Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Starlink

2025-08-25T08:00:15Z

Danielhoskin: Remove mention to Subaru Starlink as it is unrelated to the article

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2015-01
|Logo=Starlink.svg
|Industry=Telecommunications
|ParentCompany=SpaceX
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.starlink.com/
|Description=Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service, providing global broadband access via a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation.
}}

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

==Incidents==
===Removal of pause feature (''2025'')===
{{Main|Starlink removes ability to pause subscriptions}}

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Starlink]]

Subaru Starlink

2025-08-25T07:58:52Z

Danielhoskin: Add note for users who may confuse this with Starlink the ISP.

''For the satellite internet service provider, see [[Starlink]].''
{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = Subaru Starlink
| Release Year = 2013
| Product Type = Software
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://subaru.com/
| Logo = Subaru-starlink.png
}}
==Consumer impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}
Starlink is a connectivity service equipped on most modern Subaru vehicles, enabling extensive data collection from the vehicle and its occupants. The service has faced significant criticism and legal challenges over privacy concerns related to its data-collection and -sharing practices.<ref name="MozillaReview" />

===Starlink app exploit (''2025'')===
The exploit was achieved by intercepting the Starlink app's network requests which revealed the admin portal login screen. Using the "Reset password" feature of the admin portal which was hidden with javascript the hacker found an employee email off linkedin and successfully managed to login to the admin portal. Although implementing 2FA this too was entirely client-side and the modal window blocking further interaction without verification could also be hidden with javascript.

Inside the admin portal any employee had access to a range of personal information, largely comprised of the personal information listed below. Additionally the employee the hacker had login as had level 2 access allowing them to remotely lock, unlock, honk, issue speeding warnings and more which they demonstrated on their own and a friend's Subaru car.

The incident was initially ethically disclosed to Subaru on 24-20-11 with a blog post detailing the exploit released on 25-23-01.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Curry |first=Sam |date=23 Jan 2025 |title=Hacking Subaru: Tracking and Controlling Cars via the STARLINK Admin Panel |url=https://samcurry.net/hacking-subaru |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=samcurry.net}}</ref>

==Data collection==
===Types of data collected===
Subaru’s privacy policy and STARLINK terms of service specify that the following data may be collected:<ref name="SubaruPrivacy">{{Cite web |date= |title=Subaru Privacy Policy |url=https://www.subaru.com/support/privacy-policies.html |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaru.com}}</ref>

*'''Personal information'''
**Names, addresses, and contact details.
**Phone numbers and email addresses.
**Social-security numbers (in specific cases).
**Driver's license numbers.
**Vehicle identification numbers (VIN).
*'''Vehicle data'''
**Location and GPS coordinates.
**Speed, acceleration, and braking patterns.
**Time and duration of trips.
**Maintenance and diagnostic information.
**Sensor data, such as crash severity, tire pressure, and coolant temperature.
*'''Audio and biometric data'''
**Audio recordings through onboard microphones.
**Voice data from STARLINK service-center calls.
**Biometric data from systems that driver attention.
**Search content and commands issued by occupants.

===Collection methods===
Data collection is performed through:
*Vehicle sensors and diagnostic modules.<ref name="MozillaReview">{{Cite web |last=Mozilla Research |first= |date=15 Aug 2023 |title=Mozilla Foundation Privacy Review: Subaru |url=https://foundation.mozilla.org/en/privacynotincluded/subaru/ |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=foundation.mozilla.org}}</ref>
*GPS tracking systems.
*Cellular-connectivity modules.
*STARLINK mobile apps and web portals.<ref name="MozillaReview" />

==Data sharing and sales==
===Third-party data sharing===
Subaru shares data with several entities, including:
*Data brokers, such as LexisNexis<ref name="SubaruPrivacy" /> and Verisk.<ref name="TorqueNews">{{Cite web |last=Flierl |first=Denis |date=21 May 2024 |title=Vehicle Data Collection Lawsuit |url=https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-now-involved-vehicle-data-collection-lawsuit-investigation |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=torquenews.com}}</ref><ref name="NYT">{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Kashmir |date=11 March 2024 |title=Automakers Are Sharing Drivers’ Data |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/technology/carmakers-driver-tracking-insurance.html |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=nytimes.com}}</ref>
*Insurance companies for risk assessment and pricing.<ref name="TorqueNews" />
*Marketing firms.
*Emergency services and law enforcement (when required by law).
*Subaru dealerships and distributors.
*Third-party service providers.<ref name="SubaruPrivacy" />
===Insurance-industry usage===
Data brokers aggregate and sell this information to insurance companies, who may:
*Increase insurance premiums based on driving patterns.
*Monitor driving behaviors to assess risk.
*Use driving data for personalized coverage offerings.<ref name="NYT" />

==Privacy concerns==
===Consent issues===
Key concerns include:
*Simply being a passenger in a STARLINK-equipped vehicle constitutes consent.<ref name="MozillaReview" />
*Lack of active notification during data collection.
*Limited opt-out options that might impact vehicle functionality.

===Difficulties in opting out===
Subaru’s opt-out process involves:
*Submitting detailed personal information.
*Potentially long response times.
*No verification mechanism for successful opt-out.<ref name="ConsumerForum">{{Cite web |date=26 Jan 2025 |title=Privacy Report Discussion |url=https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/privacy-not-included-subaru-report-connected-services-etc.556583/ |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaruoutback.org}}</ref>

===Legal challenges===
Subaru faces legal scrutiny for:
*Allegations of insufficiently disclosing its data-collection policies what it does with data.
*Potential non-compliance with privacy laws.
*[[Class-action lawsuit]] investigations over consent practices.<ref name="TorqueNews" />

==Technical details==
===System architecture===
STARLINK is built upon:
*Embedded telematics devices.
*4G LTE cellular networks.
*GPS receivers and cloud-based data-processing systems.<ref name="StarlinkTerms">{{Cite web |title=Subaru STARLINK Terms and Conditions |url=https://www.subaru.com/support/terms-and-conditions/subaru-starlink/subaru-starlink-services.html |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=subaru.com}}</ref>

===Data transmission===
*Real-time data transmission through LTE networks.
*Local storage when connectivity is unavailable.<ref name="StarlinkTerms" />

==Consumer-protection issues==
===Privacy rights===
Critics cite:
*Minimal control over data retention.
*Broad sharing permissions in privacy policies.
*Limited transparency about how data is used.<ref name="MozillaReview" />

===Economic harm===
*Insurance-rate adjustments based on driving data.
*Subscription fees for connected services.
*Potential effects on vehicle resale value.<ref name="NYT" />

==References==
<references />

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Starlink

2025-08-18T11:14:10Z

Danielhoskin: Removed redirect to Subaru Starlink

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2015-01
|Industry=Telecommunications
|ParentCompany=SpaceX
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.starlink.com/
|Description=Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service, providing global broadband access via a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation.
}}
#REDIRECT [[Subaru Starlink]]

Starlink replaces subscription pause with $5/mo low speeds

2025-08-18T10:09:35Z

Danielhoskin: Add stub notice

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Starlink
|StartDate=2025-08-13
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Starlink Satellite Internet
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Terms of Service
|Description=Starlink disabled their "Pause" feature for their internet plans, launching an alternative "Standby mode" costing $5 USD/month with speeds of 500kb/s.
}}
{{StubNotice}}
On August 13, 2025, Starlink announced a terms of service change that modified the "Pause" feature for their satellite internet plans. The change would remove the users' ability to pause their internet subscription at no cost, and introduce a new feature called "Standby Mode" where users have to pay $5USD/month in order to maintain low speed internet access, with speeds around 500kb/s. The changes are due to take effect 30 days after the initial notice to users, on September 12 2025.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ricker |first=Thomas |date=2025-08-13 |title=Starlink Mini users just lost their beloved pause feature |url=https://www.theverge.com/analysis/758826/starlink-mini-standby-pause-bait-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813181309/https://www.theverge.com/analysis/758826/starlink-mini-standby-pause-bait-switch |archive-date=2025-08-13 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Matt |date=2025-08-14 |title=Starlink Replaces Free Pause Feature With Paid Standby Mode, But Adds Unlimited Low-Speed Data |url=https://driveteslacanada.ca/news/starlink-replaces-free-pause-feature-with-paid-standby-mode-but-adds-unlimited-low-speed-data/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818100229/https://driveteslacanada.ca/news/starlink-replaces-free-pause-feature-with-paid-standby-mode-but-adds-unlimited-low-speed-data/ |archive-date=2025-08-18 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=Drive Tesla}}</ref>
==Background==
{{Ph-I-B}}
Starlink previously gave its users the ability to pause their satellite internet plans at any time and at no cost.

==[Incident]==
{{Ph-I-I}}
On August 13, 2025, Starlink sent out an email to its customers informing them of the terms of service change.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Supan |first=Joe |date=2025-08-14 |title=Starlink Users Will Now Have to Pay $5 to Pause Service |url=https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-users-will-now-have-to-pay-5-to-pause-service/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818095824/https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-users-will-now-have-to-pay-5-to-pause-service/ |archive-date=2025-08-18 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=CNET}}</ref> Customers on the Starlink Roam, Mini, and Mobile Priority plans were told that the free "Pause" option would be discontinued, and replaced with a new $5 per month "Standby Mode." Unlike Pause, Standby Mode maintains low-speed data connectivity for applications like messaging, email, or Wi-Fi calling.

===Starlink's response===
{{Ph-I-ComR}}

==Lawsuit==
{{Ph-I-L}}
As of August 2025, no lawsuits have been filed in relation to the change.

==Consumer response==
{{Ph-I-ConR}}
The change has been viewed by some as a "bait-and-switch" by users of the Starlink Mini, which had been marketed as having the ability to pause service as a key selling point.<ref name=":0" />

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Ph-I-C}}

Starlink replaces subscription pause with $5/mo low speeds

2025-08-18T10:05:38Z

Danielhoskin: Basic details added with some mainstream sources.

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Starlink
|StartDate=2025-08-13
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Starlink Satellite Internet
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Terms of Service
|Description=Starlink disabled their "Pause" feature for their internet plans, launching an alternative "Standby mode" costing $5 USD/month with speeds of 500kb/s.
}}
{{Ph-I-Int}}
On August 13, 2025, Starlink announced a terms of service change that modified the "Pause" feature for their satellite internet plans. The change would remove the users' ability to pause their internet subscription at no cost, and introduce a new feature called "Standby Mode" where users have to pay $5USD/month in order to maintain low speed internet access, with speeds around 500kb/s. The changes are due to take effect 30 days after the initial notice to users, on September 12 2025.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Ricker |first=Thomas |date=2025-08-13 |title=Starlink Mini users just lost their beloved pause feature |url=https://www.theverge.com/analysis/758826/starlink-mini-standby-pause-bait-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813181309/https://www.theverge.com/analysis/758826/starlink-mini-standby-pause-bait-switch |archive-date=2025-08-13 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Matt |date=2025-08-14 |title=Starlink Replaces Free Pause Feature With Paid Standby Mode, But Adds Unlimited Low-Speed Data |url=https://driveteslacanada.ca/news/starlink-replaces-free-pause-feature-with-paid-standby-mode-but-adds-unlimited-low-speed-data/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818100229/https://driveteslacanada.ca/news/starlink-replaces-free-pause-feature-with-paid-standby-mode-but-adds-unlimited-low-speed-data/ |archive-date=2025-08-18 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=Drive Tesla}}</ref>
==Background==
{{Ph-I-B}}
Starlink previously gave its users the ability to pause their satellite internet plans at any time and at no cost.

==[Incident]==
{{Ph-I-I}}
On August 13, 2025, Starlink sent out an email to its customers informing them of the terms of service change.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Supan |first=Joe |date=2025-08-14 |title=Starlink Users Will Now Have to Pay $5 to Pause Service |url=https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-users-will-now-have-to-pay-5-to-pause-service/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818095824/https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/starlink-users-will-now-have-to-pay-5-to-pause-service/ |archive-date=2025-08-18 |access-date=2025-08-18 |website=CNET}}</ref> Customers on the Starlink Roam, Mini, and Mobile Priority plans were told that the free "Pause" option would be discontinued, and replaced with a new $5 per month "Standby Mode." Unlike Pause, Standby Mode maintains low-speed data connectivity for applications like messaging, email, or Wi-Fi calling.

===Starlink's response===
{{Ph-I-ComR}}

==Lawsuit==
{{Ph-I-L}}
As of August 2025, no lawsuits have been filed in relation to the change.

==Consumer response==
{{Ph-I-ConR}}
The change has been viewed by some as a "bait-and-switch" by users of the Starlink Mini, which had been marketed as having the ability to pause service as a key selling point.<ref name=":0" />

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Ph-I-C}}

Starlink replaces subscription pause with $5/mo low speeds

2025-08-18T09:27:09Z

Danielhoskin: Begin article on Starlink removing Pause functionality