Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Sezzle

2026-04-06T23:46:07Z

ExtensionGuy: extension/cargo: desc added (deriv. from first sentence)

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Type =Public
| Founded =2016
| Industry =Financial technology
| Website =https://sezzle.com
| Logo =QuestionMark.svg
| Description =Sezzle is a publicly traded financial technology company formed in 2016 by Charlie Youakim. It is headquartered in Minneapolis, US, with operations in the United States and Canada.
}}Sezzle is a publicly traded financial technology company formed in 2016 by Charlie Youakim. It is headquartered in Minneapolis, US, with operations in the United States and Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sezzle overview |url=https://craft.co/sezzle |access-date=2025-11-08 |website=craft.co |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20220927165251/https://craft.co/sezzle |archive-date=27 Sep 2022}}</ref>

==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}}

==Incidents==
{{Placeholder box|Add one-paragraph summaries of incidents below in sub-sections, which link to each incident's main article while linking to the main article and including a short summary. It is acceptable to create an incident summary before the main page for an incident has been created. To link to the page use the "Hatnote" or "Main" templates.

If the company has numerous incidents then format them in a table (see [[Amazon]] for an example). }}

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Example incident one (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).
===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
{{Placeholder box|Link to relevant theme articles or companies with similar incidents.}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority

2026-04-06T23:42:48Z

ExtensionGuy: extension/cargo: desc added (deriv. from first sentence)

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=FINRA is a self-regulatory organization responsible for supervising member broker-dealers under the oversight of the SEC.
|Founded=2007
|Industry=Financial Regulator
|Logo=FINRA logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.finra.org
}}
'''[[Wikipedia:FINRA|FINRA]]''' is a self-regulatory organization responsible for supervising member broker-dealers under the oversight of the [[SEC]]<ref>[https://www.finra.org/about "FINRA"] - finra.org ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260220095806/https://www.finra.org/about Archived])</ref>.

FINRA online resources
*file a complaint against brokerage firms<ref>[https://www.finra.org/investors/need-help/file-a-complaint "FINRA complaints"] - finra.org ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260106093041/https://www.finra.org/investors/need-help/file-a-complaint Archived])</ref>
*Search for FINRA disciplinary actions<ref>[https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/oversight-enforcement/finra-disciplinary-actions-online "FINRA Disciplinary Actions Online"] - finra.org ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251203205140/https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/oversight-enforcement/finra-disciplinary-actions-online Archived])</ref>

==References==

[[Category:Regulatory agencies and public support bodies]]
<references />

Ally Financial

2026-04-06T22:16:25Z

ExtensionGuy: extension/cargo: added desc field

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Type = Public
| Founded = 1919
| Industry = Financial services
| Website = https://ally.com
| Logo = Ally Financial Logo.svg
| Description = Ally Financial is a US-based company offering banking, securities, and other financial services through its subsidiaries
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Ally_Financial|Ally Financial Inc.]]''' is a US-based company offering banking, securities, and other financial services through its subsidiaries such as Ally Bank, Ally Invest Advisers Inc. and [[Ally Invest Securities]] LLC.

==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}}

==Incidents==

===Discrimination settlement (December 2013)===
Due to Ally's discriminatory pricing system, more than 235,000 minority borrowers paid higher interest rates for their auto loans between April 2011 and December 2013. The [[wikipedia:Consumer_Financial_Protection_Bureau|Consumer Financial Protection Bureau]] (CFPB) and [[wikipedia:United_States_Department_of_Justice|Department of Justice]] (DOJ) ordered the company to pay $18 million in penalties and $80 million in damages to affected borrowers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Dec 2013 |title=CFPB and DOJ Order Ally to Pay $80 Million to Consumers Harmed by Discriminatory Auto Loan Pricing |url=https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-and-doj-order-ally-to-pay-80-million-to-consumers-harmed-by-discriminatory-auto-loan-pricing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/23481/20250930143237/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-and-doj-order-ally-to-pay-80-million-to-consumers-harmed-by-discriminatory-auto-loan-pricing/ |archive-date=30 Sep 2025 |access-date=25 Nov 2025 |website=Consumer Financial Protection Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ficklin |first=Patrice Alexander |date=29 Jan 2016 |title=Harmed Ally borrowers have been sent $80 million in damages |url=https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/harmed-ally-borrowers-have-been-sent-80-million-in-damages/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/23481/20250930035613/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/harmed-ally-borrowers-have-been-sent-80-million-in-damages/ |archive-date=30 Sep 2025 |access-date=25 Nov 2025 |website=Consumer Financial Protection Bureau}}</ref>

===Data breach (April 2024)===
Ally Financial experienced a data breach in April 2024 that revealed the personal data of millions of its clients.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Coyer |first=Cassandre |date=9 Sep 2024 |title=Ally Breach May Have Leaked Consumer Data of Billions, Suit Says |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/ally-breach-may-have-leaked-consumer-data-of-billions-suit-says |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251018005936/https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/ally-breach-may-have-leaked-consumer-data-of-billions-suit-says |archive-date=18 Oct 2025|access-date=25 Nov 2025 |website=Bloomberg Law}}</ref> A [[class action lawsuit]] had been filed by July 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Nov 2025 |title=Court Dockets |url=https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/OwensvAllyBanketalDocketNo324cv00811WDNCSep072024CourtDocket?doc_id=X5LVE5J58BA8CP8L7L86STUQPGQ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708182944/https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/OwensvAllyBanketalDocketNo324cv00811WDNCSep072024CourtDocket?doc_id=X5LVE5J58BA8CP8L7L86STUQPGQ |archive-date=8 July 2025 |access-date=25 Nov 2025 |website=Bloomberg Law}}</ref> claiming Ally did not properly secure customers' confidential information, such as Social Security numbers and auto account numbers. The suit also alleged that Ally failed to use computer software available for detecting and warding off cyberattacks, and other measures needed to protect the hardware of its systems. Additionally, customer notifications were sent only with long delay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rattigan |first=Kathryn M. |date=24 Oct 2024 |title=Ally Financial Faces Class Actions Over Data Breach |url=https://natlawreview.com/article/ally-financial-faces-class-actions-over-data-breach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708182935/https://natlawreview.com/article/ally-financial-faces-class-actions-over-data-breach |archive-date=8 July 2025 |access-date=25 Nov 2025 |website=The National Law Review}}</ref> Due to this data breach, customers' personal data was being stolen and sold on the dark web.<ref name=":0" />

==See also==

*[[Ally Invest Securities]]
*[[Chase Bank]]
*[[PNC Bank]]

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Ally]]
[[Category:Articles requiring expansion]]

Broadband choice reduction by Brendan Carr's FCC

2026-04-06T22:10:15Z

ExtensionGuy: extension/cargo: 'product' field linked to fcc page

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Federal Communications Commission
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type=
|Description=
}}
In January 2025, the [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC) made a sweeping decision affecting consumer choice in broadband internet for residents of multi-tenant buildings. This decision reversed course on a previous proposal that would have given tenants more control over their internet service provider (ISP) options.

==Background==
In March 2024, then-FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal aimed at increasing tenant's choice at choosing their ISP for internet access in multi-tenant buildings.<ref name="doc-4009">[[:File:DOC-400915A1.pdf|FCC Press Release "FCC CHAIRWOMAN ANNOUNCES PUSH TO LOWER BROADBAND COSTS & INCREASE CHOICE FOR FAMILIES LIVING IN APARTMENT BUILDINGS"]] ''[[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]''. March 5, 2024 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20251105203820if_/https://consumerrights.wiki/images/a/ab/DOC-400915A1.pdf Archived]).</ref> The proposal followed the Commission's 2022 rules that had already:

*Prohibited broadband providers from entering into certain revenue sharing agreements with building owners
*Required providers to clearly inform tenants about exclusive marketing arrangements
*Clarified that FCC rules prohibit "sale-and-leaseback" arrangements that block competitive access

The March 2024 proposal would have specifically targeted "bulk billing" arrangements - agreements where tenants are required to pay for a specific provider's internet service as part of their rent or utilities, even if they don't want that service. The proposed rules would have:

*Allowed tenants to opt out of bulk billing arrangements
*Made it more economically viable for competing providers to serve buildings where tenants were previously required to pay for a specific provider's service
*Maintained existing prohibitions on revenue sharing and exclusive access agreements

Rosenworcel argued this change was necessary because "it is not right when your building or apartment complex chooses that service for you, saddling you with unwanted costs, and preventing you from signing up for the plan and provider you really want."<ref name="doc-4009" />

==Timeline of changes==

===Pre-2022 Status Quo===
Prior to 2022:
*Building owners couldn't enter into "exclusive access" agreements (e.g., preventing Verizon from wiring a building that TimeWarner serviced)
*Building owners could implement "bulk billing" arrangements (requiring all tenants to pay for a specific provider's service as part of rent)

===2022 FCC Rule Changes===
In 2022, the FCC modified its rules regarding multi-tenant environments:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brodkin |first=Jon |date=2025-01-27 |title=FCC chair helps ISPs and landlords make deals that renters can’t escape |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/fcc-chair-nixes-plan-to-boost-broadband-competition-in-apartment-buildings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203052411/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/01/fcc-chair-nixes-plan-to-boost-broadband-competition-in-apartment-buildings/ |archive-date=2025-02-03 |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>
*The ban on exclusive access agreements remained
*Bulk billing arrangements remained permissible
*The FCC added new rules regarding revenue sharing agreements between landlords and ISPs(this is the process by which the ISP can share revenue from tenants with the landlord after they enter into a "bulk billing" agreement)

===March 2024 Proposed Changes===
Then-Chairwoman Rosenworcel's proposal would have:<ref name="doc-4009" />
*Maintained the ban on exclusive access agreements
*Required bulk billing arrangements to include tenant opt-out provisions

===January 2025 Final Outcome===
Chairman Carr's decision specifically addressed the bulk billing proposal:<ref>[[:File:DOC-409130A1.pdf|FCC Press Release, "Chairman Carr Stops Costly Regulatory Overreach"]] ''[[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]]'', January 27, 2025 ([https://web.archive.org/web/20251105203820if_/https://consumerrights.wiki/images/4/4a/DOC-409130A1.pdf Archived]).</ref>
*Building owners still cannot enter exclusive access agreements
*Building owners can continue mandatory bulk billing without opt-out provisions

===Practical Example===
Here's how these rules work in practice in an apartment complex in 2025:
*The landlord can't prevent Verizon from installing service even if they prefer TimeWarner (exclusive access prohibition)
*The landlord can require all tenants to pay $50 monthly for TimeWarner service as part of their rent, even if tenants don't want it (bulk billing permitted)

Chairman Carr's 2025 announcement specifically addressed bulk billing arrangements without clarifying the status of the 2022 revenue sharing rules.

Bulk billing provision is said to negatively affect consumer choice, as it can force tenants into paying for service from a provider they may not want. While multiple providers may have physical access to a building, the economic reality of mandatory bulk billing greatly diminishes the economic viability of another ISP wiring the building.
==References==
<references />

[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Internet service providers]]

Microsoft ends use of bypassnro.cmd for Windows 11

2026-04-06T22:07:58Z

ExtensionGuy: extension/cargo: desc added

{{stub}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Microsoft
|StartDate=2025-03-28
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=Windows 11
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Data, Privacy
|Description=Microsoft no longer lets users use 'bypassnro.cmd' to skip the Microsoft account creation step in the Windows 11 setup.
}}
[[File:Windows 11 update preview blog bypassnro.cmd removal.jpg|thumb]]
In a '''[[Windows]]''' insider blog published March 28, 2025, under the section "[other] changes", the removal of <code>bypassnro.cmd</code> script is announced.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Langowski |first=Amanda |date=28 Mar 2025 |title=Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5516 (Dev Channel) |url=https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/03/28/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26200-5516-dev-channel/#:~:text=We%E2%80%99re%20removing%20the%20bypassnro.cmd%20script |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=Windows Insider Blog |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260219040336/https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/03/28/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26200-5516-dev-channel/ |archive-date=19 Feb 2026}}</ref> This script is used to complete a new Windows installation without connecting to the internet or creating a Microsoft account.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Gavin |date=29 Mar 2025 |title=Microsoft Is Removing the Windows 11 Installation Loophole That Lets You Skip Creating an Account |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-removing-windows-11-install-loophole/ |url-status=live |access-date=31 Mar 2025 |website=MUO |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251014143810/https://www.makeuseof.com/microsoft-removing-windows-11-install-loophole/ |archive-date=14 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Bypassing this step is popular because linking the login of a Windows installation to a Microsoft account leads to the hard drive encryption keys being sent to Microsoft, loss of access to the system and data if Microsoft blocks the account, allows for telemetry data to be associated with the user's personal information and requires the user to consent to even more terms when creating the account vs. just the EULA for the software.

==Consumer response==
A new way has been discovered, using Developer Console with {{Key press|Ctrl|Shift|J}} and enter command<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 Apr 2025 |title=WinJS-Microsoft-Account-Bypass |url=https://github.com/the-P1neapple/WinJS-Microsoft-Account-Bypass/blob/main/README.md |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828053532/https://github.com/the-P1neapple/WinJS-Microsoft-Account-Bypass/blob/main/README.md |archive-date=28 Aug 2025 |access-date=28 Aug 2025 |website=Github}}</ref>.

WinJS.Application.restart("ms-cxh://LOCALONLY")

=References=
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Windows 11]]
[[Category:Microsoft]]
[[Category:2025 incidents]]

Google Pixel Buds "Touch and Hold" discontinuation

2026-04-06T22:01:26Z

ExtensionGuy: product Pixel Buds -> Google Pixel Buds, should fix for extension next cargo refresh

{{ToneWarning}}{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Citations not properly formatted|Issue 2=More info with more in-text citations}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Google
|StartDate=2024
|EndDate=
|Status=Active, Pending Resolution, Resolved, Unresolved
|ProductLine=Pixel
|Product=Google Pixel Buds
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Accessibility
|Description=With an update, Google removed an accessibility feature from the Pixel Buds.
}}

Google displays an example of a [[Retroactively amended purchases|retroactively amended purchase]] by removing an accessibility feature of the [[Google Pixel Buds|Pixel Buds]] and failing to offer a reasonable alternative to customers who rely on it.

==Background==
Google Pixel Buds are a line of Bluetooth earphones that integrate with Android smartphones. The Buds offer standard media and noise isolation controls via a touch sensitive surface.

When the assistant is invoked without speaking to it, it will read out the time and read any unread notifications. On supported apps, the assistant feature could be used for text entry.

==Removal of the "Touch and Hold" Feature==
In Early September of 2024, Google silently rolled out an update removing the "Touch and Hold" Gesture from the earbuds.

Some users were suggested to ask the Google Assistant to read their notifications when attempting to invoke the gesture.<ref>https://9to5google.com/2024/09/17/pixel-buds-pro-notifications/ ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251214043711/https://9to5google.com/2024/09/17/pixel-buds-pro-notifications/ Archived])</ref>

==Google's response==
In a forum post, Google cited customer feedback for the removal but did not elaborate further. They suggest asking the assistant to read your notifications.<ref>https://support.google.com/assistant/thread/297016719/google-assistant-spoken-notifications-change-on-pixel-buds ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251214042610/https://support.google.com/assistant/thread/297016719/google-assistant-spoken-notifications-change-on-pixel-buds Archived])</ref>

==Consumer response==

A quick Google search reveals dozens of Reddit posts from owners disappointing by the fact it was removed completely instead of being made a toggleable option<ref>https://redlib.aosus.link/r/GooglePixel/comments/1fleu1g/google_is_taking_away_the_touch_and_hold_function/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260303183217/https://redlib.aosus.link/r/GooglePixel/comments/1fleu1g/google_is_taking_away_the_touch_and_hold_function/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fleksj/i_got_the_dreaded_touch_and_hold_is_going_away/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260303183433/https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fleksj/i_got_the_dreaded_touch_and_hold_is_going_away/ Archived])</ref>, some are looking for workarounds.<ref>https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1imf98p/anyone_tried_taskerautomate_to_mimic_touch_and/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260303183735/https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1imf98p/anyone_tried_taskerautomate_to_mimic_touch_and/ Archived])</ref><ref>https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fefa3i/touch_and_hold_wont_read_notifications_anymore/ ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260303184019/https://redlib.aosus.link/r/pixelbuds/comments/1fefa3i/touch_and_hold_wont_read_notifications_anymore/ Archived])</ref>

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Google Pixel Buds]]
[[Category:Retroactively amended purchase]]

Mandatory data collection on PlayStation's PC ports

2026-04-06T21:59:20Z

ExtensionGuy: cargo data is more complete

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Sony, PlayStation
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Incident
|Type=Privacy
|Description=On a fresh start of most PlayStation titles on PC, a pop-up appears asking the user to consent for data collection, with no way to reject.}}

On a fresh start of most [[PlayStation]] titles on PC, a pop-up appears asking the user to consent for data collection, with no way to reject.

==Background==
Starting from 2015 with {{Wplink|Helldivers}}, [[Sony]] started porting some of their PlayStation exclusive titles over to [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] via [[Steam]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=2015-11-06 |title=Helldivers is coming to Steam next month |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/helldivers-is-coming-to-steam-next-month |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Eurogamer.net}}</ref> while also making some of them also available through [[GOG.com]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-20 |title=Coming soon: Horizon Zero Dawn™ Complete Edition |url=https://www.gog.com/en/news/coming_soon_horizon_zero_dawn_complete_edition |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=GOG.com}}</ref>
[[File:HZD screenshot.png|thumb|Data collection pop-up on Horizon Zero Dawn]]

==Mandatory data collection on PlayStation's PC ports==
On a fresh start of most PlayStation titles on PC, following the intro sequence a pop-up appears asking the user if they consent to "Limited Data" or "Full Data & Limited Data" collection. Through the in-game settings, users are able to alternate between the options if they change their mind.

Other than Days Gone,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Robert N |date=2021-06-14 |title=You Can Now Disable Days Gone Data Collection on PC |url=https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/you-can-now-disable-days-gone-data-collection-on-pc |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=TechRaptor}}</ref> there is no option to turn off the data collection.

===PlayStation's response===

As of March 2026, Sony has not issued an statement.

As result of a controversy, Bend Studio, the developers of Days Gone and a first party developer for PlayStation Studios, issued Update 1.04 for the game which provides players with the option to fully opt-out of the data collection.<ref name=":0" />
==Lawsuit==
''No lawsuits have been filed at this time.''

==Consumer response==

A review of Days Gone on Steam<ref>{{Cite web |last=higgsterman |date=2021-05-19 |title=Steam Community :: Avalanjh :: Review for Days Gone |url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/higgsterman/recommended/1259420/ |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Steam Community}}</ref> stirred up controversy as the poster highlighted the invasive data collection practices. As a result, the developers issed an update which provides players with the option to fully opt-out of the data collection.<ref name=":0" />

Many users expressed their adoration for the games yet simultaneous disdain for the data collection practice. Many even recommended to refund the games as a result.<ref>{{Cite web |last=smoothjedi |date=2020-08-07 |title=Invasive Data Collection on PC - r/horizon |url=https://redlib.catsarch.com/r/horizon/comments/i5o74o/invasive_data_collection_on_pc/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Redlib - Catsarch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=XtraSqueaky |date=2021-05-18 |title=No option to opt out of data collection on PC - r/DaysGone |url=https://redlib.catsarch.com/r/DaysGone/comments/nf7msc/no_option_to_opt_out_of_data_collection_on_pc/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Redlib - Catsarch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=GrovPastaSwag03 |date=2021-11-27 |title=On the subject of intrusive data collection and DRM in video games - r/truegaming |url=https://redlib.catsarch.com/r/truegaming/comments/r3bskl/on_the_subject_of_intrusive_data_collection_and/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Redlib - Catsarch}}</ref>

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

Deye

2026-04-06T21:54:13Z

ExtensionGuy: desc added for extension in cargo data

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Deye is a China-based company that specializes in solar inverters, ess batteries, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers with a commitment to sustainable energy.
|Founded=1990
|Industry=Electronics, Solar
|Logo=Deye Logo.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://deye.com
}}
Deye initially started out making dehumidifiers, but the Ningbo, China based company has since become one of the biggest players in the solar inverter market.

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

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===Inverters intentionally bricked by manufacturer over the internet (''November 2024'')===
Deye intentionally disabled inverters remotely if they were connected to the internet. Deye has an exclusive agreement with a dealer/distributor in the United States and the bricked devices were the ones thought by them to be imported by unofficial means, citing compliance concerns. However, not only legally purchased devices were affected, also users in other regions found their micro inverters displaying an error message and refusing to operate.<ref>{{Cite web |last=the solarboi |first=derek |date=2024-11-30 |title=Deye Addresses Bricked Inverter Controversy |url=https://solarboi.com/2024/11/30/deye-addresses-bricked-inverter-controversy/ |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=the SOLARBOI |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206031203/https://solarboi.com/2024/11/30/deye-addresses-bricked-inverter-controversy/ |archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Knop |first=Dirk |date=2024-11-30 |title=Photovoltaics: Deactivated Deye and Sol-Ark inverters in the USA |url=https://www.heise.de/en/news/Photovoltaics-Deactivated-Deye-and-Sol-Ark-inverters-in-the-USA-10183716.html |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Heise Online |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204202707/https://www.heise.de/en/news/Photovoltaics-Deactivated-Deye-and-Sol-Ark-inverters-in-the-USA-10183716.html |archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</ref>

This raises customer protection concerns if a manufacturer has the ability to destroy or render unusable equipment legally purchased by an individual, but also cyber security concerns if a Chinese company (all of which are controlled by the state as per law of the PRC) or an individual or group who gains control of the system has the power to remotely disable or destroy infrastructure in other countries.
===RelayGate (''July 2023'')===
A group of YouTubers revealed that Deye submitted compliant solar micro inverter devices for certification by German authorities, but later omitted a critical safety component (safety relay) in production runs of several models that were shipped to customers in that area. It was estimated that up to 25% of German balcony micro solar installations were affected. After the scandal went public, Deye offered customers a free additional relay box to retrofit the missing safety component to the relevant devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Möcker |first=Andrijan |date=2023-07-18 |title=RelayGate: Deye Solar Microinverters Lack Essential Part |url=https://www.heise.de/news/RelayGate-Deye-Solar-Microinverters-Lack-Essential-Part-9220307.html |access-date=2025-03-07 |website=Heise Online |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250708181226/https://www.heise.de/news/RelayGate-Deye-Solar-Microinverters-Lack-Essential-Part-9220307.html |archive-date=8 Jul 2025}}</ref>

==Ways to operate inverters without internet or a cloud==
For security reasons and in light of precedents of inverters being disabled remotely, it is recommended not to connect an inverter to the internet and to avoid using the manufacturer's cloud services.

Some Deye solar inverters can be used with [https://solar-assistant.io/ SolarAssistant], a solution that runs on the local network on a RaspberryPi and makes all data and settings available to smart home systems via MQTT. It is neither free nor open source, but supports a wide range of inverters and makes the data available using open standards. Many but not all Deye inverters are supported. Unsupported models include the micro inverters affected by the incidents described above.

Alternatively, other brands of inverter which directly offer local APIs without a cloud can be considered. This allows the inverters to be connected to a local smart home system like Home Assistant without going through the manufacturer or even connecting them to the internet. For micro solar installations such as balcony mounted panels with a micro inverter, the [https://emea.apsystems.com/diy/ez1/ APSystems EZ-1] offers a local API out of the box. For bigger installations, companies such as [https://www.fronius.com Fronius] also offer local cloud-free integration.

The [https://github.com/StephanJoubert/home_assistant_solarman SolarMan] integration can be added to Home Assistant and allows collecting the logs but not controlling the device. It is however free and the configuration can still be done through the hardware interface on the inverter.

In both cases, a private VPN can be set up to connect to the home network on the go, a feature found in many prosumer routers. This way monitoring and control is still possible from a mobile device on the go, while the inverter is not exposed to the internet or a cloud.

==See also==
[https://deye.com/ Deye's Website]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

PlayStation Lease with Flex

2026-04-06T12:19:28Z

ExtensionGuy: added PlayStation in the company field in cargo data

{{#seo:
|description=PlayStation Lease with Flex is a UK-only PS5 leasing service where consumers pay monthly but never own the hardware and must return it at contract end.
}}
{{ProductCargo
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Electronics leasing
|Company=Sony Interactive Entertainment, PlayStation
|Description=UK PS5 leasing service; consumers pay £417-£432 over 36 months but never own the console and must return it
|InProduction=Yes
|Logo=PlayStation logo.svg
|ProductLine=
|ReleaseYear=2025
|Website=https://direct.playstation.com/en-gb/leasing
}}
'''PlayStation Lease with Flex''' is an [[Electronics leasing|electronics leasing]] service that charges UK consumers monthly fees for PlayStation 5 hardware they will never own.<ref name="ps-faq">{{Cite web |url=https://direct.playstation.com/en-gb/support/leasing |title=Leasing FAQ |website=PlayStation Direct |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Operated by [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]] in partnership with Raylo, a UK fintech company, the service launched in March 2025 on PlayStation Direct.<ref name="vgc">{{Cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/sony-is-now-leasing-ps5-ps5-pro-and-ps-portal-consoles-to-uk-players-for-a-monthly-fee/ |title=Sony is now leasing PS5, PS5 Pro and PS Portal consoles to UK players for a monthly fee |author=Chris Scullion |date=2025-03-06 |website=Video Games Chronicle |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> A consumer who leases a PS5 1TB console for 36 months pays approximately £417 total, compared to a retail price of £479.99, but must return the hardware at the end of the contract.<ref name="kotaku">{{Cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/playstation-ps5-rental-flex-raylo-scheme-2000668671 |title=PlayStation Has Launched A Way To Rent A PS5, And It's Gross |author=John Walker |date=2026-02-13 |website=Kotaku |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

== Background ==

Raylo Group Limited is a UK fintech company incorporated on 5 September 2018 (originally as Xylofi Limited) under Companies House number 11554120.<ref name="companies-house">{{Cite web |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/11554120 |title=RAYLO GROUP LIMITED |website=Companies House |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The company is authorized & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under firm reference number 841488 for consumer hire agreements.<ref name="raylo-legal">{{Cite web |url=https://www.raylo.com/legal |title=Legal |website=Raylo |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref><ref name="raylo-ps">{{Cite web |url=https://playstation-flex.raylopay.com/ |title=PlayStation Flex |website=Raylo |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Beyond PlayStation, Raylo leases smartphones, laptops, & other electronics from manufacturers including Apple & LG.<ref name="which">{{Cite web |url=https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/what-is-raylo-and-should-you-use-it-to-pay-for-the-latest-tech-arVJx2b3h3Z9 |title=What is Raylo, and should you use it to pay for the latest tech? |author=Martin Pratt |date=2026-02-17 |website=Which? |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

Sony's console rental program first appeared in Japan in late February 2025 through GEO, a Japanese video game retailer.<ref name="psls">{{Cite web |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2025/03/06/ps5-rental-service-comes-west-after-japan/ |title=Sony Brings PS5 Rental Service to the West After Success in Japan |author=Zarmena Khan |date=2025-03-06 |website=PlayStation LifeStyle |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> The UK version launched on 6 March 2025 through PlayStation Direct, using Raylo's embedded checkout system.<ref name="quilam">{{Cite web |url=https://www.quilamcapital.com/blog/raylo-has-partnered-with-playstation-to-launch-flex/ |title=Raylo has partnered with PlayStation to launch Flex |author=Laura Sherrington |date=2025-03-04 |website=Quilam Capital |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref><ref name="vgc" /> Unlike the Japanese day-rental model, the UK service offers long-term contracts of 12, 24, or 36 months as well as a rolling monthly option.<ref name="insider">{{Cite web |url=https://insider-gaming.com/ps5-rental-programs-roll-out-in-japan-and-united-kingdom/ |title=PS5 Rental Programs Roll Out in Japan and United Kingdom |author=Scott Robertson |date=2025-03-06 |website=Insider Gaming |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

On 12 February 2026, PlayStation UK promoted the service on X (formerly Twitter), triggering widespread consumer backlash.<ref name="daily-dot">{{Cite web |url=https://dailydot.com/gamers-reject-sony-ps5-rental-program-flex |title=Sony's PS5 leasing program "Flex" has gamers begging each other not to do it |author=Lindsey Weedston |date=2026-02-13 |website=Daily Dot |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

The sign-up process takes approximately 5 minutes & uses a soft credit check that doesn't affect the applicant's credit file.<ref name="ps-leasing">{{Cite web |url=https://direct.playstation.com/en-gb/leasing |title=Lease with Flex |website=PlayStation Direct |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Raylo provides free next-day delivery<ref name="raylo-ps" /> & a lifetime warranty covering technical faults for the duration of the lease.<ref name="raylo-warranty">{{Cite web |url=https://intercom.help/lease-your-playstation/en/articles/11634661-raylo-s-lifetime-warranty |title=Raylo's Lifetime Warranty |website=Lease your PlayStation (Raylo Help Center) |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

== Pricing ==

The service covers the PS5 Digital Edition, PS5 1TB disc edition, PS5 Pro, PlayStation VR2, PlayStation Portal, & the DualSense Edge controller.<ref name="vgc" /> Monthly rates vary by product & contract length. As of February 2026, the PS5 Digital Edition 825GB starts at £9.59 per month on a 36-month term.<ref name="kitguru">{{Cite web |url=https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/joao-silva/sony-partners-with-raylo-to-bring-ps5-console-subscription-to-the-uk/ |title=Sony partners with Raylo to bring PS5 console subscription to the UK |author=João Silva |date=2026-02-16 |website=KitGuru |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Rolling monthly plans cost more but allow cancellation at any time.<ref name="ps-leasing" />

March 2025 launch pricing by contract length:<ref name="wgb">{{Cite web |url=https://wolfsgamingblog.com/2025/03/06/sony-now-lets-you-rent-a-ps5-ps5-pro-ps-vr-2-and-more-in-the-uk/ |title=Sony Now Lets You Rent A PS5, PS5 Pro, PS VR 2 And More in The UK |author=Baden Ronie |date=2025-03-06 |website=WGB |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Device !! Monthly rolling !! 12 months !! 24 months !! 36 months
|-
| PS5 Digital Edition || £21.95 || £16.49 || £11.99 || £10.99
|-
| PS5 1TB (Disc) || £23.59 || £17.99 || £12.95 || £11.99
|-
| PS5 Pro || £35.59 || £26.99 || £20.99 || £18.95
|-
| PlayStation Portal || £13.99 || £10.49 || £6.95 || £6.49
|-
| PlayStation VR2 || £51.49 || £37.99 || £22.99 || £18.49
|-
| DualSense Edge || £20.59 || £14.99 || £8.99 || £7.49
|}

Over a full 36-month term, the total lease cost approaches or exceeds the retail purchase price while the consumer retains no ownership:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Hardware !! 36-month lease total !! Retail price !! Outcome
|-
| PS5 Digital Edition || £395.64 || £389.99 || Consumer pays £5.65 more than retail & owns nothing<ref name="quilam" />
|-
| PS5 1TB (Disc) || ~£417 - £431 || £479.99 || Consumer pays 87-90% of retail & owns nothing<ref name="kotaku" /><ref name="wgb" />
|-
| PS5 Pro || ~£611 - £682 || ~£700 || Consumer pays 87-97% of retail & owns nothing<ref name="allout">{{Cite web |url=https://www.allout-gaming.com/news/playstation-flex-ps5-subscription-service-1680295 |title='Own nothing and be happy' - £17-a-month PS5 Pro scheme has PlayStation fans livid |author=Liam Ryder |date=2026-02-14 |website=AllOut Gaming |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref><ref name="thegamer">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thegamer.com/playstation-raylo-rent-lease-playstation-5-ps5-pro-portal-dualsense-edge/ |title=PlayStation Has Launched A Rental Program For Its Consoles And Accessories |author=Josh Coulson |date=2025-03-07 |website=TheGamer |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>
|}

A Quilam Capital analysis of Raylo's PlayStation partnership confirmed the thin margin: the PS5 Digital Edition on a 36-month lease totals £395.64, compared to a retail price of £389.99.<ref name="quilam" /> The consumer pays slightly more than the retail purchase price & retains no ownership of the hardware.

== Consumer-impact summary ==

* '''No ownership:''' The lease is a hire agreement, not hire-purchase. The official FAQ states: "No, this is a lease agreement... You have the option to return, upgrade or you may have the option to purchase the device at the end of your lease, subject to Raylo's discretion and pricing at that time."<ref name="ps-faq" /> Continued payments after the minimum term don't build equity.<ref name="ps-faq" />
* '''PS Plus not included:''' The lease covers hardware only. [[PlayStation Plus]], required for online multiplayer & cloud saves, costs extra.<ref name="ps-leasing" />
* '''End-of-term options:''' At contract end, consumers can upgrade to a new device, keep paying monthly without building ownership, or return the device & cancel. The optional buyout is at Raylo's sole discretion & market pricing; it isn't a guaranteed path to ownership.<ref name="ps-faq" />
* '''Early termination:''' Cancelling a fixed-term contract after the initial cooling-off period incurs a charge of up to 18 times the monthly payment, minus amounts already paid. The device is inspected & repair charges may apply on top.<ref name="early-cancel">{{Cite web |url=https://intercom.help/lease-your-playstation/en/articles/11634848-how-to-cancel-your-subscription-early-after-the-cooling-off-period |title=How to cancel your subscription early |website=Lease your PlayStation (Raylo Help Center) |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>
* '''Missed payment consequences:''' A late fee of up to £29 per missed payment. If the debt remains unpaid, Raylo may block the device, report the delinquency to credit reference agencies, refer the account to debt collection, & hold the consumer liable for remaining payments under the minimum term.<ref name="missed-payment">{{Cite web |url=https://intercom.help/lease-your-playstation/en/articles/11634642-paying-a-missed-payment |title=Paying a missed payment |website=Lease your PlayStation (Raylo Help Center) |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref><ref name="lg-raylo">{{Cite web |url=https://www.lg.com/uk/raylo-hire-agreement/ |title=Raylo Hire Agreement |website=LG UK |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>
* '''Warranty covers defects only:''' Raylo's lifetime warranty covers technical faults but excludes accidental damage, liquid damage, & "anything added after you got the device." Because the hardware is Raylo's property, consumers can't independently repair or modify it without risking warranty voidance & return charges.<ref name="raylo-warranty" /><ref name="damage-return">{{Cite web |url=https://intercom.help/lease-your-playstation/en/articles/11634870-what-to-expect-if-your-device-is-damaged-when-you-return-it |title=What to expect if your device is damaged when you return it |website=Lease your PlayStation (Raylo Help Center) |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref>

== Consumer & media reaction ==

PlayStation UK's promotional post on X on 12 February 2026 triggered widespread backlash.<ref name="daily-dot" /> The Daily Dot reported that "gamers [were] begging each other not to do it," with consumers calling it "Disgusting greed from Sony" & urging others: "Do. Not. Normalize. Renting. Your. Computers."<ref name="daily-dot" />

Kotaku characterized the service as "grim," calculating that a consumer leasing a PS5 1TB for 36 months pays £417.24 to "own nothing."<ref name="kotaku" /> AllOut Gaming reported Reddit users calling it "a scam" & invoking the phrase "own nothing and be happy."<ref name="allout" />

Which?, the UK consumer advocacy organization, concluded that leasing through Raylo "really doesn't make sense" for most consumers.<ref name="which" /> Analyzing other Raylo products, they found that a 24-month lease on the LG OLED48C5 TV totaled £1,050.96, compared to an £899 retail price.<ref name="which" />

== Comparison with Xbox All Access ==

Microsoft's US-based Xbox All Access program, announced in August 2018, used a different structure: 0% APR consumer financing where the buyer owned the console outright after 24 monthly payments.<ref name="xbox-aa">{{Cite web |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/08/27/introducing-xbox-all-access/ |title=Introducing Xbox All Access |date=2018-08-27 |website=Xbox News |access-date=2026-03-28}}</ref> Xbox All Access also bundled Xbox Game Pass into the monthly cost. Microsoft's announcement was explicit: "No leasing or renting - you own the console outright!"<ref name="xbox-aa" />

PlayStation Flex is the opposite. It is a pure rental with no guaranteed path to ownership, no bundled game subscription, & a longer maximum term of 36 months.<ref name="ps-faq" /> PS Plus must be purchased separately.<ref name="ps-leasing" /> Xbox All Access was consumer financing (buy now, pay over time, own at the end); PlayStation Flex is a consumer hire agreement (rent the hardware, own nothing, return it or keep paying).

== UK consumer protection ==

As an FCA-authorized consumer hire provider,<ref name="raylo-legal" /> Raylo's leases are governed by the UK Consumer Credit Act 1974.<ref name="lg-raylo" /> Consumers who sign up online have a 14-day right to cancel under distance selling regulations.<ref name="early-cancel" />

Consumers who experience disputes with Raylo can escalate complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service.<ref name="which" /> Which? recommended that consumers consider 0% interest credit cards as an alternative to hardware leasing, allowing them to spread the cost without surrendering ownership.<ref name="which" />

== See also ==

* [[NZXT Flex]]
* [[Electronics leasing]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:PlayStation Lease with Flex]]
[[Category:PlayStation 5]]
[[Category:Electronics leasing]]
[[Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment]]

Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services

2026-04-06T12:17:23Z

ExtensionGuy: added PlayStation in the company field in cargo data

{{Incomplete}}
{{Tone}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Sony, PlayStation
|StartDate=2011
|EndDate=2025
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=Gaming consoles
|Product=Playstation, Playstation 4, Plastation 5, PS Vita
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Service Termination, Digital restrictions
|Description=Sony is permanently banning consoles from accessing online services permanently. This practice is in place since launch of PS Vita for sure.
}}[[Sony]] is banning [[PlayStation]] consoles from accessing online services on hardware level permanently for "violation of terms of service". This results in console hardware being unable to access software digitally purchased by customers. This also creates the risk of someone buying a used console which is permanently banned from accessing online services.

==Background==
Sony has a long history of banning gaming consoles hardware from accessing PlayStation Network online services for "violation of terms of service".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Sony suffers new defeat in the Court of SP after banning PS5 permanently (Portuguese) |url=https://tecnoblog.net/noticias/sony-sofre-derrota-na-justica-de-sp-apos-banir-ps5-de-forma-permanente/ |website=tecnoblog.net |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004103415/https://tecnoblog.net/noticias/sony-sofre-derrota-na-justica-de-sp-apos-banir-ps5-de-forma-permanente/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-09-03 |title=Suspensions on PlayStation |url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/account/suspensions-psn/ |website=Sony playstation official site |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260108195144/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/account/suspensions-psn/ |archive-date=8 Jan 2026}}</ref> This practice is in place since PS Vita<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=Need Advice About A Banned Vita |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/vita/comments/hiu3ak/need_advice_about_a_banned_vita_not_your_typical/ |website=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230609174656/https://old.reddit.com/r/vita/comments/hiu3ak/need_advice_about_a_banned_vita_not_your_typical/ |archive-date=9 Jun 2023}}</ref>. (Might be in place since PS3, but this is unconfirmed - also in these days digital purchases was not a big deal)

This type of ban is permanent and Sony does not allow to be lifted<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=Can You Fix a PS5 Console Ban? |url=https://expertbeacon.com/can-you-fix-a-ps5-console-ban/ |website=expertbeacon.com}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=Ps4 has been permanently banned by Sony. Previous owner had unpaid bills. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/ewpd6p/ps4_has_been_permanently_banned_by_sony_previous/ |website=Reddit |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230609024059/https://old.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/ewpd6p/ps4_has_been_permanently_banned_by_sony_previous/ |archive-date=9 Jun 2023}}</ref> - as Sony states on their official site<ref name=":1" />.

If it happens, users have a banned console (which can be bought as second hand<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=Jul 18, 2016 |title=Sony Permanently Banning PS4 Console |url=https://www.neogaf.com/threads/sony-permanently-banning-ps4-console.1248162/ |website=neogaf.com forum |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004103414/https://www.neogaf.com/threads/sony-permanently-banning-ps4-console.1248162/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref><ref name=":3" />), that cannot access digitally purchased content. Which is confirmed on Sony's official site:<blockquote>With this suspension, you will be unable to use your console to access any account, play games or game modes requiring online access, or access content purchased from the PlayStation Store. <ref name=":1" /></blockquote>

==Hardware-level Network Bans==
Sony issues three different types of bans for PlayStation Network users. These types are:<blockquote>'''<big>Account Suspension:</big>'''

With this suspension, you won't be able to sign into your account and access any PlayStation features, including online multiplayer, PlayStation Store, and other features. That means you will not be able to use some products and services, even ones you paid for.

An account suspension can be either temporary or permanent.

'''<big>Communication Suspension:</big>'''

With this suspension, you won't be able to access “social” features, such as interacting with other players and playing online. Communication suspensions will act as account suspensions when attempting to play on a PS4 console.

'''<big>Console Suspension:</big>'''

With this suspension, you will be unable to use your console to access any account, play games or game modes requiring online access, or access content purchased from the PlayStation Store.

The suspension type and length are determined based on the severity of the violation and the player's offense history.<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>

Sony "usually" emails users to explain why they have been suspended and how long the suspension will last, and allows users to view their account status by visiting [https://www.playstation.com/safety/status/?smcid=pdc:en-us:pdc-support-account-suspensions-psn:my-support My Support]. <ref name=":1" />

Console level bans render Digital Edition PlayStation 5s effectively unusable, since PlayStation Network access is required to download and install games on these consoles. PlayStation 5s with disk drives are still capable of reading games from a disk when banned on a console level, but upgrading eligible PlayStation 4 games to PlayStation 5 digital versions requires PlayStation Network access.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How to upgrade an eligible PS4 game to the digital PS5 version |url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/games/upgrade-ps4-game-to-ps5-version/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260211031057/https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/games/upgrade-ps4-game-to-ps5-version/ |archive-date=11 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Additionally, Sony offers no recourse to users who buy a suspended used console:<blockquote>
===Can a second-hand PlayStation console suspension be lifted?===
No. If you have purchased a suspended PlayStation console, please contact the seller for help.<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>

Since someone selling a suspended PlayStation console can simply choose not to tell the buyer about the suspension, this can blindside secondhand buyers. Buyers might have trouble contacting the seller about the console ban, and if the PlayStation was suspended before the seller even obtained it, then tracing the user who caused the suspension could be near impossible.

Sony's refusal to support users who buy a suspended used console disincentivizes purchasing used consoles out of concern that the buyer may end up with an unusable console. Thus, users are more likely to buy new, from which Sony profits, and the banned used consoles are likely to become e-waste.

==Lawsuit==
In some states, Sony has already lost court cases and were forced to unban some consoles.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-05 |title=Sony Suffers Defeat in Brazilian Court Over Banned PS5 Consoles |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2021/05/05/ps5-ban-brazil-ruling/ |website=playstationlifestyle.net |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004103414/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2021/05/05/ps5-ban-brazil-ruling/ |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>

Despite these lost cases, Sony still uses this practice.

==Consumer response==
{{Ph-I-ConR}}

==Related articles==
Incidents:

*[[Nintendo Switch bans]]

Game companies:

*[[Sony]]
*[[Nintendo]]
*[[Microsoft]]
**[[Xbox]]

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

PlayStation Network Account Requirement for PC Games

2026-04-06T12:16:16Z

ExtensionGuy: also added PlayStation as company in cargo data

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Sony, PlayStation
|StartDate=10 July 2025
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=Gaming consoles
|Product=PlayStation
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Digital Restriction, Forced Account
|Description=Sony requires a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to play some PC games, including single-player only games.
}}

[[Sony]] requires a [[wikipedia:PlayStation_Network|PlayStation Network]] (PSN) account be made or used for [[PlayStation]] games ported to PC and sold on the PC, including games that were solely single player such as ''Last of Us Part 2''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ariyasinghe |first=Pulasthi |date=2024-11-09 |title=PSN account requirement on PC is there to keep gamers safe, explains Sony |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109203247/https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |archive-date=9 Nov 2024 |website=Neowin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Michael |date=2024-09-25 |title=Sony Not Backing Down on PSN PC Requirement Despite Backlash |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925175510/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |archive-date=25 Sep 2024 |website=PlayStation Lifestyle}}</ref>.

==Background==
The PSN is an account-based service that Sony's PlayStation makes mandatory to use their online services like the console shop, the game achievements or the console's friend service.

==Incident==
Sony began releasing its games on the digital computer store Steam. Some time later it began to require the addition of a PSN account to be able to access the aforementioned games including those previously purchased, thus changing the terms of access after the purchase.

The fact that at that time 121 PSN did not exist made the option to play the games impossible for millions of users who had already purchased them, like the popular Helldivers 2 which at the moment was impossible to play from there.

===Sony's response===

In January 2025 Sony removed this requirement for some games and instead offered players benefits to use PSN. However the restriction remains for other Sony games such as ''Until Dawn''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qizilbash |first=Asad |date=2025-01-29 |title=New in-game content incentives coming to PlayStation games on PC |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129163956/https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |archive-date=29 Jan 2025 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony - PlayStation Blog}}</ref>

===Valve's Steam response===
[[Steam]] began to refund games that were inaccessible due to the non-existence of PSN in the user's country regardless of the time played.

==See also==

*[[Forced account]]

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

PlayStation Network Account Requirement for PC Games

2026-04-06T12:13:52Z

ExtensionGuy: made this an incident page

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Sony
|StartDate=10 July 2025
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=Gaming consoles
|Product=PlayStation
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Digital Restriction, Forced Account
|Description=Sony requires a PlayStation Network (PSN) account to play some PC games, including single-player only games.
}}

[[Sony]] requires a [[wikipedia:PlayStation_Network|PlayStation Network]] (PSN) account be made or used for [[PlayStation]] games ported to PC and sold on the PC, including games that were solely single player such as ''Last of Us Part 2''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ariyasinghe |first=Pulasthi |date=2024-11-09 |title=PSN account requirement on PC is there to keep gamers safe, explains Sony |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109203247/https://www.neowin.net/news/psn-account-requirement-on-pc-is-there-to-keep-gamers-safe-explains-sony/ |archive-date=9 Nov 2024 |website=Neowin}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Michael |date=2024-09-25 |title=Sony Not Backing Down on PSN PC Requirement Despite Backlash |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925175510/https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2024/09/25/sony-psn-login-required-horizon-zero-dawn-remastered-pc/ |archive-date=25 Sep 2024 |website=PlayStation Lifestyle}}</ref>.

==Background==
The PSN is an account-based service that Sony's PlayStation makes mandatory to use their online services like the console shop, the game achievements or the console's friend service.

==Incident==
Sony began releasing its games on the digital computer store Steam. Some time later it began to require the addition of a PSN account to be able to access the aforementioned games including those previously purchased, thus changing the terms of access after the purchase.

The fact that at that time 121 PSN did not exist made the option to play the games impossible for millions of users who had already purchased them, like the popular Helldivers 2 which at the moment was impossible to play from there.

===Sony's response===

In January 2025 Sony removed this requirement for some games and instead offered players benefits to use PSN. However the restriction remains for other Sony games such as ''Until Dawn''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Qizilbash |first=Asad |date=2025-01-29 |title=New in-game content incentives coming to PlayStation games on PC |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129163956/https://blog.playstation.com/2025/01/29/new-in-game-content-incentives-coming-to-playstation-games-on-pc/ |archive-date=29 Jan 2025 |website=PlayStation Blog |publisher=Sony - PlayStation Blog}}</ref>

===Valve's Steam response===
[[Steam]] began to refund games that were inaccessible due to the non-existence of PSN in the user's country regardless of the time played.

==See also==

*[[Forced account]]

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

Optimum

2026-04-06T11:58:43Z

ExtensionGuy: desc added for extension, even shorter and quick summarization of first paragraph

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Optimum is an internet service provider (ISP) formerly known as Cablevision.
|Founded=1973
|Industry=ISP, Telecommunications
|Logo=Optimum.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://optimum.net
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Optimum|Optimum]]''' is a [[internet service provider]] (ISP) founded by Charles Dolan in 1973 as Cablevision.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/business/dealbook/the-dolans-the-clan-that-built-the-cablevision-empire-say-goodbye.html|title=The Dolans, the Clan That Built the Cablevision Empire, Say Goodbye|first=Micheal|last=de la Merced|date=2015-09-17|work=The New York Times|access-date=2025-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918155226/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/business/dealbook/the-dolans-the-clan-that-built-the-cablevision-empire-say-goodbye.html|archive-date=2015-09-18|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004 the company would begin to use the Optimum branding.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://libn.com/2004/05/28/cablevisions-optimum-voice-to-face-new-rivals/|title=Cablevision's Optimum Voice to face new rivals |author=LIBN Staff|date=2004-05-28|work=Long Island Business News|access-date=2025-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407212253/https://libn.com/2004/05/28/cablevisions-optimum-voice-to-face-new-rivals/|archive-date=2025-04-07|url-status=live}}</ref> Altice would later buy Cablevision in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc7ny.com/15729833/|title=Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98|date=2024-12-30|work=ABC7|access-date=2025-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407212553/https://abc7ny.com/15729833/|archive-date=2025-04-07|url-status=live}}</ref>

==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}}

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].
===ISP monopoly (''date'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
In Northeastern towns such as Brookhaven, the town only had a cable/internet contract with Optimum (with those in the town declaring Optimum an "effective monopoly") before accepting a 5-year franchise deal with Verizon in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://greaterlongisland.com/brookhaven-verizon-fios-cable-franchise-agreement/|title=Brookhaven strikes tentative deal with Verizon FiOS, breaks Optimum’s cable monopoly|date=2026-03-26|first=Brian|last=Harmon|work=Greater Long Island}}</ref>

===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

==Products==
{{Placeholder box|This is a list of the company's product lines '''with articles on this wiki'''.
* [[Example product line one]] (release date): Short summary of the product's incidents.
* [[Example product line two]] (release date):}}

==See also==
*[[Spectrum]]
*[[Verizon]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Geeni

2026-04-06T11:51:12Z

ExtensionGuy: desc added for extension, short and quick summarization of first paragraph

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Geeni is a smart home company that specialize in wireless IP security cameras, smart LED lighting, smart power plugs, and various other smart home devices.
|Founded=2017
|Industry=Electronics, IoT, Smart Home
|Logo=Geeni.png
|ParentCompany=Merkury Innovations
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://mygeeni.com/
}}
'''Geeni''' is a smart home company founded in 2017. They specialize in wireless IP security cameras, smart LED lighting, smart power plugs, and various other smart home devices. '''Geeni''' is a sub-brand of '''Merkury Innovations''' along with '''West & Arrow''', '''Suds.lab''', and '''Merkury Smart.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-21 |title=Merkury Innovations |url=https://merkuryinnovations.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613223319/https://merkuryinnovations.com/ |archive-date=2025-06-13 |access-date=2025-07-22}}</ref>'''

==Consumer-impact summary==
Users cannot control light bulbs or other devices paired to Geeni app or phone until new terms and conditions have been agreed to after the initial sale.

==Incidents==
As of June 2025, a user has reported that bulbs cannot be controlled by the app or other methods until the user agrees to the new terms and conditions. The bulb will enter pairing mode, but will not connect even if paired to the app previously. Consumers who are outside of the 30 day time frame from purchase are not eligible for refunds leaving no recourse for not accepting the new terms and conditions. The Geeni policy for refunds is listed below.
{| class="wikitable"
|Time Frame
|CONDITIONS
|REQUIREMENTS
|-
| rowspan="3" |30 days upon purchase
|Product should be bought directly from from Geeni or Merkury Innovations websites only
|Provide Proof of Purchase/Packaging Slip and photo of the product received
|-
|Products bought from other stores are not entitled for a Refund service.
|
|-
|Products are proven to have manufacture defect
|Provide Proof of Purchase/Packaging Slip and photo of the product received
|}

==See also==
*https://support.mygeeni.com/hc/en-us/articles/360007388574-Refund-Service
*[[Merkury Innovations]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

User:ExtensionGuy

2026-04-06T11:29:27Z

ExtensionGuy: made mah page

I try to fix pages so they work with the extension!