Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Rockstar Games

2025-08-17T23:39:45Z

IncompA: /* Rockstar forces arbitration agreement after the sale */ Small formatting fix

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type =Subsidiary
| Founded =1998
| Industry =Video games
| Official Website =https://www.rockstargames.com/
| Logo =Rockstar Games Logo.svg
}}'''[[wikipedia:Rockstar_Games|Rockstar Games, Inc]].''' is an American video-game publisher based in New York City. It is known for action-adventure game franchises such as ''Grand Theft Auto'' and ''Red Dead Redemption.''

==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]].

===Rockstar - GTA The Definitive Trilogy===
{{Incomplete section}}

===Rockstar - GTA 4 content removal===
Licensing for some songs in ''GTA 4'' have run out, and updates to the game have been removing content after purchase.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/360001005308/Music-Updates-in-Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-The-Lost-and-Damned-and-The-Ballad-of-Gay-Tony|title=Music Updates in Grand Theft Auto IV, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony|date=2018-04-18|work=Rockstar Games Support|access-date=2025-04-02|archive-url=https://archive.ph/MHBy0|archive-date=2025-04-02|url-status=live}}</ref> A list of removed songs can be found here<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gtaforums.com/topic/908139-iv-song-removal-due-to-licenses-expiring/|title=IV Song Removal Due to Licenses expiring.|date=2018-04-18|author=edups|work=GTAForums|access-date=2025-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321070236/https://gtaforums.com/topic/908139-iv-song-removal-due-to-licenses-expiring/|archive-date=2025-03-21|url-status=live}}</ref> and here.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/8f4crm/the_update_for_gta_4_removes_songs_from_the/|title=The update for GTA 4 removes songs from the ingame radio stations. Here is the list of songs removed|author=u/TransAmConnor|work=Reddit|date=2018-04-26|access-date=2025-04-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429055804/https://www.reddit.com/r/Games/comments/8f4crm/the_update_for_gta_4_removes_songs_from_the/|archive-date=2018-04-29|url-status=live}}</ref> Players who purchased a physical disk copy can enjoy the full soundtrack but cannot update without losing content.

===Rockstar - GTA 5 move to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase===
{{Main|GTA 5 moves to kernel-level anti-cheat on PC after purchase}}
On September 17, 2024 (11 years after release), Rockstar implemented a controversial update that included a more invasive and dangerous kernel-mode anti-cheat made by BattlEye. This update retroactively restricted GTA Online usage to the Windows operating system, despite previously being fully functional on other operating systems like Linux and SteamOS. Despite the BattleEye anti-cheat being Linux compatible with minimal effort, Rockstar still chose to not support the operating system, hence leaving buyers without the product they paid for.

Due to the BattleEye anti-cheat being a requirement to run GTA V, if a customer decides not to install it they won't be able to sign in to the Rockstar Launcher even if they wish to play singleplayer. There are workarounds for this, such as using offline mode on Steam, but the game requires you to activate its license by logging in to Rockstar Launcher atleast once when you install it and about every week you will need to reactivate this license to continue playing the singleplayer mode.

===Rockstar prevents borrowing games on Steam===
While many publishers permit Steam Family Sharing, a feature that allows users to share their game libraries with other accounts, Rockstar does not allow it.{{Citation needed}}

===Rockstar forces arbitration agreement after the sale===
As of March 28, 2025, Rockstar Games Launcher is now forcing customers to accept the current terms and conditions which were updated February 28th, 2025. This includes an arbitration agreement that may only be opted out of using a letter delivered via official mail courier services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 Feb 2025 |title=Rockstar Legal |url=https://www.rockstargames.com/legal}}</ref> This affects owners of any games through the Rockstar Games Launcher as well as Steam users who own games that require it's use and completely blocks them from using the products they paid for until they agree.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Cinemark

2025-08-17T23:16:02Z

IncompA: /* Freedom */ Formatting fix

{{stub}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = {{PAGENAME}}
| Type = Public
| Founded = 1977
| Industry = Entertainment
| Official Website = https://cinemark.com
| Logo = Cinemark.svg
}}

'''Cinemark Theatres''' is a major American and international movie theater chain founded in 1977. As of March 2025, there are 497 Cinemark theaters in the United States and Latin America combined.<ref name="about">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemark.com/about-cinemark/about-us/|title=About Cinemark Holdings, Inc.|access-date=2025-06-13|work=Cinemark|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514084350/https://www.cinemark.com/about-cinemark/about-us/|archive-date=2025-05-14|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}}

====Freedom====
To use digital gift cards or mobile ticketing, users must create an account and agree to the Cinemark [[Terms of Service]].

====Market control====
Cinemark operates hundreds of cinemas across 42 states in the U.S. and globally, with them being the third largest cinema circuit in the U.S and having presence in 15 of the top 20 South American cities.<ref name="about" /> Over the years, Cinemark has acquired Century Theatres, Rave Cinemas, and Tinseltown USA, further increasing their presence in the United States.<ref name="about" />

==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]].

===Liability cap===
Cinemark’s ToS include a broad limitation of liability clause:

:''"IN SUCH JURISDICTIONS, OUR LIABILITY IS LIMITED … OR $20, WHICHEVER IS LESS."''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemark.com/terms-conditions-archive/terms-conditions-current/|title=Cinemark Terms of Service|work=Cinemark|access-date=2025-06-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250505055911/https://www.cinemark.com/terms-conditions-archive/terms-conditions-current/|archive-date=2025-05-05|url-status=live}}</ref>

This restricts consumer recoveries to $20 or less, regardless of the magnitude of actual damages, such as duplicate charges or failed redemptions.

===Forced arbitration and opt‑out===
Cinemark requires binding arbitration for any disputes:

:''"Unless you opt‑out … any future disputes … will be resolved by binding arbitration … You are waiving your right … unless you send notice post‑marked no later than thirty (30) days after the date you accept these Terms of Service for the first time."''

Users must send a written opt‑out letter within 30 days of first agreeing to the ToS—or forfeit their right to class-action lawsuits or judicial resolution.

====Why it matters====

*'''Cap on liability''': Consumers may suffer significant losses but only recover a trivial amount.
*'''Arbitration requirement''': Arbitration is often more costly and less transparent, and consumers may lose access to court remedies.
*'''Forced click‑wrap agreement''': Users must accept these terms post-purchase if they want to redeem gift cards or buy tickets online.

====Impact on consumers====
These conditions shift risk and legal protections away from users by embedding restrictive clauses in mandatory account agreements—especially where users are unlikely to read or understand fine-print ToS.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Chromium

2025-08-17T23:11:38Z

IncompA: /* Licensing */ Small formatting fixes

{{ToneWarning}}

'''Chromium''' is a [[wikipedia:Free_and_open-source_software|free and open-source]] [[:Category:Web browsers|web browser]] developed by and primarily maintained by [[Google]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Google |date= |title=Chromium |url=https://www.chromium.org/Home/ |access-date=2025-08-12}}</ref> Several major web browsers use Chromium as the base of their software, including [[Google Chrome]],<ref name=":0" /> [[Microsoft Edge]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-06 |title=10 cool things to check out at Microsoft Build 2019 |url=https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2019/05/06/10-cool-things-to-check-out-at-microsoft-build-2019/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=blogs.microsoft.com}}</ref> [[Opera]]/[[Opera GX]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-08-27 |title=Today, Opera 15 has been updated to Opera 16 |url=https://blogs.opera.com/news/2013/08/today-opera-15-has-been-updated-to-opera-16/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=blogs.opera.com}}</ref> [[Brave browser|Brave]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-14 |title=Brave - Homepage |url=https://brave.com/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-14 |website=brave.com}}</ref> and others.

==Controversies==

===Manifest V3===
Manifest V3 is an update to the manifest structure used by browser-extensions across the majority of the browser market; it is presented as an upgrade to security, privacy and performance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=David |title=Resuming the transition to Manifest V3 |url=https://developer.chrome.com/blog/resuming-the-transition-to-mv3 |url-status=live |access-date=24 Mar 2025 |website=Chrome for developers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 Sep 2024 |title=Overview and timelines for migrating to Manifest V3 |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/extensions-chromium/developer-guide/manifest-v3 |url-status=live |access-date=24 Mar 2025 |website=[[Microsoft]]}}</ref> Manifest V3's changes restrict the access browser-extensions can have, presenting a security benefit by not allowing them to load remote resources on the fly or deeply alter rendered content. By doing so, the effectiveness of the browser market's most effective ad-blockers is diminished.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Siddiqui |first=Aamir |date=17 Nov 2023 |title=Google's Manifest V3 changes will soon disable uBlock Origin on Chrome |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/google-chrome-manifest-v3-changes-3386506/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 Mar 2025 |website=Android Authority}}</ref> Workarounds and updated versions of Manifest V3 have been made but are less effective since, for example, blocked domains cannot be updated as conveniently.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buria |first=Taras |date=3 Aug 2024 |title=uBlock Origin developer recommends switching to uBlock Lite as Chrome flags the extension |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/ublock-origin-developer-recommends-switching-to-ublock-lite-as-chrome-flags-the-extension/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 Mar 2025 |website=Neowin}}</ref> This manifest change is backed by leading Chromium browsers, making it difficult for other browsers to match previous ad-blocking abilities without committing to sustaining Manifest V2 (such as Firefox, which also uses chromium-sourced manifests<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Edward |date=13 Mar 2024 |title=Manifest V3 & Manifest V2 (March 2024 update) |url=https://blog.mozilla.org/addons/2024/03/13/manifest-v3-manifest-v2-march-2024-update/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 Mar 2025 |website=[[Mozilla]]}}</ref>) or sustaining their own ad-blocking solutions<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 Jun 2024 |title=What Manifest V3 means for Brave Shields and the use of extensions in the Brave browser |url=https://brave.com/blog/brave-shields-manifest-v3/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 Mar 2025 |website=[[Brave]]}}</ref> of varied effectiveness.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 Jun 2024 |title=Manifest v3 update: Vivaldi is future-proofed with its built-in functionality |url=https://vivaldi.com/blog/manifest-v3-update-vivaldi-is-future-proofed-with-its-built-in-functionality/ |url-status=live |access-date=24 Mar 2025 |website=[[Vivaldi]]}}</ref>
==Licensing==
Chromium's code is published under the 3-clause BSD license.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Google |title=LICENSE |url=https://chromium.googlesource.com/chromium/src/+/master/LICENSE |access-date=2025-08-12}}</ref>

=References=
<references />
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Adobe ToS update gives the company rights over consumers' works

2025-08-17T23:01:35Z

IncompA: Small formatting fix

[[File:Adobe tos.jpg|thumb|Adobe's updated Terms of Service, which does not include an "opt-out" nor a "decline" option.]]

'''[[Adobe]]''' made changes to the terms of use of their software offerings in 2024 using wording that granted Adobe a licence to make use of the users' created content in a variety of ways.

==Background==
Adobe, a computer software company that specializes in programs for content creation, editing, and publishing, has stirred controversy with an update to their [[Terms of Service]] (ToS) which declares that by accepting, users grant Adobe a "non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license"<ref name="tos-sec4.3" /> to their content. This license allows Adobe to "reproduce, distribute, create derivative works, publicly display, publicly preform, and sublicense" the user's content.<ref name="tos-sec4.3">
{{cite web
|author=
|date=18 June 2024
|title=Adobe General Terms of Use Section 4.3
|url=https://www.adobe.com/legal/terms.html#root_content_flex_copy_1721445329_items_flex_928057436_items_position_position-par_position_402910982_c_2129676765
|website=Adobe
|url-status=live
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
|archive-date=16 Feb 2025
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250216212938/https://www.adobe.com/legal/terms.html#root_content_flex_copy_1721445329_items_flex_928057436_items_position_position-par_position_402910982_c_2129676765
}}</ref>

==Consumer impact==
This controversy stems from concerns that the updated ToS may violate existing [[Non-disclosure agreement|non-disclosure agreements]] (NDAs) and their own [[wikipedia:Intellectual_property|Intellectual property]] rights. When the change to the policy was made users were unable to access their content without first agreeing to the updated ToS, leaving many users unable to retrieve their work.

While Adobe claims they do not use your content to train generative AI, Adobe does admit they may use your content for machine-learning purposes, and states that users always have the option to opt out, despite there being no option on the ToS-acceptance screen to decline or opt out.

==References==

[[Category:Adobe]]
[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:Feature Ransom]]
<references />

Inclusion of forced arbitration in Crunchyroll January 2025 TOS update

2025-08-17T22:59:34Z

IncompA: Grammar fixes

On Thursday, January 30th, Crunchyroll emailed US users of its server about an update to its terms of service through email and notifications on login. There were two main updates to the terms of service - a class action-lawsuit waiver, and an update to account usage guidelines. The messaging about these changes did not mention any means of opting out of these changes or give any warning - they are effective as soon as users click continue on the site or continue to use the service.

==Background==
Crunchyroll is a US-based media-streaming platform owned by [[Sony]] that specializes in east Asian media. Users can opt to pay for different tiers of premium access to content. Users have to agree to the terms of service to continue to use the streaming platform.

On January 30th, 2025 users were informed that the terms of use were changing via email and messages upon logging into the site. In order to continue using the service, users would have to agree to the terms even if they were already paid members of the site.

The email users received indicated two vague changes to the terms of service:

#"We’ve provided additional details on the use of your account and the guidelines that help keep user accounts safe and sound."
#"We’ve updated the procedures for resolving disputes with us."

[[File:CrunchyRollTermsUpdateemailText.png|center|frameless|400x400px|The email that Crunchyroll sent to its US-based users on 01-30-2025 notifying them of the change of the terms of conditions.]]
Users may have also received a message when trying to login after the changes to the terms of service. Users are unable to continue to the site without clicking "Continue" to agree to the terms, even if they are a paid member, and are not given an opt-out option.
[[File:CrunchyRollLoginTerms.png|center|frameless|400x400px|The notification on Crunchyroll's site for US-based users on 01-30-2025 notifying them of the change of the terms of conditions and requiring them to click continue.]]

==''Terms of Service Update - Section 14''==
''Upon clicking the terms of use''<ref name=":02">https://www.crunchyroll.com/tos/?lid=l022q2vu4gh7</ref> ''link provided in the email, the user is greeted with a 23 page legal agreement with no indication of what exactly changed.''

''Reading into it the user would find that:''

#''By continuing to use the service they agree to all of the terms''
#''They can opt out of section 14, "Dispute Resolution: Arbitration Agreement and Class Action Waiver" by notifying Crunchyroll in writing''
#''Even if they opt out'' ''of section 14 of the terms, you cannot opt-out of the specific "Class Action Waiver" section - section d.''

The specific statements provided in the terms on these topics are as follows:<blockquote>"You may opt-out and not be bound by the Arbitration Agreement and Class Action Waiver. To do so, you must notify Crunchyroll in writing no later than thirty (30) days of your acceptance of any update to these Terms of Use or your first use of the Service, whichever is later. Your notice must include your name and address, and the email address you used to set up your Crunchyroll account (if you have one), and an unequivocal statement that you want to opt-out of this arbitration agreement. You must send your opt-out notice to one of the following physical or email addresses: Crunchyroll, LLC., ATTN: Arbitration Opt-out, 444 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94108; legal@crunchyroll.com. If you do not opt out, you shall be bound to arbitrate disputes in accordance with the terms of the Arbitration Agreement and Class Action Waiver. If you opt out of the Arbitration Agreement or Class Action Waiver, you or we may exercise your or our right to a trial by jury or judge, as permitted by applicable law, but any prior existing agreement to arbitrate Disputes under a prior version of this Arbitration Agreement will not apply to claims not yet filed. Crunchyroll will continue to honor any valid opt outs if you opted out of arbitration in a prior version of the Arbitration Agreement pursuant to the requirements set forth in that version. If you opt-out of the Arbitration Agreement or Class Action Waiver, Crunchyroll also will not be bound by them. Absent opt out, this Section 14 will survive the termination of your relationship with Crunchyroll."<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":1">[[:File:CrunchyRollTerms 01-30-2025.pdf]]</ref></blockquote>The text about not being able to opt-out of the class-action waiver (section d) is at the end of section f (Arbitration rules):<blockquote>Opt out of arbitration under this section shall not be construed as opt out of Section 14(d), “Class Action Waiver.” Absent notice of an opt-out, the arbitrations will proceed in the order determined by the sequential numbers assigned to demands in the Mass Filing.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":1" /></blockquote>There is not a similar note about opting-out of the "class action waiver" in the section titled "Class Action Waiver"

Users were not provided with an easy option to opt-out or an easy-to-review synopsis of changes to the terms.

The end of the terms indicates that anyone can contact Crunchyroll with questions or to obtain a copy:<blockquote>If you have questions about these Terms of Use or would like to request a copy of these Terms of Use or any other records relating to these Terms of Use or your use of the Site and Services, contact Crunchyroll at feedback@crunchyroll.com or by sending a written request to Crunchyroll, LLC. at ''444 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, Phone: (415) 796-3560''.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":1" /></blockquote>

===Sony's response===
Sony has not responded.

==Consumer impact==
On March 1st, 2025, existing users will no longer be able to opt-out and will be required to participate in binding arbitration if a dispute arises between the user and Crunchyroll, without an option to pursue a class-action suit. Users will also be required to reply within 30 days to any future changes to the terms of service with written opt-out of section 14 of the terms of service.

==Lawsuit==
''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.''

==Consumer response==
''Summary and key issues of prevailing sentiment from the consumers that can be documented via articles, emails to support, reviews and forum posts.''

==References==
<references />
[[Category:Crunchyroll]]
[[Category:Incidents]]

4k Video Downloader+

2025-08-17T22:56:19Z

IncompA: Missed some

{{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 for "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'')===
The developer has sold Lifetime Licenses for 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 has discontinued it to sell 4k Video Downloader+, starting July 26, 2023. The old license key is not valid for 4k Video Downloader+ because they are "two different programs".<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 as the applications are visually identical.

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

4k Video Downloader+

2025-08-17T22:54:16Z

IncompA: /* Questions Regarding the Company's Explanation for a new Version */ Formatting fix

{{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 for "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'')===
The developer has sold Lifetime Licenses for 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 has discontinued it to sell 4k Video Downloader+, starting July 26, 2023. The old license key is not valid for 4k Video Downloader+ because they are "two different programs".<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 as the applications are visually identical.

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

GameStop

2025-08-17T22:45:51Z

IncompA: Grammar, formatting fixes

{{incomplete}}

{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = GameStop
| Type = Public
| Founded = 1984
| Industry = Video game retail
| Official Website = https://gamestop.com/
| Logo = GameStop.png
}}

'''[[Wikipedia:GameStop|GameStop Corp.]]''' (NYSE: GME) is an American company which sells video games, video-game accessories, gaming merchandise, and collectables. It was founded in 1984 by James McCurry and Gary M. Kusin as Babbages Etc, only gaining the name "GameStop" much later in its life.

==Cancellation policy==
Cancellation of pre-owned tech (i.e., phones and other tech devices) can only be done through a phone call:<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameStop Return Policy |url=https://www.gamestop.com/fullreturnpolicy/ |url-status=live |access-date=17 Apr 2025 |website=[[GameStop]]}}</ref><blockquote>You can return most items in-store or by calling our customer service at 1-800-883-8895; online orders may be returned in-store without a fee, and shipped returns will incur a fee of $8.99. Pre-owned Tech (i.e., phones and other tech devices) are returnable only via calling customer service.</blockquote>Hold times for cancellation are significantly longer than other reasons for calls at the same time of day.{{Citation needed}}

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

Star Citizen

2025-08-17T22:40:32Z

IncompA: Formatting

{{InfoboxProductLine
| Title = Star Citizen
| Release Year = 2012-present
| Product Type = Digital Game Content
| In Production = Yes
| Developer = Cloud Imperium Games
| Official Website = https://robertsspaceindustries.com/
|Logo=Star citizen logo.png}}

'''[[Wikipedia:Star Citizen|Star Citizen]]''', a crowdfunded space simulation game, has sold numerous digital products and features since 2012 that remain undelivered as of 2024. Key items include ships costing hundreds of dollars, a modding platform, private server capabilities, pets, and much more, all of which continue to be marketed and sold despite no implementation timeline.

==Background==
Star Citizen began as a Kickstarter campaign in 2012 by Chris Roberts, creator of Wing Commander. The project promised a combination of space combat, trading, and exploration alongside a single-player campaign called Squadron 42. The campaign raised $2.1 million initially, with total crowdfunding exceeding $600 million by 2024 through continuous sales of digital ships and game packages.

==Undelivered product sales==
Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) has maintained a practice of selling digital products years before implementation under the guise of calling it a 'concept', with several items or 'pledges' remaining undelivered after a decade:

===Ships and Vehicles===
*Idris-M: Military variant sold in 2012 for $1,000, incomplete version delivered May 2025.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Idris-M</ref>
*Idris-P: Civilian variant sold since 2012 for $1,250, price increased to $1,500, incomplete version delivered May 2025.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Idris-P</ref>
*Banu Merchantman|Merchantman: First sold in 2013 for $250 (original concept sale), currently priced at $600.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Merchantman</ref>
*Orion: First sold in 2014 for $325 (original concept sale), industrial mining vessel remains undelivered, current price $575.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Orion</ref>
*Genesis Starliner: Sold in 2015 for $400 (original concept sale), passenger transport remains undelivered.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Genesis_Starliner</ref>
*Endeavor: Made available in 2015 for $350 (original concept sale), limited availability since with price increases.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Endeavor</ref>
*Hull D: Sold since 2015 for $350 (original concept sale), price increased in subsequent sales.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Hull_D</ref>
*Hull E: Offered in 2015 for $550 (original concept sale), increased to $950 in later sales.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Hull_E</ref>
*Crucible: Sold in 2015 for $350 (original concept sale), repair ship remains undelivered.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Crucible</ref>
*Pioneer: Marketed in 2017 for $850 (original concept sale), base-building vessel remains in concept phase<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Pioneer</ref>
*Drake Kraken: First sold in 2018 for $1,400 (original concept sale), capital ship with privateer variant sold for $2,000, remains undelivered.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Kraken</ref>
*Railen: First sold in 2021 for $200 (original concept sale), remains undelivered.<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Railen</ref>

Note: All listed vessels have been sold multiple times since their original concept sales, often at increased prices. Many remain in concept phase or early development despite years passing since initial sales.

==Consumer protection concerns==
The practice of selling digital products years before implementation has raised significant consumer protection concerns. Despite marketing these items as 'pledges' or 'concepts', CIG continues to charge real money for digital goods with no firm delivery timeline or guarantee of implementation. The company's terms of service have been modified multiple times since 2012, changing the conditions under which refunds are offered and altering customer rights regarding purchased content. Many backers who attempted to obtain refunds for undelivered products have reported difficulties, with CIG often citing their evolving terms of service as justification for denial. The lack of concrete development schedules for sold items, combined with regular price increases for unreleased content, has led to criticism from consumer advocacy groups and gaming industry observers. Additionally, the practice of artificial scarcity through "limited-time sales" of digital products that don't yet exist has been questioned as potentially misleading marketing.
[[File:ASA Response .png|thumb|A response letter from the Advertising Standards Authority affirming that Cloud Imperium Games likely had breached the Advertising Rules. ]]
In 2021, following a consumer complaint to the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) by a member of the /r/starcitizen_refunds community<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/starcitizen_refunds/comments/pfgchs/uk_advertising_standards_agency_rule_concept_ship/</ref>, Cloud Imperium Games was required to modify their concept ship marketing emails after the ASA determined they violated Advertising Rules in the UK. The issue centered on emails promoting concept ships without clear disclosure that the advertised vessels did not yet exist in-game. In response, CIG added a standardized disclaimer to their marketing emails stating that concept ships are "being offered here as a limited vehicle concept pledge". The disclaimer also notes that purchasers receive a temporary "loaner vehicle" until their bought ship becomes available.

==Development status contradictions==
A notable point of controversy surrounds CIG's inconsistent messaging regarding Star Citizen's development status. When players report persistent bugs, server issues, or gameplay problems, CIG and community moderators frequently emphasize the game's "alpha" status as justification for these issues, suggesting the project is still in early development. However, when faced with questions about delayed delivery of promised features or criticism of continuous sales practices, the company often presents Star Citizen as a delivered, playable product that is simply receiving ongoing development. This contradiction has been particularly evident in legal contexts, where CIG has defended against refund requests by asserting that the base game has been "delivered" to backers, while simultaneously using the alpha designation to deflect criticism about long-standing technical issues and missing core gameplay features promised in the original crowdfunding campaign. The dual narrative has led to growing skepticism within the gaming community about the project's actual development status and CIG's transparency regarding project completion criteria.

==Development communication issues==
Squadron 42's "Answer the Call 2017" marketing campaign ended in failure when CIG did not deliver the promised single-player campaign, despite extensive marketing featuring a star-studded cast including Mark Hamill, Gary Oldman, and Gillian Anderson<ref>https://starcitizen.tools/Squadron_42</ref>. Following community backlash over the missed release, CIG announced plans for a new project roadmap in late 2017. However, this evolved into what became known as the "Roadmap to the Roadmap," with a release view being finally available in March of 2018. When finally delivered, the new roadmap consistently showed missed deadlines and delayed features. Rather than address these delays, CIG ultimately discontinued much of the roadmap's progress tracker in February 2022, dismissively labeling concerned backers as "roadmap watchers" <ref>https://robertsspaceindustries.com/spectrum/community/SC/forum/3/thread/roadmap-roundup-february-2nd-2022</ref> and claiming that showing development progress "puts too much attention on features that had a high probability of shifting around" and was "a distraction both internally at CIG and within the community". This marked a significant departure from their previous promises of transparency and was met with substantial community backlash, particularly from backers who had used the roadmap to track progress on features they had purchased years earlier.

==Consumer response==
[[File:-r-Starcitizen Corruption.png|thumb|CIG Employee Zac Preece asking in a private discord server for a post to be removed from the /r/starcitizen reddit. This post by the account of the reddit moderator Ian (MrRiceGuy) didn't violate the rules yet proceeded to remove said post anyway. ]]
The prolonged development timeline and sales practices have led to organized consumer response movements, notably the /r/starcitizen_refunds subreddit community with over 18,000 members.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/starcitizen_refunds/</ref>. This subreddit serves as a platform for dissatisfied backers seeking refunds, documenting development delays, and tracking changes to terms of service that affect consumer rights. Discussion of these issues on official channels is heavily restricted, with CIG's Spectrum forum rules explicitly prohibiting posts deemed to spread "fear, uncertainty, and doubt" (FUD)<ref>https://support.robertsspaceindustries.com/hc/en-us/articles/115013196427-Spectrum-and-Website-Rules-and-Moderation-Responsibilities</ref> and the discussion of support tickets / moderation decisions.

While unofficial communities like the /r/starcitizen subreddit and Discord server exist, these spaces are heavily moderated to prevent discussion of negative sentiment due to strong ties between their moderators and Cloud Imperium Games employees.

As a result, /r/starcitizen_refunds has become the primary platform for maintaining records of unfulfilled promises and providing guidance for others seeking refunds.

==Ingame moderation inconsistencies==
[[File:Example of Exessive Griefing .png|thumb|An example of a user being banned for the term 'Excessive Griefing' and being directed to review the terms of service and rules of conduct for a term that doesn't exist. ]]
The moderation practices of Cloud Imperium have drawn criticism for inconsistent and opaque enforcement. Users can receiving bans for "excessive griefing" despite this term having no defined parameters in either the Terms of Service<ref>https://robertsspaceindustries.com/en/tos</ref> or Rules of Conduct<ref>https://support.robertsspaceindustries.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409491235351-Rules-of-Conduct</ref> documentation. Users receive these bans without stated reasons, requiring them to file support tickets to learn of their alleged infractions. This lack of transparency and disconnect between written policies and enforcement has created significant uncertainty about what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Star Citizen's Persistent Universe or PU for short is an open sandbox that allows players to engage in PVP activities such as Piracy and Bounty Hunting yet activity participating in these activities could lead a player to being banned for 'excessively' engaging in this activity under the guise of it being 'harassment' to do so.

===The HuskyPie Incident===
On April 21, 2025, Cloud Imperium Games banned player HuskyPie for 17 days after German content creator Karolinger falsely accused him of stream sniping. The incident occurred in Pyro, a lawless system explicitly for PvP combat. HuskyPie was completing a mercenary mission when he encountered and killed Karolinger twice at Bueno Ravine. Despite having no evidence beyond the streamer's accusations, CIG suspended HuskyPie's account. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0eipkl66-8 As documented in an episode of the "Griefers Pub" podcast], HuskyPie was forced to appeal by providing his own game logs proving he was already at the location on mission objectives and had never watched Karolinger's stream. CIG eventually overturned the ban but offered no apology or explanation. This case directly demonstrates preferential treatment for content creators and shows how regular players can be banned for engaging in permitted gameplay while content creators receive special protection from legitimate game mechanics.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Star Citizen]]

Epic Games

2025-08-17T22:39:18Z

IncompA: /* Bad Practices */ Formatting

{{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 [[wikipedia:Rocket_League|Rocket League]]===
On January 22nd, 2020, Epic and its subsidiary [[wikipedia:Psyonix|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===
On December 19th, 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]]

Collective Shout

2025-08-17T22:24:42Z

IncompA: /* Incidents */ Grammar, formatting fixes

{{ToneWarning}}
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Collective Shout
| Type = Private
| Founded = 2009
| Industry = Lobbying, Activism
| Official Website = https://www.collectiveshout.org/
| Logo = Collective-shout-logo.png
}}

Collective Shout is an Australian activist group founded in 2009. It identifies itself as "''A grassroots movement challenging the objectification of women and sexualisation of girls in media, advertising and popular culture''".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Collective Shout |url=https://www.collectiveshout.org/faq |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250720102043/https://www.collectiveshout.org/faq |archive-date=2025-07-20 |access-date=2025-08-07 |work=Collective Shout}}</ref>

The activist group became prominent in 2025 after their campaign against payment processors to cause online gaming platforms [[Steam]] and [[Itch.io]] to de-list hundreds of games, claiming that the games sexualise women.<ref>{{cite web|first=Josh|last=Taylor|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/29/mastercard-visa-backlash-adult-games-removed-online-stores-steam-itchio-ntwnfb|title=Mastercard and Visa face backlash after hundreds of adult games removed from online stores Steam and Itch.io|website=The Guardian|date=2025-07-28}}</ref> This action also affected countries outside of Australia.

Collective Shout has been widely criticized across social media for what many see as a push towards censorship and their usage of questionable methods.

==Incidents==

===Protest against ''Grand Theft Auto V''===

In 2014, the group protested the game ''Grand Theft Auto V'', stating that the game encouraged players to "murder women for entertainment."<ref name=":0" /> The game was later banned from two Australian department stores that year.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30328314|title='Sexually violent' GTA 5 banned from Australian stores|website=BBC|date=2014-12-04}}</ref>

===Pressure campaign against payment processors===
''Main article: [[Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam|Valve complying with ISPs and payment processors]]''

In July 2025, Collective Shout launched a public campaign "demanding credit card companies and PayPal block payments" for games on Steam and Itch.io.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Bita |first=Natasha |date=15 July 2025 |title=Child safety group finds 500 online 'games' role-playing rape and incest |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/education/child-safety-group-finds-500-online-games-roleplaying-rape-and-incest/news-story/b30c59f85ff22934844269cb3beff538 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/koDk8 |archive-date=18 July 2025 |access-date=18 July 2025 |work=The Australian}}</ref><ref name="RPSCS">{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=22 July 2025 |title=Anti-porn group who tried to ban GTA 5 claim credit for Steam's sex game crackdown |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/anti-porn-group-who-tried-to-ban-gta-5-claim-credit-for-steams-sex-game-crackdown |access-date=23 July 2025 |work=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref>

Itch.io responded by de-indexing NSFW content on July 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content|title=Update on NSFW content|website=Itch.io|date=2025-07-24}}</ref> Itch.io re-indexed free NSFW content on July 31.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itch.io/t/5149036/reindexing-adult-nsfw-content|title=Reindexing adult NSFW content|website=Itch.io|date=2025-07-31}}</ref>

De-indexing of NSFW content, as well as SFW LGBTQ+ content, continued on Itch.io on August 10th.[https://transnews.network/p/i-feel-violated-queer-creators-lose-livelihoods-in-itch-io-bans]

The group claims to have lobbied payment processors after sending 3,000 emails to Steam and receiving no response.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Steam at Collective Shout |url=https://www.collectiveshout.org/tags/steam |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250720103220/https://www.collectiveshout.org/tags/steam |archive-date=2025-07-20 |access-date=2025-08-07 |website=Collective Shout}}</ref><ref name="CBCCards">{{Cite news |last=Ore |first=Jonathan |date=31 July 2025 |title=How an anti-porn lobby on payment processors censored thousands of video games |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/steam-itch-takedowns-credit-cards-1.7597563 |access-date=1 August 2025 |work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]]}}</ref>

Alongside NSFW content, the group also expressed desire to remove '''Detroit: Become Human''<nowiki/>' from gaming platforms, for depictions of physical abuse against women and children.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barbe |first=Rebecca |date=6 Dec 2017 |title=Stop video game Detroit: Become Human, depicting child abuse being sold in Australia |url=https://www.change.org/p/the-hon-christian-porter-mp-stop-video-game-depicting-child-abuse-being-sold-in-australia |url-status=live |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=change.org}}</ref>

The owner of the journalism website Vice allegedly instructed certain articles related to Collective Shout to be removed from their website, due to "controversial subject matter." The author of the articles and several of her co-workers resigned soon afterwards in protest. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/After-payment-processors-prompt-removal-of-Steam-games-journalists-investigating-the-censorship-resign.1063259.0.html|title=After payment processors prompt removal of Steam games, journalists investigating the censorship resign|website=notebookcheck.net|date=2025-08-16}}</ref>

===Petition take-down attempts===
The group has also attempted to take down various petitions critiquing their actions, claiming them to be defamatory.{{Citation needed}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-08 |title=Change.org removes petition against Collective Shout. |url=https://x.com/Pirat_Nation/status/1953661001980690599 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==See also==

*[[Steam]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]