Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Amazon Echo changes terms of voice usage

2026-02-04T17:44:32Z

Lionvilds: added description

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Amazon
|StartDate=2025-03
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=Amazon Echo
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type=Privacy
|Description= Amazon removed an opt out option from amazon echo client device series for the amazon alexa, citing the need to collect data for generative AI training
}}
[[Amazon Echo]] is a series of client devices for the [[Amazon Alexa]] voice control platform for connected smart homes. Echo products have long offered the option to disable cloud voice analysis and perform processing on-device, in addition to a separate option that theoretically prevents the company from saving voice recordings. However, in March of 2025, the company sent an email to users with this option on that disables the first option and only leaves the second, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/03/17/amazon-echo-alexa-reporting-privacy/82503576007/ citing the need to train generative AI].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Robledo |first=Anthony |date=2025-03-17 |title=Amazon is removing an Echo privacy setting that keeps Alexa recordings from the company |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/03/17/amazon-echo-alexa-reporting-privacy/82503576007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319001811/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2025/03/17/amazon-echo-alexa-reporting-privacy/82503576007/ |archive-date=2025-03-19 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

==Background==
Alexa as a service is based around an edge client + cloud service model where a physical device acts as a conduit between voice and the cloud. This raises substantial privacy concerns as it is, because the lack of open source means that no one actually knows whether privacy settings are respected. However, much like Apple, Amazon assured customers through its settings interface that enabling the "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" setting would utilize exclusively local processing, sending your data to the cloud only "for features that require the transmission of audio, such as when you make a call or send a message or announcement via Alexa."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Turn on Do Not Send Voice Recordings |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GQXLLWHBCVL6L5QD |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cvDM8 |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Amazon Customer Support}}</ref> Local processing was available as a server on the Echo (4th Gen), Echo Show 10, and Echo Show 15, and could be utilized by lower power or older devices as clients.<ref name=":1" />

From archival analysis of the [https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 Alexa FAQ] page, it can be estimated that this feature was introduced in early to mid 2022, given the first available archived copy of the page was in September 2022. As of writing, this page still includes this feature despite its imminent removal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexa and Alexa Device FAQs |url=https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901001441/https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201602230 |archive-date=2022-09-01 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Amazon Customer Support}}</ref> This likely means that the Echo (4th Gen) was not launched with this feature, as it was launched 10/22/2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=2020-09-24 |title=Amazon redesigns the Echo with a new spherical design and a custom machine learning processor |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/24/21452347/amazon-echo-4th-generation-features-price-release-date-alexa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212183356/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/24/21452347/amazon-echo-4th-generation-features-price-release-date-alexa |archive-date=2024-12-12 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref> with the Echo Show 10 following not long after on 2/25/2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Dan |date=2021-02-24 |title=Amazon Echo Show 10 review: Alexa’s next move |url=https://www.theverge.com/22297810/amazon-echo-show-10-2021-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250317152944/https://www.theverge.com/22297810/amazon-echo-show-10-2021-review |archive-date=2025-03-17 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref> However, the Echo Show 15 (2023) and Echo Show 15 (2024) were both launched since, as implied by their names, and even the former was announced after this feature was unveiled.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuohy |first=Jennifer Pattison |date=2022-12-16 |title=Amazon Echo Show 15 review: Alexa’s on your wall |url=https://www.theverge.com/22839220/amazon-echo-show-15-review-wall-mounted-alexa-tablet-kitchen-tv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250307173006/https://www.theverge.com/22839220/amazon-echo-show-15-review-wall-mounted-alexa-tablet-kitchen-tv |archive-date=2025-03-07 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
[[File:Upcoming change to your Alexa Settings.png|alt=This image is a screenshot of the email sent by Amazon to customers using the Do Not Send Voice Recordings feature on Echo devices. It indicates that on March 28, 2025, this feature will be disabled and voice recordings will recorded as they "expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features."|thumb|Email from Amazon, 2025-03-14]]

==Removal of the Do Not Send Voice Feature==
On March 14, 2025 (unknown if this notice rolled out over multiple days), Amazon sent an email with the subject "Upcoming change to your Alexa Settings" to customers which had enabled the Do Not Send Voice feature. The email cites coming improvements to Alexa, including the addition of generative AI features. No alternative is given other than the already-existing "Don't save recordings" feature, which merely prohibits Amazon from keeping copies of the recordings.

Amazon claims in the email that "[t]he Alexa experience is designed to protect your privacy and keep your data secure." However, they do not appear to elaborate on this further than redirecting customers to the Alexa Privacy Hub, which cites features like the microphone toggle button and the ability to go back through already saved recordings and delete them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alexa Privacy Hub |url=https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=19149155011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220192838/https://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Privacy-Hub/b?ie=UTF8&node=19149155011 |archive-date=2025-02-20 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Amazon.com}}</ref>

It is worth noting that other companies like Apple that admit to sending some voice/speech data for processing at least claim to use confidential computing ([[wikipedia:Confidential_computing|read more on Wikipedia]]) techniques like [https://security.apple.com/blog/private-cloud-compute/ Private Cloud Compute]. While these are not fully open-source solutions, these privacy-preserving technologies are audited externally and claim to be inaccessible to employees. Amazon has, in the past, admitted some recordings "undergo anonymized human review,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarcella |first=Mike |date=2024-10-31 |title=Amazon denies duping US consumers over Alexa’s recording practices |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/transactional/amazon-denies-duping-us-consumers-over-alexas-recording-practices-2024-10-31/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/xWyGC |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Reuters}}</ref>" so it is evident these recordings are not fully autonomously processed in such a way.

==Consumer response==

The response to this issue has been varied--some consumers, such as many in [https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/1jb8qwx/psa_amazon_alexa_discontinuing_do_not_send_voice/ this Reddit thread], are quite displeased with the removal of the feature, with comments like "Great opportunity to discontinue Amazon Alexa!" and "We will spy on you and you will like it." However, media outlets have circulated a claim by Amazon that only 0.03% of users used the feature,<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-19 |title=Amazon ends little-used privacy feature that let Echo users opt out of sending recordings to company |url=https://apnews.com/article/amazon-privacy-echo-7fb3c19fa7f664bde5c5be259f8b23ee |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/I66JT |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=The Associated Press}}</ref> so it is likely that this will go broadly unnoticed whether it is positive or negative.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Amazon Echo]]

Apple removes apps aiding protests

2026-02-04T17:38:00Z

Lionvilds: added description

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Apple
|StartDate=2019
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=Apple App Store
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Censorship
|Description= Apple has removed various apps that aid protestors due to various goverments' threats
}}
[[Apple]] has removed several apps from the App Store that were used to organize anti-government protests. In 2019, following criticism from the Chinese state newspaper, Apple removed HKmap.live, an app that allowed users to view the location of protests, police sightings, and tear gas incidents on a live map.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mihalcik |first=Carrie |date=2019-10-10 |title=Apple pulls HKmap.live app used in Hong Kong protests |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-pulls-hkmap-live-app-used-in-hong-kong-protests/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-12-03 |website=CNET}}</ref> In 2021, Apple removed Navalny, used to coordinate protest voting, after threats were made to prosecute Russian Apple employees.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Troianovski |first=Anton |last2=Satariano |first2=Adam |date=2021-09-17 |title=Google and Apple, Under Pressure From Russia, Remove Voting App |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/17/world/europe/russia-navalny-app-election.html |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> In October 2025, Apple removed ICEBlock, an app used to locate and report the presence of immigration officers, as well as other similar apps following a request by the DOJ.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Oliver |first=Ashley |date=2025-10-02 |title=Apple takes down ICE tracking apps after pressure from Bondi DOJ |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/apple-takes-down-ice-tracking-app-after-pressure-from-ag-bondi |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=Fox Business}}</ref>

==HKmap.live==
===Background===
HKmap.live was used by protesters to avoid police while protesting.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-10 |title=Apple removes HKmap.live app used by Hong Kong protesters under pressure from China |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-hkmap-live-app-hong-kong-china-police-protesters-used-target-ambush-police-2019-10-10/ |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=CBS News}}</ref> The app compiles data from public sources to provide its users with information on tear gas use and police locations. Some of this data can include Telegram chats and user provided data.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-10-03 |title=Apple bans Hong Kong protest location app |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-49919459 |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mihalcik |first=Carrie |date=2019-10-10 |title=Apple pulls HKmap.live app used in Hong Kong protests |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-pulls-hkmap-live-app-used-in-hong-kong-protests/ |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=CNET}}</ref>

===Removal===
Apple pulled down the app after the Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) “verified” with Apple that it was used to “target and ambush police, threaten public safety, and criminals have used it to victimize residents", although no information on these claims have been provided to the public.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-12-02 |title=Apple removes police-tracking app used in Hong Kong protests from its app store |url=https://hksar.org/apple-removes-police-tracking-app-used-in-hong-kong-protests-from-its-app-store |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=Hong Kong News}}</ref>

A case for a potential conflict of interest can be made, as most of Apple’s assembly being in China.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicas |first=Jack |date=2019-10-09 |title=Apple Removes App That Helps Hong Kong Protesters Track the Police |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/09/technology/apple-hong-kong-app.html |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

==Navalny==

===Background===
The Navalny app was run by Aleksei A. Navalny, a political opponent of the president Vladimir V. Putin. Russian protesters were going to use the app to coordinate votes against Vladimir V. Putin’s United Russia party.<ref name=":1" />

===Removal===
The app was removed from Apple’s app store in 2021 after Russia “threatened to prosecute local employees”. The app’s removal occurred just before voting started.<ref name=":1" />

==ICEBlock==

===Background===
ICEBlock was made to help users “avoid interactions with ICE” with features like being notified when an ICE officer has been spotted within 5 miles of the user.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duffy |first=Clare |date=2025-07-01 |title='I wanted to do something to fight back': New app lets users know when ICE agents are in their area |url=https://abc7.com/post/iceblock-new-iphone-app-lets-users-know-when-ice-agents-are-area/16902392/ |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=Eyewitness News}}</ref>

===Removal===
ICEBlock and other similar apps in America after request by the DOJ as directed by Attorney General Pam Bondi. "We reached out to Apple today demanding they remove the ICEBlock app from their App Store — and Apple did so," Bondi is quoted as saying to Fox News Digital.<ref name=":2" /> Information on what was said in the request is not publicly known. Further information is being requested by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-20 |title=EFF Demands Answers About ICE-Spotting App Takedowns |url=https://www.eff.org/press/releases/eff-demands-answers-about-ice-spotting-app-takedowns |access-date=2025-12-02 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation}}</ref>

ICEBlock’s creator, Joshua Aaron, pointed out how “ICEBlock… functions like other mapping applications that use crowd sourcing for speed traps”.<ref name=":2" />

==References==
{{reflist}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Apple Removes Apps from the App Store that Aid Protesters}}
[[Category:Apple]]
[[Category:Apple App Store]]
[[Category:HKmap.live]]
[[Category:Navalny]]
[[Category:ICEBlock]]

Adobe Digital Editions' ebook DRM

2026-02-04T17:23:30Z

Lionvilds: added product

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Adobe
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product= Adobe eBook Platform
|ArticleType=
|Type= Ownership, False Advertising
|Description= Adobe limits downloads of bought books through their apps despite unlimited downloads advertised
}}
Modern-day ebook publishers have been utilizing various forms of [[Digital rights management|digital-rights management]] (DRM) to protect the books they sell to make sure that "copyright laws are respected and that authors and publishers are fairly compensated".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=DRM for NOOK Content |url=https://help.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5445106302107-DRM-for-NOOK-Content |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/u0VWd |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=Barnes & Noble}}</ref> However, the end user who purchases the content legally ends up being restricted in what they are able to do with the ebook once they have purchased it. One of Adobe's version of this DRM is called "Adobe Digital Editions" which is the client the user uses to read their ebooks.

==Background==
'''[[Adobe]] eBook Platform''' is a platform for publishers to leverage when selling ebooks. This includes the following software suite: Adobe InDesign® CC software, Adobe Content Server software, the Adobe Reader® Mobile Software Development Kit (SDK), and Adobe Digital Editions.<ref name=":0">[https://www.adobe.com/content/dam/cc/us/en/solutions/ebook/adobe_ebook_platform_whitepaper.pdf Adobe® eBook Platform: Authoring and delivering eBooks across devices]</ref> A summary of each of the software is outlined below at a high level (mostly extracted from the Adobe white paper on the platform):

*Adobe Content Server - "Adobe Content Server allows publishers, retailers, distributors, and libraries to host and manage eBook distribution. This server software encrypts PDF and EPUB eBook files and allows publishers and retailers to manage the rights on the eBook files they distribute.<ref name=":0" />"
*Adobe Reader Mobile SDK - The SDK " allows e-reader device manufacturers and eBook application developers to support EPUB and PDF files protected by Content Server in their products. It enables tethered and over-the-air downloads so that consumers can order eBooks directly through their devices or “side-load” them by copying files from their desktops to their mobile devices".<ref name=":0" />
*Adobe InDesign - InDesign allows the publishers to export EPUB and EPUB3 files from print layouts. This also allows publishers to export ebooks to hardware such as the "Sony Reader, the Barnes & Noble nook, and smartphones, as well as personal computers using Microsoft® Windows® or Mac OS".<ref name=":0" />
*Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) - "Adobe Digital Editions is a free, lightweight desktop reading application for PC and Mac that allows eBook consumers to easily download and organize their eBooks easily. Consumers can read their eBooks online and offline, transfer copy-protected eBooks from their personal computers to other devices, organize eBooks into a custom library, and annotate page".<ref name=":0" />

All these solutions come together to give publishers control over their ebook content. The main product discussed on this page is Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). ADE allows for the following benefits:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Optimize your reading experience with the best eBook reader across formats. |url=https://www.adobe.com/solutions/ebook/digital-editions.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/GVpVP |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=[[Adobe]]}}</ref>

*Download and transfer of books between devices
*EPUB3 support
*Keyword search across ebooks
*Voiceover accessibility
*Multi-language support
*Bookmarking, highlighting, and note support
*Support for borrowing ebooks from libraries
*ebook printing (publishers decide whether they opt-in for allowing printing or not)
*EPUB, EPUB3 and PDF support

ADE also has system requirements, as it is an application running on your system:<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements |url=https://www.adobe.com/solutions/ebook/digital-editions/tech-specs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/4UDbM |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=[[Adobe]]}}</ref>

Windows:

*Intel® Pentium® 4 processor or later
*Windows® 7 (32 or 64 bit running in 32-bit mode) or later
*512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
*40MB of available hard-disk space

Mac OS:

*Intel Core™ Duo or faster processor
*Mac OS X v10.8 or later
*Compatible with Apple Retina Display
*512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
*75MB of available hard-disk space

iOS:

*Minimum requirement 9.0 or later.
*Compatible with iPhone and iPad.

Android:

*Minimum requirement 4.4 or later.
*Compatible with the Mobile and Tablet.

==Adobe Digital Edition's Consumer Effects==
With the release of the platform and specifically the Adobe Digital Edition application, consumers have been restricted on what they are allowed to do with ebooks that they have purchased. Although unlimited downloads are mentioned by publishers and ebook sites, those are tied to an account.<ref name=":1" /> This means that if access to an account is lost, then the access to those ebooks is lost as well. eBooks.com is one of the various e-bookstores that sells both non-DRM and DRM books leveraging ADE. When purchasing an ebook from them, you get a .acsm file. This format only works with the Adobe Digital Editions application. The user needs to create an Adobe account (after already creating an ebooks.com account) in order to add the book to their account. ADE (pertaining to purchases from ebooks.com) allows for authorization of up to 10 devices with a single Adobe ID, but only one computer.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Turvey |first=Alex |title=What is DRM? (DRM FAQs) |url=https://support.ebooks.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360000726656-What-is-DRM-DRM-FAQs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cEs8C |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=eBooks.com}}</ref> The end user would not be able to read a book on a home computer and then later on a laptop simultaneously due to this limitation. Barnes and Noble uses ADE as well for their ebooks, with their limitations being a bit different in comparison to ebooks.com's. They have 4 versions of DRM types they leverage for the books sold on their site:<ref name=":1" />

#Consumer DRM (eBook)
##Unlimited downloads
##Up to six (6) devices/computers
##No copying and printing
#Business DRM (eBook)
##One (1) download
##Up to one (1) device/computer
##No copying and printing
#Education DRM (eTextbook)
##Two (2) downloads
##Up to two (2) devices/computers
##Limited copying and printing
#Hard DRM
##Six (6) downloads
##Up to six (6) devices/computers
##Used for Case Studies made available by professors and specific courses

In both cases, the user is limited to only a certain number of devices and has to constantly authorize and un-authorize readers in order to be in compliance. This leads to a lack of autonomy for the user who has purchased the book. In addition, with the Barnes and Noble "Consumer DRM" section, a user is not able to print the ebook they have purchased either. Going back to the ebooks.com example, ebooks.com has a bit more control on the consumer stating that due to DRM: "the amount of printing or copying and pasting you can do may be restricted, or prevented entirely. It will also determine whether the read aloud functionality is enabled for the ebook or not".<ref name=":2" />

With ADE, a consumer will always need to download the application to access books that they have purchased. This is under the assumption that the user is able to have the technical know-how to do all the ADE overhead in order to finally read the book they have purchased. In addition, individuals who do not have access to the most modern technology, thus not being able to download ADE on their system, are also then prevented from reading ebooks they have purchased.

If a user were to be able to remove DRM from a ebook purchased from an e-bookstore leveraging ADE, they would then be breaching the compliance with an end-user license agreement or a customer license. On ebook.com's customer license page, they mention the following: "You promise to keep any eBook in the form in which it was supplied to you. We may include other information (including information identifying the author, the copyright owner, or the terms upon which the eBook is supplied) to any eBook supplied to you. You promise not to circumvent any measures that we have taken to protect the rights in the eBook that we have supplied, including removing this information or otherwise facilitating an infringement of copyright".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Customer License |url=https://www.ebooks.com/en-us/information/customerlicense/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/GTEsJ |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=eBooks.com}}</ref> Although no lawsuits have been found being documented (as of writing this article), the door for this kind of consumer abuse is still present.

In 2014, the Electronic Frontier Foundation had published an article regarding how Adobe Digital Edition was tracking its end users by logging what the end-user reads and what happens to those files.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McSherry |first=Corynne |date=7 Oct 2014 |title=Adobe Spyware Reveals (Again) the Price of DRM: Your Privacy and Security |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/10/adobe-spyware-reveals-again-price-drm-your-privacy-and-security |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cbuNx |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=EFF}}</ref> This data was also being sent in plain-text undermining the privacy of the users.

==Consumer response==
On Reddit, consumers are constantly inquiring about steps to remove the Adobe DRM, as it is obstructing the end-users method of being able to comfortably read the ebooks they have purchased.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adobe Digital Editions & DRM |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/xvct89/adobe_digital_editions_drm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/LWIft |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

==Adobe Ebook DRM Removal==
In the Abbey House Media v. Apple Inc ruling on an ebookstore notifying users of how to remove ebook DRM, a judge has ruled that telling users to remove DRM from books they have legally purchased is "not contributory copyright infringement".<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Nov 2014 |title=Abbey House Media v. Apple Inc |url=https://www.eff.org/document/abbey-house-media-v-apple-inc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/CovSv |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=EFF}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Higgins |first=Parker |date=10 Dec 2014 |title=Pointing Users to DRM-Stripping Software Isn't Copyright Infringement, Judge Rules |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/12/pointing-users-drm-stripping-software-isnt-copyright-infringement-judge-rules?language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0nI8s |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=EFF}}</ref> The summary of this case being that the removal of DRM protection on books in non-infringing cases of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) does not necessarily lead to the piracy of digital books.<ref name=":3" />

An online persona known as ApprenticeAlf, has also gone ahead to create a tool to remove DRM as well from multiple forms of ebook DRM, not only Adobe's.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=10 Sep 2012 |title=DRM Removal Tools for eBooks |url=https://apprenticealf.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/drm-removal-tools-for-ebooks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/NHxJp |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=Apprentice Alf's Blog}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Digital rights management]]
[[Category:Adobe]]

Adobe Digital Editions' ebook DRM

2026-02-04T17:21:57Z

Lionvilds: Added type and description

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Adobe
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type= Ownership, False Advertising
|Description= Adobe limits downloads of bought books through their apps despite unlimited downloads advertised
}}
Modern-day ebook publishers have been utilizing various forms of [[Digital rights management|digital-rights management]] (DRM) to protect the books they sell to make sure that "copyright laws are respected and that authors and publishers are fairly compensated".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=DRM for NOOK Content |url=https://help.barnesandnoble.com/hc/en-us/articles/5445106302107-DRM-for-NOOK-Content |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/u0VWd |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=Barnes & Noble}}</ref> However, the end user who purchases the content legally ends up being restricted in what they are able to do with the ebook once they have purchased it. One of Adobe's version of this DRM is called "Adobe Digital Editions" which is the client the user uses to read their ebooks.

==Background==
'''[[Adobe]] eBook Platform''' is a platform for publishers to leverage when selling ebooks. This includes the following software suite: Adobe InDesign® CC software, Adobe Content Server software, the Adobe Reader® Mobile Software Development Kit (SDK), and Adobe Digital Editions.<ref name=":0">[https://www.adobe.com/content/dam/cc/us/en/solutions/ebook/adobe_ebook_platform_whitepaper.pdf Adobe® eBook Platform: Authoring and delivering eBooks across devices]</ref> A summary of each of the software is outlined below at a high level (mostly extracted from the Adobe white paper on the platform):

*Adobe Content Server - "Adobe Content Server allows publishers, retailers, distributors, and libraries to host and manage eBook distribution. This server software encrypts PDF and EPUB eBook files and allows publishers and retailers to manage the rights on the eBook files they distribute.<ref name=":0" />"
*Adobe Reader Mobile SDK - The SDK " allows e-reader device manufacturers and eBook application developers to support EPUB and PDF files protected by Content Server in their products. It enables tethered and over-the-air downloads so that consumers can order eBooks directly through their devices or “side-load” them by copying files from their desktops to their mobile devices".<ref name=":0" />
*Adobe InDesign - InDesign allows the publishers to export EPUB and EPUB3 files from print layouts. This also allows publishers to export ebooks to hardware such as the "Sony Reader, the Barnes & Noble nook, and smartphones, as well as personal computers using Microsoft® Windows® or Mac OS".<ref name=":0" />
*Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) - "Adobe Digital Editions is a free, lightweight desktop reading application for PC and Mac that allows eBook consumers to easily download and organize their eBooks easily. Consumers can read their eBooks online and offline, transfer copy-protected eBooks from their personal computers to other devices, organize eBooks into a custom library, and annotate page".<ref name=":0" />

All these solutions come together to give publishers control over their ebook content. The main product discussed on this page is Adobe Digital Editions (ADE). ADE allows for the following benefits:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Optimize your reading experience with the best eBook reader across formats. |url=https://www.adobe.com/solutions/ebook/digital-editions.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/GVpVP |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=[[Adobe]]}}</ref>

*Download and transfer of books between devices
*EPUB3 support
*Keyword search across ebooks
*Voiceover accessibility
*Multi-language support
*Bookmarking, highlighting, and note support
*Support for borrowing ebooks from libraries
*ebook printing (publishers decide whether they opt-in for allowing printing or not)
*EPUB, EPUB3 and PDF support

ADE also has system requirements, as it is an application running on your system:<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements |url=https://www.adobe.com/solutions/ebook/digital-editions/tech-specs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/4UDbM |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=[[Adobe]]}}</ref>

Windows:

*Intel® Pentium® 4 processor or later
*Windows® 7 (32 or 64 bit running in 32-bit mode) or later
*512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
*40MB of available hard-disk space

Mac OS:

*Intel Core™ Duo or faster processor
*Mac OS X v10.8 or later
*Compatible with Apple Retina Display
*512MB of RAM (1GB recommended)
*75MB of available hard-disk space

iOS:

*Minimum requirement 9.0 or later.
*Compatible with iPhone and iPad.

Android:

*Minimum requirement 4.4 or later.
*Compatible with the Mobile and Tablet.

==Adobe Digital Edition's Consumer Effects==
With the release of the platform and specifically the Adobe Digital Edition application, consumers have been restricted on what they are allowed to do with ebooks that they have purchased. Although unlimited downloads are mentioned by publishers and ebook sites, those are tied to an account.<ref name=":1" /> This means that if access to an account is lost, then the access to those ebooks is lost as well. eBooks.com is one of the various e-bookstores that sells both non-DRM and DRM books leveraging ADE. When purchasing an ebook from them, you get a .acsm file. This format only works with the Adobe Digital Editions application. The user needs to create an Adobe account (after already creating an ebooks.com account) in order to add the book to their account. ADE (pertaining to purchases from ebooks.com) allows for authorization of up to 10 devices with a single Adobe ID, but only one computer.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Turvey |first=Alex |title=What is DRM? (DRM FAQs) |url=https://support.ebooks.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360000726656-What-is-DRM-DRM-FAQs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cEs8C |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=eBooks.com}}</ref> The end user would not be able to read a book on a home computer and then later on a laptop simultaneously due to this limitation. Barnes and Noble uses ADE as well for their ebooks, with their limitations being a bit different in comparison to ebooks.com's. They have 4 versions of DRM types they leverage for the books sold on their site:<ref name=":1" />

#Consumer DRM (eBook)
##Unlimited downloads
##Up to six (6) devices/computers
##No copying and printing
#Business DRM (eBook)
##One (1) download
##Up to one (1) device/computer
##No copying and printing
#Education DRM (eTextbook)
##Two (2) downloads
##Up to two (2) devices/computers
##Limited copying and printing
#Hard DRM
##Six (6) downloads
##Up to six (6) devices/computers
##Used for Case Studies made available by professors and specific courses

In both cases, the user is limited to only a certain number of devices and has to constantly authorize and un-authorize readers in order to be in compliance. This leads to a lack of autonomy for the user who has purchased the book. In addition, with the Barnes and Noble "Consumer DRM" section, a user is not able to print the ebook they have purchased either. Going back to the ebooks.com example, ebooks.com has a bit more control on the consumer stating that due to DRM: "the amount of printing or copying and pasting you can do may be restricted, or prevented entirely. It will also determine whether the read aloud functionality is enabled for the ebook or not".<ref name=":2" />

With ADE, a consumer will always need to download the application to access books that they have purchased. This is under the assumption that the user is able to have the technical know-how to do all the ADE overhead in order to finally read the book they have purchased. In addition, individuals who do not have access to the most modern technology, thus not being able to download ADE on their system, are also then prevented from reading ebooks they have purchased.

If a user were to be able to remove DRM from a ebook purchased from an e-bookstore leveraging ADE, they would then be breaching the compliance with an end-user license agreement or a customer license. On ebook.com's customer license page, they mention the following: "You promise to keep any eBook in the form in which it was supplied to you. We may include other information (including information identifying the author, the copyright owner, or the terms upon which the eBook is supplied) to any eBook supplied to you. You promise not to circumvent any measures that we have taken to protect the rights in the eBook that we have supplied, including removing this information or otherwise facilitating an infringement of copyright".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Customer License |url=https://www.ebooks.com/en-us/information/customerlicense/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/GTEsJ |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=eBooks.com}}</ref> Although no lawsuits have been found being documented (as of writing this article), the door for this kind of consumer abuse is still present.

In 2014, the Electronic Frontier Foundation had published an article regarding how Adobe Digital Edition was tracking its end users by logging what the end-user reads and what happens to those files.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McSherry |first=Corynne |date=7 Oct 2014 |title=Adobe Spyware Reveals (Again) the Price of DRM: Your Privacy and Security |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/10/adobe-spyware-reveals-again-price-drm-your-privacy-and-security |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cbuNx |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=EFF}}</ref> This data was also being sent in plain-text undermining the privacy of the users.

==Consumer response==
On Reddit, consumers are constantly inquiring about steps to remove the Adobe DRM, as it is obstructing the end-users method of being able to comfortably read the ebooks they have purchased.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Adobe Digital Editions & DRM |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/xvct89/adobe_digital_editions_drm/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/LWIft |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>

==Adobe Ebook DRM Removal==
In the Abbey House Media v. Apple Inc ruling on an ebookstore notifying users of how to remove ebook DRM, a judge has ruled that telling users to remove DRM from books they have legally purchased is "not contributory copyright infringement".<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 Nov 2014 |title=Abbey House Media v. Apple Inc |url=https://www.eff.org/document/abbey-house-media-v-apple-inc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/CovSv |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=EFF}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Higgins |first=Parker |date=10 Dec 2014 |title=Pointing Users to DRM-Stripping Software Isn't Copyright Infringement, Judge Rules |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2014/12/pointing-users-drm-stripping-software-isnt-copyright-infringement-judge-rules?language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0nI8s |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=EFF}}</ref> The summary of this case being that the removal of DRM protection on books in non-infringing cases of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) does not necessarily lead to the piracy of digital books.<ref name=":3" />

An online persona known as ApprenticeAlf, has also gone ahead to create a tool to remove DRM as well from multiple forms of ebook DRM, not only Adobe's.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=10 Sep 2012 |title=DRM Removal Tools for eBooks |url=https://apprenticealf.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/drm-removal-tools-for-ebooks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/NHxJp |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=29 Mar 2025 |website=Apprentice Alf's Blog}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Digital rights management]]
[[Category:Adobe]]

ADDW car systems legislated in the EU

2026-02-04T17:02:49Z

Lionvilds: Added type and description

{{StubNotice}}
{{IncidentCargo
|Company= European Union
|StartDate= 7 July 2026
|EndDate=
|Status= yet to start
|ProductLine=
|Product=
|ArticleType=
|Type= Privacy Concern
|Description= EU passed legislation that mandates installation of cameras monitoring driver behaviour in its plan to reduce road accidents, it is supposed to warn drivers if distracted, while it is stated that this data should be contained within a loop, it is limited to EU's ability of its enforcement
}}
The European Union (EU) has passed legislation that mandates Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) systems for new cars produced for sale within the EU<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=16 Dec 2019 |title=Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R2144 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105005359/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R2144 |archive-date=2026-01-05 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |website=EUR-Lex}}</ref> (Article 6 clause D).

==How it works==
From 7 July 2026 onward, all new vehicles sold within the EU must contain cameras that monitor driver behavior and notify them accordingly in case of improper driving conduct - something that had already taken place with M and N type vehicles from 7 July 2024<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=ADDW specifications |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=PI_COM:C(2023)4523 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104122145/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=PI_COM:C(2023)4523 |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |website=EUR-Lex}}</ref>. This is on par with the goal that the EU had set to cut down on road accidents by half, compared to 2019<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=28 Oct 2021 |title=European Commission welcomes launch of Global Plan for the UN Decade of Action on Road Safety 2021-2030 |url=https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/european-commission-welcomes-launch-global-plan-un-decade-action-road-safety-2021-2030-2021-10-28_en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104122509/https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/european-commission-welcomes-launch-global-plan-un-decade-action-road-safety-2021-2030-2021-10-28_en |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |website=European Commission}}</ref>.

The cameras are meant to monitor the driver's gaze, which could result in a warning if it is not directed at the areas that are specified in<ref name=":0" /> (Specifically points 3.3.1.1., 3.3.1.2., 3.3.1.3).

The legislation asserts that the data generated by the ADDW system should be contained within a closed loop and may not be made available to 3rd parties. In addition, no data should be collected except that which is necessary to perform the task, and all collected data must be deleted after processing<ref name=":0" /> (Article 6 clause 3).

==Why it is a problem==
With such legislation, '''privacy concerns''' are a major issue.

Although the data falls under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the EU has established strong rules, the question remains how effectively the EU can enforce GDPR in the automotive sector, especially as these technologies become more widespread and are used on a daily basis.

Based on past incidents, these concerns are well-founded. For example, in the case of Tesla, employees were found sharing sensitive content from consumer vehicle cameras in private group chats<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stecklow |first=Steve |last2=Cunningham |first2=Waylon |last3=Jin |first3=Hyunjoo |date=7 Apr 2023 |editor-last=Hirschberg |editor-first=Peter |title=Tesla workers shared sensitive images recorded by customer cars |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/tesla-workers-shared-sensitive-images-recorded-by-customer-cars-2023-04-06/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0L5zE |archive-date=2025-02-15 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=8 Apr 2023 |title=Tesla workers shared sensitive images recorded by customer cars |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1746491 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104124032/https://www.dawn.com/news/1746491 |archive-date=2026-01-04 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |work=Dawn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brodkin |first=John |date=6 Apr 2023 |title=Tesla workers shared images from car cameras, including “scenes of intimacy” |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/04/tesla-workers-shared-images-from-car-cameras-including-scenes-of-intimacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250830115126/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2023/04/tesla-workers-shared-images-from-car-cameras-including-scenes-of-intimacy/ |archive-date=2025-08-30 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |work=ArsTechnica}}</ref>.

Moreover, cars are already regarded as privacy hazards, with manufacturers often selling user information and exhibiting questionable security practices<ref>{{Cite news |last=Caltrider |first=Jen |last2=Rykov |first2=Misha |last3=MacDonald |first3=Zoë |date=6 Sep 2023 |title=It’s Official: Cars Are the Worst Product Category We Have Ever Reviewed for Privacy |url=https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/privacynotincluded/articles/its-official-cars-are-the-worst-product-category-we-have-ever-reviewed-for-privacy/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804133419/https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/privacynotincluded/articles/its-official-cars-are-the-worst-product-category-we-have-ever-reviewed-for-privacy/ |archive-date=2025-08-04 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |work=Mozilla Foundation}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Katharine |first=Kemp |date=20 Nov 2024 |title=Modern cars are surveillance devices on wheels with major privacy risks – new report |url=https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/11/modern-cars-surveillance-devices-privacy-risks |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250713111557/https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2024/11/modern-cars-surveillance-devices-privacy-risks |archive-date=2025-07-13 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |work=unsw.edu.au}}</ref>.

Adding to this, [[NOYB]], which is a "European Center for Digital Rights", conducted a survey with more than 1,000 privacy professionals, and 74.4% of them agree that the average company has relevant GDPR violations<ref>{{Cite web |title=GDPR a culture of non-compliance? |url=https://noyb.eu/sites/default/files/2024-01/GDPR_a%20culture%20of%20non-compliance.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250801172545/https://noyb.eu/sites/default/files/2024-01/GDPR_a%20culture%20of%20non-compliance.pdf |archive-date=2025-08-01 |access-date=28 Jul 2025 |website=noyb}}</ref>.

==References==
{{reflist}}

LG Television sale of personal data

2026-01-25T23:53:11Z

Lionvilds: added a cargo description

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=LG
|StartDate=2023-12-12
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=LG G3 OLED
|ArticleType=Product
|Type=Advertising, Opt-out, Privacy
|Description = Despite being priced at $3600+, The LG G3 OLED sells and monitors your activity on the device by default, and the opt out process is deliberately inconvinient.
}}
[[File:LG G3 oled privacy settings.png|thumb|The LG G3 OLED defaults to a setting of "do not sell my personal information" being off, meaning it is configured to allow the sale of personal information by default.]]

The [[LG]] G3 OLED, a flagship television priced at $3,600+,<ref>{{Cite web |title=LG OLED evo G3 77 Inch Class 4K OLED TV 2023 |url=https://www.lg.com/us/tvs/lg-oled77g3pua-oled-4k-tv |website=LG}}</ref> is configured '''out of the box''' to collect and sell user data without explicit consumer consent.<ref name="the-markup">{{Cite web|url=https://themarkup.org/privacy/2023/12/12/your-smart-tv-knows-what-youre-watching|title=Your Smart TV Knows What You’re Watching|publisher=The Markup|author1=Mohamed Al Elew|author2=Gabriel Hongsdusit|language=en|format=article|date=12 Dec 2023|access-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref> The TV gathers data on viewing habits and interactions, sharing this information with third-party advertisers.<ref name="consumer-reports">{{Cite web|url=https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/privacy/how-to-turn-off-smart-tv-snooping-features-a4840102036|title=How to Turn Off Smart TV Snooping Features|publisher=Consumer Reports|author=James K. Willcox|date=11 Nov 2023|access-date=30 Jan 2025|language=en|format=article}}</ref> Users must manually disable tracking through multiple settings menus, a process that requires navigating through a series of privacy settings buried deep within the interface.<ref name="lg-caprivacy">{{Cite web|url=https://www.lg.com/us/caprivacy-detail|title=California Privacy Policy|publisher=LG Electronics US|access-date=30 Jan 2025|language=en|format=policy statement}}</ref>

This practice violates the privacy rights of LG's customers:
*It defaults users into data collection and sales instead of requiring opt-in consent.
*The opt-out process requires multiple navigation steps and is deliberately obscure.<ref name="the-markup" />
*It aligns with a broader industry trend of TV manufacturers monetizing user data as an additional revenue stream. For example, [[Vizio]] made more revenue from monetizing consumer data via Platform+ than from selling televisions in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://investors.vizio.com/news/news-details/2021/VIZIO-HOLDING-CORP.-Reports-Q3-2021-Financial-Results/default.aspx|title=Vizio Q3 2021 Financial Results|format=press release|publisher=VIZIO|access-date=30 Jan 2025|date=9 Nov 2021}}</ref>

==Data collection practices==
The LG G3 OLED includes a feature known as '''Automatic Content Recognition (ACR)''', branded as '''Live Plus,'''<ref name="consumer-reports" /> which:

*Monitors all content displayed on the TV, including streaming services, cable, and external devices.
*Transmits viewing data to LG's servers, where it is analyzed and used for targeted advertising.
*Utilizes collected data for content recommendations and ad targeting.<ref name="the-markup" />

According to the [[LG]] California Privacy Policy, personal data is '''sold by default''' unless the user explicitly opts out:
<blockquote>
"As a California resident, you have the right to 'opt out,' or to direct us to stop selling or otherwise sharing your personal information with third parties in exchange for monetary or other valuable consideration."<ref name="lg-caprivacy" />
</blockquote>

==Opt-out process==
Disabling data collection requires the user to follow a '''27-click process''', navigating through multiple menus<ref name="the-markup" />:

#Press the '''Settings''' button on the remote.
#Navigate to '''Settings > Support > Privacy & Terms'''
#Select '''Do Not Sell My Personal Information'''.
#Toggle this on.

This intentionally cumbersome process can result in users remaining opted in who would otherwise not consent to this practice. Industry research confirms that many smart TVs employ similar tactics to keep consumers from opting out of data tracking.<ref name="consumer-reports" />

==Industry comparison==
LG's data collection practices are part of a '''wider industry trend'''. Other major smart TV manufacturers engage in similar behaviors:
*[[Samsung]] – Uses "Viewing Information Services" to track content watched and target ads.<ref name="consumer-reports" />
*[[Vizio]] – Previously fined by the FTC for collecting and selling user data without consumer consent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2017/02/vizio-pay-22-million-ftc-state-new-jersey-settle-charges-it-collected-viewing-histories-consumers|title=FTC vs. Vizio, 2017|publisher=Federal Trade Commision (FTC)|language=en|format=press release|access-date=30 Jan 2025}}</ref>
*[[Roku]] – Default settings enable personalized ad tracking and data collection, making opt-out difficult.<ref name="the-markup" />

==Consumer impact==
The LG G3 OLED's pre-enabled data collection raises concerns about consumer rights:
*Loss of privacy: Users' viewing habits are tracked without clear, upfront disclosure.<ref name="consumer-reports" />
*Difficult opt-out: LG TV owners must take deliberate action to disable tracking, often without clear guidance.<ref name="the-markup" />
*Blurred ownership rights: The TV functions as a data collection device rather than simply a television, raising questions about whether consumers truly "own" their devices or are just leasing them while providing data as a form of payment.<ref name="lg-caprivacy" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:LG]]
[[Category:LG G3 OLED]]
[[Category:Incidents]]

Zyxel

2026-01-05T00:11:55Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Stub}}{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 1989
| Industry = Telecommunication
| Logo = Zyxel Logo.png
| ParentCompany = Zyxel Group Corp
| Type = Private
| Website = https://www.zyxel.com/
| Description = Zyxel is a telecommunication company that was founded in 1989 in Taiwan. They are most known to create consumer grade routers but also produces enterprise equipment.
}}
[[wikipedia:Zyxel|Zyxel]] is a telecommunication company that was founded in 1989 in Taiwan. They are most known to create consumer grade routers but also produces enterprise equipment.

'''Zyxel Communications Corporation is''' a subisidiary of Zyxel Group Corporation.

==Incidents==

===Zyxel refuses to release patches for actively exploited zero day vulnerabilities(2024-2025)===
Zyxel released a statement where they have no plans to release a patch for two actively exploited flaws in its routers, potentially affecting thousands of customers.

Zyxel advised customers to buy new routers despite the fact that the affected routers were still possible to buy online.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-04 |title=Zyxel security advisory for command injection and insecure default credentials vulnerabilities in certain legacy DSL CPE |url=https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/support/security-advisories/zyxel-security-advisory-for-command-injection-and-insecure-default-credentials-vulnerabilities-in-certain-legacy-dsl-cpe-02-04-2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209091247/https://www.zyxel.com/global/en/support/security-advisories/zyxel-security-advisory-for-command-injection-and-insecure-default-credentials-vulnerabilities-in-certain-legacy-dsl-cpe-02-04-2025 |archive-date=2025-02-09 |website=Zyxel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Page |first=Carly |date=5 Feb 2025 |title=Router maker Zyxel tells customers to replace vulnerable hardware exploited by hackers |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/05/router-maker-zyxel-tells-customers-to-replace-vulnerable-hardware-exploited-by-hackers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250205105002/https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/05/router-maker-zyxel-tells-customers-to-replace-vulnerable-hardware-exploited-by-hackers/ |archive-date=5 Feb 2025 |access-date=28 Mar 2025 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Whittaker |first=Zack |date=5 Feb 2025 |title=Wow. Router maker Zyxel says it has no plans to release a patch for two *actively exploited* flaws in its routers affecting potentially thousands of customers. Instead, Zyxel is advising customers to rip out affected devices and buy new routers. However, the affected buggy routers are still available for purchase. |url=https://mastodon.social/@zackwhittaker/113951421812871589 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226161148/https://mastodon.social/@zackwhittaker/113951421812871589 |archive-date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=28 Mar 2025 |website=Mastodon}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Xlear

2026-01-05T00:10:38Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{stub}}{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 2000
| Industry = Nasal sprays
| Type = Private
| Website = https://xlear.com
| Logo = Xlear.png
| Description = Xlear is a Utah-based nasal spray company which falsely advertised its nasal spray as a COVID-19 preventative and treatment. In 2021, the FTC sued Xlear for this false claim.
}}
'''Xlear''' is a Utah-based nasal spray company which [[False advertising|falsely advertised]] its nasal spray as a COVID-19 preventative and treatment. In 2021, the FTC sued Xlear for this false claim.<ref name=":02">{{cite web |last=Felner |first=Lauren |date=2025-06-25 |title=A nasal spray company wants to make it harder for the FTS to police health claims |url=https://www.theverge.com/policy/692327/xlear-ftc-lawsuit-covid-health-claims-consumer-protection |archive-url=https://archive.ph/SaLQj |archive-date=24 Jun 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{cite web |date=2021-10-28 |title=FTC Sues Utah-based Company for Falsely Claiming Its Nasal Sprays Can Prevent and Treat COVID-19 |url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/10/ftc-sues-utah-based-company-falsely-claiming-its-nasal-sprays-can-prevent-treat-covid-19 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/BhWc8 |archive-date=15 Feb 2024 |website=Federal Trade Commission}}</ref>

==Background==
Xlear was founded in 2000, and creates xylitol-based sinus and oral care products.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Xlear |url=https://xlearproactive.com/about-us/ |archive-url=https://archive.ph/4eP3S |archive-date=4 Jan 2026 |website=Xlear}}</ref>

==Consumer Impact Summary==

In 2021, Xlear was sued by the FTC for false advertising. In 2025, Xlear filed a lawsuit against the FTC which would make it harder for the FTC to punish unsubstantiated health claims, thereby harming consumers of medical products.

==Incidents==

===False COVID-19 medical claims (October 28, 2021)===
On the 28th of October, 2021, the US Department of Justice filed a complaint against Xlear, Inc. on the behalf of the FTC for falsely marketing its nasal spray as an effective COVID-19 preventative, seeking to impose financial penalties on the company and to bar them from continuing to make unsubstantiated medical claims about their products.<ref name=":02" /><ref name=":12" />

According to the complaint, since at least March 2020, Xlear marketed their nasal sprays as an effective preventative and treatment against COVID-19, claiming that their nasal sprays provide up to 4 hours of protection against COVID-19. The FTC alleged that Xlear lacked a factual or scientific base to support their claims.<ref>https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/cases/filed_complaint_xlear_v_jones_v.1.pdf</ref>

The Trump Justice Department, on the behalf of the FTC, asked for the case to be dismissed with prejudice on the 10th of March, 2025, but did not explain its reasoning for the dismissal.<ref name=":02" /><ref>https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/2123045xleardismissstipulation.pdf</ref>

On the 18th of June, 2025, Xlear filed a lawsuit against the FTC in an attempt to make it harder for the FTC to go after health claims.<ref name=":2">https://www.allaboutadvertisinglaw.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2025/06/COMPLAINT-against-Andrew-N-Ferguson.pdf</ref> The company's central argument is that the FTC Act prohibits only false or deceptive statements – not unsubstantiated ones.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 Jun 2025 |title=Xlear v. FTC: Utah Company Files Challenge to Long-standing FTC Substantiation Requirements Post-Loper |url=https://www.allaboutadvertisinglaw.com/2025/06/xlear-v-ftc-utah-company-files-challenge-to-long-standing-ftc-substantiation-requirements-post-loper.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707232557/https://www.allaboutadvertisinglaw.com/2025/06/xlear-v-ftc-utah-company-files-challenge-to-long-standing-ftc-substantiation-requirements-post-loper.html |archive-date=7 Jul 2025 |website=Venable}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:False Advertising]]
[[Category:Xlear]]
[[Category:Medical industry]]

Vont

2026-01-05T00:07:43Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2014<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Vont 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Funding, & Investors |url=https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/466184-44#overview |website=PitchBook |date= |access-date=4 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url= |archive-date= |quote=Year Founded - 2014, Status - Private, Employees - 6 }}</ref>
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=Vont logo.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.vont.com
|Description=Vont (also known as Vont Innovations) is an American company that produces smart electronics for consumers, ranging from headlamps to digital kitchen scales to plugs and security cameras.
}}

'''Vont''' (also known as '''Vont Innovations''') is an American company that produces smart electronics for consumers, ranging from headlamps to digital kitchen scales to plugs and security cameras.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Vont Innovations - Sheridan, Wyoming 82801, US Ⅰ about.me |url=https://about.me/vont |website=about.me |date= |access-date=4 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105013626/https://about.me/vont |archive-date=5 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Around the start of 2024, the Vont Home app (used for management) disappeared from both the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Google Play]]. Users that had the app prior to its de-listing reported receiving a "failed to connect to server" error upon attempting to login (and thus [[Discontinuation bricking|unable to use their product]] as intended), and the company website itself being down.<ref>{{Cite web |author=ralph_gordon |title=Vont stopped working? |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/homeassistant/comments/1accea2/vont_stopped_working/  |website=[[Reddit]] |date=27 Jan 2024 |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251105223254/https://old.reddit.com/r/homeassistant/comments/1accea2/vont_stopped_working/ |archive-date=5 Nov 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=@cs7717 |title=Google Kills Nest Thermostats FULU jackpot exists to bring them back |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsI6P2lxcHM&lc=Ugz1DTeZe0imhEHfJHt4AaABAg |website=[[YouTube]] |date=4 Nov 2025 |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |quote=Vont bricked my automated plugs. The server never works except to acccept[''{{Wplink|sic}}''] payments for purchases. Without their server working, my electrical plugs will not work on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth or anything. They are just bricks. I bought them to help me around the house because I am in a wheelchair. You cannot even get their app anymore.}}</ref>

As of 5 November 2025, there has been no activity since late-2022 to early-2023 on the company's social media accounts for [https://www.facebook.com/vontinnovations Facebook],<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Vont Innovations |url=https://www.facebook.com/vontinnovations |website=[[Facebook]] |date=14 Feb 2023 |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/8DHZ8 |archive-date=5 Nov 2025}}</ref> [https://www.instagram.com/vontproducts/ Instagram],<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Vont (@vontproducts) |url=https://www.instagram.com/vontproducts/ |website=[[Instagram]] |date= |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/GMedU |archive-date=5 Nov 2025}}</ref> and [https://x.com/vontfans X] (formerly Twitter).<ref>{{Cite web |author=Vont |title=Vont (Vontfans) / X |url=https://x.com/vontfans |website=[[X]] |date=23 Nov 2022 |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |url-access=registration |archive-url= |archive-date=}}</ref> The official website returns a 522 error code via [[Cloudflare]].

Vont still has an [[Amazon]] storefront,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Vont on Amazon.com |url=https://www.amazon.com/s?srs=19824332011&rh=p_89%3AVont |website=[[Amazon]] |date= |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/hQIJW |archive-date=5 Nov 2025}}</ref> though it lists only one product on the page (Vont Smart Security Camera).<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Vont Smart Security Camera [...] |url=https://www.amazon.com/Vont-Security-Compact-Outdoor-Surveillance/dp/B09Y13BWBD |website=[[Amazon]] |date= |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/o2hWp |archive-date=5 Nov 2025}}</ref> On 7 Nov 2025, two more product listings (Vont LED camping lantern 2-pack and a separate 4-pack version) were added to that storefront, indicating that there is still activity.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Vont on Amazon.com |url=https://www.amazon.com/s?srs=19824332011&rh=p_89%3AVont |website=[[Amazon]] |date=7 Nov 2025 |access-date=7 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/https://www.amazon.com/s?srs=19824332011&rh=p_89:Vont |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref>

Curiously, there is another website using the both the company name and logo under the domain name "[https://www.thevont.com thevont]" — which also has external links to the same social accounts and Amazon storefront ID.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Vont Innovations premium website Ⅰ Vont lighting |url=https://thevont.com/ |website=Vont |date= |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251106010950/https://thevont.com/ |archive-date=6 Nov 2025}}</ref> This second website URL was registered 22 January 2025,<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Whois thevont.com |url=https://www.whois.com/whois/thevont.com |website=Whois |date= |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251106015333/https://www.whois.com/whois/thevont.com |archive-date=6 Nov 2025}}</ref> with Spaceship, Inc. — a {{Wplink|Domain name registrar|domain registrar}} located in Phoenix, Arizona — acting as the agent.<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Spaceship, Inc. - IANA Registrar 3862 |url=https://who.is/registrars/3862 |website=who.is |date= |access-date=5 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250806110430/https://who.is/registrars/3862 |archive-date=6 Aug 2025}}</ref>

Additionally the {{Wplink|wordmark}}, according to the {{Wplink|United States Patent and Trademarks Office}}, has been registered to a Hong Kong company since 12 July 2022. According to the documents, the earliest first use of the wordmark is 1 June 2014 and the mentioned uses at that time appear to align with the goods Vont offers/offered.<ref>[[:File:USPTO SN 90802832 status.pdf]] - See page 2. Retrieved 6 Nov 2025.</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''Requires app download:''' The customer is [[Forced app download|forced to download the company app]] for some products in order to either activate or use — in whole or in part — said product(s). As the Vont Home app and company server have been unavailable starting around early 2024, the affected products have become e-waste and buyers left feeling defrauded due to having no warning and the overall lack of communication that continues to this day.

==Incidents==
{{Ph-C-Inc}}

==Products==
*[[Vont Home app]]
*[[Vont car light strip]]
*[[Vont digital kitchen scale]]
*[[Vont LED camping lantern]]
*[[Vont motion sensor light]]
*[[Vont smart light bulb]]
*[[Vont smart plug]]
*[[Vont smart RBG LED strip light]]
*[[Vont smart security camera]]

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Virtual Racing School

2026-01-05T00:07:12Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{StubNotice}}
{{Tone}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2016
|Industry=Simulation Racing
|Type=Private
|Website=https://vrs.racing/
|Logo=VRS.png
|Description=VRS is a private for-profit hardware and software manufacturer for devices related to simulation racing. VRS sells different steering wheels, wheel bases, pedals and other products and accessories in addition to live coaching from professional sim racers they are partnered with.
}}
Virtual Racing School (VRS) was founded in 2016 by Peter Dimov<ref>{{Cite web |title=VRS About Us |url=https://vrs.racing/about-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723122645/https://vrs.racing/about-us |archive-date=23 Jul 2025 |access-date=22 Aug 2025}}</ref>.

VRS is a private for-profit hardware and software manufacturer for devices related to simulation racing. VRS sells different steering wheels, wheel bases, pedals and other products and accessories in addition to live coaching from professional sim racers they are partnered with<ref>{{Cite web |title=VRS shop showing the current products they sell. |url=https://vrs.racing/shop |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723122628/https://vrs.racing/shop |archive-date=23 Jul 2025 |access-date=22 Aug 2025}}</ref>.
==Consumer-impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' VRS has a history of utilizing software codes to lock customers out of the complete functionality of hardware they have already paid for. This is documented in [[VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall]]<ref name=":0" />
*'''User privacy:''' VRS collects your name, email address, and any other information you enter into the service for advertising purposes and can retain your information for legal purposes for as long as they deem reasonable. VRS also collects additional telemetry data through the use of web beacons and cookies on their website and coaching service from users for advertising, coaching, and legal purposes. VRS states in their privacy policy that they are able to share your data with third parties without users' consent in the event of a merge or legal request.<ref>{{Cite web |title=VRS Privacy Policy |url=https://vrs.racing/privacy-policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621004245/https://vrs.racing/privacy-policy |archive-date=21 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Aug 2025 |website=VRS Privacy Policy}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Private, for-profit. Sells hardware, software and coaching services related to simulation racing.

==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]].

===VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall (2025 - Ongoing)===
<blockquote>''Main Article:'' [[VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=VRS Sim Racing Wheel Base full torque locked behind paywall |url=https://consumerrights.wiki/VRS_Sim_Racing_Wheel_Base_full_torque_locked_behind_paywall |access-date=22 Aug 2025}}</ref>

</blockquote>
[[File:UDFP20 purchase options.png|alt=VRS uDPF20 Product purchase page showing "You'll receive an Upgradable Torque Wheel Base and a torque unlock code for (X)Nm. (upgradable to 9, 12, 15, 20 Nm)"|thumb|VRS uDPF20 Product purchase page showing "You'll receive an Upgradable Torque Wheel Base and a torque unlock code for (X)Nm. (upgradable to 9, 12, 15, 20 Nm)"<ref name=":2" />]]
VRS sells the [https://vrs.racing/hardware/udfp20-wheel-base uDFP20 Wheel Base] <ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=VRS udpf20 wheel base |url=https://vrs.racing/hardware/udfp20-wheel-base |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719211822/https://vrs.racing/hardware/udfp20-wheel-base |archive-date=19 Jul 2025 |access-date=22 Aug 2025 |website=VRS udpf20 wheel base}}</ref>, a wheel base which is capable of outputting up to 20 Nm of torque, but the wheel base is locked to a lower performance (6, 9, 12, or 15 Nm of torque) depending on what is selected on the product page. To unlock the rest of the device's performance, the customer is required to purchase a software unlock code to be entered into the 'VRS DirectForce' configuration tool. The 20 Nm torque option cannot be purchased directly; it can be accessed only through an upgrade.

VRS states "No subscriptions, no gimmicks—just raw, permanent power at your fingertips."<ref name=":1" /> and "it evolves with your skills, delivering pro-level torque without replacing your gear."<ref name=":1" /> However, they violate the customer's consumer rights by locking away functionality they have already paid for behind an unlock code.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=VRS uDFP20 product purchase page |url=https://vrs.racing/product/pro-wheel-base-upgradable-torque |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723122645/https://vrs.racing/product/pro-wheel-base-upgradable-torque |archive-date=23 Jul 2025 |access-date=22 Aug 2025 |website=VRS uDFP20 product purchase page}}</ref>
==Products==
No VRS products have been directly reviewed on the Wiki. If a product review is created, it should be added here.

==See also==
If there are additional cases or issues which are similar or link to VRS's practices, it should be added and linked here.

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

TracFone Wireless, Inc.

2026-01-05T00:05:40Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Incomplete}}
{{SloppyAI}}

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1996
|Industry=Telecommunications
|ParentCompany=Verizon
|Type=Private
|Website=https://www.tracfonewirelessinc.com/
|Logo=TracFone logo.png
|Description= TracFone Wireless, Inc. is a provider of wireless prepaid service for telecommunications in the US. They are located in Miami, Florida, and was acquired by Verizon Wireless in 2021.
}}

TracFone Wireless, Inc. is a provider of wireless prepaid service for telecommunications in the US. They are located in Miami, Florida, and was acquired by Verizon Wireless in 2021.
==Anti-consumer practices==
<big>Covert Terms and Conditions Update for Straight Talk on August 28th, 2025</big>

The Terms and conditions for Straight Talk were changed on August 28th, 2025 on the Terms and Conditions page for Straight Talk, a brand of TracFone Wireless, Inc.

However, TracFone only informed pre-existing customers of this change, and it was via a text from one of their shortcodes, 54676. This was the only way pre-existing customers were informed about the change to the Terms and Conditions.
[[File:Screenshot 20250901-210452.png|thumb|The text that users of the Straight Talk network received from the 54676 marketing shortcode about the updated Terms and Conditions.]]
This shortcode is mainly used for marketing, so it is likely that normal users of Straight Talk reply STOP to this shortcode to stop receiving marketing texts, despite the shortcode being used to inform current customers about the updated Terms and Conditions. Because of this, it is likely that there are currently customers of the Straight Talk network that do not know about the change to the current Terms and Conditions.

==AI-generated summary of Terms and Conditions change==
Here are the key differences between the Terms and Conditions from August 22nd, 2025, and those from August 28th, 2025:

1. Document Structure & Formatting:

- Both documents share a similar structure with sections I through X, covering arbitration, communications, terms of service, international long distance, home phone, internet, hotspots/tablets, return policy, warranty, and unlocking policy.

- The August 28th version appears to have some minor formatting updates, but the core structure remains the same.

2. Content Updates & Clarifications:

- The August 28th version refines language in several sections for clarity, including the arbitration clauses, and emphasizes certain procedural details.

- The arbitration sections (I) in the later version include more detailed procedural descriptions, especially about mass filings, bellwether proceedings, and the process for opting out.

- The dispute resolution language in the August 28th version explicitly states that the agreement applies even after service termination and clarifies the process for mass filings and the enforceability of arbitration awards.

3. Legal and Procedural Details:

- The arbitration clauses in the August 28th document specify the procedures for mass filings, including staged bellwether proceedings, and describe the process for opting out in more detail.

- The language about class action waivers is more explicit and detailed in the August 28th version, emphasizing the waiver of class and collective actions and jury trials.

4. Contact Information & Notes on Notices:

- The August 28th version provides specific email addresses for notices related to arbitration (VZValueNOD@verizon.com), whereas the August 22nd version references a different email (VZValueNOD@verizon.com) for arbitration notices, but the wording and context are consistent.

- The later version emphasizes that notices are considered received immediately if sent to the device or email address, and clarifies mailing addresses.

5. Additional Provisions & Clarifications:

- The August 28th version clarifies that the agreement is governed by federal law and the law of the billing address, similar to the earlier version but with slightly clearer wording.

- The mass filing procedures are described in more detail in the later version, including how claims are staged and resolved through bellwether proceedings, with specific reference to the number of arbitrations in each stage.

6. Minor Language & Detail Adjustments:

- The later version tightens some language, particularly around dispute resolution processes, opt-out procedures, and mass filing procedures, making the procedures more explicit.

- The section on Notices and enforceability is more detailed in the August 28th version.

7. Legal References & Links:

- The August 28th version references the same unlocking policy link but emphasizes that the agreement is governed by laws of the billing address, whereas the earlier version emphasizes the law of the state of the phone number's area code.

In summary:

The August 28th version refines and clarifies the arbitration and dispute resolution clauses, introduces detailed procedures for mass arbitrations (bellwether stages), emphasizes waivers of class and jury rights, and improves clarity around notices and enforceability. The core terms and policies remain consistent, but the later version is more detailed, especially regarding arbitration procedures and legal rights waivers.

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

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
[https://web.archive.org/web/20250822205027/https://www.straighttalk.com/support/terms-conditions#inPage_tc1 Terms and Conditions from August 22nd of 2025]

[https://web.archive.org/web/20250828202109/https://www.straighttalk.com/support/terms-conditions#inPage_tc1 Terms and Conditions from August 28th of 2025]
[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

The Economist

2026-01-05T00:04:52Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 1843
| Logo =The Economist Logo.svg
| Website = https://www.economist.com/
| Type = Private
| Industry = Newspapers
| Description=The Economist is a weekly digital and printed newspaper founded in 1843.
}}
'''[[wikipedia:The_Economist|The Economist]]''' is a weekly digital and printed newspaper founded in 1843.

==Consumer-impact summary==
'''User Privacy:''' data from all website visitors is collected and shared with no possibility to opt out.

'''User Freedom:''' users can sign up for a subscription through the website but can only cancel it by calling customer support or using an online customer service chat function.

==Incidents==

=== '''Difficult Cancellation Process''' ===
Signing up for a subscription is really easy and can be done through the website,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Your clearest view yet. |url=https://subscribenow.economist.com/?state=state-39b6585399d77b85ffed11a0bfca93db |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=The Economist}}</ref> but canceling, on the other hand, is only possible by calling customer support or by using the customer service chat function on the website.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@hyperxenophiliac |title=Want to cancel a subscription to The Economist? Have to chat to a service rep, you are #15 in line |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |via=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Subscription made through App Store and Google Play Store can be easily cancelled through Apple ID or the Play Store app, while website ones online offer a "manage your account" page without a cancel button.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I cancel my subscription? |url=https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/How-do-I-cancel-my-subscription |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=The Economist}}</ref>

[[File:Want-to-cancel-a-subscription-to-the-economist-have-to-chat-v0-zyii7v6q500b1.webp|thumb|The economist cancelation form. [https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/13i9fa6/want_to_cancel_a_subscription_to_the_economist/ Uploaded on Reddit]]]

Many users claim that The Economist deliberately obfuscates the cancellation process once a user pays for a subscription. Frequent complaints cite the lack of quality customer service. Many users attempting to cancel or change their subscription repeated uses of The Economist's online customer service chat bot ending the help session unexpectedly and forcing the customers to start the chat bot process over, and customer service employees being unable to transfer customers on the phone to a manager or telling customers their issue is with another team and will take 3-5 business days to resolve. When users attempt to cancel, they are often repeatedly offered continuing subscriptions at lower rates. Sometimes this is enough to persuade customers not to cancel, but for those users that continue asking for subscriptions to be cancelled or for refunds on automatically renewing subscriptions, chatting online or speaking over the phone can take upwards of 30 minutes to be told their subscription will be cancelled. [https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/190p5cb/the_economists_attempt_to_keep_you_from/] Some customers report customer service verbally confirming subscription cancellation but seeing continuing charges to their payment method. Depending on the user's country, some users find it easier to cancel than others. [https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1l1lcj1/i_was_able_to_cancel_my_subscription_without/] Generally, in the US, users claim it is difficult to cancel since the only way is by speaking on the phone with customer service of using the website's online support chat.

According to TrustPilot, a website that claims to not allow companies to pay for or remove reviews, The Economist had a 1.2/5 star rating out of 812 reviews on the date accessed with many users citing the extreme difficulty of cancelling their subscription as the reason for poor experience with the company. One reviewer wrote on May 17, 2025: <blockquote>"Trying to cancel my subscription has been a nightmare — the chatbot is useless, the website is a maze, and getting in touch with an actual human being feels like a bad joke. I’ve wasted hours navigating their broken system, only to be met with automated dead ends and unresponsive links. Their so-called “customer support” is an insult to paying subscribers. This is not just poor service — it's deliberate obstruction." [https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.economist.com]</blockquote>Some users have complained about not being able to use the cancel subscription button on The Economist's website due to "pending changes to my subscription" without giving a time frame of when cancellation would be available. This user also claims the contact page link the website showed was broken, resulting in a page not found error. Even those who were able to somehow cancel their subscriptions without using the customer service online chat or by calling customer service needed to confirm their subscription cancellation 3 distinct times on the website before their subscription stopped auto-renewing. [https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1fte9x1/economist_wont_allow_me_to_cancel_my_subscription/]

=== '''Lack of Service Delivery''' ===
According to additional reviews on TrustPilot, many reviewers claim they paid for a subscription but never received deliveries of the physical content, or they received deliveries in the beginning but service was disrupted without notice or explanation. One reviewer wrote on June 21, 2025: <blockquote>"I've had late delivery almost every week this year despite contacting them at least 10 times to complain. I have now cancelled my subscription. Great newspaper, appalling delivery service." </blockquote>Another TrustPilot reviewer wrote on June 20, 2025: <blockquote>"customer service is non-existent. I paid for a years [sic] subscription and received nothing. No amount of time with customer Service [sic] could resolve the issue." [https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.economist.com]</blockquote>One user encountered a glitch or issue with their account where they were unable to access any benefits of their digital subscription. After reaching out to customer service multiple times, no fix was made. After about one month after the problems began, the user requested their subscription be cancelled and a refund be sent to them for the time they did not receive the promise digital access. After more calls and emails and finally speaking to a manager, the user was told they would receive a full refund. However, the refund was short $11.42 according to the user. The user reports the remainder of their refund was eventually received after more email contact with The Economist's customer service department. [https://www.newindianexpress.com/web-only/2024/Jun/19/why-i-ended-my-subscription-to-the-economist]

=== '''Repeated Price Increases without Added Value and Lack of Refunds''' ===
Users with annual subscriptions frequently report large price increases, sometimes notified beforehand via email, sometimes without notification.

One Reddit thread details a 93% price increase over a 3 year period, from $180 in 2022 to $350 in 2025 that one user experienced for a print & digital subscription. [https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1lu0bkf/incredibly_scummy_subscription_practices_cant/] This experience seems to trend among those with complaints about The Economist subscriptions. Some users express high amounts of frustration due to lack of consistent pricing. For many users, the first annual subscription price is relatively low, and consecutive years are much higher in price unless the user threatens cancellation or otherwise haggles the subscription price down. One past customer subscribed for one year at £153 but was offered a renewal at £329, a 120% year over year increase. This user ultimately cancelled their subscription and wrote: <blockquote>"sometimes high prices - especially when subject to staggering increase, with no concomitant increase in the offer, or in quality - simply feels exploitative"</blockquote>Another user on the same thread compared the features between The Economist and the New York Times subscriptions and wrote: <ref>{{Cite web |title=Economist Pricing |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1k1yrk9/economist_pricing/ |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit.com}}</ref><blockquote>"It (the cost increase) would be easier to stomach if they were offering more for our money" </blockquote>Many users who cancel also complain about not getting refunds that customer service employees verbally confirmed they would receive. One user was dissatisfied when customer service told them over the phone that the user's subscription would be cancelled and their money refunded, but later found out the customer service representative never followed through. [https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1jwbroz/be_careful_when_cancelling_a_subscription/]On March 30, 2025, one reviewer wrote they cancelled their annual subscription after "the sum they (The Economist) took was more than twice my current subscription! ... To add insult to injury they did not refund all the money they took." Another TrustPilot review from March 8, 2025 states:<blockquote>"I was promised a refund of over £300 given that I was being charged for two subscriptions on the same account. Having finally realised [sic] this discrepancy, I contact customer services. After going back and forth with customer services, sharing bank statements and account details and screenshots of my account (which felt more than slightly uncomfortable), two weeks later and my promises refund has still not arrived! It is incredibly poor service. Just return the money you owe me please!" [https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.economist.com] </blockquote>

===Data collection and sharing===
Users that open the main webpage, [https://www.economist.com/ economist.com], are immediately stopped by a pop-up that says:<blockquote>We value your privacy. By continuing, you agree to our terms of use and our privacy policy. Manage your cookies.</blockquote>When clicking on "Manage your cookies", users must opt out of The Economist selling and sharing user information to third party marketers. <blockquote>You can ask us not to share your data with our partners by toggling ON below. Please note that even if you choose not to share your data, we may still share certain information with our trusted partners where it is essential to run our services.</blockquote>The Economist does not specify which kinds of information are "essential to run our services".

==Suggested User Action==

In the US, according to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) statement on 10/22/2021, thousands of complaints are made regarding "negative option" practices, including those about recurring subscriptions and inability to cancel the auto-renewing services. Users can submit complaints to the FTC via https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/. Section 5 of the FTC Act requires that "marketers must not erect unreasonable barriers to cancellation or impede the effective operation of promised cancellation procedures, and must honor cancellation requests that comply with such procedures". [https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1598063/negative_option_policy_statement-10-22-2021-tobureau.pdf]

Some users suggest linking payment through Paypal to make it easier to block unwanted recurring charges. Others suggest disputing the unwanted charges with their credit card provider if cancelling via phone or online chat is not successful. [https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1k8w94u/how_to_cancel_your_subscription_without_getting/] When using the online customer support tool, it is recommended by some users to screenshot or screen record the chat log, which can help support any disputes with users' credit card or payment method companies. Some users also turn to other third-party companies to purchase annual subscriptions at a more consistent price without the potential downsides of auto-renewing.

==See also==

*'''[[Click-to-cancel]]'''
*'''[[Winston-Salem Journal]]'''

==References==

https://www.economistgroup.com/ (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.economist.com (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1lu0bkf/incredibly_scummy_subscription_practices_cant/ (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/1598063/negative_option_policy_statement-10-22-2021-tobureau.pdf (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1l1lcj1/i_was_able_to_cancel_my_subscription_without/ (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1k8w94u/how_to_cancel_your_subscription_without_getting/ (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1jwbroz/be_careful_when_cancelling_a_subscription/ (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/190p5cb/the_economists_attempt_to_keep_you_from/ (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.reddit.com/r/theeconomist/comments/1fte9x1/economist_wont_allow_me_to_cancel_my_subscription/ (last accessed 8/16/2025)

https://www.newindianexpress.com/web-only/2024/Jun/19/why-i-ended-my-subscription-to-the-economist (last accessed 8/16/2025)
<references />

[[Category:The Economist]]

Telecom Egypt

2026-01-05T00:04:17Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1854
|Industry=Telecommunications
|Logo=We-seeklogo.png
|Type=Public (State-owned majority)
|Website=https://www.te.eg/
|Description=Telecom Egypt (WE) is the primary landline and a major internet and mobile service provider in Egypt. While publicly traded on the Egyptian Exchange, the company remains 80% owned by the Egyptian government through the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Operating under the commercial brand "WE" since 2017, the company offers fixed-line, mobile, and internet services, while controlling key national infrastructure.
}}
'''Telecom Egypt (WE)''' is the primary landline and a major internet and mobile service provider in Egypt. While publicly traded on the Egyptian Exchange, the company remains 80% owned by the Egyptian government through the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Operating under the commercial brand "WE" since 2017, the company offers fixed-line, mobile, and internet services, while controlling key national infrastructure.<ref name="investor">{{cite web|title=Telecom Egypt - Investor Relations|url=https://ir.te.eg|access-date=2025-07-24}}</ref>

==Consumer Impact Summary==
Telecom Egypt has been subject to criticism from users and independent watchdogs over a range of issues:
*'''User freedom:''' Customers report SIM card registration problems, service downtimes without notice, and inconsistent access to account termination or switching providers.
*'''User privacy:''' Egypt's telecommunications infrastructure has faced scrutiny for being vulnerable to state surveillance. Being government-owned, Telecom Egypt has not publicly addressed these concerns.
*'''Business model:''' As a former landline monopoly, Telecom Egypt benefits from unfair infrastructural advantages when compared to other ISPs and mobile carriers that must lease infrastructure.
*'''Market control:''' Through WE, Telecom Egypt maintains dominant access to backbone fiber networks, creating potential anti-competitive bottlenecks for rivals.

==Incidents==

===Nationwide outage (''2023'')===
On July 4, 2023, thousands of users across Egypt reported widespread internet outages from WE. Downdetector and local reports confirmed the incident, but Telecom Egypt offered no official explanation until days later, citing "maintenance" after public outcry.<ref name="outage">{{cite web|title=Internet outage affects thousands of WE users in Egypt|url=https://enterprise.press/stories/2023/07/05/we-internet-outage-causes-uproar|access-date=2025-07-24}}</ref>

===SIM swap and porting restrictions===
A growing number of users have reported difficulty transferring their numbers away from WE to other carriers. While mobile portability is legally required in Egypt, some users claim Telecom Egypt staff delay or reject requests without justification.<ref name="sim-port">{{cite web|title=Telecom Egypt accused of hindering mobile number portability|url=https://www.menabytes.com/telecom-egypt-mnp-issues|access-date=2025-07-24}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Digital rights groups like Access Now and EIPR have criticized Egypt's telecom ecosystem for enabling mass surveillance. While not directly confirmed, Telecom Egypt has been named in reports regarding deep packet inspection tools deployed on state internet infrastructure.<ref name="privacy">{{cite web|title=Egyptian ISPs deploying censorship and surveillance tech|url=https://www.accessnow.org/egypt-isp-surveillance/|access-date=2025-07-24}}</ref>

==Products==

*'''WE Internet''' – ADSL and fiber internet packages with bandwidth limits and FUP (fair usage policy) restrictions.
*'''WE Mobile''' – Mobile telecom services under Egypt’s fourth mobile license. Offers voice, data, and 4G.
*'''Fixed-Line Services''' – Legacy landline infrastructure; still the largest provider in Egypt.
*'''Data Hosting & Infrastructure''' – Owns data centers and undersea cable landing points (e.g., SE-ME-WE 5).

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

Sengled

2026-01-05T00:03:38Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Incomplete}}

{{CompanyCargo
|Description= Sengled is a Chinese[1] smart-lighting manufacturer that focuses on affordable smart light bulbs to consumers that are compatible with Amazon's Alexa and Google's Assistant.
|Founded=1997 
|Industry=Lighting products
|Logo=Sengled.png
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://us.sengled.com
}}

'''Sengled''' is a Chinese<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sengled Headquarters |url=https://craft.co/sengled/locations |access-date=3 Sep 2025 |website=Craft.co}}</ref> smart-lighting manufacturer that focuses on affordable smart light bulbs to consumers that are compatible with [[Amazon]]'s Alexa and [[Google]]'s Assistant.

==Consumer impact summary==
'''Always online:''' Their products rely on proprietary cloud services. This means that should something render the product unable to access the server(s), the consumer cannot use features — such as voice activation and smart home automation — or even so far as to be left with essentially {{Wplink|electronic waste|e-waste}}.

'''Requires downloading app:''' Sengled engages in the practice of [[forced app download]], whereby a business requires the consumer to use its own application software in order to use a product.

'''Change without notice:''' "We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Services (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time."<ref name="ToS">{{Cite web |title=Terms of Service |url=https://us.sengled.com/pages/terms-of-service |website=Sengled |date=2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429110946/https://us.sengled.com/pages/terms-of-service |archive-date=29 Apr 2025}}</ref>

'''Additional costs may apply:''' "You acknowledge and understand that certain Services may be provided for a fee. In that case, you shall pay all applicable fees in connection with the Services selected by you in accordance with the Sales Terms."<ref name="ToS" />

'''Sharing performance/function evaluations of services with third-parties:''' "You may not release the results of any performance or functional evaluation of any of the Services to any third party without prior written approval of Sengled for each such release."<ref name="ToS" />

'''Arbitration:''' It is unknown whether Sengled uses [[forced arbitration]] for resolving disputes, as there is no dispute resolution policy displayed on its website(s).

==Incidents==
===Removed from Alexa (July 2025)===
As of 31 July 2025, Sengled's app is no longer available on Alexa. Amazon cited its removal as being due to repeated sporadic outages the preceding few months that had remained unresolved by Sengled. Although some smart light bulbs may be able to use Alexa directly through other means such as {{Wplink|Zigbee}} and {{Wplink|Bluetooth}}, for the most part customers that relied on Alexa-compatibility have been left with {{Wplink|Brick (electronics)|bricked}} goods.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Ben |title=Amazon yanks Sengled's Alexa skill after a series of service outages |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2864586/amazon-yanks-sengleds-alexa-skill-after-a-series-of-service-outages.html |website=PCWorld |date=31 Jul 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250802073937/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2864586/amazon-yanks-sengleds-alexa-skill-after-a-series-of-service-outages.html |archive-date=2 Aug 2025}}</ref>

There still has been no statement from Sengled on the matter as of 26 August 2025. Despite the removal, its Amazon store page<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amazon.com: Sengled |url=https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sengled/page/835A951E-D6BB-46D3-94CD-11070A540E81 |website=[[Amazon]] |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826234414/https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sengled/page/835A951E-D6BB-46D3-94CD-11070A540E81 |archive-date=26 Aug 2025}}</ref> and both their EU and US websites still advertise compatibility with Alexa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=sengled: Home |url=https://eu.sengled.com/en/ |website=Sengled (EU) |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250827000307/https://eu.sengled.com/en/ |archive-date=27 Aug 2025 |quote=''Stream music from your smartphone or via voice control with Amazon's Alexa.''}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Smart Lighting Expert |url=https://us.sengled.com/ |website=Sengled (US) |date=26 Aug 2025 |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250826235723/https://us.sengled.com/ |archive-date=26 Aug 2025 |quote=''[...] allowing for convenient voice or app control with Amazon Alexa''}}</ref>

===App itself becomes inoperable (Aug 2025)===
The Sengled app has stopped working since 2 August 2025, leaving customers with non-functioning smart light bulbs.{{Citation needed}} Again, no statement was released by Sengled as of 26 August 2025.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Qualcomm

2026-01-05T00:02:59Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{ToneWarning}}{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1985-07
|Industry=Semiconductors, Computer hardware, Telecommunications
|Logo=Qualcomm-Logo.png
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.qualcomm.com/
|Description=Qualcomm Incorporated is a major fabless semiconductor manufacturer, famous for its Snapdragon line of System-on-Chips (SoC) targeted towards mobile phones, tablets, laptops among other types of devices. It also manufactures other components of mobile devices and telecommunication hardware including cellular modems, WiFi/Bluetooth chips and power management ICs.
}}[[wikipedia:Qualcomm|'''Qualcomm Incorporated''']] is a major fabless semiconductor manufacturer, famous for its [[wikipedia:Qualcomm_Snapdragon|Snapdragon]] line of System-on-Chips (SoC) targeted towards mobile phones, tablets, laptops among other types of devices. It also manufactures other components of mobile devices and telecommunication hardware including cellular modems, WiFi/Bluetooth chips and power management ICs.

==Consumer-impact summary==

*'''User Freedom:''' Known for implementing measures against software modifications in mobile devices utilizing their processors.
*'''Market Control:''' Dominates in high-end mobile chips with indirect competition from [[Apple]] and [[Samsung]]. Higher competition with [[MediaTek]] in the medium to low-end mobile market, and with [[Intel]], [[Broadcom Inc.|Broadcom]] and [[MediaTek]] in WiFi/Bluetooth chips. Competes with [[Apple]], [[Intel]] and [[AMD]] in energy-efficient laptop processors.

==Controversial Practices==

===Restrictions on software modifications===
Qualcomm employs mechanisms in their Snapdragon SoCs that prevent users from running their own code or modifying firmware or operating system code on their devices. Such mechanisms include Secure Boot where each boot stage authorizes the next stage establishing a "chain of trust". On power-on, the SoC executes the Primary Boot Loader (PBL), stored in immutable read-only memory (ROM) etched on the silicon die making it physically impossible to modify. PBL loads and authorizes the eXtended Boot Loader (XBL), which in turn loads and authorizes the next stage which can be another bootloader or the operating system, all of which are stored in rewritable flash memory. The SoC contains a set of one-time programmable (OTP) electronic fuses within the SoC, which store cryptographic signing keys along with other parameters such as enabling Secure Boot and debugging flags. The signing keys are generated by Qualcomm and the device OEM and are used by the various boot stages to verify images loaded from flash memory. The keys are not provided to the end user, preventing any modifications to the software images.

A technical paper by Qualcomm<ref>[https://www.qualcomm.com/content/dam/qcomm-martech/dm-assets/documents/secure-boot-and-image-authentication.pdf Secure Boot and Image Authentication Technical Overview], ''Qualcomm Technologies Inc.'', Retrieved 2025-10-08</ref> details the Secure Boot mechanism and clarifies the entities allowed to authorize software running on the end device:
<blockquote>The OTP eFuse configuration dictates the device custodian, who is commonly referred as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The device OEM takes control of the device mutable software by loading a configuration file with their custom fuse values. The configuration file sets the fuses that enable secure boot and stores a cryptographic hash of the manufacturer public key certificate in the fuses reserved for it.
Moreover, the immutable hardware has the ability to include the OEM fuse configuration in platform key derivations along with hardware secrets provisioned into the chip by Qualcomm Technologies and the device OEM. Secure boot restricts all keys with these bindings to software signed by that OEM and to them alone. One of the guiding principles of Qualcomm Secure boot is that no software runs without an authorization from the OEM.</blockquote>The device OEM is set as the "device custodian" which controls the software that may run on the device. Further text describes other entities that may have a hand in authorizing software:
<blockquote>Besides the OEM there are other parties that have some type of stake in the final product. For instance, independent software vendors, content providers, and certification bodies want to ensure that their requirements are met with the product. Those parties may find it easier to get their assurance from
a commonly used platform like the Qualcomm TEE, rather than inspect an individual OEM’s product. Hence, images that control assets linked to multiple stakeholders, or control shared resources on the SoC, are signed by both Qualcomm Technologies and the device manufacturer in a process known as double-signing. This is designed to ensure that any security-critical image can only be executed if it has been approved by Qualcomm Technologies and the device manufacturer.</blockquote>
Several entities are listed as being stakeholders in the final product, while no mention of the end user is made.

==Destroying/Closing down of Arduino==
In essence, Qualcomm is destroying Arduino by forcing new Privacy and ToS that undermines Arduino's community, and attempts to close down FoSS software:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lk04N1Tx2jo

== See also ==

* [[AMD]]
* [[Intel]]
* [[Nvidia]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Mullvad

2026-01-05T00:00:56Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

'''Mullvad VPN AB''', or '''Mullvad''', is a Swedish based company created in 2009 by Fredrik Strömberg and Daniel Berntsson. The company is a subsidiary of Amagicom AB, 100% owned by Strömberg and Berntsson. Mullvad initially launched their VPN service in 2009, but since 2021, expanded into developing their own encrypted Domain Name System (DNS) service, browser, and search engine.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=About |url=https://mullvad.net/en/about |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007094539/https://mullvad.net/en/about |archive-date=2025-10-07 |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

{{CompanyCargo
|Industry=Virtual Private Networks
|Website=https://mullvad.net/
|Logo=Mullvad vpn.png
|Founded=2009
|ParentCompany=Amagicom AB
|Type=Private
|Description=Mullvad VPN AB, or Mullvad, is a Swedish based company created in 2009 by Fredrik Strömberg and Daniel Berntsson. The company is a subsidiary of Amagicom AB, 100% owned by Strömberg and Berntsson. Mullvad initially launched their VPN service in 2009, but since 2021, expanded into developing their own encrypted Domain Name System (DNS) service, browser, and search engine.
}}

==Consumer-impact summary==

===Freedom===
Mullvad states: "We value open source" and develops various open-source projects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=We Value Open Source |url=https://mullvad.net/en/open-source |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250923195822/https://mullvad.net/en/open-source |archive-date=2025-09-23 |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=GitHub - Mullvad VPN |url=https://github.com/mullvad/ |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=Github.com}}</ref> The Mullvad VPN App for mobile and desktop is released under a GNU General Public License (GPL) 3.0 which grants irrevocable permission to use, modify, and redistribute under the same license.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-01-16 |title=GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE |url=https://github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app?tab=GPL-3.0-1-ov-file |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251008085609/https://github.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app?tab=GPL-3.0-1-ov-file |archive-date=2025-10-08 |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=Github.com}}</ref>

Mullvad requires you to sign up to the service to use, however does not require a name, E-Mail address, or other identifiable information. As of 2025, it costs €5 per month.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-02-19 |title=Terms of Service |url=https://mullvad.net/en/help/terms-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250924041957/https://mullvad.net/en/help/terms-service |archive-date=2025-09-24 |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

Mullvad states it will never log, modify, redirect, or inject data into a user's traffic. They also state they will never filter or block domains unless specifically requested by the owner of an Internet Protocol (IP) address, or if botnet addresses cause servers to be null routed by hosting providers.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=Why Mullvad VPN? |url=https://mullvad.net/en/why-mullvad-vpn |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

===Privacy===
Mullvad has a strict no-log policy on their services and undergo independent audits regularly to solidify these claims.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=The Mullvad Blog: Audits |url=https://mullvad.net/en/blog/tag/audits |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

Mullvad does not ask for personal information when signing up for their services, instead they provide the user an account number as an alternative for usernames and passwords.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-23 |title=No-logging of user activity policy |url=https://mullvad.net/en/help/no-logging-data-policy |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

Mullvad provides various methods of payment depending on the level of anonymity desired from the user, including cash, bank wire, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Monero, [[PayPal]], credit cards through [[Stripe]], Swish, Eps transfer, Bancontact, iDEAL, and Przelewy24.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=A fair pricing model |url=https://mullvad.net/en/pricing |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

===Business Model===
Since its inception in 2009, Mullvad has had a fixed price of €5 per month. As of June of 2022, Mullvad removed subscriptions, defined as automatic recurring payments, as a way to increase user privacy by storing less data. As a result of their decision to remove subscriptions: only one-time payments are allowed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-20 |title=We are removing the option to create new subscriptions |url=https://mullvad.net/en/blog/2022/6/20/were-removing-the-option-to-create-new-subscriptions |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

Mullvad has a very serious policy rejecting paid reviews, influencer sponsorships, and shout-outs as a testament to their integrity. Instead, they puchase ads outdoors, on [[Google]], [[DuckDuckGo Browser|DuckDuckGo]], and the [[Apple App Store]].

They do not run ads on their service applications, website, or blog, and state that any endorsements they give they are unpaid, and solely of their opinion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=Policy on reviews, advertising, influencers, and affiliates |url=https://mullvad.net/en/help/policy-reviews-advertising-and-affiliates |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

===Market Control===
According to a survey conducted by [https://www.security.org/ security.org], only 2% of the 323 VPN users questioned chose Mullvad VPN.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Brett |date=2025-07-31 |title=VPN Use in 2025: Trends, Statistics, and Consumer Sentiment |url=https://www.security.org/resources/vpn-consumer-report-annual/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=security.org}}</ref> The company 6sense sates that Mullvad VPN retains an estimated 0.03% market share in the industry,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=Mullvad VPN Market Share |url=https://6sense.com/tech/virtual-private-network-vpn/mullvad-vpn-market-share |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=6sense.com}}</ref> however their methodology for that conclusion is not clearly listed.

Mullvad also provides the service backend for [[Mozilla]] FireFox's VPN.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-04 |title=Mozilla Subscription Services {{!}} Terms of Service |url=https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/about/legal/terms/subscription-services/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mozilla.org}}</ref>

==Products==
Mullvad currently has five products packaged for readily available consumer use, including:

*Mullvad VPN - A no-log VPN service used to obfuscate your IP address and increase privacy.
*Mullvad Browser - A browser created in association with the [[Tor]] organization. Out-of-the-box, it includes technology to block third-party cookies, tracking scripts, and browser fingerprints.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-15 |title=Free the internet. With the Mullvad Browser. |url=https://mullvad.net/en/browser |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>
*Mullvad Leta - A proxy for the Google Search API which are cached and shared amongst users to obfuscate users' identity, cleared of third-party tracking links.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-20 |title=Introducing Mullvad Leta: a search engine used in the Mullvad Browser |url=https://mullvad.net/en/blog/introducing-mullvad-leta-a-search-engine-used-in-the-mullvad-browser |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>
*Mullvad Browser Extension - A more integrated way to use Mullvad VPN inside of your preferred browser. Automatically included in the Mullvad Browser.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-06-13 |title=Mullvad Browser Extension |url=https://mullvad.net/en/help/mullvad-browser-extension |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>
*Encrypted DNS - A DNS service to be used when not connected to a VPN and encrypt your DNS queries to prevent your network or [[Internet service provider]] (ISP) from snooping in on your searches.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-14 |title=DNS over HTTPS and DNS over TLS |url=https://mullvad.net/en/help/mullvad-browser-extension |url-status=live |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=mullvad.net}}</ref>

==Reception==
[https://www.pcmag.com PCMag.com] awarded Mullvad with "Best of the Year - 2020" for "Editor's Choice for inexpensive VPNs."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stobing |first=Chris |date=2024-09-20 |title=Mullvad VPN Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/mullvad-vpn# |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=pcmag.com}}</ref>

A YouTuber and privacy advocate, Mental Outlaw, stated in a video "I just love Mullvad, so that is what I am going to use."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-15 |title=How To Torrent Anonymously With Mullvad VPN |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9y29Wxo060 |access-date=2025-08-15 |website=youtube.com}}</ref>

The Freedom of the Press Foundation has recommended the use of Mullvad among a short list of other VPN services.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Huerta |first=David |date=2018-06-29 |title=An in-depth guide to choosing a VPN |url=https://freedom.press/digisec/blog/choosing-a-vpn/ |journal=Freedom of the Press Foundation}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Cybersecurity companies]]
[[Category:Pro-consumer articles]]

Maytag

2026-01-04T23:59:49Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1893-01-01
|Industry=Home appliances
|ParentCompany=Whirlpool Corporation
|Type=Subsidiary
|Website=https://www.maytag.com/
|Logo=Maytag.png
|Description=Maytag is a company that sells kitchen and laundry appliances, such as freezers, fridges and dryers.
}}
{{Ph-C-Int}}

Maytag is a company that sells kitchen and laundry appliances, such as freezers, fridges and dryers.

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

==Incidents==
{{Ph-C-Inc}}

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]].
===Planned obsolescence (''June 2025'')===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}
On June 15, 2025, it was reported that a '''Maytag''' customer made a [[TikTok]] video saying he was left without repair options for a washer he purchased, despite it supposedly being covered by '''10-year warranty'''. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailydot.com/news/maytag-warranty-unavailable-parts/|title=“I’m gonna go get myself a Speed Queen”: Homeowner buys Maytag washing machine with 10-year warranty. It breaks down after 7 years. Then Maytag tells them something shocking|date=2025-06-15|first=Mustafa|last=Gatollari|work=Daily Dot|access-date=2025-11-09|quote=Casey (@caseyurb50) accused the appliance manufacturer of '''<nowiki>'planned obsolescence'</nowiki>''' in a viral TikTok.}}</ref>

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

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

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Intuit

2026-01-04T23:56:10Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1983
|Logo=Intuit.png
|Type=Public
|Industry=Financial Services
|Website=https://www.intuit.com
|Description=Intuit Inc. is a financial software company based out of Mountain View, California under current CEO Sasan Goodarzi. The company contains a variety of products and services such as: tax preparation with TurboTax, personal credit monitoring through Credit Karma, commercial accounting under Quickbooks, and MailChimp for email marketing. Founded in 1983, 42 years ago, the company grew rapidly into a financial giant with US$16.3 billion of revenue in 2024 alone.
}}

'''[[wikipedia:Intuit|Intuit Inc.]]''' is a financial software company based out of Mountain View, California under current CEO Sasan Goodarzi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Intuit Careers |url=https://www.intuit.com/careers/locations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250710020943/https://www.intuit.com/careers/locations/ |archive-date=10 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |website=Intuit.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Intuit Executives |url=https://www.intuit.com/company/executives/sasan-goodarzi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727034727/https://www.intuit.com/company/executives/sasan-goodarzi/ |archive-date=27 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |website=Intuit.com}}</ref> The company contains a variety of products and services such as: tax preparation with TurboTax, personal credit monitoring through Credit Karma, commercial accounting under Quickbooks, and MailChimp for email marketing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Intuit Homepage |url=https://www.intuit.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250729013129/https://www.intuit.com/ |archive-date=29 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |website=Intuit.com}}</ref> Founded in 1983, 42 years ago, the company grew rapidly into a financial giant with US$16.3 billion of revenue in 2024 alone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Intuit Origins |url=https://www.intuit.com/company/origins/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250422010252/https://www.intuit.com/company/origins/ |archive-date=22 Apr 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |website=Intuit.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/896878/000089687824000039/intu-20240731.htm |url-status=live |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |website=sec.gov}}</ref>

==Controversies==

===Misleading Consumers===
Intuit offered "TurboTax Free Edition" which concluded in not being free for most consumers. Intuit, among other tax software companies, spent millions of dollars lobbying against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) creating their own tax preparation and filing software, eventually succeeding and making it illegal for the IRS to create its own tax filing system.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Popken |first=Ben |date=23 Mar 2017 |title=TurboTax, H&R Block Spend Big Bucks Lobbying for Us to Keep Doing Our Own Taxes |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/taxes/turbotax-h-r-block-spend-millions-lobbying-us-keep-doing-n736386 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250704142341/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/taxes/turbotax-h-r-block-spend-millions-lobbying-us-keep-doing-n736386 |archive-date=4 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |work=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Elliot |first=Justin |date=April 9, 2019 |title=Congress Is About to Ban the Government From Offering Free Online Tax Filing. Thank TurboTax. |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/congress-is-about-to-ban-the-government-from-offering-free-online-tax-filing-thank-turbotax |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727090707/https://www.propublica.org/article/congress-is-about-to-ban-the-government-from-offering-free-online-tax-filing-thank-turbotax |archive-date=27 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |work=ProPublica}}</ref> Afterwards, the IRS agreed to allow tax companies to offer a "Free File" product instead. An investigation led by non-profit investigative journal ProPublica elucidated the advertising malpractice by Intuit, including: search engine delisting, advertising the "Free Edition" product only, and offering deceptive discounts to military members.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Elliot |first=Justin |date=April 26, 2019 |title=TurboTax Deliberately Hid Its Free File Page From Search Engines |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/turbotax-deliberately-hides-its-free-file-page-from-search-engines |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250727085420/https://www.propublica.org/article/turbotax-deliberately-hides-its-free-file-page-from-search-engines |archive-date=27 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |work=ProPublica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Elliot |first=Justin |date=May 23, 2019 |title=TurboTax Uses A “Military Discount” to Trick Troops Into Paying to File Their Taxes |url=https://www.propublica.org/article/turbotax-military-discount-trick-troops-paying-to-file-taxes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250626224756/https://www.propublica.org/article/turbotax-military-discount-trick-troops-paying-to-file-taxes |archive-date=26 Jun 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |work=ProPublica}}</ref>

===Lobbying Against Consumer Interests===
Intuit has spent US$25.6 million dollars in lobbying since 2006. Their most influential lobbying endeavor was colluded together with various companies in a group called the ''"Free File Alliance",'' in efforts to stop the IRS from developing their own tax preparation solution.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Taxpayer advocates want the IRS to offer a free electronic tax-filing system. Intuit and H&R Block have spent millions lobbying against it |url=https://fortune.com/2023/04/17/taxpayer-advocates-irs-free-electronic-tax-filing-system-intuit-hr-block-spent-millions-lobbying-against/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717060543/https://fortune.com/2023/04/17/taxpayer-advocates-irs-free-electronic-tax-filing-system-intuit-hr-block-spent-millions-lobbying-against/ |archive-date=17 Jul 2025 |access-date=11 Aug 2025 |work=Fortune}}</ref>

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

Waymo

2026-01-04T23:54:27Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2004
|Industry=Autonomous Cars
|Logo=Waymo.png
|ParentCompany=Google
|Type=Public
|Website=https://waymo.com/
|Description=Waymo LLC, previously Stanford Self-Driving Car Team at time of founding, is an American car company focused on self-driving cars.
}}
{{Distinguish|[[Wemo]]}}
Waymo LLC, previously Stanford Self-Driving Car Team at time of founding, is an American car company focused on self-driving cars.
==Consumer-impact summary==
{{Ph-C-CIS}}

===User Privacy===
During operation, Waymo vehicles take both interior and exterior videos. As of June 2025, Waymo has not disclosed whether or not it stores videos in the cloud, "how many cameras are inside its vehicles, exactly how long footage is retained, and whether the company has ever turned over footage to US federal law enforcement or a branch of the military." However, it is known that Waymo has given video evidence to law enforcement in the past, and that it currently uses user data and videos for improving their product.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haskins |first=Caroline |date=June 11, 2025 |title=How Waymo Handles Footage From Events Like the LA Immigration Protests |url=https://www.wired.com/story/waymo-data-privacy-protests-los-angeles/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==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]].
===Potential usage of interior camera data for Generative AI training (opt-out) (''April 2025'')===
{{Main|link to the main article}}
On April 5th, 2025, researcher Jane Manchun Wong shared an unreleased privacy policy page. The policy allows Waymo to "share data to improve and analyze its functionality and to tailor products, services, ads, and offers to your interests." The unreleased page includes options to opt out of using “interior camera data associated with rider’s identity” for GAI training.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bellan |first=Rebecca |date=April 8, 2025 |title=Waymo may use interior camera data to train generative AI models, but riders will be able to opt out |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/08/waymo-may-use-interior-camera-data-to-train-generative-ai-models-sell-ads/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Waymo responded, claiming that they have "no plans" to use the data for targeted ads.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hawkins |first=Andrew |date=April 7, 2025 |title=Waymo: ‘no plans’ to use in-car camera data for targeted ads |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/644770/waymo-interior-camera-ai-training-ads-privacy}}</ref> As of August 2025, Waymo has not yet released this privacy policy page.

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

==See also==
{{Ph-C-SA}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Toyota

2026-01-04T23:52:35Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{StubNotice}}
{{Tone}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 1937
| Industry = Automotive
| Logo = Toyota.png
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Public
| Website = https://toyota.com/
| Description = Toyota Motor Corporation, commonly known simply as Toyota, is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer. This page contains topics related to business practices as well as products and/or services provided by the Toyota Motor Corporation and its subsidiary Lexus.
}}
'''[[Wikipedia:Toyota|Toyota Motor Corporation]]''', commonly known simply as '''Toyota''', is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer. This page contains topics related to business practices as well as products and/or services provided by the Toyota Motor Corporation and its subsidiary [[wikipedia:Lexus|Lexus]].
==Incidents==
===GR Corolla engine fire denied warranty claims===
[[File:Toyota GR Corolla Fire .jpg|thumb|409x409px|Image of first burned Toyota GR Corolla ]]
[[File:Toyota GR Corolla Fire.webp|thumb|410x410px|Image of second burned Toyota GR Corolla]]

The Toyota GR Corolla is a high-performance hatchback released in 2022 and still for sale in the United States and other countries as of the time of writing. There have been at least 2 owners whose warranty claims have been denied by Toyota under suspicious circumstances.

The first owner suffered an engine fire, which resulted in the vehicle being totaled. Toyota denied the claim, asserting that the tires were the cause of the accident. The reply from Toyota's Engagement Center was: "''The owner's manual warns not drive [sic] in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 85 mph unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires. Driving over 85 mph may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. Based on our inspection findings and the facts relating to this incident, we cannot provide any assistance in this matter."''<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Christopher |date=7 Aug 2024 |title=Two GR Corollas Burned Down. Toyota Won’t Honor the Warranties |url=https://www.motor1.com/news/729265/toyota-gr-corolla-warranty-claims-weird-reasons/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=Motor1}}</ref> The Tires Fitted on the GR Corolla from the factory are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires that have a speed rating of 186mph.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 Tire |url=https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tires/michelin-pilot-sport-all-season-4/m405250/#section:specs |access-date=15 May 2025 |website=Consumer Reports}}</ref>

The second owner suffered a more severe fire that completely destroyed the vehicle. Toyota denied his warranty claim, saying "''In response to your concerns, a vehicle inspection was conducted on June 6, 2024....The odometer reading at the last service visit was 8,146 miles. The vehicle was severely burned. A possible hole in the engine block was observed on the front side, near the rear of the engine. No data could be recovered from the vehicle due to the amount of extensive burn damage. Based on the inspection findings, the cause of the fire could not be determined. Therefore, we are unable to offer any assistance.”<ref name=":0" />''

Neither of these denials of warranty coverage has yet been supported by evidence from Toyota.

====Causes====
[[File:Toyota GR Corolla Marketing Material.png|thumb|GR Corolla tire specifications from Toyota's website]]
Owners and Mechanics have speculated on the cause of these engine failures. A video from PIRAS Motorsport disassembles the G16E GTS Engine found in the GR Corolla and proposes engine failure results from excessive engine tolerances.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Piras Motorsport |date=29 Sep 2024 |title=What's Killing Your Toyota G16E GTS Engine? GR Yaris & GR Corolla |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1TONzhOxvs |url-status=live |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Prevention measures recommended include disassembling the engine and replacing the connecting rods, pistons, and piston rings.

===Start the vehicle using my Toyota key fob===
Remote starting Toyotas with a key fob is now behind a pay wall<ref>{{Cite web |title=How do I start the vehicle using my Toyota key fob? |url=https://support.toyota.com/s/article/How-do-I-start-the-ve-7424?language=en_US}}</ref>. A Remote Connect subscription is required for some vehicles to process the remote start radio signal sequence from the key fob.

===Crash protection is offered only on the driver's side===
Toyota has intentionally left out all the structural metal that can protect passengers in a small-overlap crash, and has only added it on the driver's side <ref> {{Cite web|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=72caLypmKCA|title=Passenger side protection lacking in smaller crashes}}</ref>

===Ending support of app suite ''(2023)''===
In 2023, [[Toyota]] decided to stop supporting the Toyota app suite, which included models as late as 2024, such as the 4Runner. Depending on the vehicle, Alexa, NPR One, iHeartRadio, LiveXLive, Scout GPS Link, Destination Search, Saved Destinations, H2 Station Finder (where applicable), Fuel, Sports, Stocks, Traffic, Weather. If your vehicle did not have Android Auto, you were out of luck for GPS and all other apps.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toyota App Suite Sunset |url=https://support.toyota.com/s/article/Toyota-App-Suite-Retirement?language=en_US |website=Toyota Support}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Toyota App Suite being discontinued |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Toyota/comments/172subi/toyota_app_suite_being_discontinued/ |website=Reddit}}</ref>

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

Nissan

2026-01-04T23:51:54Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Incomplete}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 1933
| Industry = Automotive
| Logo = Nissan Motor Corporation 2020 logo-local file.svg
| ParentCompany =
| Type = Public
| Website = https://www.nissan-global.com/
| Description = Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., commonly known as Nissan, is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. Founded in 1933, Nissan is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. The company is part of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, which also is one of the largest automotive groups globally.
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Nissan|Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.]]''', commonly known as '''Nissan''', is a Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. Founded in 1933, Nissan is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world. The company is part of the '''Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance''', which also is one of the largest automotive groups globally.

==Incidents==

===Shutting down its 2G app for older electric cars in the UK===
{{Main|Nissan shuts 2G car service in UK}}
The move impacts early LEAF and e-NV200 cars built before 2016, which is around 3,000 vehicles in the UK. Half are active users of the app, who can still use the main features using timers but not remotely.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flaherty |first=Nick |date=4 Mar 2024 |title=Nissan is shutting down its 2G app for older electric cars in the UK from April 2024. |url=https://www.eenewseurope.com/en/nissan-shuts-2g-car-service-in-uk/ |access-date=1 Mar 2025 |website=EENews Automotive}}</ref>

==='''Does not sell parts to''' repair transmissions===
https://youtube.com/shorts/uAjqRMWtfEs?si=AcnQp_lXjiqjqO8R

<big>'''Cost of Software Updates'''</big>

It is up to Nissan's discretion if certain software updates are offered for free or are withheld until certain fees are paid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NissanConnect® {{!}} Vehicle Software |url=https://www.nissan.ca/services/apps/nissan-connect/software.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Nissan Leaf N-Connecta Payments===
'''Faults Occurring After 3 years'''

Various services delivered through NissanConnect EV & Services after three years will be disabled, and customer service will begin contacting users by phone offering to re-enable them for you.{{Citation needed}} Features which develop faults after three years include:

*remote door locking/alarm
*remote viewing of charging status
*remote climate control
*viewing vehicle location
*route planning (planning routes remains possible, but the maps will no longer receive updates and will not receive traffic updates).

These all require a monthly payment after the first three years. After this period, only basic functions remain until the payments are completed.{{Citation needed}}

'''Payment prices :'''

UK

*Maps & Live Traffic: £2.99 per month, after a 3-year period
*Smart Alerts: £0.99 per month, after the initial 3-year period
*Remote Control Services (e.g., remote climate control, battery management): £1.99 per month after 3-year period
*Stolen Vehicle Tracking: Flat rate of £99 per year

USA

*NissanConnect Packages, $11.99–$24.99/month (varied tiers)

===Safety issues with the NissanConnect EV app===
Researchers at Black Hat Asia 2025 have found issues within the NissanConnectEV app, since it relied upon a Vehicle Identification Number to communicate with the user and to authenticate communications, and this number proved to be easy to reverse engineer. This allowed hackers to easily access the app.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Researchers Hack Nissan Leaf Remotely, Exposing Major Security Flaws in Car App |url=https://www.abijita.com/researchers-hack-nissan-leaf-remotely-exposing-major-security-flaws-in-car-app/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hackers can access the Nissan Leaf via insecure APIs |url=https://www.csoonline.com/article/554905/hackers-can-access-the-nissan-leaf-via-insecure-apis.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Critical Security Vulnerabilities Found in Nissan Leaf: Remote Hacking Demonstrated |url=https://www.security.land/critical-security-vulnerabilities-found-in-nissan-leaf-remote-hacking-demonstrated/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=API Flaw Exposes Nissan LEAF Cars to Remote Attacks |url=https://www.show.it/en/api-flaw-exposes-nissan-leaf-cars-to-remote-attacks/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Invasive data sharing===
In 2023, a report by the [[Mozilla|Mozilla Foundation]] found that Nissan, along with other major car manufacturers, were recording a large amount of customer data which were classed as a "privacy nightmare"<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caltrider |first=Jen |last2=Rykov |first2=Misha |last3=Zoë |first3=MacDonald |date=2023-09-06 |title=It’s Official: Cars Are the Worst Product Category We Have Ever Reviewed for Privacy |url=https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/privacynotincluded/articles/its-official-cars-are-the-worst-product-category-we-have-ever-reviewed-for-privacy/ |url-status=live |website=Mozilla Foundation}}</ref> for consumers. This report found that Nissan were collecting a very large amount of personal data with very little security information, and could record information about the customer's "sexual activity" as per their terms and conditions. Mozilla found Nissan to be the worst perpetrator in terms of data collection and privacy policies, only behind [[Tesla, Inc.|Tesla]] who was using driver data to train their autopilot AI feature. The report found all car companies to be breaching privacy rights of their customers, however Nissan's privacy policy stood out to researchers as one of the worst they investigated.

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

Nestlé

2026-01-04T23:51:21Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{StubNotice}}
{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 1866
| Industry = Food processing
| Type = Public
|Description=Nestlé S.A is a Swiss multinational food and beverage processing conglomerate corporation.
| Website = https://www.nestle.com/
|Logo=Nestlé.svg}}

'''{{Wplink|Nestlé|Nestlé S.A}}''' is a Swiss multinational food and beverage processing conglomerate corporation.

==Consumer-impact summary==
In Nestlé's over a century of operation, the company has been embroiled in a significant amount of controversies for its business practices. These range from deforestation and food safety to outright modern day slave labor.

==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:Nestlé|Nestlé]] [[:Category:Nestlé|category]].

===Child labor and modern slavery===
<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raghavan |first=Sudarsan |last2=Chatterjee |first2=Sumana |date=2001-05-24 |title=Stop Chocolate Slavery |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060917014323/http://vision.ucsd.edu/~kbranson/stopchocolateslavery/atasteofslavery.html |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=combating child labour in cocoa growing |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630204954/http://www.ilo.org/public//english//standards/ipec/themes/cocoa/download/2005_02_cl_cocoa.pdf |url-status=dead |website=International Labour Organization}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-04-12 |title=Mali's children in chocolate slavery |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1272522.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226141935/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/1272522.stm |archive-date=2008-12-26 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-05-04 |title=Ivory Coast accuses chocolate companies |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1311982.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114115945/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1311982.stm |archive-date=2009-01-14 |access-date=2025-10-05 |website=BBC News}}</ref>

===Food safety===

===Stealing water===

==Products==

==See also==

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

ILife

2026-01-04T23:50:10Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Stub}}
{{Incomplete|Issue 1=needs [[Template:Cite web]] and content}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2025-11-01
|Industry=Home appliances
|Logo=Ilifelogo.png
|ParentCompany=?
|Description=Ilife is a company that sells vaccum cleaners, specializing in both handheld and automatic vaccum cleaners
|Website=https://www.iliferobot.com/
}}{{lowercase title}}
{{Ph-C-Int}}

Ilife is a company that sells vaccum cleaners, specializing in both handheld and automatic vaccum cleaners

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

==Incidents==
{{Ph-C-Inc}}

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 CR Wiki article}}
https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/big-tech/manufacturer-issues-remote-kill-command-to-nuke-smart-vacuum-after-engineer-blocks-it-from-collecting-data-user-revives-it-with-custom-hardware-and-python-scripts-to-run-offline

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://futurism.com/robots-and-machines/robot-vacuum-broadcasting&ved=2ahUKEwjKzeu8-NGQAxW1LkQIHfq1AwkQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3vo9VTJreYih5KhKctBGwE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://cybernews.com/security/engineer-finds-backdoor-implanted-in-robot-vacuum/&ved=2ahUKEwjKzeu8-NGQAxW1LkQIHfq1AwkQFnoECDAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1HF7yt46XLAoq678v7YMSA

https://codetiger.github.io/blog/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/

https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1oiz9xf/turns_out_my_smart_vacuum_was_a_spy_that_could/

Short summary of the incident (could be the same as the summary preceding the article).
===Example incident two (''date'')===
...

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

==See also==
*[[Neato cloud shutdown]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Google

2026-01-04T23:36:49Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1998
|Industry=Technology
|Logo=Google.webp
|ParentCompany=Alphabet Inc.
|Type=Subsidiary
|Description=Google LLC, founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is one of the most influential technology companies in the world. Originally developed as a search engine to organize and index the growing amount of information on the internet, Google has since expanded into a wide range of services and products, becoming a central player in digital advertising, software, hardware, and cloud computing.
|Website=https://www.google.com/
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Google|Google LLC]]''', founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, is one of the most influential technology companies in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Largest tech companies by market cap |url=https://companiesmarketcap.com/tech/largest-tech-companies-by-market-cap/ |url-status=live |website=companiesmarketcap.com}}</ref> Originally developed as a search engine to organize and index the growing amount of information on the internet, Google has since expanded into a wide range of services and products, becoming a central player in digital advertising, software, hardware, and cloud computing.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Google Products |url=https://about.google/products/ |access-date=10 Mar 2025}}</ref>

Google's search engine remains its most well-known service, but the company has significantly diversified its offerings. Key products include the [[Android]] operating system, the [[Google Chrome]] web browser, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Drive Google Drive] for cloud storage, [https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Maps Google Maps], [[YouTube]], and [[wikipedia:Google_Play|Google Play]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Helpful products, built with you in mind |url=https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]]}}</ref>{{Citation needed}} Additionally, the company provides digital advertising services through Google Ads, generating the majority of its revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Feb 2025 |title=Alphabet Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results |url=https://abc.xyz/assets/a3/91/6d1950c148fa84c7d699abe05284/2024q4-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref> In recent years, Google has also developed hardware products such as the Pixel smartphone and Nest smart home devices.

Google has faced ongoing scrutiny related to data privacy, competition, and its dominant position in the market, such concerns have stretched as far back as 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Adam |date=5 Mar 2012 |title=Will We Ever Get Strong Internet Privacy Rules? |url=https://ideas.time.com/2012/03/05/will-we-ever-get-strong-internet-privacy-rules/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Time}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 Sep 2023 |title=REPORT: Google at 25: From “Don’t Be Evil” To ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ |url=https://techoversight.org/2023/09/06/google-at-25/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Tech Oversight Project}}</ref> The company has been the subject of various legal and regulatory challenges, particularly concerning antitrust issues, the use of personal data, and its impact on consumer choice.{{Citation needed}} The US government is currently engaged in an antitrust lawsuit against Google, with a decision expected early 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 Nov 2024 |title=Closing Arguments, November 25: Once, Twice, Three Times a Monopolist |url=https://www.usvgoogleads.com/trial-updates/closing-arguments-november-25-once-twice-three-times-a-monopolist |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=US v Google}}</ref> {{UpdateNeeded|date={{subst:August}} {{subst:2025}}|reason=We need updates on this situation.}}

In December 2024, Google announced to organisations that use its advertising products, that from 16 February 2025, it will no longer prohibit them from employing [[wikipedia:Fingerprint_(computing)|fingerprinting]] techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Almond |first=Stephen |date=19 Dec 2024 |title=Our response to Google’s policy change on fingerprinting |url=https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2024/12/our-response-to-google-s-policy-change-on-fingerprinting/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ico.}}</ref>

==Anti-consumer incidents==

===Service shutdowns===

====Google Play Music shutdown====
[[wikipedia:Google_Play_Music|Google Play Music]] was a service that allowed users to purchase music, listen via streaming, and download to the local device; alternatively users could pay for a subscription to listen to all music available through streaming. It was publicly launched on the 16th November 2011 and later shutdown in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=Google Play Music, Music Play Store & Music Manager are going away – everything you need to know |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/thread/62843644/google-play-music-music-play-store-music-manager-are-going-away-%E2%80%93-everything-you-need-to-know?hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=28 Oct 2020 |title=RIP Google Play Music, 2011 – 2020 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/10/rip-google-play-music-2011-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=ArsTechnica}}</ref> Google Play Music further allowed users to upload their own songs to listen on all their devices, with a limit of up to 50,000 files.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Chris |date=11 Jan 2017 |title=How to Upload Your Music Library to Google Play Music |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/288231/how-to-upload-your-music-library-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=How-To-Geek}}</ref> Users were able to purchase songs individually or buy whole albums that they could then download and listen to, or stream through the internet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Jan 2020 |title=How To Buy Music From Google Play (Now YouTube Music) |url=https://www.technobezz.com/buy-music-google-play |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Technobezz}}</ref>

In October 2020, Google announced that they would be shutting down Google Play Music, with it being fully shut down by December.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Abner |date=3 Dec 2020 |title=Google fully shuts down Play Music around the world |url=https://9to5google.com/2020/12/03/google-play-music-dead/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=9To5Google}}</ref> This went ahead with a warning to their users to begin migrating to [[wikipedia:YouTube_Music|YouTube Music]], and that they would be losing access to their purchased songs. Google recommended users should download their purchased songs before the service would shut down.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Aug 2020 |title=YouTube Music will replace Google Play Music by end of 2020 |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/youtube-music-will-replace-google-play-music-end-2020/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=YouTube Official Blog}}</ref>

After the shut down, users lost access to the music they paid for, with no way to download them. Google justified this by transferring all playlists and purchase history to YouTube Music, and only refunding songs that were not directly available,<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 Oct 2023 |title=What happened to my songs on Google Music? |url=https://darwinsdata.com/what-happened-to-my-songs-on-google-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Darwin's Data}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaney |first=Sarah |date=5 Feb 2022 |title=What Happened to Google Play Music? |url=https://www.makeuseof.com/what-happened-to-google-play-music/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=MUO}}</ref> with no guarantee that the songs will remain available through the new service. Users found that their purchased songs were no longer able to stream at 320kbps on YouTube Music compared to Google Play Music unless they paid for the monthly subscription.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cutlack |first=Gary |date=23 Dec 2012 |title=Google Music UK: everything you need to know |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/software/google-music-uk-everything-you-need-to-know-1120176 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=TechRadar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=L. Hald |first=Nicole |date=24 Mar 2025 |title=How Is YouTube Music Sound Quality in 2025? Is It Any Good? |url=https://www.noteburner.com/youtube-music-tips/youtube-music-audio-quality.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=NoteBurner}}</ref> If a user failed to initiate the transfer of their music library or locally download their songs by 24th February 2021, then they lost all access and all data associated with Google Play Music.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sodhi |first=Tanishka |date=8 Feb 2021 |title=Google Play Music Data Will Be Deleted on February 24: Here’s How to Transfer to YouTube Music |url=https://www.gadgets360.com/how-to/news/google-play-music-data-deleted-february-24-youtube-how-to-transfer-files-playlists-billing-information-2365609 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Gadgets 360}}</ref> YouTube Music does not provide the option to download songs as MP3s, with local downloads requiring an internet connection every 30 days to continue working offline.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Download music and podcasts to listen to offline |url=https://support.google.com/youtubemusic/answer/6313535?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=[[Google]]}}</ref>

====Google Stadia shutdown====
In January 2023, Google announced the shutdown of its cloud gaming service, Stadia, which was launched in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RIP Google Stadia: the latest news on the discontinued cloud gaming service |url=https://www.theverge.com/23380140/google-stadia-ending-shutdown-latest-news-gaming-tech |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=The Verge}}</ref> Stadia required users to purchase games individually, unlike other gaming platforms that offer subscription-based access. Upon the service's closure, Google promised to refund consumers for their purchases, including both games and hardware. The refunds for games and software were issued automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravenscraft |first=Erin |date=10 Nov 2022 |title=Stadia Is Dying. Here’s What’s in Your Refund and How to Get It |url=https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/ |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Wired}}</ref>

Stadia users were effectively renting access to games, as the platform did not allow for traditional ownership or offline play. With the service discontinued, consumers were left without access to the content they had purchased. Stadia users who had bought controllers and other peripherals for the service were also impacted by the shutdown. While Google offered refunds to customers, many Stadia consumers were left with equipment that no longer performs the advertised functions and limited recourse for repurposing or reselling their devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashworth |first=Mack |date=5 Oct 2022 |title=Stadia Shut Down: How To Use Your Hardware Now Google’s Shutting It Down |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/852697-stadia-shut-down-how-to-use-controller-chromecast-without-app |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Game Revolution}}</ref>

Google Stadia controllers were limited to Wi-Fi connectivity, however upon shut down they started offering an update to allow them to connect through Bluetooth, the update service website was scheduled to shut down on the 31st December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devine |first=Richard |date=17 Jan 2023 |title=Bluetooth support for Google Stadia Controller arrives — Here's how to enable it and play PC games |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/pc-gaming/bluetooth-support-for-google-stadia-controller-arrives-heres-how-to-enable-it-and-play-pc-games |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |website=Windows Central}}</ref>

===='''Manifest V2 shutdown'''====
On July 24, 2025, Google permanently disabled all Manifest V2 extensions for Chrome 138 users as well as making Chromium (a browser that many other browsers use as their base) switch to Manifest V3, and disabled the ability to turn them back on.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-23 |title=Manifest V2 support timeline |url=https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/migrate/mv2-deprecation-timeline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250808191702/https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/migrate/mv2-deprecation-timeline |archive-date=2025-08-08 |access-date=2025-08-12}}</ref>

Manifest V3 disabled the <code>webRequestBlocking</code> permission in the <code>webRequest</code> API<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-09 |title=Replace blocking web request listeners {{!}} Chrome Extensions {{!}} Chrome for Developers |url=https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/migrate/blocking-web-requests |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250614074559/https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/migrate/blocking-web-requests |archive-date=2025-06-14 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=Chrome for Developers}}</ref>, preventing many ad content blockers (such as uBlock Origin) from working.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-26 |title=Understanding Manifest V3 and the Future of uBlock Origin |url=https://ublockorigin.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250812114916/https://ublockorigin.com/ |archive-date=2025-08-12 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=uBlock Origin - Free, open-source ad content blocker}}</ref> Google cites performance reasons <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-09 |title=Replace blocking web request listeners {{!}} Chrome Extensions {{!}} Chrome for Developers |url=https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/migrate/blocking-web-requests |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250614074559/https://developer.chrome.com/docs/extensions/develop/migrate/blocking-web-requests |archive-date=2025-06-14 |access-date=2025-08-12 |website=Chrome for Developers |quote="In Manifest V2, blocking web requests could significantly degrade both the performance of extensions and the performance of pages they work with."}}</ref>, but this is dubious; restricting content blockers prevents users from impeding their tracking and surveillance, meaning they can create a larger profit from the data gained. This is likely the ulterior motive, although unproven.

===='''Google Jamboard shutdown'''====
In September 2023, Google revealed plans to retire its Jamboard service, as the product would be transitioned to a view-only format by October 1, 2024, and completely shut down by December 31, 2024. As a result, users had little time to transfer their data before the final transition and no refunds were ever issued to hardware buyers.

The Jamboard product was a $5,000 device that Google pitched as a collaborative tool through its Google Workspace service. After the service no longer existed, however, the device became a brick and the users as well as the buyers were left unsupported and uncompensated.

Situations like this highlight the vulnerability of the consumer market since proprietary products are completely at the hands of developers who can cut services on a whim. Thus, consumer protection must be taken to another level to ensure that no matter what companies get rid of, support and compensatory avenues exist.

===Google Assistant 3rd Party List Support===
On June 20th, 2023, Google disabled 3rd party list support for Google Assistant<ref>{{Cite web |access-date=2025-09-16 |title=Where are my old lists? |url=https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250427212604/https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/9415862#zippy=%2Cwhere-are-my-old-lists |archive-date=2025-04-27}}</ref>. This feature allowed lists through 3rd party services such as AnyList or Todoist to be managed via Google Assistant. The only list provider available through Google Assistant after this change was Google Keep<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mathur |first=Chandraveer |website=Android Police |date=2023-05-31 |title=Google Assistant is killing support for notes and lists integration with third-party apps |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/google-assistant-ending-support-third-party-notes-lists/}}</ref>.

==='''Pixel 4a battery reduction update'''===
{{Main|Pixel 4a Battery Performance Program}}
On January 6, 2025, Google issued a software update to the Pixel 4a that significantly decreased battery capacity on "Impacted Devices". Not all units were affected. It's speculated that the affected units have defective batteries and may pose a safety risk if the update is not applied, but Google never disclosed the reason(s) that the update was deemed necessary. Google removed all factory images for previous versions of the system software from their website, making it difficult to revert the update.

As compensation, Google offered a free battery replacement only in select countries. In other countries, you could choose between a $50 USD payment or $100 USD worth of Google Store credits. However, some users reported difficulty obtaining their compensation.

===Blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps===
{{Main|Google blocking sideloading of unverified Android apps}}
On 25 August 2025, '''[[Google]]''' announced that starting in 2026 it will block the installation of Android apps from outside the Play Store unless the developer has verified their identity with Google. The policy will first roll out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, with global enforcement targeted for 2027.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Frey |first=Suzanne |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=A new layer of security for certified Android devices |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=Android Developers Blog}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Sarah |date=25 Aug 2025 |title=Google will require developer verification for Android apps outside the Play Store |url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/25/google-will-require-developer-verification-for-android-apps-outside-the-play-store/ |url-status=live |access-date=25 Aug 2025 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref> This marks a significant change to Android's long-standing support for sideloading apps.

Devices without [[Google Mobile Services]] or running custom ROMs are exempt.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=2025-08-26 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829170329/https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-08-26 |website=The Register}}</ref> Critics argue this restricts user freedom, impacts independent developers, and may enable Google to block apps it disapproves of, such as ad-blockers, raising concerns about privacy and control over personal devices.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Tim |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google kneecaps indie Android devs, forces them to register |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/08/26/android_developer_verification_sideloading |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first= |date=26 Aug 2025 |title=Google will block sideloading of unverified Android apps starting next year |url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/810335/google-will-block-sideloading-of-unverified-android-apps-starting-next-year |url-status=live |access-date=26 Aug 2025 |website=BleepingComputer}}</ref>

===Not providing a solution for Pixel devices bricked due to switching slots, flashing certain ROMs, downgrading the OS, or installing the June 2025 update===
Numerous Google Pixel phones have gotten bricked as a result of different use cases, such as accidentally switched slots, flashing custom ROMs or downgrading the bootloader version of the device after an Anti-Rollback (ARB) increment, accidentally or otherwise<ref>{{Cite web |last=Simons |first=Hadlee |date=2025-08-26 |title=Some Pixels are bricked and Google apparently won't help revive them |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/google-pixel-phones-bricked-3591218/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Android Authority}}</ref>. The device enters an emergency download state called Pixel ROM Recovery, which is a Google modification of Samsung's EUB mode on Exynos chipsets. In this mode, it refuses to enter Android recovery or Fastboot, making it near impossible to restore the operating system on the device. The only way to fix it is to use Pixel ROM Recovery to boot a special, Google-signed recovery bootloader into RAM and flash a working version of Android from there.

This recovery bootloader is just a regular bootloader as it appears in Google factory images, but with a special "USB boot" bit flag set to 1. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-11 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330#comment19}}</ref>

However, this recovery bootloader is inaccessible to the public, and is not possible to recreate it without Google's private keys. This makes it impossible to repair a device in this state, other than to do a technically challenging repair involving desoldering the UFS chip to repopulate its contents or by replacing the motherboard altogether. Google stores and service centers outside of the US do not offer support for the device if it is out of warranty, even though the issue is completely fixable by software.

Numerous developers have worked on trying to find a solution to this issue, and have succeeded to varying extents. However, devices bricked due to the ARB trigger remain impossible to fix. Google has not provided any recovery images to resolve this issue, despite there being a sizable post on their bug tracker.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-10 |title=Pixel recovery bootloaders lack security reasoning for guarding |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/437705274 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Pixel devices getting bricked / stuck in Pixel ROM Recovery after flashing AOSP-based builds with Android 15 QPR2 (BP1A.250305.019) |url=https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/402455330 |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=Google IssueTracker}}</ref> despite the fact that Google providing the recovery images for the repair will not compromise security, as explained by one of the developers in their report.<ref name=":4" />

==Controversies==

===Account lockouts===
Google has been reported to have randomly locked people out of their accounts due to ostensible security reasons, which are not lifted even if the user had provided the correct credentials and/or even if the user have correctly followed all the verification prompts such as SMS verification. These have caused anguishes for many affected users who are unable to access their contents, emails and services as a result. Furthermore, some had reported that they are forced to undergo SMS verification even when recovery email addresses are already configured to their accounts, thereby likely constituting instances of [[Forced identification|forced verification]] in broad senses.<ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/n5card/mike_rose_no_more_robots_publisher_locked_out_of/</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/oy8qb8/fyi_google_can_lock_you_out_of_your_account_for/</ref><ref>https://old.reddit.com/r/degoogle/comments/154yht0/dae_noticed_that_google_had_taken_security/</ref>

===Deletion of inactive accounts===
In May 2023, Google announced that [[Inactive account deletion|deletion of inactive user accounts]] would occur starting in December 2023, citing security reasons, noting that old and unused accounts are more likely to be compromised. Google claimed that "Forgotten or unattended accounts often rely on old or re-used passwords that may have been compromised, have not had two factor authentication set up, and receive fewer security checks by the user," while saying that Google "has no plans to delete [[YouTube]] videos".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lawler |first1=Richard |title=Google might delete your Gmail account if you haven't logged in for two years |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/5/16/23725438/google-gmail-deleting-inactive-accounts |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=16 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Jon |title=Reminder: Google is about to start purging inactive accounts |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/28/23979178/google-inactive-accounts-deletion-december-2023-psa-reminder |website=The Verge |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date=28 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Amadeo |first1=Ron |title=Google's new "inactive account" policy won't delete years of YouTube videos |url=https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/05/googles-new-inactive-account-policy-wont-delete-years-of-youtube-videos/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en-us |date=17 May 2023}}</ref> The decision to delete inactive accounts has sparked some criticism and backlash. The cited security rationale behind such decision was ridiculed and was compared to a hypothetical scenario where a bank should be burned down if it is not secure against robbers.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Novet |first1=Jordan |title=Google's plan to purge inactive accounts isn't sitting well with some users |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/19/google-faces-criticism-of-plan-to-purge-inactive-accounts.html |website=CNBC |access-date=21 December 2023 |language=en |date
=19 August 2023}}</ref> Such policies could adversely affect those who had good reasons to become inactive for a long time, such as hospitalization, prison incarceration, and being in totalitarian countries which have prolonged internet shutdowns. Moreover, the Anonymous hacktivist collective has protested against the decision to delete inactive accounts multiple times, describing them as "harsh" and saying that the decision will "destroy history".<ref>{{cite web |date=18 July 2023 |title=Anonymous puts Taiwan flag, national anthem on 2 UN websites {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-07-18 09:56:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4946597 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title='Anonymous' hacks Chinese government site to protest Israel–Hamas war {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-10-18 19:03:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5022840 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=8 December 2023 |title=Anonymous posts Taiwan flag on UN site {{!}} Taiwan News {{!}} 2023-12-08 17:26:00 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/5055454 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=Taiwan News}}</ref>

===Google device repair program restrictions===
{{Main|Google asserts the right to seize your phone during a repair}}
Google's Service & Repair Program terms explicitly state that any device containing non-Google-authorized parts "will not be returned" to the customer.

===Target API level requirements for Google Play apps===
Google's policy of requiring apps for Android to target recent API levels to appear in the Play Store<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 Aug 2024 |title=Policy Center |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/11926878?hl=en |access-date=May 9, 2025 |website=Play Console Help}}</ref> creates a continuous cycle of maintenance and redevelopment that can be especially burdensome for smaller developers, indie creators, and consumers.

The requirement for apps to target newer APIs each year serves some legitimate security and feature purposes. However, it also effectively functions as a form of forced obsolescence. Even perfectly functional apps that don't need technical updates must be regularly reworked just to remain visible on the Play Store.

This creates several issues:

*Development resources must be allocated to updating apps rather than creating new features
*Smaller teams and individual developers are placed at a disadvantage attempting to keep up with the constant update cycle
*Legacy apps that are no longer actively maintained disappear, even if they're still useful
*The cost of maintaining apps increases, potentially making some projects financially nonviable
*Losing access to previously purchased apps when upgrading devices
*Users being unable to reinstall older apps that worked perfectly well for their needs
*Facing unexpected costs to replace functionality they've already paid for
*Dealing with the frustration of discovering favorite apps have disappeared

While Google argues this approach improves the Android ecosystem's security and functionality, it does place a significant burden on developers and can lead to the premature "death" of otherwise functional applications.

This creates a troubling disconnect in digital ownership. Consumers reasonably expect that when they purchase an app, they should maintain access to it across their devices over time. Instead, they discover their digital purchases can effectively vanish due to policy decisions beyond their control.

===Ban on third-party tech support ads===
Google prohibits tech support ads on their platform if they are not authorised by the manufacturer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graff |first=David |date=31 Aug 2018 |title=Restricting ads in third-party tech support services |url=https://blog.google/products/ads/restricting-ads-third-party-tech-support-services/ |website=Google}}</ref>

==Anti-consumer legal cases==

===Rodriguez v. Google LLC (5/21/21 - Present)===
Google's Web & App Activity setting had the ability to be paused. Reportedly, despite this setting being paused by consumers, Google would continue to collect consumer data regardless of consent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rodriguez v. Google LLC |url=https://www.googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/FAQ#faq1 |url-status=live |access-date=5 Apr 2025}}</ref> This case is currently ongoing and has yet to receive a judgment.<ref>[https://www.googlewebappactivitylawsuit.com/Home/Documents Important Documents]</ref>

===Epic Games, Inc. v. Google Inc. (8/13/20 - 5/31/25)===
Google takes a 30% share of all revenue made through all sales made on the Play Store, which is a comparable figure to other digital storefronts such as the [[Apple App Store]] and [[Steam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=7 Oct 2019 |title=Report: Steam's 30% Cut Is Actually the Industry Standard |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/07/report-steams-30-cut-is-actually-the-industry-standard |url-status=live |website=ign.com}}</ref> On 13th August 2020, [[Epic Games]] CEO Tim Sweeney updated both iOS and Android versions of ''Fortnite'' to redirect users to Epic Games' storefront to purchase in-game currency ("V-Bucks") alongside the respective first-party storefront, with incentives including cheaper prices if buying from Epic Games directly. This violated the Terms of Service of both Apple and Google's storefronts, and ''Fortnite'' was removed from both app stores the same day.

Epic Games would use this motion to file federal lawsuits against both Google and Apple, citing that these practices meant that the companies were engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Google lost in the lawsuit, but attempted to appeal the decision, in which they lost again.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=31 July 2025 |title=Epic just won its Google lawsuit again, and Android may never be the same |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/716856/epic-v-google-win-in-appeals-court |access-date=21 August 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref>

==See also==

===Products and Services===

[[List of Google products]]
===Controversies===

*[[Advertising overload]]
*[[Google follows Samsung, asserts the right to steal your phone during a repair]]
*[[Google Nest Protect forced to use Google app]]
*[[Google Nest thermostat smart features disabled]]
*[[Google Pixel Watches do not come with repair options]]

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

ByteDance

2026-01-04T23:35:18Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Stub}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2012-03-13
|Industry=Software
|Type=Private
|Website=https://bytedance.com
|Description=yteDance Ltd. is a Chinese internet technology company headquartered in Beijing, China. The company is known for many apps, including but not limited to, TikTok, Capcut, Gauth, Lemon8, and Hypic.
|Logo=Bytedance.png}}

'''{{Wp|ByteDance|ByteDance Ltd.}}''' is a Chinese internet technology company headquartered in Beijing, China. The company is known for many apps, including but not limited to, [[TikTok]], Capcut, Gauth, Lemon8, and Hypic.

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

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

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:ByteDance| ]]

Audi

2026-01-04T23:33:54Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{Incomplete|Issue 1=Missing consumer-impact summary}}{{CompanyCargo
|Type=Subsidiary
|ParentCompany=Volkswagen
|Website=https://www.audiusa.com/
|Founded=July 16, 1909
|Industry=Automotive
|Logo=Audi.svg
|Description= Audi is a Germany-based automotive manufacturer owned by Volkswagen. Audi was founded on July 16, 1909 by August Horch in Zwickau, Germany. The Volkswagen Group acquired Audi in the 1960s from Daimler-Benz.
}}

[[wikipedia:Audi|'''Audi''']] is a Germany-based automotive manufacturer owned by [[Volkswagen]]. Audi was founded on July 16, 1909 by August Horch in Zwickau, Germany. The Volkswagen Group acquired Audi in the 1960s from Daimler-Benz.

==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]].
===Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled (''2022'')===
{{Main|Audi Basic HVAC "Sync" Function Paywalled}}
An owner of an Audi Q4 E-Tron opted out of paying for tri-zone climate control, an optional add-on in regions outside of the U.S. and U.K. that costs $758. However, the HVAC "Sync" button was still present within the vehicle, and upon being pressed, displayed a message on the infotainment screen that read "the function has not been purchased." This incident foreshadowed Audi's pivot towards subscription-based car features.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stumpf |first=Rob |date=1 Apr 2022 |title=Audi Owner Finds Basic HVAC Function Paywalled After Pressing the Button for It |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/44967/audi-owner-finds-basic-hvac-function-paywalled-after-pressing-the-button-for-it#:~:text=In%20Denmark%2C%20where%20this%20particular%20owner%20told%20us%20they%E2%80%99re%20based%2C%20the%20add%2Don%20costs%20around%20$758%20(5%2C114%20Kroner).%20The%20owner%20acknowledged%20that%20they%20chose%20against%20purchasing%20it%20but%20didn%E2%80%99t%20expect%20pressing%20the%20button%20to%20display%20a%20message. |access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=The Drive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 Apr 2022 |title=Audi Driver Horrified After Basic Functionality Hidden Behind Paywall |url=https://carbuzz.com/news/audi-q4-e-tron-owner-stunned-by-paywall-block-on-climate-control-feature/#:~:text=When%20a%20feature,not%20been%20purchased%22. |access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=CarBuzz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilboy |first=James |date=3 Nov 2023 |title=Audi Will Paywall More Software Features Starting Next Year |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/audi-will-paywall-more-software-features-in-future-cars |access-date=21 Aug 2025 |website=The Drive}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Volkswagen]]
*[[Mercedes Benz]]
*[[Toyota]]
*[[BMW]]
*[[Ford]]
*[[Tesla, Inc.]]
*[[General Motors]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Figma

2026-01-04T23:31:53Z

Lionvilds: added cargo description

{{StubNotice}}

{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 2012
| Industry = Software
|Website=https://figma.com/
|Type=Public
|Logo=Figma.png
|Description= Figma is a proprietary collaborative web application for user interface design.
}}

[[wikipedia:Figma|Figma]] is a proprietary [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_software collaborative] [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_application web application] for [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interface_design user interface design]. It is available as a desktop application for Windows and macOS, and [https://figma.com/ online]. Some unofficial ports for Linux also exist.

== Consumer impact summary ==
====Freedom====

====Privacy====

====Business model====

====Market Control====

==Incidents==

==Editing Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode"==
[[Figma]] has sent cease and desist letters to companies, including the Swedish AI startup Lovable<ref>{{Cite web |last=Osika |first=Anton |date=2025-04-15 |title=figma says we can't use the word "dev mode" in lovable |url=https://x.com/antonosika/status/1912147137728589915/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416022818/https://x.com/antonosika/status/1912147137728589915/ |archive-date=2025-04-16 |access-date=2025-07-17 |website=X}}</ref>, for using the term "Dev Mode," claiming it infringes on their trademark<ref>{{Cite patent |country=US|number=98045640|inventor=FIGMA, INC.|title=DEV MODE|pubdate=2024-11-19 |fdate=2023-06-16|url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=98045640&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch}}</ref>. This action has sparked controversy and criticism within the tech community, with many arguing that "Dev Mode" is a widely used and generic term in the industry.

===Background===
===Companies===
In order to understand how these companies use the term "Dev Mode", we must further analyze what their products do.

Figma is a design platform, being widely used in software development.

Lovable is a no code app using a chat powered by the Claude LLM<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lovable helps anyone create software 20x faster with Claude |url=https://www.anthropic.com/customers/lovable |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514042824/https://www.anthropic.com/customers/lovable |archive-date=2025-05-14 |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Anthropic}}</ref> for the user to instert the prompts and having a website fully functional<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome - Lovable Documentation |url=https://docs.lovable.dev/introduction/welcome |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716144523/https://docs.lovable.dev/introduction/welcome |archive-date=2025-07-16 |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Lovable}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Company
!Dev Mode claim in their website
|-
|Figma
|Dev Mode gives you the power to easily inspect designs and translate them into code—without changing the design file.
|-
|Lovable
|you can now view the full code repository backing your Lovable project directly in the Lovable Editor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Versioning, Dev Mode & Lovable Livestream with Clerk |url=https://lovable.dev/blog/versioning-dev-mode |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707181544/https://lovable.dev/blog/versioning-dev-mode |archive-date=2025-07-07 |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Lovable}}</ref>
|}
*'''Historical Use''': The term "Dev Mode" has been used in the tech industry since at least 2004, according to Google Trends data.
*'''Legal Precedents''': While trademarking common terms is not unprecedented, the tech community is particularly sensitive to such actions, especially when they affect smaller companies and open-source projects.

===Incident===
Figma, a popular online design and collaboration tool, has recently taken legal action against several companies for using the term "Dev Mode." The company has trademarked this term and has been sending cease and desist letters to smaller startups, demanding they stop using it. This move has generated significant controversy and criticism within the tech community.

===Theo - t3․gg's response===

Theo begins by highlighting a letter from Figma's general counsel, demanding that companies cease using the 'Dev Mode' trademark. He expresses his astonishment and disapproval, referring to this as one of the most ridiculous things he's witnessed in the tech industry. Theo shares his insights into the implications of such protective actions for Figma's brand image and its place in the market.

In the middle section, Theo goes on to discuss Figma's attempts to expand beyond its design roots into the development sector, mentioning tools like 'Dev Mode'. Despite these efforts, Theo believes Figma is failing to capture the developer market as intended. He explores the impact of AI on the design process, noting that AI tools have substantially altered the need for traditional design software.

Towards the end, Theo delves into the significance of trademark protection and how it relates to Figma's aggressive stance. He draws parallels to past trademark disputes, such as those involving Microsoft and Oracle. Theo considers Figma's current legal approach as desperate and suggests it may backfire, especially with an IPO on the horizon and a rapidly changing industry.
===References===
Theo - t3․gg. “Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode."” ''YouTube'', 16 April 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P73EGVfKNr0. Accessed 21 April 2025. Preservetube: https://preservetube.com/watch?v=P73EGVfKNr0
<references />
[[Category:Figma]]

== Products ==

* Figma Design
* FigJam
[[Category:Figma]]

Figma

2026-01-04T23:25:00Z

Lionvilds: /* Incidents */ moved [Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode"|page]] here

{{StubNotice}}

{{CompanyCargo
| Founded = 2012
| Industry = Software
|Website=https://figma.com/|Type=Public|Logo=Figma.png}}

[[wikipedia:Figma|Figma]] is a proprietary [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collaborative_software collaborative] [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_application web application] for [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interface_design user interface design]. It is available as a desktop application for Windows and macOS, and [https://figma.com/ online]. Some unofficial ports for Linux also exist.

== Consumer impact summary ==
====Freedom====

====Privacy====

====Business model====

====Market Control====

==Incidents==

==Editing Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode"==
[[Figma]] has sent cease and desist letters to companies, including the Swedish AI startup Lovable<ref>{{Cite web |last=Osika |first=Anton |date=2025-04-15 |title=figma says we can't use the word "dev mode" in lovable |url=https://x.com/antonosika/status/1912147137728589915/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250416022818/https://x.com/antonosika/status/1912147137728589915/ |archive-date=2025-04-16 |access-date=2025-07-17 |website=X}}</ref>, for using the term "Dev Mode," claiming it infringes on their trademark<ref>{{Cite patent |country=US|number=98045640|inventor=FIGMA, INC.|title=DEV MODE|pubdate=2024-11-19 |fdate=2023-06-16|url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=98045640&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch}}</ref>. This action has sparked controversy and criticism within the tech community, with many arguing that "Dev Mode" is a widely used and generic term in the industry.

===Background===
===Companies===
In order to understand how these companies use the term "Dev Mode", we must further analyze what their products do.

Figma is a design platform, being widely used in software development.

Lovable is a no code app using a chat powered by the Claude LLM<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lovable helps anyone create software 20x faster with Claude |url=https://www.anthropic.com/customers/lovable |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514042824/https://www.anthropic.com/customers/lovable |archive-date=2025-05-14 |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Anthropic}}</ref> for the user to instert the prompts and having a website fully functional<ref>{{Cite web |title=Welcome - Lovable Documentation |url=https://docs.lovable.dev/introduction/welcome |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716144523/https://docs.lovable.dev/introduction/welcome |archive-date=2025-07-16 |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Lovable}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Company
!Dev Mode claim in their website
|-
|Figma
|Dev Mode gives you the power to easily inspect designs and translate them into code—without changing the design file.
|-
|Lovable
|you can now view the full code repository backing your Lovable project directly in the Lovable Editor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-12 |title=Versioning, Dev Mode & Lovable Livestream with Clerk |url=https://lovable.dev/blog/versioning-dev-mode |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250707181544/https://lovable.dev/blog/versioning-dev-mode |archive-date=2025-07-07 |access-date=2025-07-18 |website=Lovable}}</ref>
|}
*'''Historical Use''': The term "Dev Mode" has been used in the tech industry since at least 2004, according to Google Trends data.
*'''Legal Precedents''': While trademarking common terms is not unprecedented, the tech community is particularly sensitive to such actions, especially when they affect smaller companies and open-source projects.

===Incident===
Figma, a popular online design and collaboration tool, has recently taken legal action against several companies for using the term "Dev Mode." The company has trademarked this term and has been sending cease and desist letters to smaller startups, demanding they stop using it. This move has generated significant controversy and criticism within the tech community.

===Theo - t3․gg's response===

Theo begins by highlighting a letter from Figma's general counsel, demanding that companies cease using the 'Dev Mode' trademark. He expresses his astonishment and disapproval, referring to this as one of the most ridiculous things he's witnessed in the tech industry. Theo shares his insights into the implications of such protective actions for Figma's brand image and its place in the market.

In the middle section, Theo goes on to discuss Figma's attempts to expand beyond its design roots into the development sector, mentioning tools like 'Dev Mode'. Despite these efforts, Theo believes Figma is failing to capture the developer market as intended. He explores the impact of AI on the design process, noting that AI tools have substantially altered the need for traditional design software.

Towards the end, Theo delves into the significance of trademark protection and how it relates to Figma's aggressive stance. He draws parallels to past trademark disputes, such as those involving Microsoft and Oracle. Theo considers Figma's current legal approach as desperate and suggests it may backfire, especially with an IPO on the horizon and a rapidly changing industry.
===References===
Theo - t3․gg. “Figma threatens companies using "Dev Mode."” ''YouTube'', 16 April 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P73EGVfKNr0. Accessed 21 April 2025. Preservetube: https://preservetube.com/watch?v=P73EGVfKNr0
<references />
[[Category:Figma]]

== Products ==

* Figma Design
* FigJam
[[Category:Figma]]

Glance

2026-01-04T23:11:28Z

Lionvilds: Fixed a spelling mistake in the description

{{StubNotice}}

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=2019
|Industry=Artificial Intelligence
|ParentCompany=InMobi
|Type=Private
|Website=https://glance.com/
|Description=Glance (AI) is an artifical intelligence-based software company. The company was founded in Bangalore in 2019. Glance is owned by InMobi.
|Logo=Glance logo.png}}'''Glance''' is an Indian artificial intelligence-based software company. The company was co-founded in 2019 by Naveen Tewari (CEO), Abhay Singhal, Mohit Saxena, and Piyush Shah with their headquarters being in Bangalore. Glance is owned by InMobi, a multinational technology company.

==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]].

==='''Program cannot be uninstalled (''2022-'')'''===
A quick search can find numerous [[Reddit]] threads<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/MotoG/comments/1b7u4an/remove_glance_permanently/|title=Remove Glance Permanently |author=u/therandomopera|date=2024-03-06|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://archive.ph/zbOHa|archive-date=2025-08-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Realme/comments/tkamww/this_glance_feature_is_driving_me_nuts_plese_tell/|title=This glance feature is driving me nuts. Plese tell me how do i disable it . sometimes i unlock my realme 7 and this comes up. i even checked the box which said do not remind again and now it still comes up without that box.|author=u/Abhinav_Pandey|date=2022-03-22|work=Reddit|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://archive.ph/32r9Z|archive-date=2025-08-24|url-status=live}}</ref> and reviews<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/glance-reportedly-us-bound-later-2024 |title=Glance is coming to the US, whether we like it or not|first=Nickolas|last=Diaz|date=2024-04-24|work=Android Central|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250525181447/https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/glance-reportedly-us-bound-later-2024|archive-date=2025-05-25|url-status=live}}</ref> complaining about this [[bloatware]], as well as articles written by Glance which attempt to subvert you looking for ways to uninstall their software. Once you disable it from having access to all the lock screen settings (because it can't actually be uninstalled if it came loaded your phone, short of a rootkit) it will use your data to download the latest updates, UNDO ALL THE SETTINGS YOU CHANGED, and then on wake, tell you to Activate Glance. This currently happens on Samsung, Motorola, Oppo, and other mobile phones.

===AI-generated lock screen ads (''2025'')===
[[Samsung]] and Glance teamed up to deliver a new "AI shopping" experience that uses a selfie to create custom fashion ads.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitwam |first=Ryan |date=2025-06-04 |title=Samsung teams up with Glance to use your face in AI-generated lock screen ads |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/samsung-teams-up-with-glance-to-use-your-face-in-ai-generated-lock-screen-ads/ |access-date=2025-08-23 |website=Ars Technica|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723085709/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/06/samsung-teams-up-with-glance-to-use-your-face-in-ai-generated-lock-screen-ads/|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Products==
*[[Roposo]] (2014, Acquired in 2019):
*[[Shop101]] (2015, Acquired in 2021):
*[[Gambit]] (Acquired in 2022):

==See also==
*[[Motorolla|Motorola]]
*[[Oppo]]
*[[Samsung]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]