function removal after purchase may qualify as deceptive trade practices in multiple jurisdictions.

==Mitigations available to users==
#'''Avoid Firmware Updates''' – Disable auto-updates to prevent forced function removal. This may, however, lead to security risks.
#'''Try to downgrade''' – Some users have managed to roll back firmware, though this is increasingly difficult.<ref name="github-ohbrother" />
#'''HL-L9310CDW (with firmware main 1.69, sub 1.31):''' On the menu of the printer, delete the color registration to improve quality by reducing the misalignment of the individual colors. However, the best solution is to have a configuration option to set the offset individual (X, Y) for each color with the smallest possible increment, perhaps through an external (CUPS) printer driver.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Brother]]
[[Category:Digital Restrictions]]
[[Category:Vendor Lock-in]]
[[Category:Post-Sale Firmware Lockouts]]

3CX

2025-08-13T10:40:36Z

Burt79: Minor editing changes.

{{StubNotice}}
3CX, Inc., is a software development company and developer of the 3CX Phone System<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=3CX |title=ENTERPRISE GRADE PHONE SYSTEM |url=https://www.3cx.com/phone-system/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813032918/https://www.3cx.com/phone-system/ |archive-date=2025-08-12 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=3cx.com}}</ref>.

The 3CX Phone System is a software private branch exchange based on the [[wikipedia:Session_Initiation_Protocol|Session Initiation Protocol]] (SIP) standard to allow calls via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or via [[wikipedia:Voice_over_IP|Voice over Internet Protocol]] (VoIP) services <ref name=":0" />.

In 2023, during a major supply chain attack affecting the 3CX desktop application, company's public response included engaging the services of Google-owned cybersecurity firm [[wikipedia:Mandiant|Mandiant]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lakshmanan |first=Ravie |date=Mar 31, 2023 |title=3CX Supply Chain Attack — Here's What We Know So Far |url=https://thehackernews.com/2023/03/3cx-supply-chain-attack-heres-what-we.html |archive-url=https://thehackernews.com/2023/03/3cx-supply-chain-attack-heres-what-we.html |archive-date=June 27, 2025 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=hehackernews.com}}</ref> and advising customers to uninstall affected versions.

==Controversies==

====Customer and Partner Relations====
The company's CTO, Nick Galea, has been the subject of criticism from some 3CX users and partners for alleged heavy-handed moderation practices and perceived unprofessional conduct in public forums. Multiple users on Reddit have reported being banned from the official 3CX community forums for raising technical concerns or criticizing company policies. <ref>{{Cite web |title=My 3CX Partnership Deleted and All Linked Clients Lost |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/3CX/comments/xev0u5/my_3cx_partnership_deleted_and_all_linked_clients/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Banned from the 3CX Community |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/3CX/comments/xn0ztp/banned_from_the_3cx_community/}}</ref>

====Supply Chain Incident Response====
In March 2023, 3CX was the victim of a high-profile supply chain attack, thought to be the result of a cascade failure starting with the software X_Trader. This attack was likely caused by North Korean state-sponsored hackers. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Greenberg |first=Andy |date=Apr 20, 2023 |title=The Huge 3CX Breach Was Actually 2 Linked Supply Chain Attacks |url=https://www.wired.com/story/3cx-supply-chain-attack-times-two/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250726115243/https://www.wired.com/story/3cx-supply-chain-attack-times-two/ |archive-date=July 26, 2025 |work=Wired |pages=2025-08-12}}</ref>

3CX also faced backlash for requiring users to pay to open support tickets during the breach, which led to further public criticism from system administrators and IT professionals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CrowdStrike |date=2023-03-29 |title=// 2023-03-29 // SITUATIONAL AWARENESS // CrowdStrike Tracking Active Intrusion Campaign Targeting 3CX Customers // |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/crowdstrike/comments/125r3uu/20230329_situational_awareness_crowdstrike/ |website=reddit}}</ref><blockquote>"I have been in contact with 3CX and their suggestion is to open a support ticket at £75 per incident. Ludicrous." -wars_t (reddit.com) </blockquote>

==References:==
<references />

Games as a service

2025-08-13T03:01:33Z

Burt79: Added Destiny link, changed like one word.

{{StubNotice}}

'''[[wikipedia:Games_as_a_service|Games as a service]]''' (also known as live-service games) is a business model designed to continuously monetize games after they are initially sold (or offered for free), typically through new updates, DLC, and microtransactions. A common practice in this model is allowing players to pre-purchase content with the promise that it will be released at a specified time, and will include all features advertised in the product's listing. Games as a service also typically has a premium currency, which players purchase with real-world currency to acquire in-game items.

==Issues==
While GaaS incentivizes developers to keep producing content for their game, the game often risks becoming completely unplayable once support is discontinued.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w70Xc9CStoE "The largest campaign ever to stop publishers destroying games"] - youtube.com - accessed 2025-01-24</ref> There is very little legal recourse for the user to recoup the cost of purchasing the game or its in-game content. The [[End-user license agreement|End-User License Agreement (EULA)]] typically disclaims the publisher's obligation to refund or compensate users, as it clarifies that they are purchasing a license rather than actually owning the software.<ref>[https://www.kelleherbros.com/blog/2024/3/27/digital-ownership-2-the-eula-era Precarious Digital Ownership: The EULA Era] - kelleherbros.com - accessed 2025-01-28</ref>

Additionally in some scenarios, content offered and even sold on GaaS may also be discontinued or revoked from consumers while the service continues.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Phil |date=Aug 23, 2020 |title=Here's everything being removed from Destiny 2 at the end of this season—it's a lot |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/heres-everything-being-removed-from-destiny-2-at-the-end-of-this-seasonits-a-lot/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=PC Gamer}}</ref>

==Examples==

===Ubisoft===
{{Main|Ubisoft}}
XDefiant, developed by Ubisoft, is an example of a game as a service. On December 3rd, 2024, the game announced the shutdown of its servers on June 3rd, 2025.<ref name=":0">[https://archive.is/ueESQ "'XDEFIANT IS SUNSETTING' Tweet"] - archive.is - archived 2025-01-28</ref> 49 days before the shutdown announcement, executive producer of XDefiant, Mark Rubin<ref>[https://archive.is/nEche "Mark Rubin Profile"] - archive.is - archived 2025-01-28</ref> posted online that the game had no plans of shutting down after season 4, while the game was still in season 2, and they had recently discussed their plans internally for the second year of content.<ref>[https://archive.is/XmekP "Mark Rubin claims NO plans to shut down after season 4"] - archive.is - archived 2025-01-28</ref> The shutdown post announced that the last 30 days of purchases would be fully refunded.<ref name=":0" />

The shutdown of ''The Crew'' is one of the central issues of the [[Stop Killing Games]] campaign. Despite the game containing some code for an offline mode<ref>[https://steamcommunity.com/app/241560/discussions/0/3803901559414708777/ Offline Mode is in the game] steamcommunity.com - accessed 2025-02-06</ref> from the start, it was not made accessible to the user due to the game's [[Digital rights management|digital-rights-management]] (DRM),<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qKNY64-QSc The Crew Offline Mode - Setting The Record Straight] youtube.com - accessed 2025-01-28 </ref> leaving the game in a completely unplayable state.

===EA===
{{Main|Electronic Arts}}
In recent years, Electronic Arts (often shortened to '''EA''') has garnered a reputation for being a company involved in these sorts of practices, and has received criticism for over-reliance on micro-transactions and DLC.

===Bungie===
{{Main|Bungie}}
The [[wikipedia:Destiny_(video_game_series)|Destiny]] franchise is Bungie's primary source of revenue, and its most recent title, Destiny 2, has had a significant amount of content offered in the game that has been forcibly vaulted by the company.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Glagowski |first=Peter |date=Jun 9, 2020 |title=Bungie To Remove Four Planets And All But Three Raids From Destiny 2 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/destiny-2-content-removal/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=The Gamer}}</ref> Most notably, player-purchased content, including singleplayer content that shouldn't necessitate access to a server, has been removed from the game.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=The_Observer |date=Jun 18, 2021 |title=How could Bungie get away so easily with removing paid content from Destiny 2? |url=https://www.neogaf.com/threads/how-could-bungie-get-away-so-easily-with-removing-paid-content-from-destiny-2.1610927/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |website=NeoGAF}}</ref> In mid 2022, Bungie did promise to stop removing content from the game,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gach |first=Ethan |date=Aug 23, 2022 |title=Destiny 2 Promises No More Axing Old Parts Of Game, Something That Players Hated |url=https://kotaku.com/destiny-2-lightfall-vaulting-sunset-forsaken-expansion-1849446608 |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=Kotaku}}</ref> but not all legacy content has been reintroduced to the game.<ref>{{Cite news |last=GB Times Gaming Team |date=Mar 21, 2025 |title=Why is Bungie Removing Content from Destiny 2? The Content Vault Controversy Explained |url=https://gbtimes.com/gaming/why-is-bungie-removing-content/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=GB Times}}</ref>

Bungie's previous GaaS title, Destiny, requires an always-online connection, and while the company has stated that they will maintain legacy support for both modern platforms,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bungie |title=Legacy Support for Destiny 1 Activities |url=https://help.bungie.net/hc/en-us/articles/360049201951-Legacy-Support-for-Destiny-1-Activities |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |website=Bungie Help}}</ref> and legacy console editions,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bungie |title=Destiny 1 on Legacy Consoles |url=https://help.bungie.net/hc/en-us/articles/360049497531-Destiny-1-on-Legacy-Consoles |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |website=Bungie Help}}</ref> it is plausible due to software degradation for the servers<ref>{{Cite news |last=MorphNeo |date=Jul 29, 2024 |title=Destiny 1 - Have they really SHUT IT DOWN? - Error: This version of Destiny is no longer available. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfYzX58wMBs |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=YouTube}}</ref> though, that the title could eventually become unplayable for consumers, especially as error frequency grows more common over time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=javagat10 |date=Jan 29, 2023 |title=Destiny Server issue on Xbox 360. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/DestinyTheGame/comments/10o1t6l/destiny_server_issue_on_xbox_360/ |access-date=Mar 31, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ICE BREAKER (Timelost) |date=Jul 19, 2025 |title=Is destiny1 servers shut down permanently? |url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/264186352?page=0 |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |website=Bungie Forums}}</ref>

Bungie has also announced ''{{Wplink|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathon_(upcoming_video_game)|Marathon}}'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bungie |date=May 24, 2023 |title=Bungie Announces Marathon; Nathan Fillion To Return to Destiny 2 for The Final Shape Expansion |url=https://press.bungie.com/Bungie-Announces-Marathon-Nathan-Fillion-To-Return-to-Destiny-2-for-Th |access-date=Mar 31, 2025 |work=Bungie Press Room}}</ref> a reboot for their older franchise. This game has the plausibility to release as a live service title as well considering Bungie's recent history with their games.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Services]]
[[Category:Articles in need of additional work]]

VPN Secure

2025-08-12T17:51:28Z

Burt79: Removed subjective/emotional stuff, fixed grammar, re wrote some stuff. Article is significantly shorter, will need revisited and revised.

{{ToneWarning}}

VPN Secure is a [[wikipedia:Virtual_private_network|virtual private network]] service that, from around 2018 to 2023, offered lifetime VPN service for a fixed, non-recurring price through online software storefront StackSocial. In 2023, InfiniteQuiant Ltd purchased VPN Secure from BoostNetwork Pty Ltd. In April 2025, thousands of these lifetime licenses were abruptly terminated, causing outrage among users.

==Acquisition and Deactivation==
VPN Secure was acquired by InfiniteQuant LTD in May 2023. According to their email to customers, they acquired "the technology, domain, and customer database — but not the liabilities." On April 28, 2025, all lifetime deal accounts were deactivated. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Vigliarolo |first=Brandon |date=14 May 2025 |title=VPN Secure parent company CEO explains why he had to axe thousands of 'lifetime' deals |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515211209/https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/14/vpn_secure_axe_lifetime_deals/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250515211209/https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/14/vpn_secure_axe_lifetime_deals/ |archive-date=15 May 2025 |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref>

InfiniteQuant LTD claimed that they were not made aware of the lifetime subscriptions when they made the acquisition, stating: "Unfortunately, the previous owner did not disclose that thousands of Lifetime Deals (LTDs) had been sold through platforms like StackSocial."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=12 May 2025 |title=VPN firm says it didn’t know customers had lifetime subscriptions, cancels them |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/05/vpnsecure-owner-says-it-had-to-cancel-unsustainable-lifetime-subscriptions/ |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>

==Inactive Account Policy==

In May 2024, VPN Secure's Terms of Service were updated with the following policy, regarding the deletion of inactive accounts:<blockquote>To maintain the integrity and efficiency of our services, any account with no active login for a period of six months will be automatically erased. Please note that this includes accounts with lifetime deal access.[[File:VPN Secure email to customers.png|thumb|E-mail sent to lifetime deal holders on the day of the shutdown, April 28th, 2025.]]If you have purchased a lifetime deal but fail to connect to your account within the specified six-month period, you will lose access to the lifetime deal. It is essential to log in at least once every six months to keep your account and lifetime deal active.

We encourage all users to maintain regular activity on their accounts to avoid deactivation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VPN Secure Terms of Service |url=https://www.vpnsecure.me/terms-of-service/}}</ref></blockquote>

===VPN Secure's response===

VPN Secure hasn't responded to a support ticket asking to clarify the issue. However, affected customers report receiving emails claiming the new owners had provided "two additional years at no cost" as a "gesture of good will" and offering discounted renewal rates ($55 for 3 years, $19 for 1 year, or $1.87/month billed annually).

The company states they cannot issue refunds and directs customers seeking compensation to contact StackSocial or "the previous VPN Secure owner based in Australia."

==References==
<references />

Amazon to charge non-Prime consumers to use Alexa

2025-08-12T16:42:00Z

Burt79: added amazon echo wikipedia page link.

{{ToneWarning}}

[[Amazon]] has introduced Alexa Plus (Alexa+), an upgrade to the Alexa voice assistant that uses generative artificial intelligence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Panay |first=Panos |date=26 Feb 2025 |title=Introducing Alexa+, the next generation of Alexa |url=https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/devices/new-alexa-generative-artificial-intelligence |website=Amazon}}</ref> The Alexa voice assistant is also available on Amazon's range of smart speakers, such as the [[wikipedia:Amazon_Echo|Amazon Echo]].

==Background==
Consumers have widely embraced the [[wikipedia:Internet_of_things|Internet of Things]] (IoT) over many years, purchasing both control devices and controlled devices. Until 2025, Amazon had been content with generating revenue from device sales as sufficient payment for the IoT services offered through their Alexa platform. However, an issue arose when Amazon sought to access consumer data. Rather than restricting Alexa's functionality to basic device control (such as turning devices on and off), the company expanded the platform's capabilities from simply controlling devices to implement more data collection and monitoring to profit off of consumer data.

In March of 2025, Amazon Echo [[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage|changed the terms]] of voice usage, [[:File:Upcoming change to your Alexa Settings.png|removing the "Do Not Send Voice" feature]] at the same time as Alexa's capabilities were expanded with generative AI features.

==Adding a subscription cost==
Amazon is rolling out a new service called "Alexa+", analogous to the streaming channels that emerged when the entertainment industry recognized the potential profit in encouraging consumers to "cut the cord." These channels sought subscription revenue from both live broadcasts and reruns, believing that audience loyalty extended beyond specific providers. However, they discovered that viewers were more loyal to specific shows than entire channels, so many consumers were reluctant to pay for such niche channels.

Alexa+ will be available at no additional cost to Prime members. For non-Prime customers, the service will cost $19.99 per month, a notably higher fee than the $14.99 monthly cost of a Prime membership.

Should Amazon fail to successfully implement this change, it could have broad repercussions across related markets. This may greatly negatively impact Amazon and their Alexa brands, as well as the manufacturers of devices compatible with Alexa. An incident in June 2025 involved Sengled, a producer of Alexa-controlled light bulbs, where they experienced a malfunction that caused them to suddenly stop working.
===Amazon's response===
{{Placeholder box|If applicable, add the proposed solution to the issues by the company.}}

==Lawsuit==
{{Placeholder box|If applicable, add any information regarding litigation around the incident here.

===Claims===
Main claims of the suit.

===Rebuttal===
The response of the company or counterclaims.

===Outcome===
The outcome of the suit, if any.}}

==Consumer response==
{{Placeholder box|Summary and key issues of prevailing sentiment from the consumers and commentators that can be documented via articles, emails to support, reviews and forum posts.}}

==See also==

*[[Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Amazon]]

Epic Games

2025-08-12T16:14:13Z

Burt79: Edited a few things, added some things to incidents section.

{{StubNotice}}{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Epic Games, Inc.
| Type = Private
| Founded = 1991
| Industry = Video Games
| Official Website = https://epicgames.com/
| Logo = Epicgames.png
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Epic_Games|Epic Games]]''' is a software development and media-publishing company founded in 1991 by [[wikipedia:Tim_Sweeney|Tim Sweeney]]. They are best known for the development of the [[wikipedia:Unreal_Engine|Unreal Engine]] and the popular video game [[wikipedia:Fortnite|Fortnite.]] Epic maintains their own digital software distribution platform, the [[wikipedia:Epic_Games_Store|Epic Games Store]].

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User Freedom
* User Privacy
* Business Model
* Market Control}}

==Bad Practices==

===Forced Arbitration===
Epic Games updated their Epic Games Store policy on March 18, 2022 to include forced arbitration in their Terms of Service. The users were required to agree to the new terms in order to continue using the platform. If a user did not agree to the new terms, they were effectively locked out of their library of previously purchased games and software.
[[File:Epic ToS Snippet.png|none|thumb|522x522px|Snippet of Epic Games updated EULA, 18 Mar 2022.]]
==Incidents==

===Removal of titles from storefront===
On December 14th, 2022, Epic Games began delisting 'older' titles from the Epic Games storefront. Among the first to be affected by these removals were owners of various titles within the ''Unreal'' and ''Unreal Tournament'' series, who had their licenses to these games effectively revoked from their accounts, and were thus unable to launch or install them. A statement released by Epic Games on December 14th, 2022 regarding the removal stated that this was done in order to "...move to solely support Epic Online Services with its unified friends system, voice chat features, parental controls, and parental verification features." <ref>https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/news/epic-is-turning-off-online-services-and-servers-for-some-older-games</ref> (Editor's note: add a screenshot of UT being grayed out in the launcher!)

A few years later, some titles would make their way to the [[Internet Archive]] for users to freely install, but not all delisted games have been re-published onto the platform.<ref>https://archive.org/details/UT99-Complete-Retail</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/ut-99</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/unreal-tournament-complete</ref><ref>https://archive.org/details/ut-goty</ref>

===Removal of Linux and MacOS versions of Rocket League===
In 2020, Epic and its subsidiary Psyonix announced that whilst Rocket League players had purchased the game with full support for Linux and MacOS, this support was being withdrawn and the game would be offline only for these operating systems, and players were directed to play the game on Windows instead.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ending Support for MacOS and Linux |url=https://www.rocketleague.com/en/news/ending-support-for-mac-and-linux}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rocket League Support for macOS and Linux (SteamOS) |url=https://www.epicgames.com/help/en-US/c-Category_RocketLeague/c-RocketLeague_TechnicalSupport/rocket-league-support-for-macos-and-linux-steamos-a000084314}}</ref> Many speculated that the change was in relation to Psyonix's acquisition by Epic Games several months earlier. At the time of acquisition Epic stated that players "''will still be able to play Rocket League on Steam with all of the content they've previously purchased.''"

===Account requirement for Rocket League===
{{Main|Epic Games forced third party account creation in Rocket League}}
Following the v2.48 patch on January 29th 2025, Rocket League players on Steam were met with an error upon startup of the game, with the user being required to create an Epic Games account before being able to access the game. This change was not mentioned in the patch notes, and was done after the game was moved from Steam to Epic Games Store in 2020.

===Violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and usage of dark patterns===
In December 2022 the FTC announced that it secured agreements that require Epic Games, Inc. to pay a total of $520 million for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and using [[wikipedia:Dark_pattern|dark patterns]] to trick players into making purchases.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fortnite Video Game Maker Epic Games to Pay More Than Half a Billion Dollars over FTC Allegations of Privacy Violations and Unwanted Charges |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/12/fortnite-video-game-maker-epic-games-pay-more-half-billion-dollars-over-ftc-allegations}}</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Epic Games]]

User:Burt79

2025-08-12T14:09:23Z

Burt79: text on there

editor type of guy

Fiio

2025-08-12T14:01:16Z

Burt79: More changes. Added references and such.

{{ToneWarning}}
{{Incomplete}}

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Fiio
| Type = Limited liability company
| Founded = 2007
| Industry = Audio Equipment
| Official Website = https://fiio.com/
| Logo = Fiio.webp
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Fiio|FiiO Electronics Technology Company, Ltd.]]''', or simply '''FiiO''', is a Chinese electronics company founded in 2007 that primarily manufactures audio equipment.<ref>https://www.fiio.com/About_FiiO</ref> Its products include portable music players, audio amplifiers, digital-to-analogue converters, earphones, as well as various cables and accessories.<ref>https://www.fiio.com/brand_introduction</ref> FiiO owns a subsidiary Jade Audio, which also manufactures audio equipment.

==Anti-consumer practices==

===Poor warranty standards===
Numerous users across the web have complained and shared experiences that their hands were tied when their products broke under warranty and had to [https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/s/Q08IQ0vJOd eat the expenses of shipping to China] or does not adhere to the two-year minimum warranty mandated in Europe. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Trustpilot FiiO review |url=https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/670b991a2b8a6149fc752e1a |url-status=live |access-date=12 Aug 2025 |website=Trustpilot}}</ref>

In their local warranty terms, FiiO directs their customers to outsourced local support that has been approved by the company. In direct quotes regarding whether or not a customer wishes for manufacturer service in China they state: "such shipping often exceeds even the cost of repairing a FiiO out of warranty."<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Aug 2025 |title=Statement Regarding Local Warranty Service Policy |url=https://fiio.com/newsinfo/43924.html |url-status=live |website=Fiio}}</ref>

There has recently been a situation where a user's battery of an under one-year-old $1500 Fiio M17 Music Player had swelled within the manufacturer's warranty period of 1 year and was refused service. <sup>(citation needed)</sup> See below for a direct quote from an email received from the official service and warranty team the customer was sent to in their respective country.

Here is a reply previous to the following:
<blockquote>
"Hello. Displays and batteries are generally not covered under warranty after more than six months from the date of purchase.

Best Regards, Your FiiO Shop Team"
</blockquote>

[[File:Screenshot 20250129.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Image-24.png|thumb]]
[[File:Image.png|thumb]]

Below is a response:<blockquote>"Hello, a withdrawal from the purchase contract is only possible within the 14-day withdrawal period.
The error cause for your bloated battery could be: Wrong charge, wrong fast charger, wrong charge cycles. Many possible scenarios could be the cause.

Our offer is still valid for battery replacement.

It is best to charge and discharge a battery slowly and in a controlled manner, use it at moderate temperatures, and protect it from damage or violent shocks. Avoid using inferior or damaged charging cables or adapters, as this can lead to uncontrolled, uneven, or excessive charging, which can cause damage or even a fire.

Charging the battery to 100% or fully discharging it for a long period of time can also shorten the battery life. If you don't plan to use your device for several weeks, you should discharge/charge it to about 40% and turn it off beforehand. High temperatures can also reduce the performance of a battery, so don't leave your phone in the car on a hot day."</blockquote>
FiiO's full warranty terms can be found [https://www.fiio.com/serviceinsurance here.]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]
[[Category:Fiio]]

4k Video Downloader+

2025-08-12T13:12:04Z

Burt79: Minor changes. Grammar, tone, formatting, links.

{{Stub}}


<div class="infobox">
<div class="infobox-title">{{PAGENAME}}</div>
<div class="infobox-image">[[File:Videodownloaderplus.svg|200px]] </div> <table class="infobox-table"><tr><th>Release Year</th><td>2018</td></tr><tr><th>Product Type</th><td>Software</td></tr><tr><th>In Production</th><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><th>Company Name</th><td>Interpromo GMBH</td></tr><tr><th>Prior Company Name</th><td>Open Media OOO</td></tr>
<tr>
<th>Official Website</th>
<td>[https://www.4kdownload.com/products/videodownloader-42 4KDownload.com]</td>
</tr></table>
</div>

'''4k Video Downloader+''' is a program created by [https://interpromo.co/ InterPromo GMBH] used to download videos from YouTube and other video sources.
==Consumer impact summary==
Consumers who purchased a lifetime license of "4K Video Downloader" will no longer receive additional software updates<ref name="4KVD">[[:File:4K VD no new features.png|4KVideoDownloader FAQ: No New Features]]</ref> as the application is being phased out in favor of the newer "4K Video Downloader+".

==Company rebranding==
The earlier version "4K Video Downloader" is branded in the "About" menu as "Copyright 2025 Open Media OOO." The latest version "4K Video Downloader+" is branded as "Copyright 2025 InterPromo GMBH". It's not clear at this time if an acquisition was a precursor for the re-release of the program.

==Code review and versioning==
A cursory review of the libraries and files<ref name="4KDL">[[:File:4K DL vs 4K DL Plus Ophaned (New) Files.png|4K DL Update Comparison]]</ref> from both applications shows that "4K Video Downloader+" has only six new files not existing in the prior version. See screenshot. Also,about 27 files were eliminated/not included in the new version.

Despite having been released relatively recently, the "4K Video Downloader+" .exe file shows it is version "25.0.0.182", which may suggest it is a continuation of the prior version.
==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Discontinuation of lifetime license (''2023'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
The developer sells Lifetime License of 4k Video Downloader since 2012<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|title=4k Video Downloader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723220906/http://www.4kdownload.com/products/product-videodownloader|archive-date=2012-07-23|url-status=dead}}</ref>, but discontinues it to sell 4k Video Downloader+ since July 26, 2023. The old license key is not valid because it's a "different program".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|title=4K Video Downloader Plus FAQ: Your Questions, Our Answers|date=2023-07-26|author=Klara|access-date=2025-04-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124025437/https://www.4kdownload.com/blog/2023/07/26/4k-video-downloader-faq/|archive-date=2025-01-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Questions Regarding the Company's Explanation for a new Version==
According to the company's FAQ<ref name=":0" />, the reason for the new version is "the outdated technology stack" is impossible to fix.

While the company (InterPromo GMBH, the current company name used on the footer of the website) claims that updating the original 4K Video Downloader was "impossible" due to an outdated technology stack, this explanation lacks technical detail and may oversimplify the issue. In software development, very few features are truly impossible to implement—more often, they are deprioritized due to cost, complexity, or strategic business decisions. Without transparency about the specific limitations, it's reasonable to question whether the shift to a new app was driven more by monetization goals than technical necessity.

Additionally, a stack update (libraries, frameworks, etc.) would typically include minor UI/UX changes because of the underlying changes. Based on the visual appearance and menu behaviors of both applications, it's not clear a large-scale rewrite was performed, the applications are visually identical.

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

Fiio

2025-08-12T12:53:43Z

Burt79: Grammatical and tone changes. Formatted email quotes to blockquotes. Still need external sources for entirety of the "Anti-Consumer Practices" section.

{{ToneWarning}}
{{Incomplete}}

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Fiio
| Type = Limited liability company
| Founded = 2007
| Industry = Audio Equipment
| Official Website = https://fiio.com/
| Logo = Fiio.webp
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Fiio|FiiO Electronics Technology Company, Ltd.]]''', or simply '''FiiO''', is a Chinese electronics company founded in 2007 that primarily manufactures audio equipment.<ref>https://www.fiio.com/About_FiiO</ref> Its products include portable music players, audio amplifiers, digital-to-analogue converters, earphones, as well as various cables and accessories.<ref>https://www.fiio.com/brand_introduction</ref> FiiO owns a subsidiary Jade Audio, which also manufactures audio equipment.

==Anti-consumer practices==

===Poor warranty standards===
Numerous users across the web have complained and shared experiences that their hands were tied when their products broke under warranty and had to [https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/s/Q08IQ0vJOd eat the expenses of shipping to China] or does not adhere to the two-year minimum warranty mandated in Europe. [https://trstp.lt/M-g6gOirA- Comment from a customer]

In their [https://fiio.com/newsinfo/43924.html local warranty terms], they seem to dismiss accountability, instead directing their customers to subpar, unreliable local support and service that is approved by the company. In direct quotes regarding if a customer wishes for manufacturer service to China they state "such shipping often exceeds even the cost of repairing a FiiO out of warranty."

There has recently been a situation where a user's battery of an under one-year-old $1500 Fiio M17 Music Player had swelled within the manufacturer's warranty period of 1 year and was refused service. <sup>(citation needed)</sup> See below for a direct quote from an email received from the official service and warranty team the customer was sent to in their respective country.

Here is a reply previous to the following:
<blockquote>
"Hello. Displays and batteries are generally not covered under warranty after more than six months from the date of purchase.

Best Regards, Your FiiO Shop Team"
</blockquote>

[[File:Screenshot 20250129.jpg|thumb]]
[[File:Image-24.png|thumb]]
[[File:Image.png|thumb]]

Below is a response:<blockquote>"Hello, a withdrawal from the purchase contract is only possible within the 14-day withdrawal period.
The error cause for your bloated battery could be: Wrong charge, wrong fast charger, wrong charge cycles. Many possible scenarios could be the cause.

Our offer is still valid for battery replacement.

It is best to charge and discharge a battery slowly and in a controlled manner, use it at moderate temperatures, and protect it from damage or violent shocks. Avoid using inferior or damaged charging cables or adapters, as this can lead to uncontrolled, uneven, or excessive charging, which can cause damage or even a fire.

Charging the battery to 100% or fully discharging it for a long period of time can also shorten the battery life. If you don't plan to use your device for several weeks, you should discharge/charge it to about 40% and turn it off beforehand. High temperatures can also reduce the performance of a battery, so don't leave your phone in the car on a hot day."</blockquote>
FiiO's full warranty terms can be found [https://www.fiio.com/serviceinsurance here.]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Anti-Consumer Practices]]
[[Category:Fiio]]

Brilliant

2025-08-12T12:13:26Z

Burt79: Reworded some stuff in the intro section. Fixed a few tone problems and the caption on question image.

{{Incomplete}}{{ToneWarning}}{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Brilliant
| Type = Private
| Founded = 2012
| Industry = Online education
| Official Website = https://brilliant.org
| Logo = Brilliant logo.png
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Brilliant_(website)|Brilliant]]''' (also known as '''Brilliant.org''') is a website and app operated by '''Brilliant Worldwide, Inc.''' that provides online courses. Brilliant is a for-profit corporation supported by venture capitalists. Brilliant is most known for its sponsored segments in [[YouTube]] videos, where the service is often promoted by presenters who are renowned for their evidence-based points of view, for scrutinizing and refuting pseudoscience and scams.


[[File:Brilliant_content_team.png|thumb|Courses on Brilliant are made by an anonymous “content team”.]]

Brilliant’s courses formatted similarly to a traditional textbook with the addition of various interactive elements, such as multiple choice quiz questions, videos, and interactive graphs and charts. These interactive elements are one of Brilliant's main selling points, as they set the service apart from traditional textbooks.

[[File:Brilliant_slider.png|thumb|Example problem from one of Brilliant's mathematics courses. ]]

Brilliant does not promote itself as being suitable to a particular audience studying any particular concept. Courses on Brilliant introduce basic concepts of each subject, however, they lack independent validation or formal accreditation for their effectiveness.

==Terms of use==

The [[terms of service]] for Brilliant state:<ref>[https://brilliant.org/terms-of-use/ Terms of use]</ref><blockquote>Brilliant reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify or replace any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement at any time. It is User's responsibility to check this Agreement periodically for changes. User's continued use of the Service following the posting of any changes to this Agreement constitutes acceptance of those changes.</blockquote>Even if the consumer has paid for a full year of service, Brilliant may change its terms and conditions [[Post-purchase EULA modification|after the sale]]. Continued use of the service automatically constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

===Access===
Brilliant may revoke a paid customer's access to the service at any time without refund:<blockquote>Brilliant may change, suspend or discontinue the Services, including the availability of any feature, database or content, at any time. Brilliant may also impose limits on certain features and services or restrict User's access to parts or all of the Services without notice or liability.</blockquote>If the law grants the consumer rights that are illegally denied by the terms of use, the consumer is not allowed to access the service:<blockquote>User also certifies that User is legally permitted to use the Service and takes full responsibility for the selection and use of the Service. This Agreement is void where prohibited by law, and the right to access the Service is revoked in such jurisdictions.</blockquote>

===Billing and payment===
The price advertised by Brilliant may not be the actual price a customer is required to pay. The final price includes undisclosed additional taxes:<blockquote>All fees are exclusive of applicable taxes (e.g. sales, use, or value-added tax), unless otherwise stated, and User is solely responsible for the payment of any such taxes that may be imposed on your use of the Service.</blockquote>If a customer cancels their payment card to prevent further charges, Brilliant may directly contact the card issuer to request confidential records for any new card issued to the consumer:<blockquote>User authorizes Brilliant to obtain updated or replacement expiration dates and card numbers for User's credit or debit card as provided by User's credit or debit card issuer.</blockquote>To reiterate, Brilliant may cancel a consumer's access to the service at any time without offering a refund:<blockquote>Except as expressly provided in the “Refunds” section below, all fees are final and nonrefundable (including in the event any features or functions of any service that User has subscribed to are changed, modified, diminished or removed), except as otherwise required by applicable law.</blockquote>

===Automatic renewal===
Brilliant automatically renews user subscriptions without explicit permission from the user. As a result, customers who have lost interest in the service and may have forgotten about it may be unexpectedly billed at the start of a new subscription cycle. The annual subscription cycle also implicitly assumes that users want to use the service continuously for a full year, which ignores use-cases where customers may want only to study at specific times of the year.

When Brilliant lowers its prices, existing customers are still billed at the original, higher prices on renewal, despite being protected from price increases by the same policy:<blockquote>User's subscription to the Service will continue indefinitely until cancelled by User (via the cancellation mechanisms provided on the Site). After User's initial subscription period, and again after any subsequent subscription period, User's subscription will automatically continue for an additional equivalent period, at the price User agreed to when subscribing.</blockquote>By using the service, the user is automatically opted in for automatic renewal, and there is no option to opt out:<blockquote>User agrees that User's account will be subject to this automatic renewal feature.</blockquote>Since the creation of this article, Brilliant has since updated this section of the Terms and Conditions: <blockquote>User's subscription to the Service will continue indefinitely until cancelled by User (via the cancellation mechanisms provided on the Site). After User's initial subscription period, and again after any subsequent subscription period, User's subscription will automatically continue for an additional equivalent period, at the price User agreed to when subscribing. User agrees that User's account will be subject to this automatic renewal feature. If User does not wish User's account to renew automatically, or if User wants to change or terminate User's subscription, please sign in and go to the Change / Cancel Membership page. If User cancels a subscription, User may use such subscription until the end of then-current subscription term and the subscription will not be renewed thereafter.</blockquote>This section continues to explain methods for canceling the automatic renewal as well as specifying that cancellation requests must be submitted at least one business day before the end of the subscription period <ref name=":0" />. The subscription itself authorizes Brilliant to periodically charge customers' credit cards for automatic renewal, again including undisclosed additional taxes:<blockquote>By subscribing, User authorizes Brilliant to charge User's credit card, debit card or other payment method at such time and again at the beginning of any subsequent subscription period, including any sales or similar taxes imposed on User's subscription payments.</blockquote>Since this article was started, Brilliant has added a foot note below the "Subscribe Now" button that clarifies that auto-renew is on by default<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Brilliant |date=2025-07-14 |title=Unlock the full Brilliant experience |url=https://brilliant.org/subscribe/ |url-status=live}}</ref>, stating: "*Billed as one payment. Renews annually, cancel anytime. You can turn off auto-renew from your settings".

===Refunds===
Brilliant may grant refunds to customers at its sole discretion:<blockquote>All payments To Brilliant for the Services are nonrefundable. There are no refunds or credits for partially used subscription periods. However, Brilliant may grant refunds or credits on a case-by-case basis at Brilliant’s sole discretion. Brilliant’s grant of a refund or credit in one instance does not obligate Brilliant to provide a refund or credit in the future, under any circumstances.</blockquote>

===Promotions===
The seven-day free trial is a [[Click-to-cancel#Free-to-pay|free-to-pay]] scheme: a one-year paid subscription with a seven-day cancellation period:<blockquote>Brilliant may offer promotions, such as free trials, discounts, or other special offers, to users from time to time (collectively, “Promotions”). Promotions may be subject to specific terms, including a defined period during which the Promotion must be redeemed and utilized (each, a “Promotion Period”). Unless otherwise stated, any use of a Promotion will automatically convert into a paid subscription for the Services upon the expiration of the Promotional Period. Users are responsible for canceling their subscription before the end of the Promotional Period to avoid incurring any charges (or, in the case of a discount Promotion, to avoid additional charges). Failure to cancel within the Promotional Period will result in the applicable subscription fee being charged to the payment method provided at the time of sign-up or as updated by User.</blockquote>According to a [[wikipedia:CNET|CNET]] survey concerning the utilization of subscription services, “A total of 48% of respondents said they had signed up for a free trial of a paid subscription and then forgot to cancel it.”<ref>[https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/subscription-creep-is-real-consumers-are-paying-over-1000-each-year-cnet-survey-finds/ 'Subscription Creep' Is Real. Consumers Are Paying Over $1,000 Each Year, CNET Survey Finds]</ref>

===Site content===
Under the Site Content section, Brilliant lays out what is considered "fair use" of their content. This has the potential for abuse as their definition of "Content" includes anything that Brilliant has on their website or sends to you directly. This could include lessons or other media they provide to you, but also includes logos, their name, or virtually anything known publicly about the company that they provide on their website, and in the terms specifically state that "public display" and "publicly perform" are included as copy written material. This could be potentially leveraged as a way to use copyright to suppress sharing information and user reviews, as the only way to use their "content" is with express written permission<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brilliant |date=2025-07-14 |title=Terms of Use |url=https://brilliant.org/terms-of-use/ |url-status=live}}</ref>. <blockquote>User agrees that all content and materials (collectively, "Content") delivered via the Service or otherwise made available by Brilliant at the Site are protected by copyrights, trademarks, service marks, patents, trade secrets or other proprietary rights and laws. Except as expressly authorized by Brilliant in writing, User agrees not to sell, license, rent, modify, distribute, copy, reproduce, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, publish, adapt, edit or create derivative works from such materials or content. Reproducing, copying or distributing any content, materials or design elements on the Site for any purpose is strictly prohibited without the express prior written permission of Brilliant.</blockquote>When searching for dissenting opinions about Brilliant on YouTube reviews do come up, however finding sources with no incentives to lean one way or another was difficult. Many videos by various creators come up, but most made it clear in the descriptions of the videos that they were sponsored by Brilliant or gave softball criticisms that were walked back. One video by Wiggle was the only truly negative review that was found, but as of writing this he has 787 subscribers, so it is unclear if this video would have garnished enough attention to be noticed by Brilliant's legal team. Wiggle goes on to say that "the idea is not to teach anything, but make you feel like you're learning a lot"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiggle |date=2024-08-09 |title=Is Brilliant.org A Scam? |url=https://youtu.be/mzNYsPuEsRI?si=FF0mr0kTsuC0qAQ- |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=YouTube}}</ref>, a far more critical statement than any other videos reviewed. It is also worth noting that most videos reviewed for this were not written by experts or people very familiar with the topics covered, and these videos praised Brilliant for it's easy to learn topics. The lack of expert or negative reviews could be seen as suspicious, however no evidence was found of Brilliant actively removing dissenting opinions. 

===Termination===
Brilliant may revoke access to the service that a customer has paid for at any time, without explanation:<blockquote>Brilliant may terminate User's access to all or any part of the Service at any time, with or without cause, effective upon notice thereof to User (provided that, if Brilliant determines there may be an immediate threat to Brilliant, it may terminate such access without notice).</blockquote>

===Mixed-jurisdiction forced arbitration===
Local consumer rights may not apply to this agreement. According to the terms of service, with respect to their agreement with Brilliant, customers are governed by the laws of Pennsylvania, but not to its ''courts'', instead agreeing to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts in California.<blockquote>This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Pennsylvania, as if made within Pennsylvania between two residents thereof, and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and Federal courts located in San Francisco, California.</blockquote>Customers forfeit their right to pursue legal action, instead being subject to [[forced arbitration]] by a private company:<blockquote>Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, (but without limiting either party's right to seek injunctive or other equitable relief immediately, at any time, in any court of competent jurisdiction), any disputes arising with respect to this Agreement shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service, Inc. ("JAMS"). The arbitrator shall be selected by joint agreement of the parties. In the event the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the initiating party providing the other party with written notice that it plans to seek arbitration, the parties shall each select an arbitrator affiliated with JAMS, which arbitrators shall jointly select a third such arbitrator to resolve the dispute. The written decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the parties and enforceable in any court. The arbitration proceeding shall take place in San Francisco, California, using the English language.</blockquote>

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

CompTIA

2025-08-12T11:10:50Z

Burt79: Added period at end of sentence. Rewrote history sentence.

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

==Consumer impact summary==
{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User Freedom
* User Privacy
* Business Model
* Market Control}}

==Anti-consumer practices==

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

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

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

[[Category:Trade associations]]
[[Category:Information technology lobbying organizations]]
[[Category:CompTIA]]

EA requires Battlefield 6 players to change motherboard settings

2025-08-12T08:41:49Z

Burt79: Various grammatical and tone changes.

{{Incomplete}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=EA
|Status=Active
|Product=Battlefield 6
|ArticleType=Product
}}{{OngoingEvent}}

In August of 2025, [[Electronic Arts]] (EA) launched an open beta for their upcoming release, Battlefield 6. Like other new EA titles, Battlefield 6 uses [[EA moves to in-house kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase|EA's proprietary anti-cheat system]], which requires the the enabling of Secure Boot, a [[wikipedia:Trusted_Platform_Module|TPM 2.0 chip]], and a storage disk with [[wikipedia:GUID_Partition_Table|GPT]] formatting as opposed to [[wikipedia:Master_boot_record|MBR]] formatting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-01 |title=How to use Secure Boot on your PC |url=https://help.ea.com/en/articles/technical-issues/secure-boot/ |access-date=2025-08-06 |website=EA Help}}</ref>

These strict technically detailed requirements caused frustration among PC users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-05 |title=Secure Boot Megathread - Guide + Community support |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Battlefield/comments/1miaynl/secure_boot_megathread_guide_community_support/ |access-date=2025-08-06 |via=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-04 |title=Secure boot |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Battlefield/comments/1mhodty/secure_boot/ |access-date=2025-08-06 |via=Reddit}}</ref> As the game is an open beta there can still be changes to this system. Currently, the game is unplayable on the [[wikipedia:Steam_Deck|Steam Deck]] and on [[wikipedia:Linux|Linux systems]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=@TECC |date=2025-08-06 |title=#EA has confirmed that #Battlefield 6 will be completely unplayable on #Linux systems, including #SteamDeck, due to its new kernel-level anti-cheat system, “EA Javelin,” which explicitly blocks Linux. |url=https://social.tchncs.de/@73CC/114981363363168732 |access-date=2025-08-06 |via=Mastodon}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Klotz |first=Aaron |date=2025-08-02 |title=Battlefield 6's Javelin anti-cheat Secure Boot requirement could kill its Steam Deck support |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/battlefield-6s-javelin-anti-cheat-secure-boot-requirement-could-kill-its-steam-deck-support |access-date=2025-08-06 |website=Tom's Hardware}}</ref> According to open beta tester 'TECC', it appears that these requirements apply to the entire game, including single-player modes and private multi-player servers.<ref name=":0" /> They point out that EA uses open source tools for their game (Godot game engine<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodchild |first=Wayne |date=2025-08-01 |title=EA Lets Players Blow Things Up Real Good in Battlefield 6 (And Use Godot to Edit Maps) |url=https://www.eneba.com/hub/news/blow-things-up-real-good-in-battlefield-6-and-use-godot-to-edit-maps/ |access-date=2025-08-06 |website=Eneba Hub}}</ref>), but makes the game unplayable on systems built by open source software, which are the Linux systems in this case.

==Battlefield 6 requirements==
===EA's response===
There has not been a response yet, as the event was recent at the time of writing the article.

==Consumer response==

Generally people are dissatisfied with these requirements, as it is explicitly exclusionary to users on older PC hardware and/or open source operating systems.
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:EA Anti-cheat]]
[[Category:Battlefield 6]]

Forced app download

2025-08-12T08:28:20Z

Burt79: Cleaned up first paragraph. Various grammar and tone changes throughout article.

{{incomplete}}
'''Forced app download''' is a practice by businesses and government entities, where users are forced to download an app to their phones to perform basic tasks that could have otherwise been done on a standard web browser<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Tian |first=Deyu |last2=Ma |first2=Yun |last3=Balasubramanian |first3=Aruna |last4=Liu |first4=Yunxin |last5=Gang |first5=Huang |last6=Liu |first6=Xuanzhe |date=17 Mar 2021 |title=Characterizing Embedded Web Browsing in Mobile Apps |url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9380491 |journal=IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing |volume=21 |issue=11 |pages=3912 - 3925 |via=IEEE Xplore}}</ref> (e.g., adding a credit card for payments) or in real life (e.g., ordering a coffee).

Forced app download is becoming increasingly popular in many countries pushing digitization. For example, in Singapore, it is impossible to have a bank account without using the bank's app, and residents must have a device that runs an unmodified version of iOS or Android in order to download government and business apps from their respective official app stores. Most of these apps conduct intrusive checks on the phone's operating system and require extensive technical knowledge to run on a jail-broken or rooted device.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Oct 2023 |title=App compatibility with GrapheneOS |url=https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/8330-app-compatibility-with-grapheneos |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=grapheneos.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fix Play Integrity (and SafetyNet) verdicts. |url=https://github.com/chiteroman/PlayIntegrityFix |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=GitHub}}</ref>

Most companies<ref>{{Cite web |last=Naprys |first=Ernestas |date=27 Mar 2024 |title=Facebook may have exploited user devices to spy on competitors, documents show |url=https://cybernews.com/news/facebook-spying-snapchat-youtube-amazon-installing-kits/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=cybernews}}</ref> (and likely most governments)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lunduke |first=Bryan |date=20 Nov 2024 |title=The Pokemon Go Spying Conspiracy Theory? Yeah. It's Verified. |url=https://lunduke.substack.com/p/the-pokemon-go-spying-conspiracy |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=The Lunduke Journal of Technology}}</ref> find forcing app downloads more favorable for a multitude of reasons, such as:

#'''Identification and tracking of users''' - often accomplished through device identifiers, location information, and network connection.{{Citation needed}}
#'''Push of the cashless agenda''' - digital-only payments typically go hand-in-hand with app-only experiences.
#'''Increased digital integration''' - endless possibilities of integrating and sharing data with payment processors,{{Citation needed}} ad providers,{{Citation needed}} and more.
#'''Increased centralization and dependency on big companies''' - putting more power in the hands of big tech (Apple and Google) with mandatory official app store downloads and big payments (Visa and MasterCard){{Citation needed}} with forced digital payments.

==Characteristics==
Forced app download involves:

#'''Forcing download and use of app to interact with a business''' - Basic tasks like ordering,{{Citation needed}} making payments, changing settings.{{Citation needed}}
#'''Deliberately crippling or removing functionality from the web experience''' - Prevent users from having an alternative interface to perform basic tasks.{{Citation needed}}
#'''Forcing users to always be on the latest version of an app''' - "For your security" (as they usually claim), most of these apps will constantly check for the latest version and self-disable if they are older than x-version.{{Citation needed}} (varies by company)
#'''Mandatory use of account''' - For most of these apps to work, you must have an account for features to work.{{Citation needed}} For example, making an order with Luckin Coffee mandates installing the app and creating an account tied to a personal phone number;{{Citation needed}} guests are disallowed from making orders incognito.{{Citation needed}}

==Key implications==

===User tracking and intrusion of privacy===
The hallmarks of forced app download are mandatory account creation and usage, and digital payments. This allows tracking of the user not just by the company behind the app, but the payment provider and any other associated third-party partners.

===Mandatory use of "approved devices" and big-tech operating systems===
Most apps are only available for download on official from official app stores, meaning consumers must use a device running stock iOS or Android, or else jump through hoops to run them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run Android apps on Arch Linux |url=https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Android#Run_Android_apps_on_Arch_Linux |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=archlinux.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I get an apk file from an Android device? |url=https://stackoverflow.com/questions/4032960/how-do-i-get-an-apk-file-from-an-android-device/18003462#18003462 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Stack Overflow}}</ref>

Devices must also be running stock operating systems since most government and business apps conduct intrusive checks<ref>{{Cite web |title=Configure API responses (optional) |url=https://developer.android.com/google/play/integrity/setup#default |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Android Developers}}</ref> and will not run if a device is jail-broken or rooted.

Some companies such as big banks in Singapore have also started incorporating checks for "unverified apps" in their app. This means their app will scan your phone and check for sideloaded apps (anywhere that is not the official app store. For example, an app downloaded directly from APK Mirror or an unofficial app repository like F-Droid) as part of "anti-scam security measures that include restricting customers from accessing the banks’ digital services on their mobile phones if apps from unverified app stores – also known as sideloaded apps – are detected."<ref>{{Cite web |last=See Kit |first=Tang |date=26 Sep 2023 |title=DBS, UOB become latest banks to restrict access if unverified apps are found on customers' phones |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/dbs-uob-anti-scam-sideloaded-app-malware-measure-latest-bank-restrict-app-access-3796806 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Channel News Asia}}</ref>

===Surge pricing===
{{Main|Surge Pricing}}
So far, the implementation of surge pricing in the context of businesses that use forced app download has not yet been seen. However, trust that the enterprising individuals and eCommerce platform providers (especially "modern headless eCommerce" companies<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cicman |first=Joe |last2=Pfeiffer |first2=Emily |date=3 May 2022 |title=Doing, Selling, And Being Headless Commerce |url=https://www.forrester.com/blogs/doing-selling-and-being-headless-commerce/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Forrester}}</ref>) looking to maximize clean out of consumers' wallets will quickly develop and deploy surge pricing once businesses with forced app download gain sufficient footing both in their respective industries and in general market penetration.

Since ordering and payments are entirely digital, it is very possible to see surge pricing (similar to what we've seen from ride hailing companies like Uber, Lyft and Grab) implemented across other industries.

For example, a restaurant with enough popularity could implement surge pricing to increase prices during peak hours, such as lunch time on weekdays to impact the downtime office crowd that is lacking in time and places to eat, or nighttime hours on weekends when people are looking to go out.

===Third-party integration===
Similar to how some car insurance providers in the U.S. are adjusting their rates based on "smart reporting" from cars, it is also very possible for other intrusive and oppressive pair ups to happen. For example:

*Restaurants, cafes and bars with forced app download sharing data with health insurance companies, who increase your premium if they see a lifestyle/pattern of ordering unhealthy dishes or overly large portions, or frequenting that bubble tea shop too often.
*Government tax agency charging you "excess carbon footprint" taxes because you often order a lot of clothes beyond the number that the "Average" person of your profile wears, based on what your favorite fast fashion retailer with forced app download is sharing with them.
[[File:Digital turbine logo .png|alt=digital turbine logo |thumb|digital turbine logo ]]
[[File:No unverified apps.png|thumb|Singapore banks will "restrict access if unverified apps AKA sideloaded apps are found on customers' phones" (News story from Sep 2023)]]

==Examples==
'''Mobile Carriers and App marketplaces'''

Companies like [[digital turbine|Digital Turbine]] auction<ref>{{Cite web |title=DT Fairbid |url=https://www.digitalturbine.com/dt-fairbid |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2023 |website=Digital Turbine}}</ref> off placement in carriers automatic download lists and recommended app's placement in first and third party app stores.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Turn Subscribers Into Fans |url=https://www.digitalturbine.com/telecom |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Digital Turbine}}</ref>

Digital turbine sells forced app downloads from app developers like: [[zynga]], Miniclip games, [[King Digital Entertainment|'''King''' Digital Entertainment]] and [[Uber EULA precludes jury trial|Uber]], placement in forced download lists to carries like: [[Verizon]], [[AT&T]], [[Cricket wireless]], US cellular, Tracfone and T-mobile.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A New Horizon for Apps is Emerging |url=https://www.digitalturbine.com/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Digital Turbine}}</ref>

===Banking and finance===
All banks in Singapore (Citi, DBS, UOB, OCBC, Standard Chartered, CIMB) mandate use of their apps for consumers to perform any online banking activities, including logging in via their web browser.
[[File:Forced app download.png|thumb|Luckin Coffee, a China-origin Starbucks competitor, forces you to download their app to order and pay for coffee. You cannot order coffee at the cashier in their store, let alone pay. You must use the app to interact with this business and digital payments to pay.]]
[[File:Forced app download - Citibank Singapore.png|thumb|Citibank Singapore has deliberately disabled many basic functions such as rewards redemption on its website since 2024, forcing users to download and use their mobile app as an "alternative".]]
The apps generate notifications that require users to approve/deny actions like logging in via a web browser, initiating a payment, adding a payee, etc via the app itself. Some banks previously offered sending an OTP via SMS (text) as an alternative to app-based approval but this has since been discontinued for "security reasons".

==='''Insurance'''===
Auto insurance companies like [[Progressive]], require non policy holders effected by automotive incidents their policyholders claim to submit photos and video evidence of damages exclusively through their mobile app.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Auto insurance claims |url=https://www.progressive.com/claims/auto-process/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=[[Progressive]]}}</ref> Affected non-policy holders can't complete the entire claim process through their website even though you can start the process online from any device and web browser.<ref name=":0" />

===Utilities and public services===
SP Group is Singapore's primary and default electricity provider, as well as the country's only provider for gas and water for consumers. In 2022, SP Group removed the ability to manage payments from their website, forcing users to download and use their mobile app to pay bills/manage recurring payments.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pay SP utility bills with SP app |url=https://www.spdigital.sg/spapp/bill-payment |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=SPdigital}}</ref>

As they are the country's sole gas and water provider, residents will effectively be forced to download SP Group's app eventually.

===Home appliances and hardware===
Speaker and sound hardware company [[Sonos]] has been a big practitioner of forced app download since at least 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Make Sonos work without internet |url=https://en.community.sonos.com/advanced-setups-229000/make-sonos-work-without-internet-6795315 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=[[Sonos]]}}</ref> Sonos makes it unnecessarily difficult, if not impossible for their customers to use their hardware without an app and/or internet connection.

Even though it is possible to use Sonos speakers without an app, initial setup has required the download and use of Sonos' app since at least May 2022.

"Yes you can (use the Sonos Roam speaker without an app). However, you will need to set it up for the first time using the app." (May 2022)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Can I Use a Roam Without the App? |url=https://en.community.sonos.com/portable-speakers-229130/can-i-use-a-roam-without-the-app-6869207 |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=[[Sonos]]}}</ref>

In addition, not all Sonos products support use without an app (April 2023)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Andrew |date=22 Apr 2023 |title=How To Use Sonos Without The App: A Complete Guide |url=https://soundscapehq.com/how-to-use-sonos-without-app/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Sound Scape HQ}}</ref> and even if they do, sans-app usability is only limited to one speaker.

"You can use speakers without an app, but it only applies to a single speaker. If you want to play audio across multiple speakers, you will have to use the app and there is no other workaround to this." (Dec 2021)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bearson |first=Rune |date=14 December 2021 |title=Can You Use Sonos Speakers Without the App? |url=https://earrockers.com/can-you-use-sonos-speakers-without-the-app/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Ear Rockers}}</ref>

==='''Hobbyist tools'''===
3D Printer manufacturer [[Bambu Lab]] forces users to bind their machines to an account via the use of an app called Bambu Handy and also forces the user to connect the machine to the internet whether they want to use LAN only mode or not. The fallout of this is that if you reset a machine and the servers are shut down the machine is a brick. [https://wiki.bambulab.com/en/x1/manual/setup-for-first-print]

===Retail and ecommerce===
Ecommerce giant [[Shopee]], which has a stronghold in online retail in South East Asia and Latin America, has integrated a soft forced app download to their customer experience.

While it is still possible to browse, shop and checkout on a web browser, coupons usable on the web experience (regardless if mobile or desktop device) are limited to "Shipping Discount" coupons only. All other shopping coupons "Discount & Cashback" are only usable with Shopee's apps on iOS and Android.

When a customer attempts to check out on a web browser, Shopee shows that Discount & Cashback coupons are not usable because "Current device does not meet voucher T&C". On closer inspection of the terms and conditions of those coupons, Shopee specifies "Device: iOS, Android". What they are referring to is you must download and use their mobile apps for those operating systems in order to use most of their coupons. As pictured, the coupons are still not available on iOS and Android devices if the customer is using their web browser, thus effectively forcing customers to download the Shopee app.
[[File:Shopee restricts coupon usage to app only.png|thumb|'''LEFT:''' Shopee limits customers to using "Shipping Discount" coupons only if checking out on a web browser (desktop and mobile). '''MIDDLE:''' All other shopping coupons "Discount & Cashback" are only usable with Shopee's apps on iOS and Android.

'''RIGHT:''' Closer inspection of the terms and conditions where Shopee specifies a device requirement for using many of their coupons.

When Shopee specifies "Device: iOS, Android", they mean customers must download and use their mobile apps for those operating systems in order to use most of their coupons. Using a web browser on iOS and Android does not count and coupons in question remain disabled in this scenario.]]
[[File:Shopee coupon still unusable on mobile web.jpg|thumb|Using a web browser on iOS and Android does not count and coupons with the device requirement remain disabled. What Shopee means by "Device: iOS, Android" in their coupons' terms and conditions is that customers are required to download and use the Shopee app for coupons to be redeemable.]]

===Food and beverage===
An increasing number of 'digital-native' food businesses that are app-only are making their way onto the market. For example, Luckin Coffee, a Starbucks competitor from China, with stores in Singapore and planned expansion into Malaysia and the US in 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 Oct 2024 |title=China’s Luckin Coffee reportedly planning US launch in 2025 |url=https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/Latest/News/2024/October/China-s-Luckin-Coffee-reportedly-planning-US-launc |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=World Coffee Portal}}</ref> only allows ordering of beverages and payments via its app. The way it works is you download the app, register an account, log in, order a coffee and pay for it, then pick it up at a Luckin Coffee location. "With Luckin, you do not order coffee over the counter like in regular Western coffee shops. Instead, you do everything online. I ordered my drinks here without even needing to talk to the Barista!"<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 Jan 2024 |title=I Taste Tested 3 Signature Luckin Coffee Drinks, Photos (Creamy Dreamy, Big Cheesy, Coconut Latte) |url=https://www.clearlycoffee.com/review-signature-luckin-coffee-drinks-photos-creamy-dreamy-big-cheesy-coconut-latte/ |url-status=live |access-date=3 Apr 2025 |website=Clearly Coffee}}</ref>

With a food-and-beverage business that is fully committed to forced app downloads like Luckin Coffee, there is no way to order nor pay at the physical store. You must download and use the app to interact with the business.

Forced app download represents the next stage of evolution from QR code based ordering. The key differences are:
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Characteristic
!Forced app download
!QR-code based
|-
|Interface
|App downloaded from official app store
|Page opened in your choice of web browser
|-
|Ordering
|Order must be placed via app
|QR is pushed but usually possible to order offline (in real life)
|-
|Login
|You must create an account and log in to place an order
|Not required, often no registration is possible
|-
|Payments
|Cashless digital payment only
Payment must be made via app
|Depending on website, sometimes order online, pay offline
Depending on business, cash payments are usually possible
|}

==References==
[[Category:Anti-Consumer_Practices]]
[[Category:Common terms]]
<references />

Positive practices

2025-08-12T07:48:13Z

Burt79: Changed or removed some loaded words and bad grammar throughout the page. Reworded "Clear Cancellation Policy" description in the Examples table. Added punctuation to all descriptions in Examples table.

{{ToneWarning}}
Positive practices are pro-consumer business approaches that prioritize the interests, rights, and well-being of customers. They are designed to empower consumers and offer fairness, transparency, and value:
*;Transparency
::Clearly disclosing pricing, terms, conditions, and product information upfront.

*;Fair value
::Offering products/services at reasonable prices that match the value provided.

*;Consumer control and choice
::Giving customers options, simple cancellation, ownership rights, and repair ability.

*;Longevity and durability
::Designing products to last and be repairable, reducing waste and repeat costs.

*;Respectful support
::Providing accessible, helpful, and fair customer service to identify and resolve issues.

==Examples==
{| class="wikitable"
|+Common Positive Practices
!Practice
!Description
|-
|One-Time Purchase
|Offering a product or service for a single payment with no recurring fees for core functionality.
|-
|Right to Repair
|Designing products to be repairable by the consumer, and making parts, tools, manuals, and software accessible to the public.
|-
|Transparent Pricing
|Clearly displaying the full price (including all mandatory fees/taxes) upfront in advertising or early during checkout.
|-
|Fair Return Policy
|Offering returns, exchanges, or refunds within a reasonable time frame.
|-
|Clear Cancellation Policy
|Maintaining a simple and straightforward process for cancelling subscriptions without unnecessary steps.
|-
|Ownership Model
|Ensuring consumers own what they purchase, including the ability to use, modify, resell, or transfer the product freely.
|-
|Honest Marketing
|Providing accurate information about products.
|-
|Proactive Customer Support
|Offering readily available support to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
|-
|Privacy By Design
|A product or service is designed in a way that collecting metadata and accessing users' information is technically impossible even for the manufacturer or the entity running the service.
|}
----

===Subscription or single purchase===
Subscriptions prioritize continuous access and updates, while one-time purchases emphasize ownership.

====One-time====
:A single payment granting permanent ownership or access to a physical product or lifetime software license.
::Positives<ref name=":SubOne">{{Cite web |last=Fernandes |first=Lauren |date=February 6, 2024 |title=Consumer Outlook 2024 |url=https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/report/2024/consumer-outlook-2024-6-consumer-sentiment-driven-strategies-to-drive-growth-and-capture-spending/ |website=Nielsen IQ }}</ref><ref name=":SubTwo">{{Cite web |last=Goodbread |first=Justin |date=October 27, 2023 |title=The Truth About Recurring Revenue |url=https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/10/27/the-truth-about-recurring-revenue/ |website=Forbes }}</ref>
::*No long-term financial commitment required.
::*No ongoing costs allows customers to avoid recurring fees.
::*The users retains access indefinitely without dependency on the provider.
::Negatives<ref name=":SubOne"></ref><ref name=":SubTwo"></ref>
::*Higher initial cost may deter budget-conscious buyers.
::*Limited updates and future improvements may require additional purchases.
::*Businesses rely on new sales for sustained income.

====Subscription====
:Recurring monthly or annual payments provide ongoing access to a product or service.
::Positives<ref name=":SubOne"></ref><ref name=":SubTwo"></ref>
::*Lower entry cost spreads payments over time, making services more accessible.
::*Subscribers receive continuous updates, ongoing improvements, and support.
::*Businesses get a predictable revenue stream from recurring payments.
::Negatives<ref name=":SubOne"></ref><ref name=":SubTwo"></ref>
::*Long-term cost may become more expensive over time than a one-time purchase.
::*Ongoing commitment requires active cancellation to stop payments.
::*Subscription fatigue may cause consumers to feel overwhelmed by multiple recurring charges.

====Considerations for subscription plans====

*Does this service update frequently or at least within the subscription time frame?
*How long will I be needing this service, and will it be compatible with me for that amount of time?

====Considerations for one-time purchases====

*Will I need this for more than a single month (or subscription period)?
*How soon will this product become redundant or outdated? Is it an annual subscription in disguise?

===Offline product vs. online services for digital goods===
Services that run exclusively online innately allow the company to maintain greater control over how their products operate and are received. This form of control can lead to changes in the product that can improve it, but can otherwise also introduce a myriad of issues such as incompatibility and the removal of functionality. Digital goods that are completely operational offline allow the consumer to decide how long those goods will be used. As long as the downloaded product can be stored and correctly rendered, it has no expiration.

====Considerations for online services====

*Is this product made for online connectivity and interaction?
**Example: Online social games such as ''World of Warcraft''
*Is this product more secure online?
*Is required online connectivity an artificial constraint or is it legitimately necessary for the product's functionality?
*How likely am I to maintain an internet connection to this service?
*Can this service alter itself into an incompatible state? Can this service remove functionality that I need?
*Is this service distributed from a centralized organization?
**If so, is there legislation and effective enforcement in said organization's location that protects me from malicious practices with my data?

====Considerations for offline products====

*Will I be able to effectively download and store this?
*Does the product contain DRM protections?
*Does it have any dependencies, and can those dependencies become redundant?
**Example: Products designed for a limited set of operating systems that may become outdated

===Source availability===
Oftentimes, companies will [[security through obscurity|actively obscure]], or simply not provide, details about a product's functionality. This exacerbates the potential pitfalls mentioned above, but when information is provided it can eliminate many of them.

====Considerations for physical goods====

*Does the product provide schematics?
*Are parts available?
**This helps product longevity by making repair easier, regardless of who performs the repair.
*Are there anti-repair measures in place?

====Considerations for digital goods====

*Is the source code available?
**This can allow patches if unwanted updates are pushed or support is dropped.
*Are there [[DRM]] measures in place?

[[Category:Common terms]]
<references />

Brother printers causing issues with third party inks

2025-08-12T07:18:01Z

Burt79: Changed some wording in the first paragraph.

{{IncidentCargo
| Company = Brother Industries Ltd.
| Type = Digital restrictions,Firmware lockout
| StartDate = 2025
| Description = Brother pushed firmware updates that degrade non-OEM toner's print quality - forcing consumers to buy more expensive genuine Brother toner
| Status = Active
| ProductLine =
| ArticleType = Product
| Product =
}}

{{ToneWarning}}
[[Brother Industries Ltd.|Brother]] has a reputation for allowing the use of third-party toner and being more consumer friendly than competing printer companies, such as [[HP]]. In recent years, they've implemented firmware updates that deliberately lower print quality when using non-OEM toner. These updates disable color registration & other features, encouraging the use of genuine Brother toner. (citation needed)

==Exploitative practices==
*'''Post-Sale Function Removal''' – Firmware updates retroactively remove previously available features, such as automatic color registration, for users using non-OEM toner.<ref name="reddit">[https://www.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/s9b2eg Brother MFC firmware update - non-genuine toner now disables critical features.]</ref><ref name="reddit-2">[https://www.reddit.com/r/printers/comments/w60687/brother_mfcl3370cdw_firmware_downgrade_needed/ Brother MFC-L3370CDW Firmware Downgrade needed]</ref>
*'''Vendor lock-in via DRM''' – Printers continue to function with third-party toner but print at lower quality unless OEM toner is installed.
*'''Anti-consumer software practices''' – Firmware updates cannot be easily rolled back, preventing consumers from restoring lost functionality.<ref name="github-fwupd">[https://github.com/sedrubal/brother_printer_fwupd/issues/9 Brother printer firmware downgrade discussion.]</ref>
*'''Deceptive practices''' – Printers do not reject third-party toner but intentionally cause a toner failure, which discourages use of third party toners.<ref name="hackernews">[https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31860131 Tell HN: Brother printers now locking out non-OEM paraphernalia.]</ref><ref name="reddit-2" />

==How it works==
1. Consumers purchase a '''Brother laser printer''' that previously accepted third-party toner.

2. A '''firmware update (e.g., W1.56)''' is pushed, which does not notify users of any major functional changes.

3. After updating, users notice that:

*Color registration '''fails automatically''', misaligning prints.<ref name="cups">[https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/CUPS/Printer-specific_problems#Updating_the_firmware ArchWiki - Printer-specific problems with Brother.]</ref>
*Brother support acknowledges that installing OEM toner will resolve the issue instantly.<ref name="hackernews" />
*'''Older firmware versions are removed from Brother’s servers''', preventing downgrades.<ref name="github-ohbrother">[https://github.com/CauldronDevelopmentLLC/oh-brother/issues/30 Discussion on firmware rollback for Brother printers.]</ref>

==Impact on Consumer Protection==
*Customers who were able to save money buying third-party toner are now '''coerced into expensive OEM toner purchases'''.
*Brother’s '''positive reputation''' for allowing third-party toner is tarnished.
*'''No prior warning''' was given to consumers before these updates were installed.
*Workarounds involve '''blocking firmware updates''' or attempting '''risky firmware downgrades''', both of which Brother actively discourages.

==Brother's response==
On March 5th 2025, following the publication of a video on the Louis Rossmann YouTube channel, Brother addressed the issue, in a response given to Ars Technica, stating the following <ref name="ars-response">[https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/brother-denies-using-firmware-updates-to-brick-printers-with-third-party-ink/ Brother denies using firmware updates to brick printers with third-party ink]</ref>
<blockquote>
We are aware of the recent false claims suggesting that a Brother firmware update may have restricted the use of third-party ink cartridges. Please be assured that Brother firmware updates do not block the use of third-party ink in our machines.
</blockquote>
They also detailed that
<blockquote>
Brother printers do not intentionally degrade print quality based on whether a Brother Genuine or non-genuine ink/ toner cartridge is used. Brother cannot verify the quality of printing that will result when using a third-party compatible with a Brother printer.
</blockquote>
Finally they attributed the confusion from consumers to
<blockquote>
Brother encourages the use of Brother Genuine ink and toner for optimal performance and reliability, and it is standard practice that we perform a Brother [G]enuine check when troubleshooting a Brother printer. Compatible supplies may range in quality, and in order to verify that a printer is working properly, we like to troubleshoot with Brother Genuine supplies. We believe this check in the process may have led to a misunderstanding[,] but as we confirmed, the firmware update would not be responsible for the degradation of quality or removal of printer features.
</blockquote>
==User evidence & reports==
===Hacker News Discussion (2022)===
*Users noticed that '''Brother printers accepted third-party toner but deliberately degraded print quality'''.
*One user stated:
<blockquote>''Brother seems to be apparently accepting the ink, but then purposefully making the print quality poorer.''<ref name="hackernews" /></blockquote>

===Reddit reports (r/printers)===
*A '''firmware update on the Brother MFC-3750''' '''disabled automatic color registration''' when third-party toner was detected.<ref name="reddit" />
*A Brother support agent confirmed that installing OEM toner would "fix" the issue instantly, proving that the printer was being artificially restricted.

===GitHub developer investigation===
*A project analyzing '''Brother firmware updates''' discovered that '''older firmware versions were removed from Brother’s servers''', making it impossible for users to roll back to a working version.<ref name="github-fwupd" />
*Another GitHub discussion showed that '''Brother firmware updates increasingly lock out more non-Brother toner cartridges with each new update!'''<ref name="github-ohbrother" />
*This is similar to [[HP Dynamic Security]] which block non-OEM cartridges.

===Quality Example===
[[File:Brother HL-L9310CDW 1.69 1.32 before registration deleted.png|alt=Brother HL-L9310CDW 1.69 1.32, before deletion of colour registration.|none|thumb|800x800px|'''Brother HL-L9310CDW 1.69 1.32, before deletion of colour registration.''']]

==Comparison to other industry abuses==
{| class="wikitable"
!Company!!Tactic Used
|-
|'''HP'''||"Dynamic Security" firmware updates blocking non-OEM ink
|-
|'''Epson'''||Ink expiration DRM, even when cartridges are full
|-
|'''Canon'''||Firmware updates that disable scanning when ink is low
|-
|'''Brother'''||Print degradation for non-OEM toner users
|}

==Potential legal implications==
Deliberate function removal '''after purchase''' may qualify as '''deceptive trade practices''' in multiple jurisdictions.

==Mitigations available to users==
#'''Avoid Firmware Updates''' – Disable auto-updates to prevent forced function removal. This may, however, lead to security risks.
#'''Try to downgrade''' – Some users have managed to roll back firmware, though this is increasingly difficult.<ref name="github-ohbrother" />
#'''HL-L9310CDW (with firmware main 1.69, sub 1.31):''' On the menu of the printer, delete the colour registration to improve quality by reducing the misalignment of the individual colours. However, the best solution is to have a configuration option to set the offset individual (X, Y) for each colour with the smallest possible increment, perhaps through an external (CUPS) printer driver.

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Brother]]
[[Category:Digital Restrictions]]
[[Category:Vendor Lock-in]]
[[Category:Post-Sale Firmware Lockouts]]