Activation

2026-03-07T21:28:00Z

Evolek: I added a citation for the claim about product activation via telephone or internet and deleted the citation needed tag.

{{Incomplete}}

Activation is a license or service validation procedure. It may involve sending information about a device, a license or a licensee to a service provider, and receiving some information that is entered into the device.

For example, [[Microsoft Windows]] version 7 and later would collect information about a computer when they were installed. They create a [[Device fingerprint|fingerprint]] of the hardware, and generate a code based on that. Function was limited until the program was activated. One could activate it by telephoning the manufacturer, reading the code, and getting a code in return to enter in to the program. Activation could also be done online<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-07 |title=Product activation for Windows - online & Microsoft Support Product Activation Portal |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/product-activation-for-windows-online-microsoft-support-product-activation-portal-35f6a805-1259-88b4-f5e9-b52cccef91a0 |access-date=2026-03-07 |website=Microsoft Support}}</ref>.

Online activation, also known as cloud-based activation, is the requirement to connect to the Internet before activating a product or software that the end user paid for. Examples include:

*Some operating systems such as iOS and Windows 11 require registering an account with the device vendor to be set up before first use.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Benj |date=2021-07-08 |title=FYI: Windows 11 Home Will Require a Microsoft Account For Initial Setup |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/739837/fyi-windows-11-home-will-require-a-microsoft-account-for-initial-setup/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202070328/https://www.howtogeek.com/739837/fyi-windows-11-home-will-require-a-microsoft-account-for-initial-setup/ |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=How-To Geek}}</ref>
*[[Xiaomi]] requires registering an account to be able to [[Bootloader_unlocking|unlock the bootloader]].<ref name="xiaomi">{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=J C |date=2022-08-20 |title=Complete Guide to Unlocking the Bootloader: Announcement, Troubleshoot and Tips |url=https://new.c.mi.com/global/post/101245 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730161839/https://new.c.mi.com/global/post/101245 |archive-date=2025-07-30 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Xiaomi Community}}</ref>
*Some [[DJI]] drones and [[Insta360]] cameras require to be linked to a smartphone before first use.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Activating Your Drone |url=https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400006736&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en&documentType=artical&paperDocType=pap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202071212/https://support.dji.com/help/content?customId=en-us03400006736&spaceId=34&re=US&lang=en&documentType=artical&paperDocType=paper |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=DJI Help Center}}</ref><ref name="Insta360">{{Cite web |last=Rossman |first=Louis |date=2025-08-16 |title=Insta360 camera locks you out 'to protect your consumer rights' - corporate gaslighting |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgh8e0dW0eQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=Lgh8e0dW0eQ |archive-date=2025-08-16 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

==Disadvantages==
In order to use a purchased product, users must share their personal data with the manufacturer{{Citation needed|reason=Unverified statement}}.

For online activation it can be unsafe to connect a device to a network before it has the latest security updates. However, getting and installing the latest security updates can be difficult without a fully functioning device. For example with Windows, if you have a computer with a functional current version of Windows you can download security updates for offline installation. They make this very difficult for those who do not yet have Windows.

Given that services shut down all the time, activation services can be lost, leaving the user with an unusable product.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Voit |first=Karl |date=2016-11-12 |title=You Can't Control Your Data in the Cloud |url=https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260202071758/https://karl-voit.at/cloud/ |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Public Voit}}</ref> When the manufacturer regards the product as reaching end of life, they may stop providing activations. However some products may be in service for decades after the manufacturer ceases support. Specialized or orphaned devices may only work with particular versions of software, it may be impossible or impractical to replace the device.{{Citation needed|reason=This is not a theme article}}

Some places in the world have limited Internet access. This can cause difficulties when activating{{Citation needed|reason=Improvised reasoning}}.

Providers can limit activations or arbitrarily revoke access. For example, Xiaomi only allows one bootloader unlock per person per 30 days and four phones per year, in addition to a week-long delay after purchase.<ref name="xiaomi" /><ref name="Insta360" />

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

3D printers

2026-02-19T16:54:55Z

Evolek: I added a link to the announcement by Bambu Lab concerning their firmware changes.

{{Stub}}
{{ProductCargo
|InProduction=Yes
}}
3D Printers consumer tools for additive manufacturing, creating three‑dimensional objects by depositing material layer‑by‑layer according to a digital model generated by a slicer program. Unlike subtractive methods (milling, turning), which remove material from a solid block, 3D printing builds up the part exactly where it’s needed, reducing waste and enabling geometries that would be impossible with traditional tooling.

==Consumer-impact summary==
*'''User Freedom:''' 3D printing has contributed positively to consumer rights by expanding consumer autonomy and participation in the production process.
**'''Open access to replacement parts'''
**3D printing technology enables individuals to manufacture replacement parts, supporting the right to repair and potentially extending product lifespans. By reducing reliance on centralized manufacturers and supply chains, 3D printing can lower costs and increase access to goods.
**'''Customized Solutions'''
**3D printing offers it's user the ability to model and print their own 3D models befitting their specific situation, often times reducing waste and over-purchasing to find a perfect product.
**'''Reducing entry barrier for manufacturing'''
**3D printing facilitates market entry for small businesses and independent designers, thereby increasing product diversity and consumer choice. In addition, localized and on-demand production may reduce overproduction and transportation needs, aligning with broader sustainability objectives. Overall, 3D printing has introduced new opportunities for consumer empowerment within modern

==Incidents==
{{Ph-C-Inc}}
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Controversy
!Year
!Background info
!Aftermath
!Related article
|-
|Bambu Lab Authorization Control System Implementation
|2025
|''Bambu Lab'' introduced a firmware “authorization control” update, limiting compatibility and access to 3rd party software without vendor software.
|Set a precedent to close ecosystems and restrict interoperability with independent tools.
|[https://blog.bambulab.com/firmware-update-introducing-new-authorization-control-system-2/ Bambu Lab Blog Announcement]
|-
|Games Workshop DMCA Enforcement Against 3D File Creators
|2010s–present
|Games Workshop issued DMCA takedown notices and pursued legal enforcement against individuals distributing 3D-printable files resembling its copyrighted miniatures.
|Reduced consumer ability to share, download, and print fan-created models; increased legal risk for hobbyist consumers.
|
|-
|Thingiverse Removal of Weapon-Related Files
|2025
|''Thingiverse'' began automatically blocking CAD files for 3D-printed weapons under legal pressure from authorities, integrating detection systems to remove such content.
|Platform censorship limited what could be shared and downloaded, setting a negative precedent.
|
|}

==See also==

*[[3D Printing Restrictions and Bans]] - an article specifically talking about printers and digital rights management

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Activation

3D printers