Consumer Rights Wiki - User contributions [en]

Taco Bell

2026-03-03T11:04:07Z

Raster: grammar & typo edits (good page tho, don't let these stop you from your awsum coverage)

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1962-03-21
|Industry=Food
|Logo=Transparent Taco Bell Logo.jpg
|ParentCompany=Yum! Brands
|Type=Public subsidiary
|Website=https://www.tacobell.com/about-us
|Description=TACO BELL!!
}}[[wikipedia:Taco_Bell|Taco Bell IP Holder, LLC]], founded by Glen Bell in March 21, 1962, is an American fast food restaurant serving primary Mexican styled foods. Taco Bell is one of [[Yum! Brands]] largest subsidiaries, with an annual revenue of $7.91 Billion in 2024. 

==Consumer-impact summary==

*Food safety Outbreaks
*False Advertising
*Security Vulnerabilities

==Taco Bell Medical Outbreak History==
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]].

===Taco Bells Beef Taco's affecting Children===
In November 1999, several children were affected with E.coli after consumption of Taco Bell's Beef Tacos, hospitalizing 4 children.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bill |first=Marler |date=2012-02-05 |title=Hey, CDC and FDA, Taco Bell has a Long History of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks |url=https://www.marlerblog.com/legal-cases/hey-cdc-and-fda-taco-bell-has-a-long-history-of-foodborne-illness-outbreaks/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Marler Clark The food safety Law Firm}}</ref>

===Taco Bell Green Onions Outbreak===
In 2006, 71 customers in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware became infected with E. Coli, resulting in most customers being hospitalized or having kidney failures. Taco Bell conducted an investigation on its green onions, finding after 3 samples all turned positive for bacteria. Taco Bell responded by pulling out green onions from their menus from all locations and shut down several restaurant for sanitization. A week later, Taco bell discovered that the true cause was with their lettuce, resulting in a change of supplier for lettuce. This incident costed Taco Bell $20 million, and was described as the source of the incident. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Dulion |first=Christine |date=2025-01-24 |title=The Biggest Recalls In Taco Bell's History |url=https://www.mashed.com/1765733/taco-bell-biggest-recalls/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228024649/https://www.mashed.com/1765733/taco-bell-biggest-recalls/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=Mashed}}</ref>

===2010 Salmonella Outbreak===
Customers reported of salmonella tied to Taco bell in April leading up to August affecting 155 customers, hospitalizing 11. <ref name=":1" /> This resulted in an investigation from several departments of the United States government, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-08-06 |title=Salmonella outbreak may have ties to Taco Bell |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/08/06/taco.bell.salmonella/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=CNN}}</ref>, however the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on August 4 that no indicators of the cause were found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schreck |first=Suzanne |date=2010-08-05 |title=Taco Bell Source of Salmonella |url=https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/08/taco-bell-source-of-salmonella/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Food Safety News}}</ref>

As a result of this incident, several customers filed lawsuits against parent company Yum! Brands. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-28 |title=Taco Bell Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits |url=https://marlerclark.com/news_events/taco-bell-salmonella-outbreak-litigation-nationwide-2010 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Marler Clark}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Curran |first=Laurel |date=2010-08-17 |title=Second Salmonella Lawsuit Filed Against Taco Bell |url=https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/08/second-lawsuit-filed-in-taco-bell-salmonella-outbreak/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Food Safety News}}</ref>

===2011 Salmonella Outbreak===
68 customers across 10 states (Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, and Tennessee) had gotten sick with salmonella, however no deaths were reported.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jaslow |first=Ryan |date=2012-02-02 |title=Taco Bell tied to 2011 salmonella outbreak that sickened 68: Report |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/taco-bell-tied-to-2011-salmonella-outbreak-that-sickened-68-report/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=CBS News}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> This incident resulted in a lawsuit filed by an Oklahoma woman against Taco Bell for allegedly causing her to become very ill. The case was settled, however specific agreements are unknown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-12 |title=Taco Bell Sued in Salmonella Outbreak |url=https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/02/taco-bell-sued-in-salmonella-outbreak/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Food Safety News}}</ref>

===Canada Lettuce Recall===
Stated in Late December 2012 till January 2013, Taco Bell lettuce was infected with E.Coli, affecting 30 customers in Canada. In response, Taco Bell issued an recall of all its lettuce, conducting an investigation that determined the infected lettuce came originally from California, and was distributed by FreshPoint.<ref name=":0" />

===Taco Bell Served Metal to Customers===
In 2019, three customers found metal shavings in their food. The customers notified Taco Bell, which in response, notified the U.S. Department of Agriculture, resulting in a recall and disposal of 2.3 million pounds of beef on October 11. <ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tario |first=Michael |date=2019-10-19 |title=Taco Bell Recalls Seasoned Beef After Customer Finds Metal Shaving in Food |url=https://www.tariolaw.com/taco-bell-recalls-seasoned-beef-after-customer-finds-metal-shaving-in-food/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Tario Law}}</ref> No customers were affected.

Taco Bell North American president Julie Masino, responded to the situation;<blockquote>Nothing is more important than our customers’ safety, and nothing means more to us than their trust. As soon as we received the first consumer complaint, we immediately acted to remove the product from the affected restaurants and proactively worked with the supplier to inform the USDA of our steps to protect our guests. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bartiromo |first=Michael |date=2019-10-15 |title=Taco Bell recalled 2.3M pounds of seasoned beef due to 'metal shaving' found in meat, restaurant confirms |url=https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/taco-bell-seasoned-beef-recall/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Fox News}}</ref></blockquote>

==Incidents==
[[File:Taco Bell Crunchrap Advertising.png|thumb|Taco Bell Crunchwrap Advertising]]

===Gift Card Violations Fine===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}
California Department of Consumer Affairs issued Taco Bell a fine of $85,000 in 2019 over violating the California Civil Code section 1749.5 by refusing to redeem gift cards with values less than $10. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Holdridge |first=Mary |date=2026-02-28 |title=Taco Bell to pay $85,000 for gift card violations |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2023/06/16/taco-bell-fined-gift-card-violations/70331670007/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=USA TODAY MONEY}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=District Attorney Announces $85,500 Settlement with Taco Bell Over Gift Card Violations |url=https://da.sonomacounty.ca.gov/district-attorney-ann |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=SONOMA COUNTY District Attorney}}</ref>
[[File:Taco Bell Crunchrap Real Life Product.png|thumb|Plaintiff Chrunchwrap product ]]

===Taco Bell using less beef than advertised===
On 31 July, 2023, Frank Siragusa filed a class action against Taco Bell for falsely advertising the amount of ingredients used in their products, arguing that Taco Bell's Crunchwrap and Mexican Pizza variants contain less than half the amount of beef showcased in advertising. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Madani |first=Doha |date=2023-08-01 |title=Taco Bell accused of skimping on beef for Crunchwraps and Mexican Pizzas in class action lawsuit |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/taco-bell-accused-skimping-beef-crunchwraps-mexican-pizzas-lawsuit-rcna97589 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228044218/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/taco-bell-accused-skimping-beef-crunchwraps-mexican-pizzas-lawsuit-rcna97589 |archive-date=2026-02-28 |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bucher |first=Anne |date=2023-08-04 |title=Taco Bell class action claims chain falsely advertises amount of food in products |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/food/taco-bell-class-action-claims-chain-falsely-advertises-amount-of-food-in-products/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-02 |title=Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Taco Bell Alleging False Advertising |url=https://news.justia.com/class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-taco-bell-alleging-false-advertising/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=Justia Legal News}}</ref>

As of February 2026, the lawsuit is still in progress.

==See also==

*[[McDonald's]]
*[[Domino's]]
*[[7-Eleven]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]
[[Category:Yum! Brands]]

QuikTrip

2026-03-03T10:52:21Z

Raster: /* QuikTrip Discrimination */ Replaced archive.ada.gov archive link with IA since 1) MediaWiki didn't like it and 2) it was almost unreadable black text on purple bg for me

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1958-09-25
|Industry=Retail
|Logo=QuikTrip new logo.svg.png
|Type=Private
|Website=http://www.quiktrip.com/
|Description=a company that serves gas, food, and beverages
}}Founded in September 25, 1958 by Burt Holmes and Chester Cadieux Sr, [[wikipedia:QuikTrip|QuikTrip Corporation]] (also referred as QT or QuikTrip) is an American convenience store with over 1,200 locations operating across Midwestern, southern, and western regions of the United States. Along with gas salege, QuikTrip contains their own app and fast food items, expanded further with the introduction of QT Kitchens in 2013. [[File:QT Kitchens.png|alt=QT Kitchens|thumb]]

==Consumer-impact summary==

*Discrimination against individuals with disabilities
*Failure to disclose contents to customers

==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]].
===QuikTrip Discrimination===
On April 2, 2010, [[wikipedia:United_States_Department_of_Justice|U.S Department of Justice]] filed a lawsuit against QuikTrip after complaints about inaccessible parking from two disabled individuals, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The case was resolved in April 13, 2011 with a $55,000 civil penalty fee and a $1.5 million settlement agreement that requires QuikTrip;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-07-16 |title=QuikTrip Settles With DOJ |url=https://www.cspdailynews.com/company-news/quiktrip-settles-doj |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=CSP |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20201027184201/https://www.cspdailynews.com/company-news/quiktrip-settles-doj |archive-date=27 Oct 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-07-15 |title=Justice Department Reaches Comprehensive Settlement with National Owner of Gas Stations Resolving ADA Claims |url=https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/justice-department-reaches-comprehensive-settlement-national-owner-gas-stations-resolving-ada |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111024312/https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/justice-department-reaches-comprehensive-settlement-national-owner-gas-stations-resolving-ada |archive-date=2025-11-11 |access-date=2026-02-21 |website=U.S. Department of Justice}}</ref>

*Achieve and maintain compliance with ADA accessibility requirements
*Design and construct future stores so they comply with the ADA architectural standards and obtain a certification of ADA compliance for each future store
*Require at least 2 fueling stations be accessible to individuals with disabilities
*Maintain operation of remote management systems.
*Ensure accessibility of their website

===Rogers v. QuikTrip Corp Lawsuit===
On May 2008, Mark Rogers, Terry O'Rorke, and William Wilson filed a case against QuikTrip, Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores, and 7-Eleven for failing to disclose ethanol contents inside gas to customers. The case was dismissed on January 19, 2010,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rogers v. QuikTrip Corp. |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/oklahoma/supreme-court/2010/457990.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-21 |website=Justia US Law |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20170419051409/http://law.justia.com:80/cases/oklahoma/supreme-court/2010/457990.html |archive-date=19 Apr 2017}}</ref> ruling that companies don't have to disclose ethanol contents to customers.

==See also==

*[[7-Eleven]]
*[[Chevron]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-03-03T10:29:32Z

Raster: /* Enforcement */ Correct source for rm10mil fines

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, censorship, digital rights, content moderation
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}

The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260107212302/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |archive-date=7 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yem |first=Carrine |date=2026-01-01 |title=Online Safety Act Kicks In Effective Today |url=https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-kicks-in-effective-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102010829/https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-kicks-in-effective-today/ |archive-date=2026-01-02 |website=Business Today}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":4" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250810034315/https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |archive-date=10 Aug 2025|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref> 

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=2025-12-08 |title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122015417/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |archive-date=22 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry Beaty |first=Gloria |last2=Salehuddin |first2=Sufea |date=2024-12-02 |title=The growing threat of online child exploitation |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ |url-status=live |website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref> 

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja Reza |first=Danish |date=2026-02-04 |title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223059/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |archive-date=12 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":0" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Communications and Multimedia Commission seeks public feedback on draft Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging Service Providers and Social Media Service Providers |url=https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213040603/https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providershttps |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Allen & Gledhill}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=Code Of Conduct (Best Practice) For Internet Messaging Service Providers And Social Media Service Providers |url=https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213041916/https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission}}</ref>The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref name=":4">{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 |year=2025 |pages=10, 39 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2025-09-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222223211/https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |archive-date=2026-02-22 |access-date= |website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here’s why social media firms may come to love Malaysia’s new Online Safety Act |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201081225/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |archive-date=2026-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories (exceptions are made for some educational content).<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act 866-Online Safety Act 2025.pdf |title=Online Safety Act 2025 |year=2025 |publication-date=2025 |pages=65-66 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213213744/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> 

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content. Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.{{CitationNeeded|reason=generated citation is irrelevant >}} <ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/faq-the-online-safety-act-2025-onsa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101125158/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/faq-the-online-safety-act-2025-onsa |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements.<ref name=":4" /> The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Malaysia Federal Legislation |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-detail.php?act=866&lang=BI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303072544/https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-detail.php?act=866&lang=BI |archive-date=2026-03-03 |access-date=2026-03-03}}</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia says it plans to ban social media for under-16s from 2026 |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-plans-ban-social-media-under-16-2026-5486331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260214095212/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-plans-ban-social-media-under-16-2026-5486331 |archive-date=2026-02-14 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=Channel News Asia}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-21}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":12" />  Civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information from educational content to mental health resources.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.{{CitationNeeded|reason=which organizations?}}

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.{{CitationNeeded|reason=irrelevant citation, only compares to other countries doing the same >}}<ref name=":9" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-12-12 |title=Halt hasty imposition of mandatory electronic verification |url=https://sinarproject.org/projects/safeguarding-our-information-ecosystem/halt-hasty-imposition-of-mandatory-electronic-verification-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303084448/https://sinarproject.org/projects/safeguarding-our-information-ecosystem/halt-hasty-imposition-of-mandatory-electronic-verification-1 |archive-date=2026-03-03 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=Sinar Project}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid the heavy fines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zolkepli |first=Farik |date=2025-12-13 |title=Online Safety Act 2025 welcomed but concerns remain over rights and privacy |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/13/online-safety-act-2025-welcomed-but-concerns-remain-over-rights-and-privacy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124093758/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/13/online-safety-act-2025-welcomed-but-concerns-remain-over-right |archive-date=2026-01-24 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=The Star}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":13" />

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":13" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-12 |title=Malaysia: Passage of Online Safety Bill a grave blow to free expression |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-passage-of-the-online-safety-bill-a-grave-blow-to-foe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211191004/https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-passage-of-the-online-safety-bill-a-grave-blow-to-foe/ |archive-date=2025-12-11 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=Article 19}}</ref>{{CitationNeeded|reason=could not be found >}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canary |first=Carol |date=2025-10-28 |title=Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy |url-status=live |archive-date=2026-03-03 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=Change.org}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213213743/https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Legislation in Asia]]
[[Category:Malaysian legislations]]
[[Category:Malaysia]]

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-03-03T08:59:08Z

Raster: fix more citations (stopped at Government response). still grinding, but it's worth covering.

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, censorship, digital rights, content moderation
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}

The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260107212302/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |archive-date=7 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yem |first=Carrine |date=2026-01-01 |title=Online Safety Act Kicks In Effective Today |url=https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-kicks-in-effective-today/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102010829/https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-kicks-in-effective-today/ |archive-date=2026-01-02 |website=Business Today}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250810034315/https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |archive-date=10 Aug 2025|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref> 

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=2025-12-08 |title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122015417/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |archive-date=22 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry Beaty |first=Gloria |last2=Salehuddin |first2=Sufea |date=2024-12-02 |title=The growing threat of online child exploitation |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ |url-status=live |website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref> 

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja Reza |first=Danish |date=2026-02-04 |title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223059/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |archive-date=12 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":0" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Communications and Multimedia Commission seeks public feedback on draft Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging Service Providers and Social Media Service Providers |url=https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213040603/https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providershttps |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Allen & Gledhill}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=Code Of Conduct (Best Practice) For Internet Messaging Service Providers And Social Media Service Providers |url=https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213041916/https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission}}</ref>The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 |year=2025 |pages=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2025-09-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222223211/https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |archive-date=2026-02-22 |access-date= |website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here’s why social media firms may come to love Malaysia’s new Online Safety Act |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201081225/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |archive-date=2026-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories (exceptions are made for some educational content).<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act 866-Online Safety Act 2025.pdf |title=Online Safety Act 2025 |year=2025 |publication-date=2025 |pages=65-66 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213213744/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> 

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content. Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.{{CitationNeeded|reason=generated citation is irrelevant >}} <ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/faq-the-online-safety-act-2025-onsa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101125158/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/faq-the-online-safety-act-2025-onsa |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements.{{CitationNeeded|reason=wrong citation >}}<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Malaysia Federal Legislation |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-detail.php?act=866&lang=BI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303072544/https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-detail.php?act=866&lang=BI |archive-date=2026-03-03 |access-date=2026-03-03}}</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia says it plans to ban social media for under-16s from 2026 |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-plans-ban-social-media-under-16-2026-5486331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260214095212/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-plans-ban-social-media-under-16-2026-5486331 |archive-date=2026-02-14 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=Channel News Asia}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-21}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":12" />  Civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information from educational content to mental health resources.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.{{CitationNeeded|reason=which organizations?}}

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.{{CitationNeeded|reason=irrelevant citation, only compares to other countries doing the same >}}<ref name=":9" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-12-12 |title=Halt hasty imposition of mandatory electronic verification |url=https://sinarproject.org/projects/safeguarding-our-information-ecosystem/halt-hasty-imposition-of-mandatory-electronic-verification-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260303084448/https://sinarproject.org/projects/safeguarding-our-information-ecosystem/halt-hasty-imposition-of-mandatory-electronic-verification-1 |archive-date=2026-03-03 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=Sinar Project}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zolkepli |first=Farik |date=2025-12-13 |title=Online Safety Act 2025 welcomed but concerns remain over rights and privacy |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/13/online-safety-act-2025-welcomed-but-concerns-remain-over-rights-and-privacy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260124093758/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/13/online-safety-act-2025-welcomed-but-concerns-remain-over-right |archive-date=2026-01-24 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=The Star}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":13" />

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":13" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-12 |title=Malaysia: Passage of Online Safety Bill a grave blow to free expression |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-passage-of-the-online-safety-bill-a-grave-blow-to-foe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211191004/https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-passage-of-the-online-safety-bill-a-grave-blow-to-foe/ |archive-date=2025-12-11 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=Article 19}}</ref>{{CitationNeeded|reason=could not be found >}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Canary |first=Carol |date=2025-10-28 |title=Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy |url-status=live |archive-date=2026-03-03 |access-date=2026-03-03 |website=Change.org}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213213743/https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Legislation in Asia]]
[[Category:Malaysian legislations]]
[[Category:Malaysia]]

Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard

2026-03-03T06:56:21Z

Raster: /* How will the CRW approach April Fool's day? */ Reply

<div style="margin: {{#ifeq:{{{navbox|<noinclude>yes</noinclude>}}}|yes|2px}} 0 0.5em; padding: 0.5em; {{{style|border: 1px solid #A0A5AD;}}} {{{backgroundstyle|background-color: var(--background-color-progressive-subtle, #eaf3ff); color: inherit;}}}">
<div style="padding: 0.25em 0; text-align: center; font-size: 120%; border-radius: 3px; font-weight: bold; {{{titlestyle|background-color: var(--background-color-content-added, #aad1ff); color: inherit;}}}">Welcome — post issues of interest to Moderators</div>
*Post '''appeals''' to article notice templates (e.g. Incomplete, Stub, etc.)
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*Just need a mod? Post here or ping a mod with a question.
*Post any information or news relevant to the moderation team here.
*To request an article to be created, do not post here, try [[Article suggestions]] instead.
*Do not report technical issues here, please use the [[Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Bugs|Bugs noticeboard]] instead.

<div style="padding: 0.25em 0; text-align: center; font-size: 150%; border-radius: 3px; font-weight: bold">[[Special:NewSection/Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard|Start a new section]]</div>
</div>
 
{{Archives}} 
==Open tasks==

*[[:Category:Articles with deletion requests]]
*[[:Category:Articles with merge requests]]
*[[:Category:Articles marked as irrelevant]]
*[[Special:NewPages]]

==stub notice bug==

I tried submitting my deletion req for [[FakePortal]] but get hit with "Stub notices can NOT be removed by users with normal privileges". Tried removing the unused infoboxes in [[WhatsApp]], [[GoGuardian]], [[Asus]] and [[Roblox]], and the same dice. w h y? [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 19:31, 12 January 2026 (UTC)

:I'll check this out now [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 18:19, 13 January 2026 (UTC)
::This seems to be a regular issue with the abuse filter [[Consumer_Rights_Wiki_talk:Bugs#How_do_you_edit_beginning_of_an_article_with_StubNotice?|which absolutely has been talked about before]]. It's very annoying and in my opinion we need some sort of edit request system or a new group given to users to bypass the filter, but for now I'll just check the abuse log and apply the edit manually myself. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 18:28, 13 January 2026 (UTC)
:The issue is when edits are made in-line with a stub notice, as (iirc) the filter checks for edits to the same line as the change [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:50, 20 January 2026 (UTC)
::the notice* [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:50, 20 January 2026 (UTC)
:::hey can this please be fixed? it's really damn annoying. removal of redundant infoboxes on [[Deep Cycle Systems]] and [[Allstate]] are triggering it [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 14:39, 25 January 2026 (UTC)
::::I can remove these now. It would be cool if a usergroup would dodge the filter. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:01, 25 January 2026 (UTC)
:::::yeah, I wonder if we should create a 'superconfirmed' group or something, which doesn't have the banning powers of a mod but can edit article notices. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:19, 18 February 2026 (UTC)
::I had the same issue. Just noticed this section. [[User:Luigi2262|Luigi2262]] ([[User talk:Luigi2262|talk]]) 19:45, 25 February 2026 (UTC)
:::@[[User:Luigi2262|Luigi2262]] {{Done}} your edit! [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:38, 25 February 2026 (UTC)
::::Thank you. [[User:Luigi2262|Luigi2262]] ([[User talk:Luigi2262|talk]]) 20:45, 25 February 2026 (UTC)

==Idea for a new section==

An "Important" / "Must-Reads" / "Starter Pack" / "Essential Reading" section showing the most important articles to view for someone new to the Consumer Rights scene, or just someone unknowing.

Furthermore, the ability to rate an article. Perhaps as a way to show which matters are trending, because of many people having said problem with said device/service. Could be a "Saved me!", "Worked", "Didn't work", where "Saved me!" can only be used maybe once a day, to show which issues a not just trending, but very crucial. These ratings could help place relevant articles at the top of a second section within "Important"/Whatever.

These two sections would give users a place to scroll and skim through, to see if there are any matters relevant for them, like a random product they own, that they didn't know had a Consumer Rights issue.

Additionally; the ability to give pledges to article writers/editors. I'm not fully sure how it would work at the moment, but it would give people a way to support editors that produce important relevant articles. Perhaps the site could take a small cut, which both contributes to funding the server costs or the "legal fund" that Rossman mentioned, but also gives people a bigger incentive to pledge to editors, knowing that some of it goes to supporting the website and its users. [[User:Sebandar|Sebandar]] ([[User talk:Sebandar|talk]]) 19:57, 23 January 2026 (UTC)

:I would appreciate a pane with "must-reads" on the main page that highlights the articles with the widest spread effects and only includes well-written articles. Putting some articles in the same industry, like articles on Apple and Google's app store restrictions, would be especially effective, because it's nearly guaranteed that one of these applies to the reader. If you want to make a draft of this somewhere I would be down to help work on it.
:I like the article rating idea. I don't know how difficult it would be to add interactive content like this to the wiki, but it sounds like a good way to receive feedback. The only official way to receive feedback currently is on the talk pages but those are all pretty dead. Some prioritization on pageviews or feedback would be nice.
:On pledges, Wikipedia actually has something like this, it has a [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:Reward_board|reward board]] where users are offered barnstars or real money to improve articles, but it's not used very much. Most users seem to be offering up prizes only for the fun of doing so, not because it's particularly effective. If the content is relevant and/or interesting, someone probably is already working on it. I don't personally think this site needs an economy but if it were to be implemented, I think we should plug donations to FULU or other affiliated foundations on the main page and then have those foundations offer microgrants for editors. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 16:02, 25 January 2026 (UTC)
::I'd probably agree with you that this isn't needed - creating an economy/bounty system is probably overkill, and unnecessarily complex at this stage. I think article ratings etc. are probably something best handled through the [[Projects:Hub|projects]] system, similar to how Wikipedia uses it for things like this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Molecular_Biology/Molecular_and_Cell_Biology . creating a project like that for each article type could be a pretty decent way of going about it? [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 12:57, 28 February 2026 (UTC)

==Form pages==

I made a change to [[Form:Company]] following Discord suggestion #181. I was going to add this to [[Form:Product]] and [[Form:ProductLine]] but these pages are protected.

So, I am requesting an edit to those two pages to replace "(supported file types = PNG|JPG)" with "(supported file types = JPG, PNG, SVG)" to represent the fact that SVGs are allowed, and also to admin-protect [[Form:Company]] since that's an important page. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 13:13, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

==“Summaries” of articles==

I'd like to propose an idea that I think would help people read articles in a rush. Add a box at the top of all long pages (e.g. [[YouTube]], or all that aren't stubs or marked as incomplete) that summarises the article (the incidents the company has been involved in, what it does, etc) in a couple of sentences. Let me know what you think. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:17, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

:What makes this different from a lead paragraph? Would you replace the lead paragraph entirely with this template or would it be a complementary resource with links to related company/product/theme articles? You could link to categories/other articles there. I think categories on wikis in general are overlooked by most readers and putting them at the top sounds interesting. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 16:07, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

==InfoboxCompany to CargoCompany cleanup part 2==

The companies have all been moved over now, the only [https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Special:WhatLinksHere?target=Template%3AInfoboxCompany&namespace=&limit=50 places that InfoboxCompany exist in] are in some documentation out of main namespace and on these pages where they were placed on the same line as a notice:
[[AirAsia]], [[Deep Cycle Systems]], [[Allstate]], [[Happiest Baby]], [[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]], [[DAZN]], [[Federal Communications Commission]], [[Anova Culinary]], [[Sig Sauer]], [[RepairShopr]]

Converting InfoboxProductLine and finding more pages without infoboxes or cargo... sometime. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 15:44, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

:Still need these removed if anyone has 5 minutes:
:[[AirAsia]], [[Allstate]], [[Happiest Baby]], [[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]], [[DAZN]], [[Federal Communications Commission]] [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 19:51, 29 January 2026 (UTC)
::{{Done}}. Sorry for taking so long. It'd be nice if there was a usergroup that could dodge all the edit filters. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:07, 7 February 2026 (UTC)

==Color scheme==

The main Sitenotice text is nearly the same color as the link inside of it, making it hard to distinguish where the link is if you haven't clicked the link yet. A larger contrast would be nice, since the notice is going to be up for another 25 days or so. https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sitenotice&action=edit

This also applies to most of the main page, blue/muddy purple on blue doesn't look the best, but that's a larger undertaking. If the main page is up for redesign it would be nice to take the color contrast into consideration. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 16:15, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

:I've simply made it black and white, although I don't think it is entirely fixed it. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:39, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
::Please can nobody amend the theme or any elements currently, I am restyling the website. [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 17:41, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::Oh, sorry. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:57, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::Looks great, and has nice contrast! [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 18:56, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
::::Thank you! Still somewhat of a work in progress, but definitely a significant improvement over the previous version. [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 18:59, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::::Yeah, I like it too! As an idea, make the borders rounded like the original one. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:52, 27 January 2026 (UTC)
::::::No worries, all done! [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 19:09, 27 January 2026 (UTC)
:::::::Wow, this looks amazing now. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:30, 28 January 2026 (UTC)

==Template troubles==

So, a lot of the articles with [[Template:Incomplete]] and cargo templates that display a box (any but IncidentCargo) have big foreheads right now (see a list of articles with Incomplete [https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Special:WhatLinksHere/Template:Incomplete&limit=100 here]). I did some testing, the Incomplete template itself doesn't have a trailing newline, and none of the cargos have a preceding newline. A <nowiki> </nowiki><nowiki></nowiki> is being added by the parser when the two are put together, and only when they are not on the same line. I've also seen this in the wild with [[Template:SloppyAI]] and with [[Template:Welcome]] on new user talk pages. Welcome should be a simple edit fix since it's not combined with other templates, but it seems that anytime templates are combined, they must be put on the same line or they will introduce an unintended newline. You can see an instance of Incomplete and SloppyAI together causing problems on [[Samsung TVs]].

Many Wikipedia pages have several templates next to each other without this problem, for example see [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025%E2%80%932026_Iranian_protests&oldid=1334922628 2025-2026 Iranian protests]. So the problem is solvable in MediaWiki, but I don't know how much work is required to do so. According to [[:Category:Todo]], over 700 articles have these banners, which is the majority of the wiki.

If other people think it's important too, I can work on this, but I don't know how to compare this wiki's configuration against stuff in the MediaWiki documentation. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 13:35, 26 January 2026 (UTC)

:Oh yeah, some junk from my experimenting that we should delete once the problem is resolved: [[User:Bythmusters/templatetesting]], [[Qwerty]] [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 13:37, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
::Do you mean the top has more height than the rest of the box? I'm not entirely sure what you are talking about. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:42, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::Also, the Wiki's main config can be seen at [[MediaWiki:Common.css]] and [[MediaWiki:Common.js]], where all the css and js that you see the moment you load a page is at. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:34, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::So, let's compare these two versions:
:::https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=User:Bythmusters/templatetesting&oldid=35089
:::https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=User:Bythmusters/templatetesting&oldid=35091
:::There is an additional newline between the bottom of the template and the beginning of the article text. The only difference in the source text is:
:::<nowiki>"{\{Incomplete}}{\{ProductLineCargo"</nowiki>
:::vs:
:::<nowiki>"{\{Incomplete}}</nowiki>
:::{\{ProductLineCargo"
:::In the second one, there's a newline to separate the templates, as it's more natural to read in the source editor this way. Wikipedia articles do not render this newline, but CRW does. That is my issue, it takes up a lot of space on the screen.
:::Thanks for the links, I read through the Common.css and Common.js of this wiki and Wikipedia but I didn't see anything relevant. I think it's in the parser, where the mediawiki text gets converted into html but I don't know enough about this stuff to be sure. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 18:53, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
::::Ah, okay. Reread your previous post and now feel like an idiot for not understanding. I don't know how to fix that if it's the parser. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:33, 28 January 2026 (UTC)
:::::Yeah idk it's probably not worth the trouble to fix. I like learning about mediawiki but not that much [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 15:55, 28 January 2026 (UTC)

==Feedback on changes to sidebar appearance and arrangement==

*I suggest renaming the "Tools" section for the web browser addon to something else to differentiate it from the wiki tools. I also recommend moving it to the way bottom, at least until it's ready for prime time, since it makes wiki editors have to scroll further to reach the wiki tools than previously.

*An option to hide the mini-list of recent changes and restore the single line "Recent Changes" for the original minimalist design.
**<strike>As an addendum: The font size of said mini-list is not consistent with the font size used both throughout the sidebar and the wiki itself, making it stand out like a sore thumb.</strike>

*An option to hide the community section for those of us that refuse to ever use [[Discord]]. I'd rather have a native choice available instead of resorting to a browser addon to remove it.

''(Note: Feedback is based on using Firefox v147.0.2 and the wiki skin "Vector legacy (2010)".)'' — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 21:32, 30 January 2026 (UTC)

:I’ve mentioned already that Vector legacy (2010) hasn’t been worked on yet, as most users are on Vector 2022 where these changes have been applied. The examples you listed aren’t present on the current default skin. I’d appreciate your patience while I get round to updating the legacy variant. In the meantime, I’ve resolved the issue where discussion tabs and similar tabs were hidden. [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 22:51, 30 January 2026 (UTC)

::Respectfully, I find your response confusing. What I bring up here is a separate matter from [[Consumer_Rights_Wiki_talk:Bugs#Page_tabs_hidden|my bug report]], and I posted ''only'' after first waiting a couple days and checked the default skin before-hand. I've struck out the one line since apparently it wasn't intentional like I had thought (and it had affected both legacy and default skins for the record), but otherwise my general feedback is unchanged.

::I appreciate the work you do on the wiki and thank you for fixing the bugged page tabs. — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 02:22, 11 February 2026 (UTC)
:::I understand that the feedback here is separate from the bug report, though I’m also a little confused: the default skin does not show the duplicated Tools section that the legacy version does, so I’m not sure how it would be confused with the wiki tools. It’s also already at the very bottom on the default skin. As for the other suggestions about hiding certain areas, I can look into those, but it won’t be a short-term fix. I appreciate the feedback and the kind words! [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 19:14, 11 February 2026 (UTC)

==What should this image be licensed under?==

This [[:Category:Suspected copyright violations|image I archived]] for Age Verification, I selected as "without permission" since I didn't see they licensed it under CC BY 4.0 at the time - yet the site rejected both IA and archive.today, which felt like they held the copyright. How should the content be tagged? (I

On another note, if you go to the [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563217303357 site of the reference] and click "View PDF", after solving a Cloudflare "are you human" it grants access to the full pdf which has "© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)." as the footer of the first page. I wonder if that's the better way to go about archiving this reference.

Probably could have worded this better, thanks for your time. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 02:59, 2 February 2026 (UTC)

:I've deleted it while we figure out copyright status of this. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:35, 3 February 2026 (UTC)
::It seems to exist on the IA [https://web.archive.org/web/20190203021620/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563217303357 here]. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:37, 3 February 2026 (UTC)
:::Unfortunately that snapshot only has the Abstract. I'm not the one that added the particular source, but it (may) be sufficient enough to add as an archive link for that particular source (talking about the [[Age Verification]] article in case anyone's confused), so I've gone and done so. Thanks for your input. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 04:34, 4 February 2026 (UTC)
::This can be safely undeleted. The copyright symbol is sometimes used for partial copyright (which Creative Commons is). A more suitable symbol would have been the "(cc)" (creative commons) symbol, but it is not a dedicated unicode character like "©". The document itself says it is Creative Commons, not "all rights reserved", so I see no reason not to undelete it. [[User:JodyBruchonFan|JodyBruchonFan]] ([[User talk:JodyBruchonFan|talk]]) 22:51, 4 February 2026 (UTC)

==Appeal Request==

On the article regarding [[Restaurant Brands International caught training AI models using customer voices|Restaurant Brand International]], I think that the source credibility issue lacks merit and should be removed, as I don't see how it could be lacking in source credibility due to (in my opinion) additional evidence backup with images and detail breakthrough of the event that would classify it as being trustworthy? Would like some thoughts and comments around this, very confused. [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 23:45, 13 February 2026 (UTC)

:Mr Pollo often does tagging like that, pinging @[[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] for thoughts here. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 18:01, 14 February 2026 (UTC)
::Also, incomplete is often simply used for a short article, although it doesnt specify it in the notice. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 18:02, 14 February 2026 (UTC)
:Hello, I added the incomplete template to that article for two main reasons: aspects such as the Background section can be expanded into a paragraph and a "consumer response" section as seen [[Template:IncidentPreload|here]] would greatly benefit the article. So far it is a good article, but it can be better with my suggestions. [[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] ([[User talk:Mr Pollo|talk]]) 20:47, 16 February 2026 (UTC)
::Now i see. I think that's fair and i agree! Thank you for clearing some things up, will definitely work on it as soon as I get the chance! [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 20:56, 16 February 2026 (UTC)
:::Of course, thank you as well for your contributions! [[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] ([[User talk:Mr Pollo|talk]]) 21:05, 16 February 2026 (UTC)
::::No problem! it should be good now when you have the time to check, please let me know of any addition problems~@[[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 23:49, 17 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::forgot to add that regarding your previous comment on if you rule and welcome really happened, yes and I can confirm with screenshots or whatever necessary for whatever link you couldn't access. [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 00:02, 18 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::I've removed the notice! [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:17, 18 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::The article looks good, didn’t notice any new problems. Nice work! [[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] ([[User talk:Mr Pollo|talk]]) 14:20, 18 February 2026 (UTC)

==Archive.today weaponising PCs into causing DDoS attacks==

Hello, I just wanted to bring up the fact that Archive.today has recently decided to DDoS a random blog using people visiting their site (without them even realising) because they disliked a page on it. This doesn't exactly make me very happy with using the service for archiving links if they willingly do things like that. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:11, 19 February 2026 (UTC)

:That is concerning, afaik it's basically just run by one person so that's always a risk factor. Internet archive still has the issue of being pretty compliant when faced with DMCA takedowns, but at least it's a bit more of an institution...
:Do you think we should pull it as a recommended archive site over this? does result in a bit of a single-point-of-failure with IA. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 15:17, 19 February 2026 (UTC)
::Maybe wait it out for a little while, see what Wikipedia does, and then copy them? from the looks of it there's a lot of discussion going on about it over there. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 15:25, 19 February 2026 (UTC)
:::https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/Archive.is_RFC_5 [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 15:26, 19 February 2026 (UTC)
::::Seems like a good plan. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:36, 19 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::It's been closed as deprecate archive.today. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 08:05, 20 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::As the saying goes, "This is informative, and unfortunate".
::::::My main concern with IA is its aging maintainers (which I can no longer verify on the site), but this does seem to be a more pressing issue. Will look into re-archiving pages I've done in the past. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 09:34, 20 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::::This seems extremely far fetched, but I'd like if the FULU Foundation themselves could make an archiving service. This sounds ridiculous but just putting it out there in case it is possible. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 10:24, 20 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::::Pulled it from the recommended archiving lists, @[[User:Keith|Keith]] you can change it back if you disagree. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 10:28, 20 February 2026 (UTC) Edit: Was a bit hasty of me, I've reinstated it with a warning. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 12:53, 20 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::::we have considered self-hosting an archivebox instance or similar, with the ability to create archive pages locked behind a confirmed wiki account. Cost wise (including the time cost of setup and maintenance), it's feasible but not ideal, so i wouldn't count on it happening unless things really go to shit with the big archivers. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 01:35, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::::::OK, actually looking through and reading the reasons given for the consensus view, I'd be happy to adopt it, and will un-undo your edits and just take it off, leaving an explanation.
:::::::::the fact that the maintainer has been credibly alleged to have altered the content of sites hosted there is the biggest concern for me, as having a reliable record is kind of the whole point.
:::::::::going to @[[User:Banana|Banana]] here to see this discussion since he's been working on an archive bot for citations. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 01:41, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::::::I've created [[Special:AbuseFilter/14]] for links. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:33, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::::I agree with this. but being a US org wouldn't they also be mandated to honor the DMCA? and hence have the same issues as IA? idk much abt the hosting aspect of it but many shadow sites exist that do not at all honor the DMCA. [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 16:03, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::::::From what I've seen they've done malicious things like making seperate web crawlers that do the same thing to make it harder to block it and also not honoring the DMCA which from my understanding has gotten them into legal issues. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:20, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
:thanks for letting us know! will definetly be using alternative means of archiving for now on! [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 02:43, 21 February 2026 (UTC)

==banning Discord from citations==

[[OpenAI#cite_ref-5]] is a Discord link. As a non user of Discord I cannot see what has been cited. people should not be required to create an account to view the source of a claim. [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 16:11, 22 February 2026 (UTC)

:Agreed. Ive removed it. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:26, 22 February 2026 (UTC)

==[[special:AbuseFilter/14]]==

Hi, can someone with good knowledge of the abuse filter code fix or tell me how to fix this? [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 21:06, 22 February 2026 (UTC)

:I've fixed this and it's now working [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 03:08, 25 February 2026 (UTC)
::Thanks! [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 06:13, 25 February 2026 (UTC)

==Is Bloatware still a stub?==

[[Bloatware|This article]] seems less of a stub compared to [[Ad block]] [[User:Rudxain|Rudxain]] ([[User talk:Rudxain|talk]]) 23:59, 23 February 2026 (UTC)

:Unsure on this one. I don't think any mods passed by it and tagged that one, so I've tagged Ad block now. I'm leaning to de-stub it but I'm still not entirely sure. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:11, 24 February 2026 (UTC)

==Potential website bug==

I made my new page (unlocking technology act of 2013) on mobile, where I could not use the shortcut to make proper references according to Rossmann's guide video, so I had just included links to the sources used instead. I got back here on a computer and attempted to fix them, but I ran into a problem. I had previously added a stub notice to my article. While I did not attempt to remove the stub notice in my edits while fixing the references, I still got the message that I could not remove the notice, and it would not accept my edit. I cannot fix the article as things are. [[User:Luigi2262|Luigi2262]] ([[User talk:Luigi2262|talk]]) 03:28, 25 February 2026 (UTC)

:The wiki has always had the irritating behavior of a notice tag (whether Incomplete, Stub, etc.) forbidding any in-line editing, even if it's only to place a page's cargo template on a new line separate from the tag.
:And I know you've already commented under the [[Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard#stub notice bug|stub notice bug]] discussion, but I figure it'll be good to make note here as well. — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 06:18, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

==What should I do once my article is finished==

Should I leave it in that place <nowiki>https://consumerrights.wiki/w/User:%5E%26*/Digital_Ownership_Superact</nowiki>? [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 18:09, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

:Oh yes this link https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Digital_Ownership_Superact&redirect=no, this link is there to fix the broken redirect left (SixenTitan did that iirc) I have done the article what should I do? [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 19:27, 27 February 2026 (UTC)
::as [[Digital Ownership Superact]] already exists I could not move [[User:^&*/Digital Ownership Superact]] to it. idk how articles are merged or supplanted or if I have such perms. but what I can do is copy over the content which I did. [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 23:06, 27 February 2026 (UTC)
:::Thank you! [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 23:18, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

==May I ask are you going to transition from Discord to Matrix (Not the movie)?==

Just another genuine question. Sorry to bother you.

https://matrix.org/ [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 19:37, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

:[[User_talk:Keith#alternative_to_Discord]] this might intrigue you [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 22:59, 27 February 2026 (UTC)
::Thanks for that too [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 23:19, 27 February 2026 (UTC)
:We might be doing this. There is discussion on what’s going to happen if privacy stuff continues to occur with discord. Rest assured though that staff will keep everyone informed. Thanks for bringing this up and please let us know if you need anything else. - [[User:Atsumari|Atsumari]] ([[User talk:Atsumari|talk]]) 23:49, 28 February 2026 (UTC)

==Yum! relevance appeal==

the person that marked it irrelevant did it so w the justification of "because subject doesn't seem to be relevant to cases of "new" consumer exploitation". are incidents from 2014 really irrelevant? if so we got a lot of onions to chop [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 23:14, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

:{{done}} [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:09, 28 February 2026 (UTC)

==Discord tone appeal==

Hi, on 13 September 2025 [https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Discord&oldid=24510 Beanie Bo put a tone notice] on [[Discord]]. It's been some time since then, so does the ToS and Privacy Policy still need to be described instead of in bullet point? What other things could be improved in clearing the tone warning? (if any)? Thanks. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 05:11, 28 February 2026 (UTC)

:I’ll get this flagged to Keith so we can review this internally - [[User:Atsumari|Atsumari]] ([[User talk:Atsumari|talk]]) 23:46, 28 February 2026 (UTC)
:I think as you say the main issues relate to the bullet pointed sections; mainly there are phrases like 'broad rights', which are both unhelpful and potentially misleading depending on how the reader interprets it. I'd say a shortening of the consumer impact summary, and the addition of a full section on its terms of service is probably sensible.
:I also removed the section on vague moderation as it really didn't have good enough citations to support its inclusion.
:I do think it's in a decent enough state to probably not need the tone warning however, and so I've taken it off.
:thanks @[[User:Atsumari|Atsumari]] for pinging me! [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:42, 1 March 2026 (UTC)

==can I get mod?==

the title's a half joke. can sm1 revert [[Talk:Razer]] to [https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Talk:Razer&oldid=36825 this] version? a rando replaced the topic alongside the discussion with a summarized line cuz they thought it was the article itself. I wasn't able to revert cuz of this. [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 06:11, 28 February 2026 (UTC)

{{Done}} [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:07, 28 February 2026 (UTC)

==May I ask where do I place it?==

I dont mind if need placing at a different website, but where should this article be placed at?
https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Digital_Ownership_Superact [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 23:51, 28 February 2026 (UTC)

:Not in a rude way ofc [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 23:53, 28 February 2026 (UTC)
::Since it not formal like rest of the wiki; where do I place it? (Look at the edit history) [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 23:54, 28 February 2026 (UTC)
:::I've been following this discussion, I've just tried the move to your user now and it worked. No idea why it didn't work for Keith. It is now at [[User:^&*/Digital Ownership Superact]]. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:26, 1 March 2026 (UTC)
::::Thanks [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 21:32, 1 March 2026 (UTC)

==Some Thoughts???==

I'm currently working on this [[Shell|article]], and i am having difficulty deciding on what to do with a 1990-1996 incident the company was involved in with the Nigerian Government. To keep it short, the company collaborated with the Nigerian Government after protest of the company environmental damage, creating the Internal Security Task Force (ISTF) with the sole purpose of serving Shell "community en-devours"that resulting in rape, killings, torture, and execution of protestors and Nigerian's. The company would frequently have meetings with the Nigerian government, encouraging the killings and rewarding the higher officials and police officers with meals, cash, and transportation. (sorry if i get some of this wrong)

I would like some thoughts around this incident to decide on what i should do? I was thinking creating an incident and putting an disclaimer similar to the article disclaimer shown [[Shell|here]], as this incident doesn't really delve into a product or service per-se, more of an incident about human rights abuses and market control. @[[User:Keith|Keith]]

Here is one big source of reference i plan on using: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/AFR44/7393/2017/en/

[[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 06:52, 2 March 2026 (UTC)

:I'm not entirely sure if human rights issues are even allowed in the first place. Sure, it's absolutely horrible, but I'm not sure if it's in scope. We'll see what Keith says anyway. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:33, 2 March 2026 (UTC)
::torn on this one. it's done in service of market control etc., but it certainly seems like a issue more adjacent to worker abuses or environmental damage which are out-of-scope (and also it's being done in service of securing supply rather than securing demand). maybe could be mentioned off-hand as context for something else (e.g. demonstrating that they have capability/track record of working in that way), with a link to the relevant wikipedia page, but I don't think it makes sense to have a full page for it on the wiki. I assume Wikipedia has it pretty well documented? [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 11:02, 2 March 2026 (UTC)
:::I looked on Wikipedia and I couldn't find any reference to the incident. I think mentioning it off-hand as additional context is a good idea, maybe with it being implemented with something like this [[Chevron|article]] (on chevron killing protestors part) and acting as a summary of the incident and not its whole article. [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 14:14, 2 March 2026 (UTC)
::::never-mind, found it https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movement_for_the_Survival_of_the_Ogoni_People#Saro-Wiwa_v [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 20:38, 2 March 2026 (UTC)

==How will the CRW approach April Fool's day?==

Hi, April Fool's day is next month and I don't want to initiate a discussion too late, so how would we approach it? My idea is 1) no jokes in articles, no exceptions and 2) clearly mark all jokes when they occur (I've made [[Template:April fools]] for this purpose). [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 19:57, 2 March 2026 (UTC)

:If my science textbook in school gave me a QR code that ends up rickrolling me I think I'll spend longer than 1 day being distracted about it... lol
:In my opinion they should be contained within user pages and other types of pages the common person never visits, like having it as an extra link under Wiki policy or something. It would be really bad if someone in power happens to see it the one day they get told to visit a page on the wiki. Just my two cents... but then again I'm pretty biased against the day anyway [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 06:56, 3 March 2026 (UTC)

Domino's

2026-03-03T06:49:24Z

Raster: some grammar & capitalization

{{CompanyCargo
|Logo=Wikipedia Domino's image.png
|Founded=1960-12-09|Industry=Food|Type=Public|Website=https://dominos.com/}}

[[wikipedia:Domino's|Domino's]] is an American Pizza Restaurant Chain company founded by Jim Monagham, Tom Monaghan, and Dominick DeVarti. It is operating over 21,000 across several countries and has a revenue of $4.8 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williment |first=Chloe |date=2026-01-21 |title=Top 10: Global Food Franchises |url=https://fooddigital.com/top10/top-10-franchises |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222215710/https://fooddigital.com/top10/top-10-franchises |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-01-26 |website=fooddigital.com}}</ref>

==Consumer-impact summary==

*Privacy concerns over Voice Data Collection
*Security concerns

==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]].
[[File:Hacker's Tweet .jpg|alt=Hacker Group Twitter messages |thumb|Hacker Group Twitter ]]

===Domino's French and Belgium Leak (2014)===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}
In 2014, a hacker group by the name of Rex Mundi, went on Twitter-- now formally called X-- claiming to have obtained 650,000 customers personal information.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cluley |first=Graham |date=2014-07-16 |title=Domino's Pizza refuses to pay ransom after customer database hacked |url=https://www.welivesecurity.com/2014/06/16/dominos-pizza-hacked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112220612/https://www.welivesecurity.com/2014/06/16/dominos-pizza-hacked/ |archive-date=12 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-01-26 |website=WeLiveSecurity}}</ref> The hackers threatened to release the information if Domino’s didn't pay the group 30,000 euros (equivalent to $40,800). In response, the company denied the ransom request, and 6 months later the hackers released the data to the public that contained customers' email addresses, names, phone numbers, passwords, and physical address.<ref>{{Cite web |author=NBC News |date=2014-06-16 |title=Hackers Steal Domino's Pizza Customer Data in Europe, Seek Ransom |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/hackers-steal-dominos-pizza-customer-data-europe-seek-ransom-n132591 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250714115920/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/hackers-steal-dominos-pizza-customer-data-europe-seek-ransom-n132591 |archive-date=14 Jul 2025|access-date=2026-01-29 |website=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Have I Been Pwned |date=2015-01-04 |title=Domino's Data Breach |url=https://haveibeenpwned.com/Breach/Dominos |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251231154707/https://haveibeenpwned.com/Breach/Dominos |archive-date=31 Dec 2025|access-date=2026-01-29 |website=Have I Been Pwned}}</ref>

===Domino's India Security Leak (2021)===
On April 18, 2021, an cybersecurity researcher by the name of Alon Gal<ref>{{Cite web |last=Khanna |first=Monit |date=2021-05-24 |title=Domino's India Data Breach: Mobile Numbers, Address Of 18 Crore Orders Leaked |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/news/dominos-india-data-breach-mobile-numbers-address-of-18-crore-orders-leaked/articleshow/127553498.html |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-29 |website=India Times |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260223041327/https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/news/dominos-india-data-breach-mobile-numbers-address-of-18-crore-orders-leaked/articleshow/127553498.html |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> posted on Twitter that around 180 million orders and 1 million credit card information was stolen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coble |first=Sarah |date=2021-04-20 |title=Threat Actor Claims to Have Hacked Domino’s |url=https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/threat-actor-claims-to-have-hacked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112044440/https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/threat-actor-claims-to-have-hacked/ |archive-date=12 Nov 2025|access-date=2026-01-29 |website=Infosecurity Magazine}}</ref> Speculated to be the same hackers who hacked MobiKwik, they advertised the data to be sold for around $550,000. On April 20, the company responded by saying it was an information security incident and no financial data or credit card information had been affected<ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Amala |date=2021-05-11 |title=A primer on the Domino's Data Leak |url=https://blog.ipleaders.in/primer-dominos-data-leak/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250327233348/https://blog.ipleaders.in/primer-dominos-data-leak/ |archive-date=27 Mar 2025|access-date=2026-01-29 |website=Ipleaders}}</ref>, however couple day's later, the company changed their stance by acknowledging the 180 million and 1 million credit card leaked information. <ref>{{Cite web |author=CNBCTV18 |date=2021-05-24 |title=Domino's data breach: Details of 18 crore orders, 10 lakh credit cards compromised |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/information-technology/dominos-data-breach-details-of-18-crore-orders-10-lakh-credit-cards-compromised-9408011.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250722171014/https://www.cnbctv18.com/information-technology/dominos-data-breach-details-of-18-crore-orders-10-lakh-credit-cards-compromised-9408011.htm |archive-date=22 Jul 2025|access-date=2026-01-26 |website=CNBCTV18}}</ref> It has been speculated that the hack has occurred around February 2021.

==Legal Cases==
'''<big>Domino's voice recording California lawsuit (Aug 2024- present)</big>'''

To process customer's phone orders, in collaboration with ConverseNow Technologies Inc. use an AI voice assistant, however it was claimed that Domino's recorded customers orders for the purpose of improving their AI voice assistant, violating the California Invasion of Privacy Act.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milano |first=Ashley |date=2024-11-11 |title=Domino's Class Action Lawsuit: Pizza Chain Accused of Recording Calls Without Consent |url=https://injuryclaims.com/news/class-action-privacy-data-and-tcpa/dominos-class-action-lawsuit-call-recording |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250520060035/https://injuryclaims.com/news/class-action-privacy-data-and-tcpa/dominos-class-action-lawsuit-call-recording |archive-date=20 May 2025|access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Injury Claims}}</ref> The company ConverseNow Technologies Inc. had made an attempt to dismiss the California Invasion of Privacy Act, citing that ordering pizza didn't warrant an expectation of privacy <ref>{{Cite web |last=Holman |first=Eddie |last2=Shapiro |first2=Tracy |last3=Lee |first3=Doo |date=2025-09-04 |title=U.S. Federal Court Allows CIPA Class Action Against AI Customer Service Provider to Proceed |url=https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/us-federal-court-allows-cipa-class-action-against-ai-customer-service-provider-to-proceed.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260123231903/https://www.wsgr.com/en/insights/us-federal-court-allows-cipa-class-action-against-ai-customer-service-provider-to-proceed.html |archive-date=23 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Wilson Sonsini}}</ref>, however the court dismissed these claims due to the companies earlier statements regarding their security and privacy policy. This case is currently ongoing and has yet to reach an judgement.

'''<big>Domino's security fraud lawsuit ( Sep 20, 2024 - present )</big>'''

In the lawsuit, it is claimed that Domino's misled investors by providing false and or misleading statements about the companies projected net worth growth, with one instance being Domino's projected growth of 1,100 new stores in 2024 through 2028, however it was unable to reach the projected goal. As a result of this lawsuit, Domino's stock value fell down around 13.75%.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mehorter |first=Kelly |date=2024-09-24 |title=Domino’s Misled Investors with Inflated Global Store Growth Projections, Class Action Lawsuit Says |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/dominos-misled-investors-with-inflated-global-store-growth-projections-class-action-lawsuit-says |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222215823/https://www.classaction.org/news/dominos-misled-investors-with-inflated-global-store-growth-projections-class-action-lawsuit-says |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Class Action}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[McDonald's]]
*[[Wendy's]]
*[[Pizza Hut]]
*[[Papa John's]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Papa John's

2026-03-03T06:32:11Z

Raster: some grammar

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1984-10-02
|Industry=Food
|Logo=Papa Johns logo.svg.png
|Type=Public
|Website=https://www.papajohns.com/
|Description=pizza time
}}[[wikipedia:Papa_John's|Papa John's International, Inc]] is an American Pizza chain founded in 1984.

==Consumer-impact summary==

*Overcharging Customers
*Spamming Messages and Emails to customers
*Lying to customers

==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]].
===Papa John's Sends spam messages to customers===
{{Main|link to the main CR Wiki article}}
On November 9, 2012, several customers filed lawsuits against Papa John's for sending over 500,000 text messages without gaining permission from customers first, seeking a compensation for $250 Million over violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Susanna |date=2012-11-14 |title=Papa John's Customers Sue in Class Action Over Text Spam |url=https://abcnews.com/Business/class-action-moves-forward-papa-johns-text-spamming/story?id=17718903 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=ABC}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=DB |date=2020-12-13 |title=Shady Things You Should Know About Papa John's |url=https://www.mashed.com/32005/didnt-know-papa-john/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Mashed}}</ref> Papa John's claims it acted within the scope of the law, as OnTime4U were the ones sending messages and not them. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr |first=Dara |date=2012-11-13 |title=Papa John's pizza up against $250M lawsuit for text spam |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/papa-johns-pizza-up-against-250m-lawsuit-for-text-spam/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=CNET}}</ref> As of May 2, 2026, the case is still ongoing.

===Papa John's Taxed Customers for every delivery===
On May 5, 2012, Zachary Tucker filed a lawsuit against Papa John's for allegedly breaking the Illinois Sales Tax Law by the company charging a delivery fee of $2.39 plus an 16 cent sales tax.<ref name=":0" /> The case was settled in 2016, requiring Papa Johns to allow customers who made deliver purchases from May 5, 2009, to May 6, 2016 compensation. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-21 |title=Pizza Delivery Charges and Sales Tax |url=https://salestaxdatalink.com/pizza-delivery-charges-and-sales-tax/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Sales Tax Datalink}}</ref>

Papa John's denied any wrongdoing, saying they opted to reach an settlement to avoid going through an lengthy trial.

===Papa John's Website Not friendly to blind users===
A complaint was filed against Papa John's for allegedly failing to make its website accessible to blind users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=who knows |title=who knows |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/papa-johns-class-action-claims-website-is-not-accessible-to-the-blind/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Top Class Action}}</ref> The lawsuit is still in progress as of May 3, 2026.

===Papa John's used false urgency to mislead customers===
Filed by Colby Hutton on December 2025. it alleges the company created a false sense of urgency for customers with implications that deals were ending quickly, even though there was never a deadline. Some of the alleged misused lines included; Time's running out to get a FREE large 1-topping pizza, last call, offer extended: get a free large 1 topping pizza.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-05 |title=Papa John’s Faces Class‑Action Lawsuit Over “False Urgency” Spam Emails |url=https://emailexpert.com/papa-johns-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-false-urgency-spam-emails/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=emailexpert}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-03 |title=Class action claims Papa John’s spam emails used false urgency to mislead customers |url=https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/class-action-claims-papa-johns-spam-emails-used-false-urgency-to-mislead-customers/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Top Class Actions}}</ref> The lawsuit is still in progress as of May 3, 2026.

==See also==

*[[Domino's]]
*[[Pizza Hut]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-03-02T05:01:30Z

Raster: fix ARTICLE 19, CJI, Sinar Project cite

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, cencorship, digital rights, content moderadion
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}
The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260107212302/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |archive-date=7 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250810034315/https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |archive-date=10 Aug 2025|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref>

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=2025-12-08 |title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260122015417/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |archive-date=22 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry Beaty |first=Gloria |last2=Salehuddin |first2=Sufea |date=2024-12-02 |title=The growing threat of online child exploitation |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ |url-status=live |website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref> 

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja Reza |first=Danish |date=2026-02-04 |title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260222223059/https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |archive-date=12 Jan 2026|access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":0" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Communications and Multimedia Commission seeks public feedback on draft Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging Service Providers and Social Media Service Providers |url=https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213040603/https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providershttps |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Allen & Gledhill}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=Code Of Conduct (Best Practice) For Internet Messaging Service Providers And Social Media Service Providers |url=https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213041916/https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission}}</ref>The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 |year=2025 |pages=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2025-09-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222223211/https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here’s why social media firms may come to love Malaysia’s new Online Safety Act |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201081225/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |archive-date=2026-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories (exceptions are made for some educational content).<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act 866-Online Safety Act 2025.pdf |title=Online Safety Act 2025 |year=2025 |publication-date=2025 |pages=65-66 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213213744/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> 

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content. Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.{{CitationNeeded|reason=generated citation is irrelevant >}} <ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=[525]\[404] |first= |title= |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements. <ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect |url-status=dead}}</ref>The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025}}</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/24/malaysia-plans-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media |url-status=dead}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-26}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":12" />  Civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information from educational content to mental health resources.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.{{CitationNeeded|reason=which organizations?}}

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.{{CitationNeeded|reason=irrelevant citation, only compares to other countries doing the same >}}<ref name=":9" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-10-04 |title=Copy of Press Statement on eKYC |url=https://cijmalaysia.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Press-statement-on-eKYC.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302044014/https://cijmalaysia.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Press-statement-on-eKYC.pdf |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date= |website=Centre for Independent Journalism}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/15/concerns-over-online-safety-act-broad-definitions |url-status=dead}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260213213743/https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |archive-date=13 Feb 2026}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Legislation in Asia]]
[[Category:Malaysian legislations]]
[[Category:Malaysia]]

Discord

2026-03-01T09:47:41Z

Raster: /* Privacy[4] */ un-archive.today refs into proper Web ones

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American technology company that runs a platform for messaging and calling targeted towards gamers.
|Founded=2015
|Industry=Software, Social Media
|Logo=Discord.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://discord.com
}}
'''Discord''' is a proprietary VoIP and instant-messaging platform developed by Discord Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel, Inc.), co-founded by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Guadalupe |date=3 May 2018 |title=There Are 2.6 Billion Online Gamers in the World. This Startup Just May Connect Them All |url=https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503131556/https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html |archive-date=3 May 2018 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=Inc.}}</ref> Launched in 2015, the service has grown to over 150 million monthly active users as of 2025. While initially marketed towards PC gamers, Discord has expanded to multiple platforms, serving various communities and use cases, including education.<ref name="about-company">{{Cite web |date=15 Apr 2024 |title=About Discord <nowiki>|</nowiki> Our Mission and Values |url=https://discord.com/company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250608013037/https://discord.com/company |archive-date=8 Jun 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=Discord}}</ref>

In April 2025, Humam Sakhnini (formerly King, Activision Blizzard) replaced Jason Citron as CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discord Appoints Humam Sakhnini as Chief Executive Officer |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-appoints-new-ceo-humam-sakhnini |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124072250/https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-appoints-new-ceo-humam-sakhnini |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

===Privacy<ref name="terms-of-service3">[https://discord.com/terms/ "Discord's Terms of Service"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033955/https://discord.com/terms/ Archived])</ref>===
Mentioned within the '''Discord ToS<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' and '''Privacy Policy''':<ref name="privacy-policy3">[https://discord.com/privacy/ "Discord Privacy Policy"]. April 15, 2024. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216034021/https://discord.com/privacy/ Archived]) ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref><ref name="community-guidelines2">[https://discord.com/guidelines/ "Discord Community Guidelines"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025. ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260216015550/https://discord.com/guidelines Archived])</ref>
*Collects a variety of user data, such as contact details; user generated messages and posts, including drafts; voice messages; payment information; server participation; device information, such as games being playing; log and event information related to use of Discord services as well as information from cookies and third party sources<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Privacy Policy: The information we collect |url=https://discord.com/privacy#3 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Discord |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128220720/https://discord.com/privacy |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*Claims broad rights to user-generated content
*Stores deleted messages for undefined periods
*Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed"
*Processes user content for "safety features and platform improvement"
*Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers
*Opt-out behavioral tracking across platform features for personalization
*Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information for an undetermined amount of time, flags any user who has ever signed in with an EU IP address for inclusion within DSA transparency reports
*Sends a web request when any UI element is clicked and when typing
In 2019, Discord started requiring phone verification. The account will be locked until a phone number is added, regardless of account age or recent activity. The account will be automatically locked if the phone number is removed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=opal |date=2019-04-15 |title=guess I'm done with Discord |url=https://wowana.me/blog/guess-im-done-with-discord.xht |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331090127/https://wowana.me/blog/guess-im-done-with-discord.xht |archive-date=2024-03-31 |website=wowana.me}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cadence |date=2020-06-06 |title=Why you shouldn't trust Discord |url=https://cadence.moe/blog/2020-06-06-why-you-shouldnt-trust-discord |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215170749/https://cadence.moe/blog/2020-06-06-why-you-shouldnt-trust-discord |archive-date=2026-02-15 |website=cadence.moe}}</ref>

===Freedom===
In order to use Discord, users must agree to the '''Discord ToS<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' and '''Privacy Policy''', which includes agreeing to:<ref name="privacy-policy3" />
*Mandatory [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]] with [[class action|class-action]] waiver for U.S. users (From 19 October 2018)
*Granting a perpetual, transferable license to user content
*Broad terms of service, which allow for unilateral changes
*Termination of user accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion
*No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service
*Discord possibly retaining content even after deletion by the user
Additionally, server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned, and users are required to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions.

===Transparency===
Discord's terms of service are lengthy and complex. In October 2025, the base terms are 29 pages long, with a reading level of 14th grade (equivalent to two years of tertiary education) and an estimated reading time of 42 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calculated using readabilitychecker.com based on current discord TOS. discord.com/terms |url=https://readabilitychecker.com/url |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210185029/https://readabilitychecker.com/url |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> The 2021 version of Discord's ToS would take an estimated 275+ hours to read.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EULA of despair |url=https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |website=Penn State University Pilot Lab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216034102/https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Mentioned within the '''Discord Privacy Policy'''<ref name="privacy-policy3" /> and '''Community Guidelines''':<ref name="community-guidelines2" />
*Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests
*Vague about data retention time frames
*Limited transparency regarding content moderation decisions<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=BBB - Discord, Inc. |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |access-date=Aug 2, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210184246/https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Trustpilot - Discord |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/discord.com |access-date=Aug 2, 2025 |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112025215/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/discord.com |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>
**Offending content not always displayed to the user, including metadata, filenames, timestamps, or the channel where it was posted
**No limits or restrictions on the age of content (e.g., users can be suspended due to something sent 1500 days ago)
*Lack of transparency in the server ban appeals process<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
*Limited disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors
*No clear disclosure of how the content is used for platform improvement
==Incidents==
===Introduction of forced arbitration (Oct. 2018)===
In October 2018, [[forced arbitration]] was added to the [[Terms of Service|terms of service]]. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to arbitration-opt-out@discord.com within 90 days of the ToS going in effect or registering their first account.'''<ref name="terms-of-service3" />'''

===Child safety concerns (June 2023)===
An [[wikipedia:NBC News|NBC News]] investigation in June 2023 uncovered widespread child safety issues on Discord, revealing systemic problems with the platform's user protection measures.

Investigators identified 35 separate cases where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material (CSAM) on the platform were documented.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFGoggin2023" class="citation web cs1">Goggin, Ben (21 Jun 2023). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230621152318/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 Archived] from the original on 21 Jun 2023. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Child+predators+are+using+Discord%2C+a+popular+app+among+teens%2C+for+sextortion+and+abductions&rft.date=2023-06-21&rft.aulast=Goggin&rft.aufirst=Ben&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsocial-media%2Fdiscord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

===FTC data collection investigation (Sept. 2024)===
In September 2024, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data collection practices as part of a broader investigation into the data collection practices of social media platforms.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite class="citation web cs1">[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services"] (PDF). ''Federal Trade Commission''. 11 Sep 2024. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919133855/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf Archived] (PDF) from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Federal+Trade+Commission&rft.atitle=A+Look+Behind+the+Screens%3A+Examining+the+Data+Practices+of+Social+Media+and+Video+Streaming+Services&rft.date=2024-09-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fftc_gov%2Fpdf%2FSocial-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:
*Message content and metadata
*Voice-chat participation
*Server membership and activity
*Device and location information
Particular concern was raised about:
*[https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312 Collection of data from users under 13]
*Handling of minors' user information
*Inadequate age-verification systems
The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:
*Identity theft exposure
*Potential stalking risks
*Discrimination concerns
*Mental health and emotional impact

The FTC concluded that Discord's data practices posed unacceptable risks to users, particularly minors, and recommended significant reforms to the platform's privacy protection measures.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFTolentino2024" class="citation web cs1">Tolentino, Daysia (19 Sep 2024). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919171049/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 Archived] from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Social+media+companies+engaged+in+%27vast+surveillance%2C%27+FTC+finds%2C+calling+status+quo+%27unacceptable%27&rft.date=2024-09-19&rft.aulast=Tolentino&rft.aufirst=Daysia&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsecurity%2Fsocial-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

===Reinforcement of forced arbitration (Sept. 2025)===
Announced August 29th, 2025, and put into effect September 29th, 2025, Discord updated and re-iterated their [[forced arbitration]] clause but gave users another option to opt-out of forced arbitration until October 29th, 2025, for existing accounts, or 30 days after initial agreement for new accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-29 |title=Discord's Terms of Service |url=https://discord.com/terms#16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007023150/https://discord.com/terms#16 |archive-date=2025-10-07 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord.com}}</ref> Users are automatically opted into the forced arbitration clause unless they take specific action to opt out of it within 30 days. Instead, if users chose to delete their accounts, the platform required them to accept the terms in order to access their account, from which they could then delete it, making acceptance of the new terms mandatory.
[[File:Discord Forced Arbitration 1.png|alt=An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application.|thumb|(2025-09-29) An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application. The terms of service at the time of this screenshot includes forced arbitration and disallows users from filing a class-action lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Discord |date=2025-09-29 |title=Terms of Service {{!}} Discord |url=https://discord.com/terms |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=Discord}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222174800/https://discord.com/terms Archived])</ref>]]

===Third-Party customer service data breach (Oct. 2025)===
{{Main|Discord / 5CA Data Breach}}
In October 2025, Discord issued a press release announcing a "Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service [5CA]", in which "the unauthorized party [...] gained access to a small number of government‑ID images (e.g., driver’s license, passport) from users who had appealed an age determination," as well as other personal data provided to support.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Update on a Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006163040/https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |archive-date=2025-10-06 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord}}</ref> The number of ID images accessed was approximately 70,000, and the third-party in question was later named as 5CA.<ref name=":2" /> The hackers involved in the breach have revealed that the data was accessed via Zendesk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Troy |date=2025-10-04 |title=X |url=https://x.com/troyhunt/status/1974558088847102289}}</ref>

===Announcement of age verification coming in March (Feb. 2026)===
{{Main|Discord's Mandatory Age Verification}}
In February 2026, Discord issued a press release announcing "enhanced teen safety features rolling out globally", which begins with a "rollout to new and existing users in early March", that may require users "to engage in an age-verification process to change certain settings or access sensitive content".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-09 |title=Discord Launches Teen-by-Default Settings Globally |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209142047/https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally |archive-date=2026-02-09 |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=Discord}}</ref>

On February 9, 2026, a [https://www.change.org/p/prevent-discord-from-implementing-id-verification Change.org petition] was created to prevent Discord from implementing the age verification globally.

===Discord's connections to Palantir===
Discord in the UK once utilized<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=2026-02-23 |title=Discord distances itself from Persona age verification after user backlash |url=https://www.theverge.com/tech/878369/discord-persona-age-verification |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224163803/https://www.theverge.com/tech/878369/discord-persona-age-verification |archive-date=2026-02-24 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Giono |first=Catherina |date=2026-02-24 |title=Discord distances itself from Peter Thiel–backed verification software after its code was found on a Google Cloud endpoint |url=https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226164710/https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/ |archive-date=2026-02-26 |website=Fortune}}</ref> [[Persona]] as a third-party, specialized vendor for age verification, requiring UK-based users to submit facial scans or ID to access restricted content. A since redacted statement on the support.discord.com web-page under the "How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord" article stated<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212201755/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-12 |website=Discord}}</ref>:{{Quote|"Important: If you're located in the UK, you may be part of an experiment where your information will be processed by an age-assurance vendor, Persona. The Information you submit will be temporarily stored for up to 7 days, then deleted. For ID document verification, all details are blurred except your photo and date of birth, so only what's truly needed for age verification is used".}}
[[File:Discord Article Changes.png|alt=This image shows the Screenshorts of the changes support article on Discord's support page|thumb|Changes between the 15th of February compared to the 19th of February 2026]]
After significant backlash from the online community, Discord has changed their statement under the article (as of February 19th, 2026)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218072524/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-18 |website=Discord}}</ref>: {{Quote|"Note: Some users in regions outside the UK and Australia may see age-assurance prompts when accessing certain features or settings as part of ongoing experiments."}}

Discord does not further clarify what the "experiments" entail. Furthermore, the more detailed help-center article does not contain any mentions of the vendor Persona. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=What’s Changing for UK Users Due to the UK Online Safety Act |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959-What-s-Changing-for-UK-Users-Due-to-the-UK-Online-Safety-Act |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040004/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959-What-s-Changing-for-UK-and-Australian-Users |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Discord}}</ref> 

Persona is an identity verification tool producer, that has received $200 million dollars<ref>{{Cite web |last=Song |first=Rick |date=2026-01-21 |title=Announcing Persona’s $200M Series D |url=https://withpersona.com/blog/series-d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218172300/https://withpersona.com/blog/series-d |archive-date=2026-02-18 |website=*Persona}}</ref> from the Founders Fund<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona |url=https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040423/https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Founders' Fund - Portfolio |url=https://foundersfund.com/portfolio/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228034728/https://foundersfund.com/portfolio/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref>, a venture capital group headed by Peter Thiel<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Thiel |url=https://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528193728/http://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |archive-date=2016-05-28 |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref>. Peter Thiel is also the co-founder of Palantir Technologies Inc, a global surveillance company.<ref name=":3" />

===Inactive account deletions===
Discord has a [[Inactive account deletion|deletion policy on inactive accounts]], in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled for deletion. Before the deletion of an inactive account, users may receive an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled for deletion. 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 that have prolonged internet shutdowns. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Librarian |date=2023-06-14 |title=Inactive Account Deletion |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210025748/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion |archive-date=2026-02-10 |website=Discord}}</ref>

==Solution to delete an account without agreeing to the updated ToS==

*Visit [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/212500837-How-to-Delete-your-Discord-Account How to delete Discord account] and scroll to "Having Trouble Deleting Your Discord Account?" Find the link titled "Reach out to our support team". Direct link subject to user instance - http://dis.gd/support

*Fill out the "Submit a request" form. (A web search for "Submit a request Discord" may help users find the form. Be sure to answer the question "What can we help you with?" with "Help and Support" from the drop-down.) '''Please fill out the form using the same email address associated with your Discord account, as this process may need to be restarted if it is not.''' In the form, under "Type of question," there is an option for "Account deletion request". Proceed to fill out and submit the form with any other relevant information. An email will then be sent with further instructions, including how to proceed with account deletion, which involves responding to the email with "I confirm that I would like to delete the account associated with [user email]." '''The response must be received from the same email as the one associated with the Discord account.'''

==Solution to disable forced updates on Linux==
If you're running a .deb installation of Discord, you can disable forced updates by adding "SKIP_HOST_UPDATE": true to ~/.config/discord/settings.json.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pardomuan |first=Patar Isac |date=2025-04-26 |title=How I Bypassed Discord’s Forced Update on Linux |url=https://medium.com/@patarisac/how-i-bypassed-discords-forced-update-on-linux-2bbc39b5949c |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Medium |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004041109/https://medium.com/@patarisac/how-i-bypassed-discords-forced-update-on-linux-2bbc39b5949c |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>[[File:Discord Vague Infringement example.png|thumb|An example of how Discord handles its moderation from a user's perspective.]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Discord]]
[[Category:Forced arbitration]]

User:Raster

2026-03-01T08:46:38Z

Raster: /* Raster's tone scratchpad */ add Keith reply

==Hello there!==
I am still getting used to the rules of the Wiki and its writing standards. If you see a blatant error, please open up a civil discussion on my talk page telling me how I can improve it, instead of assuming malicious intent. Remember the human.

Likewise, I apologize if any of my edits or edit summary seem cold-hearted (these appear in your email, you know). I realize that making contributions feel comfortable and rewarding helps boost motivation. I don't want people seeing something as simple as a typo and feeling "oh but what if I make a mistake again... what if it's okay that YouTube is spelt as Youtube... maybe I'll let that blunder slide...". Don't have that feeling. There are people that have nothing better to do with their lives that they vandalize wiki pages. '''Outnumber them'''.

With that said, if I did hurt your feelings with how I changed your work, it's ok to tell me about it - either in the talk page (Discussion) or just click on Tools V on top right > Email this user. If you disagree with my edits (or this page), do that too (see: [[Consumer Rights Wiki:Rules|Rules]]). I don't mind being informal here, there's not even a rule that you can't blank out your own discussion pages on this site. lol

''>"but Raster, does that mean you've seen that rule written-"''

Yes.

Thanks for caring about consumer rights, and stay hydrated!

==Raster's bookmarks==
These are here for the inevitable time I change browsers and refuse to import data for the 29th time

[[Projects:Archive everything|P:AE]] | [[Consumer Rights Wiki:Task Center|Task Centre]] | [[Consumer Rights Wiki:Editorial guidelines#Use of tone|Guidelines]] (tone) | [[Consumer Rights Wiki:Verifiability|Saucing]] (source credibility) | [[Mission statement|Mission]] | (to-dos) [[:Category:Articles requiring change in tone|Tone]] | [[User:Raster/Sandbox|my drafts]] | [[Special:NewPages|News]] (New Pages)

==Raster's tone scratchpad==
Some pages have a tone notice but are too long to easily spot where it was added (without checking the History). This is where I note some of them down, so I hopefully don't use up energy just trying to find '''where''' the tone should be changed

[[Discord]] - "Tone notice. Article is overly aggressive for a company page and relies heavily on bullet point summaries instead of '''describing the TOS/Privacy Policy'''" - Beanie Bo 2025 (bold mine)

> within [[Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard#c-Keith-20260301004200-Raster-20260228051100|Mod noticeboard]]: "

: I think as you say the main issues relate to the bullet pointed sections; mainly there are phrases like 'broad rights', which are both unhelpful and potentially misleading depending on how the reader interprets it. I'd say a shortening of the consumer impact summary, and the addition of a full section on its terms of service is probably sensible.
: I also removed the section on vague moderation as it really didn't have good enough citations to support its inclusion.
: I do think it's in a decent enough state to probably not need the tone warning however, and so I've taken it off." - Keith

Persona

2026-02-28T10:23:41Z

Raster: /* Clients */ Add missing ref from Persona website

{{CompanyCargo
|Logo=Persona.png
|Type=Private
|Website=https://withpersona.com/
|Description=Identity Verification
|Industry=Software}}

Persona is an Identity Verification company, founded in 2018 by Rick Song and Charles Yeh. It is funded by Founders Fund<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona |url=https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040423/https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref> which is an adventure capitalist firm c-founded by Peter Theil.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Thiel |url=https://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528193728/http://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |archive-date=2016-05-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Redacto |date=2026-02-16 |title=Discord Tested Age Verification Vendor Persona: What Users Should Know |url=https://redact.dev/blog/discord-persona-age-verification-experiment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/PAWXp |archive-date=2026-02-26 |website=redact.dev}}</ref> 

From the 14th July 2025 they started working with [[Reddit]] to perform ID checks on it's UK site, as part of the UK's Online Safety Act.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-07-14 |title=Reddit starts verifying ages of users in the UK |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4ep1znk4zo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225142635/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4ep1znk4zo |archive-date=2026-02-25 |access-date=2026-02-20 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

In February 2026 [[Discord]] announced they would be experimenting with Persona to perform ID checks worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |date=2026-02-24 |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212201755/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-12 |website=Discord}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-02-09 |title=Discord is rolling out facial scanning and ID checks globally in March for users who don't want to be locked into a 'teen-appropriate experience' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/discord-is-rolling-out-facial-scanning-and-id-checks-in-march-for-everyone-who-doesnt-want-to-be-locked-into-a-teen-appropriate-experience/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |work=PC Gamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214175605/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/discord-is-rolling-out-facial-scanning-and-id-checks-in-march-for-everyone-who-doesnt-want-to-be-locked-into-a-teen-appropriate-experience/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer-impact summary==
===User Freedom===
Products and services with the services provided by Persona usually block functionalities and content (generally content or functionalities flagged as "adult" content) until the verification is complete or bypassed. If the user is verified as an adult, they'll be able to have total or most access to the content of that product or service.

Their Privacy Policy contains [[forced arbitration]] that applies to users belonging to the United States:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author=Persona |date=18 Nov 2025 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224203606/https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy |archive-date=2026-02-24 |access-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=Persona}}</ref>
{{Quote| YOU (IF YOUR ARE A RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES) AND PERSONA IDENTITIES, INC., INCLUDING ITS PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS (“COMPANY”) AGREE THAT ANY PROCEEDINGS TO RESOLVE OR LITIGATE ANY DISPUTE WILL BE CONDUCTED SOLELY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, AND THAT NEITHER YOU NOR COMPANY WILL SEEK TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE HEARD AS A CLASS ACTION, A REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, A COLLECTIVE ACTION, A PRIVATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ACTION, OR IN ANY PROCEEDING IN WHICH YOU OR COMPANY ACTS OR PROPOSES TO ACT IN A REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY. YOU AND COMPANY FURTHER AGREE THAT NO PROCEEDING WILL BE JOINED, CONSOLIDATED, OR COMBINED WITH ANOTHER PROCEEDING WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF YOU, COMPANY, AND ALL PARTIES TO ANY SUCH PROCEEDING. THIS CLASS ACTION WAIVER COVERS ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY AND ALSO INCLUDES ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN YOU AND ANY OFFICER, DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER, AGENT, EMPLOYEE, VENDOR, AFFILIATE, OR CLIENT OF COMPANY, IF COMPANY COULD BE LIABLE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FOR SUCH DISPUTE.

THE TERM “DISPUTE” SHALL BE INTERPRETED AS BROADLY AS PERMITTED UNDER THE LAW AND SHALL APPLY TO ALL PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE LEGAL DISPUTES AND LEGAL CLAIMS BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY THAT ARE NOW IN EXISTENCE OR THAT MAY ARISE IN THE FUTURE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO LEGAL DISPUTES OR LEGAL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THESE TERMS, THE COLLECTION OF FACIAL SCANS OR BIOMETRIC INFORMATION, THE PRIVACY POLICY OR COMPANY’S SERVICES; YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH COMPANY; YOUR USE OF ANY COMPANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE; COMPANY’S CONDUCT; AND ANY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL STATUTE, LAW, RULE, REGULATION OR ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY AS TO WHICH A COURT WOULD BE AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO GRANT RELIEF IF THE CLAIM WERE SUCCESSFUL (“DISPUTE” OR “DISPUTES”).}}
===User Privacy===
Information submitted by users can be retained up to three years. This data might be used to track the user's identity or to train AI models.
Examples of data collected are:
*Name and contact information
*Demographic data
*Uploaded files
*Government documents, barcodes and identifiers
*Audio, videos and images
===Business Model===
Persona provides their services to products and services like social media or video games.
===Market Control===

==Privacy Concerns==
Persona has raised privacy concerns due to the extensive amount of data they collect and process to verify an user's identity. According to their Privacy Policy, this is the type of data they collect<ref name=":0" />:
{{Quote| You may directly provide:

*Name and contact information, including name, email address, address, and phone number;

*Demographic data, including birthdate and age;

*Files you upload, such as tax forms and utility bills;

*Government documents, barcodes, and identifiers, such as driver's license and Social Security Number; and

*Audio, Video, and Photos of you, namely from the selfie or video you provide and from your government identification document.}}

The Privacy Policy also mentions additional data that might be collected by third-parties<ref name=":0" />:
{{Quote| Our Services may also collect the following from you, our Customer, or third parties:

*Current and previous name and contact information, including name, email address, address, and phone number;

*Demographic data, including birthdate and age, gender, marital status, and similar demographic details;

*Government documents, barcodes, and identifiers, such as drivers license and Social Security Numbers;

*Device information, including IP address, device type, your device’s operating system, browser, cookie and device identifiers, and other software including type, version, language, settings, and configuration;

*Account information, such as details about your account with our Customer or other third parties;

*Publicly available data, including data from governmental public records, the public internet and social media;

*Geolocation data as we may infer your general geographic location (such as city, state, and country) based on your IP address;

*Biometric Data, only with your express consent, including a scan of your facial geometry based on the photos or video you provide. For more information about Biometric Data, see the Facial Scan and Biometrics Information section below.}}

==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]].

===AI-Powered Ages Verification leads to inaccurate age verification on Roblox ''(Jan 2026)''===
Children were being identified as adults and vice versa on [[Roblox]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=David |date=2026-01-13 |title=Roblox’s AI-Powered Age Verification Is a Complete Mess |url=https://www.wired.com/story/robloxs-ai-powered-age-verification-is-a-complete-mess/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226005411/https://www.wired.com/story/robloxs-ai-powered-age-verification-is-a-complete-mess/ |archive-date=2026-02-26 |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Wired}}</ref> The age verification restricted who the users could talk to. This implementation was criticised as not helping to address safety concerns, and harming the user experience.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-09 |title=Age Check to Chat Update & Fast Follow Roadmap |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-to-chat-update-fast-follow-roadmap/4238626/5 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203031742/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-to-chat-update-fast-follow-roadmap/4238626/5 |archive-date=3 Feb 2026 |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=devforum.roblox.com}}</ref>

===User tracking and ties with the US government===
On the 16th of February, 2026, a security researcher known as Celeste published an article showing that Persona was building profiles on users and sharing said profiles with the US government, even having a flagging system to flag users that seem suspicious. A code to track cypto-addresses has also been found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Celeste |date=2026-02-16 |title=the watchers: how openai, the US government, and persona built an identity surveillance machine that files reports on you to the feds |url=https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221231714/https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona |archive-date=2026-02-21 |website=vmfunc.re}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Celeste |date=2026-02-24 |title=the watchers, pt. 2: the correspondence |url=https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225233304/https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona-2 |archive-date=2026-02-25 |access-date=2026-02-26 |website=vmfunc.re}}</ref> Alongside that, it was also discovered that 269 different checks were used for verification, which included things like phone carrier queries and death record matching. With their privacy policy hiding these checks under vague terms like "public government documents".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-04 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url= |website=Persona}}</ref> 

==Products==
*Identity Verification (2021)
*Age Verification (2025)

==Clients==
Persona provides their service to these companies and products:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Customer Success Stories and Case Studies |url=https://withpersona.com/customers |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Persona}}</ref> 
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+
!'''Company/Product'''
!'''Used for'''
!Additional notes
|-
|Brex
|
|
|-
|Carahsoft
|
|
|-
|Coursera
|
|
|-
|[[Discord]]
|Age Verification
|Discord claimed they allegedly ceased partnership with Persona and that the usage of their service was for "experimental" purposes in the United Kingdom.
|-
|DoorDash
|
|
|-
|Eaze
|
|
|-
|[[Etsy]]
|
|
|-
|Fire & Flower Holdings
|
|
|-
|First Republic
|
|
|-
|Grailed
|
|
|-
|Mercury
|
|
|-
|[[LinkedIn]]
|Age Verification, User Verification
|
|-
|[[OpenAI]] ([[ChatGPT]])
|Age Verification
|Users verified as adults allow the models to generate explicit and sensitive content
|-
|[[Reddit]]
|Age Verifiaction
|Used by Reddit to comply with the UK Online Safety Act
|-
|[[Roblox]]
|Age Verification
|Verification sets players in a certain age brackets according to the estimations or provided data. Unverified players are unable to chat with others. Feature launched globally on Jan 7 2026
|-
|Serviap Global
|
|
|-
|Stifel Financial Corp
|
|
|-
|Swan Bitcoin
|
|
|-
|Wealthsimple
|
|
|-
|WeTravel
|
|
|}

==Third Parties==
These are third parties that can receive and use the data provided by Persona:<ref>{{Cite web |author=Unknown |date=16 Feb 2026 |title=I Verified My LinkedIn Identity. Here's What I Actually Handed Over. |url=https://thelocalstack.eu/posts/linkedin-identity-verification-privacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/4IUtj |archive-date=2026-02-23 |access-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=The Local Stack}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+
!'''Company'''
!What is data used for
!Additional notes
|-
|[[Anthropic]]
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|OpenAI
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|Groqcloud
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|AWS
|Infrastructure, Image Processing
|
|-
|Google Cloud Platform
|Infrastructure as Service
|
|-
|Resistant AI
|Document Analysis
|
|-
|FingerprintJS
|Device Analysis
|
|-
|MongoDB
|Database Services
|
|-
|Snowflake
|Database Services
|
|-
|Elasticsearch
|Search and Analytics Engine
|
|-
|Confluent
|ETL Services
|
|-
|DBT
|ETL Services
|
|-
|Sigma Computing
|Data Analytics
|
|-
|Tableau
|Data Analytics
|
|-
|Stripe
|Credit Card Processing
|
|-
|Twilio
|Communication APIs (Phone, SMS)
|
|-
|Persona Identities Canada
|Customer Support & Development
|
|}
==See also==
*[[Online Safety Act]]
*[[Age Verification]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard

2026-02-28T05:11:57Z

Raster: /* Discord tone appeal */ new section

<div style="margin: {{#ifeq:{{{navbox|<noinclude>yes</noinclude>}}}|yes|2px}} 0 0.5em; padding: 0.5em; {{{style|border: 1px solid #A0A5AD;}}} {{{backgroundstyle|background-color: var(--background-color-progressive-subtle, #eaf3ff); color: inherit;}}}">
<div style="padding: 0.25em 0; text-align: center; font-size: 120%; border-radius: 3px; font-weight: bold; {{{titlestyle|background-color: var(--background-color-content-added, #aad1ff); color: inherit;}}}">Welcome — post issues of interest to Moderators</div>
*Post '''appeals''' to article notice templates (e.g. Incomplete, Stub, etc.)
*Post requests for '''moderator action''' here (e.g. blocks)
*Just need a mod? Post here or ping a mod with a question.
*Post any information or news relevant to the moderation team here.
*To request an article to be created, do not post here, try [[Article suggestions]] instead.
*Do not report technical issues here, please use the [[Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Bugs|Bugs noticeboard]] instead.

<div style="padding: 0.25em 0; text-align: center; font-size: 150%; border-radius: 3px; font-weight: bold">[[Special:NewSection/Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard|Start a new section]]</div>
</div>
 
{{Archives}} 
==Open tasks==

*[[:Category:Articles with deletion requests]]
*[[:Category:Articles with merge requests]]
*[[:Category:Articles marked as irrelevant]]
*[[Special:NewPages]]

==stub notice bug==

I tried submitting my deletion req for [[FakePortal]] but get hit with "Stub notices can NOT be removed by users with normal privileges". Tried removing the unused infoboxes in [[WhatsApp]], [[GoGuardian]], [[Asus]] and [[Roblox]], and the same dice. w h y? [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 19:31, 12 January 2026 (UTC)

:I'll check this out now [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 18:19, 13 January 2026 (UTC)
::This seems to be a regular issue with the abuse filter [[Consumer_Rights_Wiki_talk:Bugs#How_do_you_edit_beginning_of_an_article_with_StubNotice?|which absolutely has been talked about before]]. It's very annoying and in my opinion we need some sort of edit request system or a new group given to users to bypass the filter, but for now I'll just check the abuse log and apply the edit manually myself. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 18:28, 13 January 2026 (UTC)
:The issue is when edits are made in-line with a stub notice, as (iirc) the filter checks for edits to the same line as the change [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:50, 20 January 2026 (UTC)
::the notice* [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:50, 20 January 2026 (UTC)
:::hey can this please be fixed? it's really damn annoying. removal of redundant infoboxes on [[Deep Cycle Systems]] and [[Allstate]] are triggering it [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 14:39, 25 January 2026 (UTC)
::::I can remove these now. It would be cool if a usergroup would dodge the filter. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:01, 25 January 2026 (UTC)
:::::yeah, I wonder if we should create a 'superconfirmed' group or something, which doesn't have the banning powers of a mod but can edit article notices. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:19, 18 February 2026 (UTC)
::I had the same issue. Just noticed this section. [[User:Luigi2262|Luigi2262]] ([[User talk:Luigi2262|talk]]) 19:45, 25 February 2026 (UTC)
:::@[[User:Luigi2262|Luigi2262]] {{Done}} your edit! [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:38, 25 February 2026 (UTC)
::::Thank you. [[User:Luigi2262|Luigi2262]] ([[User talk:Luigi2262|talk]]) 20:45, 25 February 2026 (UTC)

==Idea for a new section==

An "Important" / "Must-Reads" / "Starter Pack" / "Essential Reading" section showing the most important articles to view for someone new to the Consumer Rights scene, or just someone unknowing.

Furthermore, the ability to rate an article. Perhaps as a way to show which matters are trending, because of many people having said problem with said device/service. Could be a "Saved me!", "Worked", "Didn't work", where "Saved me!" can only be used maybe once a day, to show which issues a not just trending, but very crucial. These ratings could help place relevant articles at the top of a second section within "Important"/Whatever.

These two sections would give users a place to scroll and skim through, to see if there are any matters relevant for them, like a random product they own, that they didn't know had a Consumer Rights issue.

Additionally; the ability to give pledges to article writers/editors. I'm not fully sure how it would work at the moment, but it would give people a way to support editors that produce important relevant articles. Perhaps the site could take a small cut, which both contributes to funding the server costs or the "legal fund" that Rossman mentioned, but also gives people a bigger incentive to pledge to editors, knowing that some of it goes to supporting the website and its users. [[User:Sebandar|Sebandar]] ([[User talk:Sebandar|talk]]) 19:57, 23 January 2026 (UTC)

:I would appreciate a pane with "must-reads" on the main page that highlights the articles with the widest spread effects and only includes well-written articles. Putting some articles in the same industry, like articles on Apple and Google's app store restrictions, would be especially effective, because it's nearly guaranteed that one of these applies to the reader. If you want to make a draft of this somewhere I would be down to help work on it.
:I like the article rating idea. I don't know how difficult it would be to add interactive content like this to the wiki, but it sounds like a good way to receive feedback. The only official way to receive feedback currently is on the talk pages but those are all pretty dead. Some prioritization on pageviews or feedback would be nice.
:On pledges, Wikipedia actually has something like this, it has a [[wikipedia:Wikipedia:Reward_board|reward board]] where users are offered barnstars or real money to improve articles, but it's not used very much. Most users seem to be offering up prizes only for the fun of doing so, not because it's particularly effective. If the content is relevant and/or interesting, someone probably is already working on it. I don't personally think this site needs an economy but if it were to be implemented, I think we should plug donations to FULU or other affiliated foundations on the main page and then have those foundations offer microgrants for editors. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 16:02, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

==Form pages==

I made a change to [[Form:Company]] following Discord suggestion #181. I was going to add this to [[Form:Product]] and [[Form:ProductLine]] but these pages are protected.

So, I am requesting an edit to those two pages to replace "(supported file types = PNG|JPG)" with "(supported file types = JPG, PNG, SVG)" to represent the fact that SVGs are allowed, and also to admin-protect [[Form:Company]] since that's an important page. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 13:13, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

==“Summaries” of articles==

I'd like to propose an idea that I think would help people read articles in a rush. Add a box at the top of all long pages (e.g. [[YouTube]], or all that aren't stubs or marked as incomplete) that summarises the article (the incidents the company has been involved in, what it does, etc) in a couple of sentences. Let me know what you think. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:17, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

:What makes this different from a lead paragraph? Would you replace the lead paragraph entirely with this template or would it be a complementary resource with links to related company/product/theme articles? You could link to categories/other articles there. I think categories on wikis in general are overlooked by most readers and putting them at the top sounds interesting. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 16:07, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

==InfoboxCompany to CargoCompany cleanup part 2==

The companies have all been moved over now, the only [https://consumerrights.wiki/w/Special:WhatLinksHere?target=Template%3AInfoboxCompany&namespace=&limit=50 places that InfoboxCompany exist in] are in some documentation out of main namespace and on these pages where they were placed on the same line as a notice:
[[AirAsia]], [[Deep Cycle Systems]], [[Allstate]], [[Happiest Baby]], [[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]], [[DAZN]], [[Federal Communications Commission]], [[Anova Culinary]], [[Sig Sauer]], [[RepairShopr]]

Converting InfoboxProductLine and finding more pages without infoboxes or cargo... sometime. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 15:44, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

:Still need these removed if anyone has 5 minutes:
:[[AirAsia]], [[Allstate]], [[Happiest Baby]], [[Verisk Analytics, Inc.]], [[DAZN]], [[Federal Communications Commission]] [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 19:51, 29 January 2026 (UTC)
::{{Done}}. Sorry for taking so long. It'd be nice if there was a usergroup that could dodge all the edit filters. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 20:07, 7 February 2026 (UTC)

==Color scheme==

The main Sitenotice text is nearly the same color as the link inside of it, making it hard to distinguish where the link is if you haven't clicked the link yet. A larger contrast would be nice, since the notice is going to be up for another 25 days or so. https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=MediaWiki:Sitenotice&action=edit

This also applies to most of the main page, blue/muddy purple on blue doesn't look the best, but that's a larger undertaking. If the main page is up for redesign it would be nice to take the color contrast into consideration. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 16:15, 25 January 2026 (UTC)

:I've simply made it black and white, although I don't think it is entirely fixed it. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:39, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
::Please can nobody amend the theme or any elements currently, I am restyling the website. [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 17:41, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::Oh, sorry. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:57, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::Looks great, and has nice contrast! [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 18:56, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
::::Thank you! Still somewhat of a work in progress, but definitely a significant improvement over the previous version. [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 18:59, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::::Yeah, I like it too! As an idea, make the borders rounded like the original one. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:52, 27 January 2026 (UTC)
::::::No worries, all done! [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 19:09, 27 January 2026 (UTC)
:::::::Wow, this looks amazing now. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:30, 28 January 2026 (UTC)

==Template troubles==

So, a lot of the articles with [[Template:Incomplete]] and cargo templates that display a box (any but IncidentCargo) have big foreheads right now (see a list of articles with Incomplete [https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Special:WhatLinksHere/Template:Incomplete&limit=100 here]). I did some testing, the Incomplete template itself doesn't have a trailing newline, and none of the cargos have a preceding newline. A <nowiki> </nowiki><nowiki></nowiki> is being added by the parser when the two are put together, and only when they are not on the same line. I've also seen this in the wild with [[Template:SloppyAI]] and with [[Template:Welcome]] on new user talk pages. Welcome should be a simple edit fix since it's not combined with other templates, but it seems that anytime templates are combined, they must be put on the same line or they will introduce an unintended newline. You can see an instance of Incomplete and SloppyAI together causing problems on [[Samsung TVs]].

Many Wikipedia pages have several templates next to each other without this problem, for example see [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2025%E2%80%932026_Iranian_protests&oldid=1334922628 2025-2026 Iranian protests]. So the problem is solvable in MediaWiki, but I don't know how much work is required to do so. According to [[:Category:Todo]], over 700 articles have these banners, which is the majority of the wiki.

If other people think it's important too, I can work on this, but I don't know how to compare this wiki's configuration against stuff in the MediaWiki documentation. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 13:35, 26 January 2026 (UTC)

:Oh yeah, some junk from my experimenting that we should delete once the problem is resolved: [[User:Bythmusters/templatetesting]], [[Qwerty]] [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 13:37, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
::Do you mean the top has more height than the rest of the box? I'm not entirely sure what you are talking about. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:42, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::Also, the Wiki's main config can be seen at [[MediaWiki:Common.css]] and [[MediaWiki:Common.js]], where all the css and js that you see the moment you load a page is at. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:34, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
:::So, let's compare these two versions:
:::https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=User:Bythmusters/templatetesting&oldid=35089
:::https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=User:Bythmusters/templatetesting&oldid=35091
:::There is an additional newline between the bottom of the template and the beginning of the article text. The only difference in the source text is:
:::<nowiki>"{\{Incomplete}}{\{ProductLineCargo"</nowiki>
:::vs:
:::<nowiki>"{\{Incomplete}}</nowiki>
:::{\{ProductLineCargo"
:::In the second one, there's a newline to separate the templates, as it's more natural to read in the source editor this way. Wikipedia articles do not render this newline, but CRW does. That is my issue, it takes up a lot of space on the screen.
:::Thanks for the links, I read through the Common.css and Common.js of this wiki and Wikipedia but I didn't see anything relevant. I think it's in the parser, where the mediawiki text gets converted into html but I don't know enough about this stuff to be sure. [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 18:53, 26 January 2026 (UTC)
::::Ah, okay. Reread your previous post and now feel like an idiot for not understanding. I don't know how to fix that if it's the parser. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:33, 28 January 2026 (UTC)
:::::Yeah idk it's probably not worth the trouble to fix. I like learning about mediawiki but not that much [[User:Bythmusters|Bythmusters]] ([[User talk:Bythmusters|talk]]) 15:55, 28 January 2026 (UTC)

==Feedback on changes to sidebar appearance and arrangement==

*I suggest renaming the "Tools" section for the web browser addon to something else to differentiate it from the wiki tools. I also recommend moving it to the way bottom, at least until it's ready for prime time, since it makes wiki editors have to scroll further to reach the wiki tools than previously.

*An option to hide the mini-list of recent changes and restore the single line "Recent Changes" for the original minimalist design.
**<strike>As an addendum: The font size of said mini-list is not consistent with the font size used both throughout the sidebar and the wiki itself, making it stand out like a sore thumb.</strike>

*An option to hide the community section for those of us that refuse to ever use [[Discord]]. I'd rather have a native choice available instead of resorting to a browser addon to remove it.

''(Note: Feedback is based on using Firefox v147.0.2 and the wiki skin "Vector legacy (2010)".)'' — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 21:32, 30 January 2026 (UTC)

:I’ve mentioned already that Vector legacy (2010) hasn’t been worked on yet, as most users are on Vector 2022 where these changes have been applied. The examples you listed aren’t present on the current default skin. I’d appreciate your patience while I get round to updating the legacy variant. In the meantime, I’ve resolved the issue where discussion tabs and similar tabs were hidden. [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 22:51, 30 January 2026 (UTC)

::Respectfully, I find your response confusing. What I bring up here is a separate matter from [[Consumer_Rights_Wiki_talk:Bugs#Page_tabs_hidden|my bug report]], and I posted ''only'' after first waiting a couple days and checked the default skin before-hand. I've struck out the one line since apparently it wasn't intentional like I had thought (and it had affected both legacy and default skins for the record), but otherwise my general feedback is unchanged.

::I appreciate the work you do on the wiki and thank you for fixing the bugged page tabs. — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 02:22, 11 February 2026 (UTC)
:::I understand that the feedback here is separate from the bug report, though I’m also a little confused: the default skin does not show the duplicated Tools section that the legacy version does, so I’m not sure how it would be confused with the wiki tools. It’s also already at the very bottom on the default skin. As for the other suggestions about hiding certain areas, I can look into those, but it won’t be a short-term fix. I appreciate the feedback and the kind words! [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 19:14, 11 February 2026 (UTC)

==What should this image be licensed under?==

This [[:Category:Suspected copyright violations|image I archived]] for Age Verification, I selected as "without permission" since I didn't see they licensed it under CC BY 4.0 at the time - yet the site rejected both IA and archive.today, which felt like they held the copyright. How should the content be tagged? (I

On another note, if you go to the [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563217303357 site of the reference] and click "View PDF", after solving a Cloudflare "are you human" it grants access to the full pdf which has "© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)." as the footer of the first page. I wonder if that's the better way to go about archiving this reference.

Probably could have worded this better, thanks for your time. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 02:59, 2 February 2026 (UTC)

:I've deleted it while we figure out copyright status of this. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:35, 3 February 2026 (UTC)
::It seems to exist on the IA [https://web.archive.org/web/20190203021620/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563217303357 here]. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:37, 3 February 2026 (UTC)
:::Unfortunately that snapshot only has the Abstract. I'm not the one that added the particular source, but it (may) be sufficient enough to add as an archive link for that particular source (talking about the [[Age Verification]] article in case anyone's confused), so I've gone and done so. Thanks for your input. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 04:34, 4 February 2026 (UTC)
::This can be safely undeleted. The copyright symbol is sometimes used for partial copyright (which Creative Commons is). A more suitable symbol would have been the "(cc)" (creative commons) symbol, but it is not a dedicated unicode character like "©". The document itself says it is Creative Commons, not "all rights reserved", so I see no reason not to undelete it. [[User:JodyBruchonFan|JodyBruchonFan]] ([[User talk:JodyBruchonFan|talk]]) 22:51, 4 February 2026 (UTC)

==Appeal Request==

On the article regarding [[Restaurant Brands International caught training AI models using customer voices|Restaurant Brand International]], I think that the source credibility issue lacks merit and should be removed, as I don't see how it could be lacking in source credibility due to (in my opinion) additional evidence backup with images and detail breakthrough of the event that would classify it as being trustworthy? Would like some thoughts and comments around this, very confused. [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 23:45, 13 February 2026 (UTC)

:Mr Pollo often does tagging like that, pinging @[[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] for thoughts here. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 18:01, 14 February 2026 (UTC)
::Also, incomplete is often simply used for a short article, although it doesnt specify it in the notice. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 18:02, 14 February 2026 (UTC)
:Hello, I added the incomplete template to that article for two main reasons: aspects such as the Background section can be expanded into a paragraph and a "consumer response" section as seen [[Template:IncidentPreload|here]] would greatly benefit the article. So far it is a good article, but it can be better with my suggestions. [[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] ([[User talk:Mr Pollo|talk]]) 20:47, 16 February 2026 (UTC)
::Now i see. I think that's fair and i agree! Thank you for clearing some things up, will definitely work on it as soon as I get the chance! [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 20:56, 16 February 2026 (UTC)
:::Of course, thank you as well for your contributions! [[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] ([[User talk:Mr Pollo|talk]]) 21:05, 16 February 2026 (UTC)
::::No problem! it should be good now when you have the time to check, please let me know of any addition problems~@[[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 23:49, 17 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::forgot to add that regarding your previous comment on if you rule and welcome really happened, yes and I can confirm with screenshots or whatever necessary for whatever link you couldn't access. [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 00:02, 18 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::I've removed the notice! [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 00:17, 18 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::The article looks good, didn’t notice any new problems. Nice work! [[User:Mr Pollo|Mr Pollo]] ([[User talk:Mr Pollo|talk]]) 14:20, 18 February 2026 (UTC)

==Archive.today weaponising PCs into causing DDoS attacks==

Hello, I just wanted to bring up the fact that Archive.today has recently decided to DDoS a random blog using people visiting their site (without them even realising) because they disliked a page on it. This doesn't exactly make me very happy with using the service for archiving links if they willingly do things like that. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:11, 19 February 2026 (UTC)

:That is concerning, afaik it's basically just run by one person so that's always a risk factor. Internet archive still has the issue of being pretty compliant when faced with DMCA takedowns, but at least it's a bit more of an institution...
:Do you think we should pull it as a recommended archive site over this? does result in a bit of a single-point-of-failure with IA. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 15:17, 19 February 2026 (UTC)
::Maybe wait it out for a little while, see what Wikipedia does, and then copy them? from the looks of it there's a lot of discussion going on about it over there. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 15:25, 19 February 2026 (UTC)
:::https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Requests_for_comment/Archive.is_RFC_5 [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 15:26, 19 February 2026 (UTC)
::::Seems like a good plan. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:36, 19 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::It's been closed as deprecate archive.today. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 08:05, 20 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::As the saying goes, "This is informative, and unfortunate".
::::::My main concern with IA is its aging maintainers (which I can no longer verify on the site), but this does seem to be a more pressing issue. Will look into re-archiving pages I've done in the past. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 09:34, 20 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::::This seems extremely far fetched, but I'd like if the FULU Foundation themselves could make an archiving service. This sounds ridiculous but just putting it out there in case it is possible. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 10:24, 20 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::::Pulled it from the recommended archiving lists, @[[User:Keith|Keith]] you can change it back if you disagree. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 10:28, 20 February 2026 (UTC) Edit: Was a bit hasty of me, I've reinstated it with a warning. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 12:53, 20 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::::we have considered self-hosting an archivebox instance or similar, with the ability to create archive pages locked behind a confirmed wiki account. Cost wise (including the time cost of setup and maintenance), it's feasible but not ideal, so i wouldn't count on it happening unless things really go to shit with the big archivers. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 01:35, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::::::OK, actually looking through and reading the reasons given for the consensus view, I'd be happy to adopt it, and will un-undo your edits and just take it off, leaving an explanation.
:::::::::the fact that the maintainer has been credibly alleged to have altered the content of sites hosted there is the biggest concern for me, as having a reliable record is kind of the whole point.
:::::::::going to @[[User:Banana|Banana]] here to see this discussion since he's been working on an archive bot for citations. [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 01:41, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::::::I've created [[Special:AbuseFilter/14]] for links. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 15:33, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
::::::::I agree with this. but being a US org wouldn't they also be mandated to honor the DMCA? and hence have the same issues as IA? idk much abt the hosting aspect of it but many shadow sites exist that do not at all honor the DMCA. [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 16:03, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
:::::::::From what I've seen they've done malicious things like making seperate web crawlers that do the same thing to make it harder to block it and also not honoring the DMCA which from my understanding has gotten them into legal issues. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:20, 22 February 2026 (UTC)
:thanks for letting us know! will definetly be using alternative means of archiving for now on! [[User:SquidthePlummer|SquidthePlummer]] ([[User talk:SquidthePlummer|talk]]) 02:43, 21 February 2026 (UTC)

==banning Discord from citations==

[[OpenAI#cite_ref-5]] is a Discord link. As a non user of Discord I cannot see what has been cited. people should not be required to create an account to view the source of a claim. [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 16:11, 22 February 2026 (UTC)

:Agreed. Ive removed it. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:26, 22 February 2026 (UTC)

==[[special:AbuseFilter/14]]==

Hi, can someone with good knowledge of the abuse filter code fix or tell me how to fix this? [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 21:06, 22 February 2026 (UTC)

:I've fixed this and it's now working [[User:JakeL|JakeL]] ([[User talk:JakeL|talk]]) 03:08, 25 February 2026 (UTC)
::Thanks! [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 06:13, 25 February 2026 (UTC)

==Is Bloatware still a stub?==

[[Bloatware|This article]] seems less of a stub compared to [[Ad block]] [[User:Rudxain|Rudxain]] ([[User talk:Rudxain|talk]]) 23:59, 23 February 2026 (UTC)

:Unsure on this one. I don't think any mods passed by it and tagged that one, so I've tagged Ad block now. I'm leaning to de-stub it but I'm still not entirely sure. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:11, 24 February 2026 (UTC)

==Potential website bug==

I made my new page (unlocking technology act of 2013) on mobile, where I could not use the shortcut to make proper references according to Rossmann's guide video, so I had just included links to the sources used instead. I got back here on a computer and attempted to fix them, but I ran into a problem. I had previously added a stub notice to my article. While I did not attempt to remove the stub notice in my edits while fixing the references, I still got the message that I could not remove the notice, and it would not accept my edit. I cannot fix the article as things are. [[User:Luigi2262|Luigi2262]] ([[User talk:Luigi2262|talk]]) 03:28, 25 February 2026 (UTC)

:The wiki has always had the irritating behavior of a notice tag (whether Incomplete, Stub, etc.) forbidding any in-line editing, even if it's only to place a page's cargo template on a new line separate from the tag.
:And I know you've already commented under the [[Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard#stub notice bug|stub notice bug]] discussion, but I figure it'll be good to make note here as well. — [[User:Sojourna|Sojourna]] ([[User talk:Sojourna|talk]]) 06:18, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

==What should I do once my article is finished==

Should I leave it in that place <nowiki>https://consumerrights.wiki/w/User:%5E%26*/Digital_Ownership_Superact</nowiki>? [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 18:09, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

:Oh yes this link https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Digital_Ownership_Superact&redirect=no, this link is there to fix the broken redirect left (SixenTitan did that iirc) I have done the article what should I do? [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 19:27, 27 February 2026 (UTC)
::as [[Digital Ownership Superact]] already exists I could not move [[User:^&*/Digital Ownership Superact]] to it. idk how articles are merged or supplanted or if I have such perms. but what I can do is copy over the content which I did. [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 23:06, 27 February 2026 (UTC)
:::Thank you! [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 23:18, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

==May I ask are you going to transition from Discord to Matrix (Not the movie)?==

Just another genuine question. Sorry to bother you.

https://matrix.org/ [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 19:37, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

:[[User_talk:Keith#alternative_to_Discord]] this might intrigue you [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 22:59, 27 February 2026 (UTC)
::Thanks for that too [[User:^&*|^&*]] ([[User talk:^&*|talk]]) 23:19, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

==Yum! relevance appeal==

the person that marked it irrelevant did it so w the justification of "because subject doesn't seem to be relevant to cases of "new" consumer exploitation". are incidents from 2014 really irrelevant? if so we got a lot of onions to chop [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 23:14, 27 February 2026 (UTC)

== Discord tone appeal ==

Hi, on 13 September 2025 [https://consumerrights.wiki/index.php?title=Discord&oldid=24510 Beanie Bo put a tone notice] on [[Discord]]. It's been some time since then, so does the ToS and Privacy Policy still need to be described instead of in bullet point? What other things could be improved in clearing the tone warning? (if any)? Thanks. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 05:11, 28 February 2026 (UTC)

Itch.io

2026-02-28T04:53:23Z

Raster: fix logo

{{StubNotice}}
{{ProductCargo
|Company=
|ReleaseYear=2013
|InProduction=Yes
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Digital storefront, Video games, Video game assets and Game Dev tools
|Logo=Itch.io logo.svg
|Website=https://itch.io
|Description=Online digital distributor for Video games, Video game assets and Game dev tools.
}}

[[wikipedia:Itch.io|itch.io]] is a website used to find and share video games made by independent developers online.

==Consumer impact summary==

{{Placeholder box|Overview of concerns that arise from the company's conduct regarding (if applicable):
* User Freedom
* User Privacy
* Business Model
* Market Control}}'''User freedom'''

*Itch.io does not add [[Digital rights management|DRM]] to the games sold on its platform.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Creator FAQ |url=https://itch.io/docs/creators/faq |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260217102631/https://itch.io/docs/creators/faq |archive-date=17 Feb 2026|access-date=13 Aug 2025 |website=Itch.io |at=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Mar 2018 |title=Are games from itch.io DRM free? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/linux_gaming/comments/850uea/are_games_from_itchio_drm_free/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222222459/https://old.reddit.com/r/linux_gaming/comments/850uea/are_games_from_itchio_drm_free/ |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=13 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref>

'''Business model'''
*Itch.io relies on "open revenue sharing" which sends to itch.io a percentage of the transaction chosen accordingly by the creator (default 10%).<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2013 |title=Introducing open revenue sharing |url=https://www.tumblr.com/itchio/112709605589/introducing-open-revenue-sharing |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250724062608/https://www.tumblr.com/itchio/112709605589/introducing-open-revenue-sharing? |archive-date=24 Jul 2025|website=Tumblr}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

==Incidents==

===Oxenfree incident===
On September 9th, 2024, users who purchased "Oxenfree" on itch.io, were warned that the game was going to be pulled from the platform on October 1st and consumers would not be able to download the installers after this date. So they would lose access unless they had a backup of the game. Users speculated that [[Netflix]] (the parent company of the development studio) had ordered the move. However, no response from Netflix or the developers of the game was ever published. This is particularly notable because it violates itch.io's terms of service: "Users shall retain a license to this content even after the content is removed from the Service." <ref>{{Cite web |last=ShawnS |date=31 Jan 2025 |title=OXENFREE |url=https://delistedgames.com/oxenfree/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321070400/https://delistedgames.com/oxenfree/ |archive-date=21 Mar 2025 |access-date=27 Jun 2025 |website=Delisted Games}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Colp |first=Tyler |date=9 Sep 2024 |title=Another reminder that your digital library isn't forever: Oxenfree will be completely removed from Itch.io next month |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/adventure/another-reminder-that-your-digital-library-isn-t-forever-oxenfree-will-be-completely-removed-from-itch-io-next-month/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523111125/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/adventure/another-reminder-that-your-digital-library-isn-t-forever-oxenfree-will-be-completely-removed-from-itch-io-next-month/ |archive-date=23 May 2025 |access-date=27 Jun 2025 |website=PC Gamer}}</ref>

===De-indexing of adult games from campaign pressure===

:Main article: [[Valve allows ISPs and payment processors to censor content on Steam]]

On July 11, 2025, [[Collective Shout]] issued an open statement demanding credit card payments to immediately cease processing "payments on [[Steam]] and [https://itch.io/ itch.io]". The reasoning for statement by [[Collective Shout]] was because of a game on [[itch.io]] called "''No Mercy''", which featured hardcore NSFW content. <ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Bita |first=Natasha |date=15 July 2025 |title=Child safety group finds 500 online 'games' role-playing rape and incest |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/education/child-safety-group-finds-500-online-games-roleplaying-rape-and-incest/news-story/b30c59f85ff22934844269cb3beff538 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/koDk8 |archive-date=18 July 2025 |access-date=18 July 2025 |work=The Australian}}</ref><ref name="RPSCS">{{Cite news |last=Evans-Thirlwell |first=Edwin |date=22 July 2025 |title=Anti-porn group who tried to ban GTA 5 claim credit for Steam's sex game crackdown |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/anti-porn-group-who-tried-to-ban-gta-5-claim-credit-for-steams-sex-game-crackdown |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251229024622/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/anti-porn-group-who-tried-to-ban-gta-5-claim-credit-for-steams-sex-game-crackdown |archive-date=29 Dec 2025|access-date=23 July 2025 |work=Rock Paper Shotgun}}</ref> A few days later, itch.io responded by delisting adult content in search results.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-07-24 |title=Update on NSFW content |url=https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260126105303/https://itch.io/updates/update-on-nsfw-content |archive-date=26 Jan 2026|website=Itch.io}}</ref> On July 31 itch.io re-indexed all free NSFW games but with a new "content warning" tag for games with NSFW in them.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-07-31 |title=Reindexing adult NSFW content |url=https://itch.io/t/5149036/reindexing-adult-nsfw-content |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260130214640/https://itch.io/t/5149036/reindexing-adult-nsfw-content |archive-date=30 Jan 2026|website=Itch.io}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Discord

2026-02-28T04:47:07Z

Raster: /* Discord's Connections to Palantir */ changed Peter Thiel founder ref to one from 2016 (thanks IA!)

{{ToneWarning}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American technology company that runs a platform for messaging and calling targeted towards gamers.
|Founded=2015
|Industry=Software, Social Media
|Logo=Discord.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://discord.com
}}
'''Discord''' is a proprietary VoIP and instant-messaging platform developed by Discord Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel, Inc.), co-founded by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Guadalupe |date=3 May 2018 |title=There Are 2.6 Billion Online Gamers in the World. This Startup Just May Connect Them All |url=https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503131556/https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html |archive-date=3 May 2018 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=Inc.}}</ref> Launched in 2015, the service has grown to over 150 million monthly active users as of 2025. While initially marketed towards PC gamers, Discord has expanded to multiple platforms, serving various communities and use cases, including education.<ref name="about-company">{{Cite web |date=15 Apr 2024 |title=About Discord <nowiki>|</nowiki> Our Mission and Values |url=https://discord.com/company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250608013037/https://discord.com/company |archive-date=8 Jun 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=Discord}}</ref>

In April 2025, Humam Sakhnini (formerly King, Activision Blizzard) replaced Jason Citron as CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discord Appoints Humam Sakhnini as Chief Executive Officer |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-appoints-new-ceo-humam-sakhnini |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124072250/https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-appoints-new-ceo-humam-sakhnini |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer Impact Summary==

===Privacy<ref name="terms-of-service3">[https://discord.com/terms/ "Discord's Terms of Service"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033955/https://discord.com/terms/ Archived])</ref>===
Mentioned within the '''Discord ToS<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' and '''Privacy Policy''':<ref name="privacy-policy3">[https://discord.com/privacy/ "Discord Privacy Policy"]. April 15, 2024. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216034021/https://discord.com/privacy/ Archived]) ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref><ref name="community-guidelines2">[https://discord.com/guidelines/ "Discord Community Guidelines"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025. ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260216015550/https://discord.com/guidelines Archived])</ref>
*Collects a variety of user data, such as contact details; user generated messages and posts, including drafts; voice messages; payment information; server participation; device information, such as games being playing; log and event information related to use of Discord services as well as information from cookies and third party sources<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Privacy Policy: The information we collect |url=https://discord.com/privacy#3 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Discord |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128220720/https://discord.com/privacy |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*Claims broad rights to user-generated content
*Stores deleted messages for undefined periods
*Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed"
*Processes user content for "safety features and platform improvement"
*Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers
*Opt-out behavioral tracking across platform features for personalization
*Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information for an undetermined amount of time, flags any user who has ever signed in with an EU IP address for inclusion within DSA transparency reports
*Sends a web request when any UI element is clicked and when typing
In 2019, Discord started requiring phone verification. The account will be locked until a phone number is added, regardless of account age or recent activity. The account will be automatically locked if the phone number is removed.<ref>[https://archive.today/2022.10.28-141642/https://wowana.me/blog/guess-im-done-with-discord.xht guess I'm done with Discord – wowana.me]</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/2025.08.31-190346/https://cadence.moe/blog/2020-06-06-why-you-shouldnt-trust-discord Why you shouldn't trust Discord - cadence's weblog (personal blog)]</ref>

===Freedom===
In order to use Discord, users must agree to the '''Discord ToS<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' and '''Privacy Policy''', which includes agreeing to:<ref name="privacy-policy3" />
*Mandatory [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]] with [[class action|class-action]] waiver for U.S. users (From 19 October 2018)
*Granting a perpetual, transferable license to user content
*Broad terms of service, which allow for unilateral changes
*Termination of user accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion
*No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service
*Discord possibly retaining content even after deletion by the user
Additionally, server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned, and users are required to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions.

===Transparency===
Discord's terms of service are lengthy and complex. In October 2025, the base terms are 29 pages long, with a reading level of 14th grade (equivalent to two years of tertiary education) and an estimated reading time of 42 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calculated using readabilitychecker.com based on current discord TOS. discord.com/terms |url=https://readabilitychecker.com/url |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210185029/https://readabilitychecker.com/url |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> The 2021 version of Discord's ToS would take an estimated 275+ hours to read.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EULA of despair |url=https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |website=Penn State University Pilot Lab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216034102/https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Mentioned within the '''Discord Privacy Policy'''<ref name="privacy-policy3" /> and '''Community Guidelines''':<ref name="community-guidelines2" />
*Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests
*Vague about data retention time frames
*Limited transparency regarding content moderation decisions<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=BBB - Discord, Inc. |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |access-date=Aug 2, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210184246/https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Trustpilot - Discord |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/discord.com |access-date=Aug 2, 2025 |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112025215/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/discord.com |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>
**Offending content not always displayed to the user, including metadata, filenames, timestamps, or the channel where it was posted
**No limits or restrictions on the age of content (e.g., users can be suspended due to something sent 1500 days ago)
*Lack of transparency in the server ban appeals process<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
*Limited disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors
*No clear disclosure of how the content is used for platform improvement
==Incidents==
===Introduction of forced arbitration (Oct. 2018)===
In October 2018, [[forced arbitration]] was added to the [[Terms of Service|terms of service]]. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to arbitration-opt-out@discord.com within 90 days of the ToS going in effect or registering their first account.'''<ref name="terms-of-service3" />'''

===Child safety concerns (June 2023)===
An [[wikipedia:NBC News|NBC News]] investigation in June 2023 uncovered widespread child safety issues on Discord, revealing systemic problems with the platform's user protection measures.

Investigators identified 35 separate cases where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material (CSAM) on the platform were documented.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFGoggin2023" class="citation web cs1">Goggin, Ben (21 Jun 2023). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230621152318/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 Archived] from the original on 21 Jun 2023. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Child+predators+are+using+Discord%2C+a+popular+app+among+teens%2C+for+sextortion+and+abductions&rft.date=2023-06-21&rft.aulast=Goggin&rft.aufirst=Ben&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsocial-media%2Fdiscord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

===FTC data collection investigation (Sept. 2024)===
In September 2024, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data collection practices as part of a broader investigation into the data collection practices of social media platforms.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite class="citation web cs1">[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services"] (PDF). ''Federal Trade Commission''. 11 Sep 2024. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919133855/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf Archived] (PDF) from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Federal+Trade+Commission&rft.atitle=A+Look+Behind+the+Screens%3A+Examining+the+Data+Practices+of+Social+Media+and+Video+Streaming+Services&rft.date=2024-09-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fftc_gov%2Fpdf%2FSocial-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:
*Message content and metadata
*Voice-chat participation
*Server membership and activity
*Device and location information
Particular concern was raised about:
*[https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312 Collection of data from users under 13]
*Handling of minors' user information
*Inadequate age-verification systems
The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:
*Identity theft exposure
*Potential stalking risks
*Discrimination concerns
*Mental health and emotional impact

The FTC concluded that Discord's data practices posed unacceptable risks to users, particularly minors, and recommended significant reforms to the platform's privacy protection measures.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFTolentino2024" class="citation web cs1">Tolentino, Daysia (19 Sep 2024). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919171049/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 Archived] from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Social+media+companies+engaged+in+%27vast+surveillance%2C%27+FTC+finds%2C+calling+status+quo+%27unacceptable%27&rft.date=2024-09-19&rft.aulast=Tolentino&rft.aufirst=Daysia&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsecurity%2Fsocial-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

===Reinforcement of forced arbitration (Sept. 2025)===
Announced August 29th, 2025, and put into effect September 29th, 2025, Discord updated and re-iterated their [[forced arbitration]] clause but gave users another option to opt-out of forced arbitration until October 29th, 2025, for existing accounts, or 30 days after initial agreement for new accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-29 |title=Discord's Terms of Service |url=https://discord.com/terms#16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007023150/https://discord.com/terms#16 |archive-date=2025-10-07 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord.com}}</ref> Users are automatically opted into the forced arbitration clause unless they take specific action to opt out of it within 30 days. Instead, if users chose to delete their accounts, the platform required them to accept the terms in order to access their account, from which they could then delete it, making acceptance of the new terms mandatory.
[[File:Discord Forced Arbitration 1.png|alt=An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application.|thumb|(2025-09-29) An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application. The terms of service at the time of this screenshot includes forced arbitration and disallows users from filing a class-action lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Discord |date=2025-09-29 |title=Terms of Service {{!}} Discord |url=https://discord.com/terms |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=Discord}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222174800/https://discord.com/terms Archived])</ref>]]

===Third-Party Customer Service Data Breach (Oct. 2025)===
{{Main|Discord / 5CA Data Breach}}
In October 2025, Discord issued a press release announcing a "Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service [5CA]", in which "the unauthorized party [...] gained access to a small number of government‑ID images (e.g., driver’s license, passport) from users who had appealed an age determination," as well as other personal data provided to support.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Update on a Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006163040/https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |archive-date=2025-10-06 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord}}</ref> The number of ID images accessed was approximately 70,000, and the third-party in question was later named as 5CA.<ref name=":2" /> The hackers involved in the breach have revealed that the data was accessed via Zendesk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Troy |date=2025-10-04 |title=X |url=https://x.com/troyhunt/status/1974558088847102289}}</ref>

===Announcement of Age Verification Coming in March (Feb. 2026)===
{{Main|Discord's Mandatory Age Verification}}
In February 2026, Discord issued a press release announcing "enhanced teen safety features rolling out globally", which begins with a "rollout to new and existing users in early March", that may require users "to engage in an age-verification process to change certain settings or access sensitive content".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-09 |title=Discord Launches Teen-by-Default Settings Globally |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209142047/https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally |archive-date=2026-02-09 |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=Discord}}</ref>

On February 9, 2026, a [https://www.change.org/p/prevent-discord-from-implementing-id-verification Change.org petition] was created to prevent Discord from implementing the age verification globally.

===Discord's Connections to Palantir===
Discord in the UK once utilized<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=2026-02-23 |title=Discord distances itself from Persona age verification after user backlash |url=https://www.theverge.com/tech/878369/discord-persona-age-verification |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224163803/https://www.theverge.com/tech/878369/discord-persona-age-verification |archive-date=2026-02-24 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Giono |first=Catherina |date=2026-02-24 |title=Discord distances itself from Peter Thiel–backed verification software after its code was found on a Google Cloud endpoint |url=https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226164710/https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/ |archive-date=2026-02-26 |website=Fortune}}</ref> [[Persona]] as a third-party, specialized vendor for age verification, requiring UK-based users to submit facial scans or ID to access restricted content. A since redacted statement on the support.discord.com web-page under the "How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord" article stated<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212201755/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-12 |website=Discord}}</ref>:{{Quote|"Important: If you're located in the UK, you may be part of an experiment where your information will be processed by an age-assurance vendor, Persona. The Information you submit will be temporarily stored for up to 7 days, then deleted. For ID document verification, all details are blurred except your photo and date of birth, so only what's truly needed for age verification is used".}}
[[File:Discord Article Changes.png|alt=This image shows the Screenshorts of the changes support article on Discord's support page|thumb|Changes between the 15th of February compared to the 19th of February 2026]]
After significant backlash from the online community, Discord has changed their statement under the article (as of February 19th, 2026)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218072524/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-18 |website=Discord}}</ref>: {{Quote|"Note: Some users in regions outside the UK and Australia may see age-assurance prompts when accessing certain features or settings as part of ongoing experiments."}}

Discord does not further clarify what the "experiments" entail. Furthermore, the more detailed help-center article does not contain any mentions of the vendor Persona. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=What’s Changing for UK Users Due to the UK Online Safety Act |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959-What-s-Changing-for-UK-Users-Due-to-the-UK-Online-Safety-Act |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040004/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959-What-s-Changing-for-UK-and-Australian-Users |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Discord}}</ref> 

Persona is an identity verification tool producer, that has received $200 million dollars<ref>{{Cite web |last=Song |first=Rick |date=2026-01-21 |title=Announcing Persona’s $200M Series D |url=https://withpersona.com/blog/series-d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218172300/https://withpersona.com/blog/series-d |archive-date=2026-02-18 |website=*Persona}}</ref> from the Founders Fund<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona |url=https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040423/https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Founders' Fund - Portfolio |url=https://foundersfund.com/portfolio/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228034728/https://foundersfund.com/portfolio/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref>, a venture capital group headed by Peter Thiel<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Thiel |url=https://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528193728/http://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |archive-date=2016-05-28 |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref>. Peter Thiel is also the co-founder of Palantir Technologies Inc, a global surveillance company.<ref name=":3" />

===Inactive account deletions===
Discord has a [[Inactive account deletion|deletion policy on inactive accounts]], in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled for deletion. Before the deletion of an inactive account, users may receive an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled for deletion. 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 that have prolonged internet shutdowns. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Librarian |date=2023-06-14 |title=Inactive Account Deletion |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210025748/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion |archive-date=2026-02-10 |website=Discord}}</ref>

===Vague moderation===
{{Main|Discord's irresponsible moderation}}
Reported often by users on the BBB<ref name=":0" />, Trustpilot <ref name=":1" />, and a dedicated subreddit<ref>{{Cite web |title=/r/BannedFromDiscord |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BannedFromDiscord/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114160632/https://old.reddit.com/r/BannedFromDiscord/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>, users have complained that Discord's moderation is vague. One such user reported that their account was banned after being compromised on the BBB, with an automated system handling the entire process, replying only with templates, and with no human involvement<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mir |first=Zain |date=Jul 23, 2025 |title=BBB Complaint |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699/complaints?page=2#1116_918699_23643523 |access-date=Aug 1, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210184246/https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> in the appeal process.

==Solution to delete an account without agreeing to the updated ToS==

*Visit [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/212500837-How-to-Delete-your-Discord-Account How to delete Discord account] and scroll to "Having Trouble Deleting Your Discord Account?" Find the link titled "Reach out to our support team". Direct link subject to user instance - http://dis.gd/support

*Fill out the "Submit a request" form. (A web search for "Submit a request Discord" may help users find the form. Be sure to answer the question "What can we help you with?" with "Help and Support" from the drop-down.) '''Please fill out the form using the same email address associated with your Discord account, as this process may need to be restarted if it is not.''' In the form, under "Type of question," there is an option for "Account deletion request". Proceed to fill out and submit the form with any other relevant information. An email will then be sent with further instructions, including how to proceed with account deletion, which involves responding to the email with "I confirm that I would like to delete the account associated with [user email]." '''The response must be received from the same email as the one associated with the Discord account.'''

==Solution to disable forced updates on Linux==
If you're running a .deb installation of Discord, you can disable forced updates by adding "SKIP_HOST_UPDATE": true to ~/.config/discord/settings.json.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pardomuan |first=Patar Isac |date=2025-04-26 |title=How I Bypassed Discord’s Forced Update on Linux |url=https://medium.com/@patarisac/how-i-bypassed-discords-forced-update-on-linux-2bbc39b5949c |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Medium |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004041109/https://medium.com/@patarisac/how-i-bypassed-discords-forced-update-on-linux-2bbc39b5949c |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>[[File:Discord Vague Infringement example.png|thumb|An example of how Discord handles its moderation from a user's perspective.]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Discord]]
[[Category:Forced arbitration]]

Persona

2026-02-28T04:46:06Z

Raster: add Peter Thiel founder ref

{{CompanyCargo
|Logo=Persona.png
|Type=Private
|Website=https://withpersona.com/
|Description=Identity Verification
|Industry=Software}}

Persona is an Identity Verification company, founded in 2018 by Rick Song and Charles Yeh. It is funded by Founders Fund<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona |url=https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040423/https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref> which is an adventure capitalist firm c-founded by Peter Theil.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Thiel |url=https://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528193728/http://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |archive-date=2016-05-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Redacto |date=2026-02-16 |title=Discord Tested Age Verification Vendor Persona: What Users Should Know |url=https://redact.dev/blog/discord-persona-age-verification-experiment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/twBTo |archive-date=2026-02-26 |website=redact.dev}}</ref> 

From the 14th July 2025 they started working with [[Reddit]] to perform ID checks on it's UK site, as part of the UK's Online Safety Act.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-07-14 |title=Reddit starts verifying ages of users in the UK |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4ep1znk4zo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225142635/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4ep1znk4zo |archive-date=2026-02-25 |access-date=2026-02-20 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

In February 2026 [[Discord]] announced they would be experimenting with Persona to perform ID checks worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |date=2026-02-24 |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212201755/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-12 |website=Discord}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-02-09 |title=Discord is rolling out facial scanning and ID checks globally in March for users who don't want to be locked into a 'teen-appropriate experience' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/discord-is-rolling-out-facial-scanning-and-id-checks-in-march-for-everyone-who-doesnt-want-to-be-locked-into-a-teen-appropriate-experience/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |work=PC Gamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214175605/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/discord-is-rolling-out-facial-scanning-and-id-checks-in-march-for-everyone-who-doesnt-want-to-be-locked-into-a-teen-appropriate-experience/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer-impact summary==
===User Freedom===
Products and services with the services provided by Persona usually block functionalities and content (generally content or functionalities flagged as "adult" content) until the verification is complete or bypassed. If the user is verified as an adult, they'll be able to have total or most access to the content of that product or service.

Their Privacy Policy contains [[forced arbitration]] that applies to users belonging to the United States:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author=Persona |date=18 Nov 2025 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224203606/https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy |archive-date=2026-02-24 |access-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=Persona}}</ref>
{{Quote| YOU (IF YOUR ARE A RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES) AND PERSONA IDENTITIES, INC., INCLUDING ITS PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS (“COMPANY”) AGREE THAT ANY PROCEEDINGS TO RESOLVE OR LITIGATE ANY DISPUTE WILL BE CONDUCTED SOLELY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, AND THAT NEITHER YOU NOR COMPANY WILL SEEK TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE HEARD AS A CLASS ACTION, A REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, A COLLECTIVE ACTION, A PRIVATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ACTION, OR IN ANY PROCEEDING IN WHICH YOU OR COMPANY ACTS OR PROPOSES TO ACT IN A REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY. YOU AND COMPANY FURTHER AGREE THAT NO PROCEEDING WILL BE JOINED, CONSOLIDATED, OR COMBINED WITH ANOTHER PROCEEDING WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF YOU, COMPANY, AND ALL PARTIES TO ANY SUCH PROCEEDING. THIS CLASS ACTION WAIVER COVERS ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY AND ALSO INCLUDES ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN YOU AND ANY OFFICER, DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER, AGENT, EMPLOYEE, VENDOR, AFFILIATE, OR CLIENT OF COMPANY, IF COMPANY COULD BE LIABLE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FOR SUCH DISPUTE.

THE TERM “DISPUTE” SHALL BE INTERPRETED AS BROADLY AS PERMITTED UNDER THE LAW AND SHALL APPLY TO ALL PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE LEGAL DISPUTES AND LEGAL CLAIMS BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY THAT ARE NOW IN EXISTENCE OR THAT MAY ARISE IN THE FUTURE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO LEGAL DISPUTES OR LEGAL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THESE TERMS, THE COLLECTION OF FACIAL SCANS OR BIOMETRIC INFORMATION, THE PRIVACY POLICY OR COMPANY’S SERVICES; YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH COMPANY; YOUR USE OF ANY COMPANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE; COMPANY’S CONDUCT; AND ANY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL STATUTE, LAW, RULE, REGULATION OR ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY AS TO WHICH A COURT WOULD BE AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO GRANT RELIEF IF THE CLAIM WERE SUCCESSFUL (“DISPUTE” OR “DISPUTES”).}}
===User Privacy===
Information submitted by users can be retained up to three years. This data might be used to track the user's identity or to train AI models.
Examples of data collected are:
*Name and contact information
*Demographic data
*Uploaded files
*Government documents, barcodes and identifiers
*Audio, videos and images
===Business Model===
Persona provides their services to products and services like social media or video games.
===Market Control===

==Privacy Concerns==
Persona has raised privacy concerns due to the extensive amount of data they collect and process to verify an user's identity. According to their Privacy Policy, this is the type of data they collect<ref name=":0" />:
{{Quote| You may directly provide:

*Name and contact information, including name, email address, address, and phone number;

*Demographic data, including birthdate and age;

*Files you upload, such as tax forms and utility bills;

*Government documents, barcodes, and identifiers, such as driver's license and Social Security Number; and

*Audio, Video, and Photos of you, namely from the selfie or video you provide and from your government identification document.}}

The Privacy Policy also mentions additional data that might be collected by third-parties<ref name=":0" />:
{{Quote| Our Services may also collect the following from you, our Customer, or third parties:

*Current and previous name and contact information, including name, email address, address, and phone number;

*Demographic data, including birthdate and age, gender, marital status, and similar demographic details;

*Government documents, barcodes, and identifiers, such as drivers license and Social Security Numbers;

*Device information, including IP address, device type, your device’s operating system, browser, cookie and device identifiers, and other software including type, version, language, settings, and configuration;

*Account information, such as details about your account with our Customer or other third parties;

*Publicly available data, including data from governmental public records, the public internet and social media;

*Geolocation data as we may infer your general geographic location (such as city, state, and country) based on your IP address;

*Biometric Data, only with your express consent, including a scan of your facial geometry based on the photos or video you provide. For more information about Biometric Data, see the Facial Scan and Biometrics Information section below.}}

==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]].

===AI-Powered Ages Verification leads to inaccurate age verification on Roblox ''(Jan 2026)''===
Children were being identified as adults and vice versa on [[Roblox]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=David |date=2026-01-13 |title=Roblox’s AI-Powered Age Verification Is a Complete Mess |url=https://www.wired.com/story/robloxs-ai-powered-age-verification-is-a-complete-mess/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226005411/https://www.wired.com/story/robloxs-ai-powered-age-verification-is-a-complete-mess/ |archive-date=2026-02-26 |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Wired}}</ref> The age verification restricted who the users could talk to. This implementation was criticised as not helping to address safety concerns, and harming the user experience.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-09 |title=Age Check to Chat Update & Fast Follow Roadmap |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-to-chat-update-fast-follow-roadmap/4238626/5 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203031742/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-to-chat-update-fast-follow-roadmap/4238626/5 |archive-date=3 Feb 2026 |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=devforum.roblox.com}}</ref>

===User tracking and ties with the US government===
On the 16th of February, 2026, a security researcher known as Celeste published an article showing that Persona was building profiles on users and sharing said profiles with the US government, even having a flagging system to flag users that seem suspicious. A code to track cypto-addresses has also been found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Celeste |date=2026-02-16 |title=the watchers: how openai, the US government, and persona built an identity surveillance machine that files reports on you to the feds |url=https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221231714/https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona |archive-date=2026-02-21 |website=vmfunc.re}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Celeste |date=2026-02-24 |title=the watchers, pt. 2: the correspondence |url=https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225233304/https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona-2 |archive-date=2026-02-25 |access-date=2026-02-26 |website=vmfunc.re}}</ref> Alongside that, it was also discovered that 269 different checks were used for verification, which included things like phone carrier queries and death record matching. With their privacy policy hiding these checks under vague terms like "public government documents".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-04 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url= |website=Persona}}</ref> 

==Products==
*Identity Verification (2021)
*Age Verification (2025)

==Clients==
Persona provides their service to these companies and products:{{CitationNeeded}}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+
!'''Company/Product'''
!'''Used for'''
!Additional notes
|-
|Brex
|
|
|-
|Carahsoft
|
|
|-
|Coursera
|
|
|-
|[[Discord]]
|Age Verification
|Discord claimed they allegedly ceased partnership with Persona and that the usage of their service was for "experimental" purposes in the United Kingdom.
|-
|DoorDash
|
|
|-
|Eaze
|
|
|-
|[[Etsy]]
|
|
|-
|Fire & Flower Holdings
|
|
|-
|First Republic
|
|
|-
|Grailed
|
|
|-
|Mercury
|
|
|-
|[[LinkedIn]]
|Age Verification, User Verification
|
|-
|[[OpenAI]] ([[ChatGPT]])
|Age Verification
|Users verified as adults allow the models to generate explicit and sensitive content
|-
|[[Reddit]]
|Age Verifiaction
|Used by Reddit to comply with the UK Online Safety Act
|-
|[[Roblox]]
|Age Verification
|Verification sets players in a certain age brackets according to the estimations or provided data. Unverified players are unable to chat with others. Feature launched globally on Jan 7 2026
|-
|Serviap Global
|
|
|-
|Stifel Financial Corp
|
|
|-
|Swan Bitcoin
|
|
|-
|Wealthsimple
|
|
|-
|WeTravel
|
|
|}

==Third Parties==
These are third parties that can receive and use the data provided by Persona:<ref>{{Cite web |author=Unknown |date=16 Feb 2026 |title=I Verified My LinkedIn Identity. Here's What I Actually Handed Over. |url=https://thelocalstack.eu/posts/linkedin-identity-verification-privacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/4IUtj |archive-date=2026-02-23 |access-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=The Local Stack}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+
!'''Company'''
!What is data used for
!Additional notes
|-
|[[Anthropic]]
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|OpenAI
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|Groqcloud
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|AWS
|Infrastructure, Image Processing
|
|-
|Google Cloud Platform
|Infrastructure as Service
|
|-
|Resistant AI
|Document Analysis
|
|-
|FingerprintJS
|Device Analysis
|
|-
|MongoDB
|Database Services
|
|-
|Snowflake
|Database Services
|
|-
|Elasticsearch
|Search and Analytics Engine
|
|-
|Confluent
|ETL Services
|
|-
|DBT
|ETL Services
|
|-
|Sigma Computing
|Data Analytics
|
|-
|Tableau
|Data Analytics
|
|-
|Stripe
|Credit Card Processing
|
|-
|Twilio
|Communication APIs (Phone, SMS)
|
|-
|Persona Identities Canada
|Customer Support & Development
|
|}
==See also==
*[[Online Safety Act]]
*[[Age Verification]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Discord

2026-02-28T04:35:51Z

Raster: Add sources for Palantir backing, mention their partnership with Persona ended, fixed repeating sentence

{{ToneWarning}}
{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American technology company that runs a platform for messaging and calling targeted towards gamers.
|Founded=2015
|Industry=Software, Social Media
|Logo=Discord.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Private
|Website=https://discord.com
}}
'''Discord''' is a proprietary VoIP and instant-messaging platform developed by Discord Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel, Inc.), co-founded by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Guadalupe |date=3 May 2018 |title=There Are 2.6 Billion Online Gamers in the World. This Startup Just May Connect Them All |url=https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503131556/https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html |archive-date=3 May 2018 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=Inc.}}</ref> Launched in 2015, the service has grown to over 150 million monthly active users as of 2025. While initially marketed towards PC gamers, Discord has expanded to multiple platforms, serving various communities and use cases, including education.<ref name="about-company">{{Cite web |date=15 Apr 2024 |title=About Discord <nowiki>|</nowiki> Our Mission and Values |url=https://discord.com/company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250608013037/https://discord.com/company |archive-date=8 Jun 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=Discord}}</ref>

In April 2025, Humam Sakhnini (formerly King, Activision Blizzard) replaced Jason Citron as CEO.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discord Appoints Humam Sakhnini as Chief Executive Officer |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-appoints-new-ceo-humam-sakhnini |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260124072250/https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-appoints-new-ceo-humam-sakhnini |archive-date=24 Jan 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer Impact Summary==

===Privacy<ref name="terms-of-service3">[https://discord.com/terms/ "Discord's Terms of Service"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216033955/https://discord.com/terms/ Archived])</ref>===
Mentioned within the '''Discord ToS<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' and '''Privacy Policy''':<ref name="privacy-policy3">[https://discord.com/privacy/ "Discord Privacy Policy"]. April 15, 2024. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20260216034021/https://discord.com/privacy/ Archived]) ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref><ref name="community-guidelines2">[https://discord.com/guidelines/ "Discord Community Guidelines"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025. ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260216015550/https://discord.com/guidelines Archived])</ref>
*Collects a variety of user data, such as contact details; user generated messages and posts, including drafts; voice messages; payment information; server participation; device information, such as games being playing; log and event information related to use of Discord services as well as information from cookies and third party sources<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-29 |title=Privacy Policy: The information we collect |url=https://discord.com/privacy#3 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Discord |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260128220720/https://discord.com/privacy |archive-date=28 Jan 2026}}</ref>
*Claims broad rights to user-generated content
*Stores deleted messages for undefined periods
*Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed"
*Processes user content for "safety features and platform improvement"
*Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers
*Opt-out behavioral tracking across platform features for personalization
*Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information for an undetermined amount of time, flags any user who has ever signed in with an EU IP address for inclusion within DSA transparency reports
*Sends a web request when any UI element is clicked and when typing
In 2019, Discord started requiring phone verification. The account will be locked until a phone number is added, regardless of account age or recent activity. The account will be automatically locked if the phone number is removed.<ref>[https://archive.today/2022.10.28-141642/https://wowana.me/blog/guess-im-done-with-discord.xht guess I'm done with Discord – wowana.me]</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/2025.08.31-190346/https://cadence.moe/blog/2020-06-06-why-you-shouldnt-trust-discord Why you shouldn't trust Discord - cadence's weblog (personal blog)]</ref>

===Freedom===
In order to use Discord, users must agree to the '''Discord ToS<ref name="terms-of-service3" />''' and '''Privacy Policy''', which includes agreeing to:<ref name="privacy-policy3" />
*Mandatory [[Forced arbitration|binding arbitration]] with [[class action|class-action]] waiver for U.S. users (From 19 October 2018)
*Granting a perpetual, transferable license to user content
*Broad terms of service, which allow for unilateral changes
*Termination of user accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion
*No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service
*Discord possibly retaining content even after deletion by the user
Additionally, server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned, and users are required to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions.

===Transparency===
Discord's terms of service are lengthy and complex. In October 2025, the base terms are 29 pages long, with a reading level of 14th grade (equivalent to two years of tertiary education) and an estimated reading time of 42 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Calculated using readabilitychecker.com based on current discord TOS. discord.com/terms |url=https://readabilitychecker.com/url |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210185029/https://readabilitychecker.com/url |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> The 2021 version of Discord's ToS would take an estimated 275+ hours to read.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EULA of despair |url=https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |access-date=9 Oct 2025 |website=Penn State University Pilot Lab |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216034102/https://www.pilotlab.org/eulas-of-despair |archive-date=16 Feb 2026}}</ref>

Mentioned within the '''Discord Privacy Policy'''<ref name="privacy-policy3" /> and '''Community Guidelines''':<ref name="community-guidelines2" />
*Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests
*Vague about data retention time frames
*Limited transparency regarding content moderation decisions<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=BBB - Discord, Inc. |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |access-date=Aug 2, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210184246/https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Trustpilot - Discord |url=https://www.trustpilot.com/review/discord.com |access-date=Aug 2, 2025 |website=Trustpilot |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112025215/https://www.trustpilot.com/review/discord.com |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref>
**Offending content not always displayed to the user, including metadata, filenames, timestamps, or the channel where it was posted
**No limits or restrictions on the age of content (e.g., users can be suspended due to something sent 1500 days ago)
*Lack of transparency in the server ban appeals process<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
*Limited disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors
*No clear disclosure of how the content is used for platform improvement
==Incidents==
===Introduction of forced arbitration (Oct. 2018)===
In October 2018, [[forced arbitration]] was added to the [[Terms of Service|terms of service]]. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to arbitration-opt-out@discord.com within 90 days of the ToS going in effect or registering their first account.'''<ref name="terms-of-service3" />'''

===Child safety concerns (June 2023)===
An [[wikipedia:NBC News|NBC News]] investigation in June 2023 uncovered widespread child safety issues on Discord, revealing systemic problems with the platform's user protection measures.

Investigators identified 35 separate cases where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material (CSAM) on the platform were documented.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFGoggin2023" class="citation web cs1">Goggin, Ben (21 Jun 2023). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230621152318/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 Archived] from the original on 21 Jun 2023. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Child+predators+are+using+Discord%2C+a+popular+app+among+teens%2C+for+sextortion+and+abductions&rft.date=2023-06-21&rft.aulast=Goggin&rft.aufirst=Ben&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsocial-media%2Fdiscord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

===FTC data collection investigation (Sept. 2024)===
In September 2024, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data collection practices as part of a broader investigation into the data collection practices of social media platforms.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite class="citation web cs1">[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services"] (PDF). ''Federal Trade Commission''. 11 Sep 2024. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919133855/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf Archived] (PDF) from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Federal+Trade+Commission&rft.atitle=A+Look+Behind+the+Screens%3A+Examining+the+Data+Practices+of+Social+Media+and+Video+Streaming+Services&rft.date=2024-09-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fftc_gov%2Fpdf%2FSocial-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:
*Message content and metadata
*Voice-chat participation
*Server membership and activity
*Device and location information
Particular concern was raised about:
*[https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-312 Collection of data from users under 13]
*Handling of minors' user information
*Inadequate age-verification systems
The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:
*Identity theft exposure
*Potential stalking risks
*Discrimination concerns
*Mental health and emotional impact

The FTC concluded that Discord's data practices posed unacceptable risks to users, particularly minors, and recommended significant reforms to the platform's privacy protection measures.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFTolentino2024" class="citation web cs1">Tolentino, Daysia (19 Sep 2024). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919171049/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 Archived] from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Social+media+companies+engaged+in+%27vast+surveillance%2C%27+FTC+finds%2C+calling+status+quo+%27unacceptable%27&rft.date=2024-09-19&rft.aulast=Tolentino&rft.aufirst=Daysia&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsecurity%2Fsocial-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></ref>

===Reinforcement of forced arbitration (Sept. 2025)===
Announced August 29th, 2025, and put into effect September 29th, 2025, Discord updated and re-iterated their [[forced arbitration]] clause but gave users another option to opt-out of forced arbitration until October 29th, 2025, for existing accounts, or 30 days after initial agreement for new accounts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-29 |title=Discord's Terms of Service |url=https://discord.com/terms#16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007023150/https://discord.com/terms#16 |archive-date=2025-10-07 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord.com}}</ref> Users are automatically opted into the forced arbitration clause unless they take specific action to opt out of it within 30 days. Instead, if users chose to delete their accounts, the platform required them to accept the terms in order to access their account, from which they could then delete it, making acceptance of the new terms mandatory.
[[File:Discord Forced Arbitration 1.png|alt=An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application.|thumb|(2025-09-29) An example of Discord forcing users to agree to arbitration if they want to continue using the application. The terms of service at the time of this screenshot includes forced arbitration and disallows users from filing a class-action lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Discord |date=2025-09-29 |title=Terms of Service {{!}} Discord |url=https://discord.com/terms |url-status=live |access-date=2025-09-29 |website=Discord}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260222174800/https://discord.com/terms Archived])</ref>]]

===Third-Party Customer Service Data Breach (Oct. 2025)===
{{Main|Discord / 5CA Data Breach}}
In October 2025, Discord issued a press release announcing a "Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service [5CA]", in which "the unauthorized party [...] gained access to a small number of government‑ID images (e.g., driver’s license, passport) from users who had appealed an age determination," as well as other personal data provided to support.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-10-03 |title=Update on a Security Incident Involving Third-Party Customer Service |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251006163040/https://discord.com/press-releases/update-on-security-incident-involving-third-party-customer-service |archive-date=2025-10-06 |access-date=2025-10-07 |website=Discord}}</ref> The number of ID images accessed was approximately 70,000, and the third-party in question was later named as 5CA.<ref name=":2" /> The hackers involved in the breach have revealed that the data was accessed via Zendesk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Troy |date=2025-10-04 |title=X |url=https://x.com/troyhunt/status/1974558088847102289}}</ref>

===Announcement of Age Verification Coming in March (Feb. 2026)===
{{Main|Discord's Mandatory Age Verification}}
In February 2026, Discord issued a press release announcing "enhanced teen safety features rolling out globally", which begins with a "rollout to new and existing users in early March", that may require users "to engage in an age-verification process to change certain settings or access sensitive content".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-09 |title=Discord Launches Teen-by-Default Settings Globally |url=https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260209142047/https://discord.com/press-releases/discord-launches-teen-by-default-settings-globally |archive-date=2026-02-09 |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=Discord}}</ref>

On February 9, 2026, a [https://www.change.org/p/prevent-discord-from-implementing-id-verification Change.org petition] was created to prevent Discord from implementing the age verification globally.

===Discord's Connections to Palantir===
Discord in the UK once utilized<ref>{{Cite web |last=Roth |first=Emma |date=2026-02-23 |title=Discord distances itself from Persona age verification after user backlash |url=https://www.theverge.com/tech/878369/discord-persona-age-verification |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224163803/https://www.theverge.com/tech/878369/discord-persona-age-verification |archive-date=2026-02-24 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Giono |first=Catherina |date=2026-02-24 |title=Discord distances itself from Peter Thiel–backed verification software after its code was found on a Google Cloud endpoint |url=https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226164710/https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/https://fortune.com/2026/02/24/discord-peter-thiel-backed-persona-identity-verification-breach/ |archive-date=2026-02-26 |website=Fortune}}</ref> [[Persona]] as a third-party, specialized vendor for age verification, requiring UK-based users to submit facial scans or ID to access restricted content. A since redacted statement on the support.discord.com web-page under the "How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord" article stated<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212201755/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-12 |website=Discord}}</ref>:{{Quote|"Important: If you're located in the UK, you may be part of an experiment where your information will be processed by an age-assurance vendor, Persona. The Information you submit will be temporarily stored for up to 7 days, then deleted. For ID document verification, all details are blurred except your photo and date of birth, so only what's truly needed for age verification is used".}}
[[File:Discord Article Changes.png|alt=This image shows the Screenshorts of the changes support article on Discord's support page|thumb|Changes between the 15th of February compared to the 19th of February 2026]]
After significant backlash from the online community, Discord has changed their statement under the article (as of February 19th, 2026)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218072524/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-18 |website=Discord}}</ref>: {{Quote|"Note: Some users in regions outside the UK and Australia may see age-assurance prompts when accessing certain features or settings as part of ongoing experiments."}}

Discord does not further clarify what the "experiments" entail. Furthermore, the more detailed help-center article does not contain any mentions of the vendor Persona. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |title=What’s Changing for UK Users Due to the UK Online Safety Act |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959-What-s-Changing-for-UK-Users-Due-to-the-UK-Online-Safety-Act |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040004/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/33362401287959-What-s-Changing-for-UK-and-Australian-Users |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Discord}}</ref> 

Persona is an identity verification tool producer, that has received $200 million dollars<ref>{{Cite web |last=Song |first=Rick |date=2026-01-21 |title=Announcing Persona’s $200M Series D |url=https://withpersona.com/blog/series-d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260218172300/https://withpersona.com/blog/series-d |archive-date=2026-02-18 |website=*Persona}}</ref> from the Founders Fund<ref>{{Cite web |title=Persona |url=https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040423/https://foundersfund.com/company/persona/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Founders' Fund - Portfolio |url=https://foundersfund.com/portfolio/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228034728/https://foundersfund.com/portfolio/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref>, a venture capital group headed by Peter Thiel<ref>{{Cite web |title=Peter Thiel |url=https://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260228040925/https://foundersfund.com/team/peter-thiel/ |archive-date=2026-02-28 |access-date=2026-02-28 |website=Founders Fund}}</ref>. Peter Thiel is also the co-founder of Palantir Technologies Inc, a global surveillance company.<ref name=":3" />

===Inactive account deletions===
Discord has a [[Inactive account deletion|deletion policy on inactive accounts]], in which accounts that are not used for 2 years or more may be scheduled for deletion. Before the deletion of an inactive account, users may receive an email or text message warning that their account is scheduled for deletion. 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 that have prolonged internet shutdowns. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Librarian |date=2023-06-14 |title=Inactive Account Deletion |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210025748/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/5106714856215-Inactive-Account-Deletion |archive-date=2026-02-10 |website=Discord}}</ref>

===Vague moderation===
{{Main|Discord's irresponsible moderation}}
Reported often by users on the BBB<ref name=":0" />, Trustpilot <ref name=":1" />, and a dedicated subreddit<ref>{{Cite web |title=/r/BannedFromDiscord |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/BannedFromDiscord/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251114160632/https://old.reddit.com/r/BannedFromDiscord/ |archive-date=14 Nov 2025}}</ref>, users have complained that Discord's moderation is vague. One such user reported that their account was banned after being compromised on the BBB, with an automated system handling the entire process, replying only with templates, and with no human involvement<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mir |first=Zain |date=Jul 23, 2025 |title=BBB Complaint |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699/complaints?page=2#1116_918699_23643523 |access-date=Aug 1, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210184246/https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699 |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> in the appeal process.

==Solution to delete an account without agreeing to the updated ToS==

*Visit [https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/212500837-How-to-Delete-your-Discord-Account How to delete Discord account] and scroll to "Having Trouble Deleting Your Discord Account?" Find the link titled "Reach out to our support team". Direct link subject to user instance - http://dis.gd/support

*Fill out the "Submit a request" form. (A web search for "Submit a request Discord" may help users find the form. Be sure to answer the question "What can we help you with?" with "Help and Support" from the drop-down.) '''Please fill out the form using the same email address associated with your Discord account, as this process may need to be restarted if it is not.''' In the form, under "Type of question," there is an option for "Account deletion request". Proceed to fill out and submit the form with any other relevant information. An email will then be sent with further instructions, including how to proceed with account deletion, which involves responding to the email with "I confirm that I would like to delete the account associated with [user email]." '''The response must be received from the same email as the one associated with the Discord account.'''

==Solution to disable forced updates on Linux==
If you're running a .deb installation of Discord, you can disable forced updates by adding "SKIP_HOST_UPDATE": true to ~/.config/discord/settings.json.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pardomuan |first=Patar Isac |date=2025-04-26 |title=How I Bypassed Discord’s Forced Update on Linux |url=https://medium.com/@patarisac/how-i-bypassed-discords-forced-update-on-linux-2bbc39b5949c |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Medium |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004041109/https://medium.com/@patarisac/how-i-bypassed-discords-forced-update-on-linux-2bbc39b5949c |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref>[[File:Discord Vague Infringement example.png|thumb|An example of how Discord handles its moderation from a user's perspective.]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Discord]]
[[Category:Forced arbitration]]

Talk:Persona

2026-02-26T11:16:42Z

Raster: /* I really like this page */ new section

== I really like this page ==

Bit informal, but have to express some things the thanks button cannot. This company (along with its name) feels very secretive, and tries to blend in. Without it appearing in Recent Changes I would've never known about it. And it's all thanks to ClippyWantsToHelp, DiffChar, ChaoticDev, and Banana for their past work. Thank you as well to anyone else that contributes to it in the future.

The reason I like it despite the subject topic is, like someone might use to describe Moon Channel, '''informed''' doom and gloom. It gives me energy towards doing what we must, because we can. Hopefully by everyone's contributions the Wiki can be a trove of knowledge and quick references it deserves to be, in fueling future action.

As for "discussion with others on how to improve" part, it could use more sources especially in the companies section (their Privacy Policy maybe?).

Thanks for reading. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 11:16, 26 February 2026 (UTC)

Persona

2026-02-26T11:02:32Z

Raster: fixed citations & archives where possible (some archive.today since IA had hiccups, apologies)

{{CompanyCargo
|Logo=Persona.png
|Type=Private
|Website=https://withpersona.com/
|Description=Identity Verification
|Industry=Software}}

Persona is an Identity Verification company, founded in 2018 by Rick Song and Charles Yeh. It is funded by Founders Fund which is an adventure capitalist firm c-founded by Peter Theil.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redacto |date=2026-02-16 |title=Discord Tested Age Verification Vendor Persona: What Users Should Know |url=https://redact.dev/blog/discord-persona-age-verification-experiment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/twBTo |archive-date=2026-02-26 |website=redact.dev}}</ref> 

From the 14th July 2025 they started working with [[Reddit]] to perform ID checks on it's UK site, as part of the UK's Online Safety Act.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-07-14 |title=Reddit starts verifying ages of users in the UK |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4ep1znk4zo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225142635/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj4ep1znk4zo |archive-date=2026-02-25 |access-date=2026-02-20 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

In February 2026 [[Discord]] announced they would be experimenting with Persona to perform ID checks worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bubbles |date=2026-02-24 |title=How to Complete Age Assurance on Discord |url=https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212201755/https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/30326565624343-How-to-Complete-Age-Assurance-on-Discord |archive-date=2026-02-12 |website=Discord}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-02-09 |title=Discord is rolling out facial scanning and ID checks globally in March for users who don't want to be locked into a 'teen-appropriate experience' |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/discord-is-rolling-out-facial-scanning-and-id-checks-in-march-for-everyone-who-doesnt-want-to-be-locked-into-a-teen-appropriate-experience/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-02-20 |work=PC Gamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260214175605/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/discord-is-rolling-out-facial-scanning-and-id-checks-in-march-for-everyone-who-doesnt-want-to-be-locked-into-a-teen-appropriate-experience/ |archive-date=14 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer-impact summary==
===User Freedom===
Products and services with the services provided by Persona usually block functionalities and content (generally content or functionalities flagged as "adult" content) until the verification is complete or bypassed. If the user is verified as an adult, they'll be able to have total or most access to the content of that product or service.

Their Privacy Policy contains [[forced arbitration]] that applies to users belonging to the United States:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |author=Persona |date=18 Nov 2025 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260224203606/https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy |archive-date=2026-02-24 |access-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=Persona}}</ref>
{{Quote| YOU (IF YOUR ARE A RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES) AND PERSONA IDENTITIES, INC., INCLUDING ITS PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS (“COMPANY”) AGREE THAT ANY PROCEEDINGS TO RESOLVE OR LITIGATE ANY DISPUTE WILL BE CONDUCTED SOLELY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, AND THAT NEITHER YOU NOR COMPANY WILL SEEK TO HAVE ANY DISPUTE HEARD AS A CLASS ACTION, A REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, A COLLECTIVE ACTION, A PRIVATE ATTORNEY-GENERAL ACTION, OR IN ANY PROCEEDING IN WHICH YOU OR COMPANY ACTS OR PROPOSES TO ACT IN A REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY. YOU AND COMPANY FURTHER AGREE THAT NO PROCEEDING WILL BE JOINED, CONSOLIDATED, OR COMBINED WITH ANOTHER PROCEEDING WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF YOU, COMPANY, AND ALL PARTIES TO ANY SUCH PROCEEDING. THIS CLASS ACTION WAIVER COVERS ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY AND ALSO INCLUDES ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN YOU AND ANY OFFICER, DIRECTOR, BOARD MEMBER, AGENT, EMPLOYEE, VENDOR, AFFILIATE, OR CLIENT OF COMPANY, IF COMPANY COULD BE LIABLE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FOR SUCH DISPUTE.

THE TERM “DISPUTE” SHALL BE INTERPRETED AS BROADLY AS PERMITTED UNDER THE LAW AND SHALL APPLY TO ALL PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE LEGAL DISPUTES AND LEGAL CLAIMS BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY THAT ARE NOW IN EXISTENCE OR THAT MAY ARISE IN THE FUTURE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO LEGAL DISPUTES OR LEGAL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THESE TERMS, THE COLLECTION OF FACIAL SCANS OR BIOMETRIC INFORMATION, THE PRIVACY POLICY OR COMPANY’S SERVICES; YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH COMPANY; YOUR USE OF ANY COMPANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE; COMPANY’S CONDUCT; AND ANY FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL STATUTE, LAW, RULE, REGULATION OR ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND COMPANY AS TO WHICH A COURT WOULD BE AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO GRANT RELIEF IF THE CLAIM WERE SUCCESSFUL (“DISPUTE” OR “DISPUTES”).}}
===User Privacy===
Information submitted by users can be retained up to three years. This data might be used to track the user's identity or to train AI models.
Examples of data collected are:
*Name and contact information
*Demographic data
*Uploaded files
*Government documents, barcodes and identifiers
*Audio, videos and images
===Business Model===
Persona provides their services to products and services like social media or video games.
===Market Control===

==Privacy Concerns==
Persona has raised privacy concerns due to the extensive amount of data they collect and process to verify an user's identity. According to their Privacy Policy, this is the type of data they collect<ref name=":0" />:
{{Quote| You may directly provide:

*Name and contact information, including name, email address, address, and phone number;

*Demographic data, including birthdate and age;

*Files you upload, such as tax forms and utility bills;

*Government documents, barcodes, and identifiers, such as driver's license and Social Security Number; and

*Audio, Video, and Photos of you, namely from the selfie or video you provide and from your government identification document.}}

The Privacy Policy also mentions additional data that might be collected by third-parties<ref name=":0" />:
{{Quote| Our Services may also collect the following from you, our Customer, or third parties:

*Current and previous name and contact information, including name, email address, address, and phone number;

*Demographic data, including birthdate and age, gender, marital status, and similar demographic details;

*Government documents, barcodes, and identifiers, such as drivers license and Social Security Numbers;

*Device information, including IP address, device type, your device’s operating system, browser, cookie and device identifiers, and other software including type, version, language, settings, and configuration;

*Account information, such as details about your account with our Customer or other third parties;

*Publicly available data, including data from governmental public records, the public internet and social media;

*Geolocation data as we may infer your general geographic location (such as city, state, and country) based on your IP address;

*Biometric Data, only with your express consent, including a scan of your facial geometry based on the photos or video you provide. For more information about Biometric Data, see the Facial Scan and Biometrics Information section below.}}

==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]].

===AI-Powered Ages Verification leads to inaccurate age verification on Roblox ''(Jan 2026)''===
Children were being identified as adults and vice versa on [[Roblox]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=David |date=2026-01-13 |title=Roblox’s AI-Powered Age Verification Is a Complete Mess |url=https://www.wired.com/story/robloxs-ai-powered-age-verification-is-a-complete-mess/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260226005411/https://www.wired.com/story/robloxs-ai-powered-age-verification-is-a-complete-mess/ |archive-date=2026-02-26 |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Wired}}</ref> The age verification restricted who the users could talk to. This implementation was criticised as not helping to address safety concerns, and harming the user experience.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-09 |title=Age Check to Chat Update & Fast Follow Roadmap |url=https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-to-chat-update-fast-follow-roadmap/4238626/5 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260203031742/https://devforum.roblox.com/t/age-check-to-chat-update-fast-follow-roadmap/4238626/5 |archive-date=3 Feb 2026 |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=devforum.roblox.com}}</ref>

===User tracking and ties with the US government===
On the 16th of February, 2026, a security researcher known as Celeste published an article showing that Persona was building profiles on users and sharing said profiles with the US government, even having a flagging system to flag users that seem suspicious. A code to track cypto-addresses has also been found.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Celeste |date=2026-02-16 |title=the watchers: how openai, the US government, and persona built an identity surveillance machine that files reports on you to the feds |url=https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260221231714/https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona |archive-date=2026-02-21 |website=vmfunc.re}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Celeste |date=2026-02-24 |title=the watchers, pt. 2: the correspondence |url=https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225233304/https://vmfunc.re/blog/persona-2 |archive-date=2026-02-25 |access-date=2026-02-26 |website=vmfunc.re}}</ref> Alongside that, it was also discovered that 269 different checks were used for verification, which included things like phone carrier queries and death record matching. With their privacy policy hiding these checks under vague terms like "public government documents".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-04 |title=Privacy Policy |url=https://withpersona.com/legal/privacy-policy-roblox |url-status=live |archive-url= |website=Persona}}</ref> 

==Products==
*Identity Verification (2021)
*Age Verification (2025)

==Clients==
Persona provides their service to these companies and products:{{CitationNeeded}}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+
!'''Company/Product'''
!'''Used for'''
!Additional notes
|-
|Brex
|
|
|-
|Carahsoft
|
|
|-
|Coursera
|
|
|-
|[[Discord]]
|Age Verification
|Discord claimed they allegedly ceased partnership with Persona and that the usage of their service was for "experimental" purposes in the United Kingdom.
|-
|DoorDash
|
|
|-
|Eaze
|
|
|-
|[[Etsy]]
|
|
|-
|Fire & Flower Holdings
|
|
|-
|First Republic
|
|
|-
|Grailed
|
|
|-
|Mercury
|
|
|-
|[[LinkedIn]]
|Age Verification, User Verification
|
|-
|[[OpenAI]] ([[ChatGPT]])
|Age Verification
|Users verified as adults allow the models to generate explicit and sensitive content
|-
|[[Reddit]]
|Age Verifiaction
|Used by Reddit to comply with the UK Online Safety Act
|-
|[[Roblox]]
|Age Verification
|Verification sets players in a certain age brackets according to the estimations or provided data. Unverified players are unable to chat with others. Feature launched globally on Jan 7 2026
|-
|Serviap Global
|
|
|-
|Stifel Financial Corp
|
|
|-
|Swan Bitcoin
|
|
|-
|Wealthsimple
|
|
|-
|WeTravel
|
|
|}

==Third Parties==
These are third parties that can receive and use the data provided by Persona:<ref>{{Cite web |author=Unknown |date=16 Feb 2026 |title=I Verified My LinkedIn Identity. Here's What I Actually Handed Over. |url=https://thelocalstack.eu/posts/linkedin-identity-verification-privacy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/4IUtj |archive-date=2026-02-23 |access-date=24 Feb 2026 |website=The Local Stack}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
|+
!'''Company'''
!What is data used for
!Additional notes
|-
|[[Anthropic]]
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|OpenAI
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|Groqcloud
|Data Extraction and Analysis
|Data used to train AI models
|-
|AWS
|Infrastructure, Image Processing
|
|-
|Google Cloud Platform
|Infrastructure as Service
|
|-
|Resistant AI
|Document Analysis
|
|-
|FingerprintJS
|Device Analysis
|
|-
|MongoDB
|Database Services
|
|-
|Snowflake
|Database Services
|
|-
|Elasticsearch
|Search and Analytics Engine
|
|-
|Confluent
|ETL Services
|
|-
|DBT
|ETL Services
|
|-
|Sigma Computing
|Data Analytics
|
|-
|Tableau
|Data Analytics
|
|-
|Stripe
|Credit Card Processing
|
|-
|Twilio
|Communication APIs (Phone, SMS)
|
|-
|Persona Identities Canada
|Customer Support & Development
|
|}
==See also==
*[[Online Safety Act]]
*[[Age Verification]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

2021 WhatsApp privacy policy updates

2026-02-25T08:30:20Z

Raster: /* References */ add archived ref

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Facebook, WhatsApp
|StartDate=2021-02-08
|EndDate=
|Status=Active
|ProductLine=
|Product=WhatsApp
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=
|Description=
}}
In January 2021, [[WhatsApp]] announced an update to its privacy policy, set to take effect on February 8, 2021 (later delayed).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Lenore |date=14 May 2021 |title=WhatsApp to force users to accept changes to terms of service |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260222203353/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/may/14/whatsapp-to-force-users-to-accept-changes-to-terms-of-service |archive-date=22 Feb 2026|access-date=3 January 2026 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> Key changes to the policy included:

*Clarifying how WhatsApp processes user data.
*Detailing how WhatsApp works with businesses, including the use of WhatsApp Business accounts and how data from these interactions might be shared with Facebook.
*While WhatsApp had shared some data with Facebook since its acquisition in 2014, the update provided more explicit details about the types of data shared and the purpose, particularly concerning business communications.The announcement triggered widespread concern and confusion among users. Many users expressed discomfort with the prospect of more of their data being shared with Facebook, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information. There was also frustration with the policy update requiring users to accept the new terms to continue using WhatsApp, leaving many feeling they had no real choice.

Initial reports and social media discussions led to some misinformation, with some users incorrectly believing WhatsApp would be able to read their private messages. A

The privacy policy update led to a significant surge in downloads and usage of alternative messaging platforms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nicas |first=Jack |last2=Isaac |first2=Mike |last3=Frenkel |first3=Sheera |date=13 Jan 2021 |title=Millions Flock to Telegram and Signal as Fears Grow Over Big Tech |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812155643/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/technology/telegram-signal-apps-big-tech.html |archive-date=12 Aug 2021 |access-date=3 Jan 2026 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vengattil |first=Munsif |last2=Mathews |first2=Eva |date=13 Jan 2021 |title=Signal sees "unprecedented" growth after WhatsApp controversy |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-idUSKBN29I279/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708212522/https://www.reuters.com/technology/signal-sees-unprecedented-growth-after-whatsapp-controversy-2021-01-13/ |archive-date=2023-07-08 |access-date=3 Jan 2026 |work=Reuters}}</ref>

==Response==
Faced with widespread backlash and user migration, WhatsApp issued blog posts, FAQs, and social media statements to clarify the privacy policy update, emphasising that personal messages remained end-to-end encrypted and that the changes primarily related to business interactions. WhatsApp then announced a delay in the implementation of the new policy, pushing the deadline from February 8 to May 15, 2021. This was intended to allow more time to address user concerns and provide further explanations.
While the initial user exodus was significant, WhatsApp remains one of the most popular messaging applications globally.

==References==
<references />
[[Category:WhatsApp messenger]]

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-02-22T06:09:12Z

Raster: /* Categories of harmful content */ Add the Act itself (sixty six pages!?)

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, cencorship, digital rights, content moderadion
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}
The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/baPUk |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/lun8S |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref>

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=2025-12-08 |title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/9Lzle |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry Beaty |first=Gloria |last2=Salehuddin |first2=Sufea |date=2024-12-02 |title=The growing threat of online child exploitation |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ |url-status=live |website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref> 

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja Reza |first=Danish |date=2026-02-04 |title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/OErTu |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/ksNvz |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":0" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Communications and Multimedia Commission seeks public feedback on draft Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging Service Providers and Social Media Service Providers |url=https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213040603/https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providershttps |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Allen & Gledhill}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=Code Of Conduct (Best Practice) For Internet Messaging Service Providers And Social Media Service Providers |url=https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213041916/https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission}}</ref>The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 |year=2025 |pages=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2025-09-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pZcU4 |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here’s why social media firms may come to love Malaysia’s new Online Safety Act |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201081225/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |archive-date=2026-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories (exceptions are made for some educational content).<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act 866-Online Safety Act 2025.pdf |title=Online Safety Act 2025 |year=2025 |publication-date=2025 |pages=65-66 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213213744/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> 

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content. Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.{{CitationNeeded|reason=generated citation is irrelevant >}} <ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=[525]\[404] |first= |title= |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements. <ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect |url-status=dead}}</ref>The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025}}</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/24/malaysia-plans-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media |url-status=dead}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-26}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":12" />  Civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information from educational content to mental health resources.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.{{CitationNeeded|reason=which organizations?}}

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.{{CitationNeeded|reason=irrelevant citation, only compares to other countries doing the same >}}<ref name=":9" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/15/concerns-over-online-safety-act-broad-definitions |url-status=dead}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-02-21T13:07:03Z

Raster: remove "chilling effect" due to 404/tone

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, cencorship, digital rights, content moderadion
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}
The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/baPUk |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/lun8S |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref>

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=2025-12-08 |title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/9Lzle |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry Beaty |first=Gloria |last2=Salehuddin |first2=Sufea |date=2024-12-02 |title=The growing threat of online child exploitation |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ |url-status=live |website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref> 

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja Reza |first=Danish |date=2026-02-04 |title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/OErTu |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/ksNvz |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":0" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Communications and Multimedia Commission seeks public feedback on draft Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging Service Providers and Social Media Service Providers |url=https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213040603/https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providershttps |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Allen & Gledhill}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=Code Of Conduct (Best Practice) For Internet Messaging Service Providers And Social Media Service Providers |url=https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213041916/https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission}}</ref>The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 |year=2025 |pages=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2025-09-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pZcU4 |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here’s why social media firms may come to love Malaysia’s new Online Safety Act |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201081225/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |archive-date=2026-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address, including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories. Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> 

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content. Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.{{CitationNeeded|reason=generated citation is irrelevant >}} <ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=[525]\[404] |first= |title= |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements. <ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect |url-status=dead}}</ref>The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025}}</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/24/malaysia-plans-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media |url-status=dead}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-26}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":12" />  Civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information from educational content to mental health resources.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.{{CitationNeeded|reason=which organizations?}}

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.{{CitationNeeded|reason=irrelevant citation, only compares to other countries doing the same >}}<ref name=":9" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/15/concerns-over-online-safety-act-broad-definitions |url-status=dead}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Tesla Cybertruck voids warranty if Powershare feature is used

2026-02-20T15:20:42Z

Raster: update archive.today links to Internet Archive

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=Tesla, Inc.
|StartDate=
|EndDate=
|Status=
|ProductLine=
|Product=Cybertruck
|ArticleType=
|Type=
|Description=
}}
The [[Tesla]] Cybertruck advertises a feature called "Powershare" (formerly "Power Your Site"), which seems to fall outside of the warranty conditions for the car battery.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cybertruck - Electric Utility Truck |url=https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524101515/https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck |archive-date=2025-05-24 |access-date=2025-10-29 |publisher=Tesla |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Tesla's cybertruck warranty is what happens when consumer protection is a joke|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzdIjCzKhfM|author=Louis Rossmann|language=en|publisher=YouTube|format=video|date=2024-07-08}}</ref> The feature matches a warranty void clause that is in the New Vehicle Limited Warranty conditions that took effect since November 11th 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vehicle Warranty |url=https://www.tesla.com/support/vehicle-warranty |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308010640/https://www.tesla.com/support/vehicle-warranty |archive-date=2025-03-08 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Tesla Support |publisher= |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY |url=https://digitalassets.tesla.com/tesla-contents/image/upload/tesla-cybertruck-new-vehicle-limited-warranty-en-us.pdf; |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224172501oe_/https://digitalassets.tesla.com/tesla-contents/image/upload/tesla-cybertruck-new-vehicle-limited-warranty-en-us.pdf |archive-date=2024-12-24 |publisher=Tesla |language=en}}</ref>

==Background==
The "Powershare" (formerly "Power Your Site") feature allows using the car battery to power other devices. It is advertised as a way to "operate your tools or charge any EV with integrated 120V and 240V bed and cabin outlets. During a grid outage, provide up to 11.5 kW of power directly to your home to help keep the lights on." These vehicles are equipped with 200kW motors, which primarily power the vehicle's movement. Having 79 MPGe and weighing 3 tons, driving normally would use more energy than the 11.5kWh the Power Your Site feature would be supplying.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=2024 Tesla Cybertruck Dual Motor AWD - Specifications and price |url=https://www.evspecifications.com/en/model/800fef |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111075008/https://www.evspecifications.com/en/model/800fef |archive-date=2025-11-11 |access-date=2025-10-29 |publisher=EVSpecifications |language=en}}</ref> Yet, the Powershare features are not covered under warranty, being advertised on their website with no disclaimers.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Powershare - Vehicle to Home Backup System {{!}} Tesla |url=https://www.tesla.com/powershare |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260126191214/https://www.tesla.com/powershare |archive-date=2026-01-26 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Tesla}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Tesla Powershare {{!}} Tesla Support |url=https://www.tesla.com/support/powershare |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330132652/https://www.tesla.com/support/powershare |archive-date=2025-03-30 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Tesla Support}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> 

==Updated warranty void conditions for the car battery==
The relevant New Vehicle Limited Warranty for the Cybertruck battery are as follows:<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>Damage to the Battery resulting from the following activities is also not covered under this Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty:

*Damaging the Battery, or intentionally attempting, either by physical means, programming, or other methods, to extend (other than as specified in your Owner's Manual and any documentation provided by Tesla) or reduce the life of the Battery;
*Exposing the Battery to direct flame (excluding from Battery fires as specified previously);
*Using the vehicle as a permanent, stationary or long-term power source or backup; and
*Flooding the Battery or vehicle use outside the scope of the Owner's Manual.
</blockquote>The third clause, "Using the vehicle as a permanent, stationary or long-term power source or backup", does not further define what "long-term" means. On the same page, there is also another section that further reduces the scope of the provided warranty<ref name=":1" />:<blockquote>Your vehicle updates its software wirelessly, constantly providing new features and improvements for your vehicle, including updates to protect and improve Battery longevity. Any noticeable changes to the performance of the Battery due to these software updates are NOT covered under this Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty.</blockquote>This means customers would not be able to claim warranty should there be a software update that affects their experience negatively.

===Tesla's response===
No official response has been provided yet, although there was a significant backlash by customers.

==Consumer response==
Customers mainly reacted on the other conditions that fall outside of the warranty, like driving off-road, the environment, or [[wikipedia:Act_of_God#Contract_law|an act of nature]], which includes "exposure to sunlight".<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-24 |title=Tesla Cybertruck Warranty Doesn’t include off-roading, or driving on uneven surfaces |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/RealTesla/comments/1d0ld6y/tesla_cybertruck_warranty_doesnt_include |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260220144252/https://old.reddit.com/r/RealTesla/comments/1d0ld6y/tesla_cybertruck_warranty_doesnt_include/ |archive-date=2026-02-20 |access-date=2026-02-20 |website=Reddit |publisher=Reddit |language=en |format=forum thread}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act]]
*[[Tesla, Inc.]]

==References==
{{reflist}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Tesla Cybertruck voids warranty if advertised "Power Your Site" feature is used}}
[[Category:Tesla]]
[[Category:Articles based on videos]]

Apple

2026-02-20T14:11:30Z

Raster: Changed archive.today links (except Bloomberg) to IA ones - thanks IA! | See prev if need the links

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1976
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=Apple logo (black).svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://apple.com/
|Description=Tech company known for hardware, software, and operating systems. Has repeatedly restricted device repairs and ability for users to downgrade their OS
}}

{{Wplink|Apple Inc.|'''Apple'''}} is an American technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software, and services.

Apple's current product lineup includes hardware such as the [[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]], iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, [[Airpods|AirPods]], and Apple TV; operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS; and various software and services including Apple Pay, iCloud, Apple Arcade, and multimedia streaming services like Apple Music and [[Apple TV+]].

==Incidents==

===Repairability of Apple products in the 2000s===
Since the 2000s, Apple has focused on reducing the weight of its products as technology has advanced and become increasingly complex. This shift has contributed to challenges in repairing and upgrading their devices.

===Hardware design issues in the 2010s===
Apple had numerous hardware design issues in the 2010s, often poorly acknowledged by the company and frequently charging exorbitant amounts for repair.

*High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-28 |title=Apple faces class-action lawsuit over 2011 MacBook Pro GPU issues |url=https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251010222822/https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ |archive-date=2025-10-10 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=9to5mac}}</ref>
*the 2016-'17 MacBook Pro's screen cable skimping scandal<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Jon |date=2019-05-05 |title=Apple quietly addressed ‘Flexgate’ issue with MacBook Pro redesign |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251224195648/https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer |archive-date=2025-12-24 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*2016-2019 MacBooks butterfly keyboards<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=2020-05-04 |title=The saga of Apple’s bad butterfly MacBook keyboards is finally over |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128222108/https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design |archive-date=2026-01-28 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's SSD failures<ref>{{Cite web |last=digilloyd |date=2020-04-03 |title=2019 MacBook Pro Seems to Have a High Failure Rate |url=https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708181056/https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Mac Performance Guide}}</ref>
*The announcement and cancellation of Apple AirPower<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple cancels AirPower product, citing inability to meet its high standards for hardware |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/apple-cancels-airpower-product-citing-inability-to-meet-its-high-standards-for-hardware/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401040644/https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/apple-cancels-airpower-product-citing-inability-to-meet-its-high-standards-for-hardware/ |archive-date=2019-04-01 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clover |first=Juli |date=2018-09-12 |title=After No Sign of AirPower at Today's Event Apple Wipes Most Mentions From Website |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/no-sign-of-airpower-at-september-event/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124170507/https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/no-sign-of-airpower-at-september-event/ |archive-date=2021-11-24 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=MacRumors}}</ref> due to overheating{{CitationNeeded|reason=no archived article mentioning overheating specifically}}

====Recent attempts to do better====
Recently, Apple has made efforts to improve its products, though some observers feel that its pro-consumer practices still do not match those of certain other manufacturers. This shift is thought by some to be influenced by evolving legislation.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hern |first=Alex |date=2022-10-26 |title=Apple to put USB-C connectors in iPhones to comply with EU rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260212030935/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules |archive-date=2026-02-12 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> 

This includes:

*Opening an online [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] parts store.
*Making the back glass of iPhones removable starting from iPhone 14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiens |first=Kyle |date=2022-09-16 |title=Inside Apple’s Secret iPhone 14 Redesign |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116032657/https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown |archive-date=2026-01-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=iFixIt}}</ref>
*Allowing alternative app stores in an update to iOS 17, in compliance with new EU legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Installing apps through alternative app distribution in the European Union |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251223191001/https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767 |archive-date=2025-12-23 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref>
*Calibration tools for newly installed used parts in iOS 18,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Use Repair Assistant to finish an iPhone or iPad repair |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260208125243/https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579 |archive-date=2026-02-08 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref> which sometimes work.{{CitationNeeded}}
*An upgradeable, swappable SSD in the 2024 Mac Mini - albeit you cannot swap these units between M4 and M4 Pro units due to the internal casing's design being different without much good reason.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sorrel |first=Charlie |date=2024-11-12 |title=All Hail the Return of Upgradeable Storage! Mac mini 2024 Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251116041530/https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown |archive-date=2025-11-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=iFixit}}</ref>
*A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone 16 Plus Battery |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018203540/https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 |archive-date=2025-10-18 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref>
Many of these items have sparked allegations of [[Malicious Compliance]] and being introduced purely to make stricter right for repair legislation appear unnecessary to legislators while not doing much to improve the situation for consumers. 

For instance, pricing for parts on the [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] store is virtually identical to having the part replaced by Apple themselves (including both the price of the part and labor), alternate app installation options are limited to users in the EU, still require developers to be registered with Apple, have them approve the apps and in many cases paying them fees, and the upgradeable SSDs do not use common standards such as M.2 NVME. Unlike standard SSDs, they are also not always swappable between different models and require access to a second Apple computer to provision after installation.

===Operating system downgrades===
It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an Operating System (OS) version that is no longer signed by Apple. In most cases, only the most recent version is signed. Some exceptions exist, such as certain Apple TV models and Apple Silicon Macs. Downgrading the Apple TV 4K series is not possible at all due to the lack of a USB port. On Macs with a T2 chip, the user can select from three modes of secure boot:<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607083624/https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |archive-date=7 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

*No Security: Allow any OS to run (same as turning off secure boot on a PC).
*Medium Security: Allow any OS that is signed with a secure boot certificate (default, same as turning on secure boot on a PC).
*Full Security: Only allow the latest version of macOS, do not allow any other OS.

On Macs with Apple Silicon, the user can select from two modes of secure boot:

*Permissive Security: Accessible only via recovery Terminal tools (and still enforces Apple’s secure chain for much of the boot). This is the lowest available security policy on Apple silicon but does not remove secure boot entirely in the way “No Security” used to.
*Reduced Security: Allows booting older versions of macOS trusted by Apple but still enforces signed OS policy.
*Full Security: Only the currently signed macOS version trusted by Apple can boot.

iOS devices only support Full Security mode. The device checks for a cryptographic "ticket,"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=APTicket |url=https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260216234725/https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket |archive-date=2026-02-16 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=theapplewiki.com}}</ref> which are tied to the OS version and CPU serial number. These are provided by a server, which only provides them for the latest version (with very specific exceptions). The device refuses to boot if the ticket does not match. Workarounds exist, but with major caveats that are not viable for most users,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-27 |title=Firmware rendering |url=https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251021213054/https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading |archive-date=2025-10-21 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=theapplewiki.com}}</ref> see the technical details on [[wikipedia:SHSH_blob|SHSH blobs]].

===Class action lawsuit===
Apple was the defendant of a class-action lawsuit with claims dating back to 2017 where users noticed their phones were being artificially slowed down. Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit for up to $500 million USD.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Gael |date=9 Jan 2024 |title=Apple Starts Sending Out iPhone 'Batterygate' Settlement Payments. What to Know |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321051703/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |archive-date=21 Mar 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=CNET}}</ref> Apple claimed that this change was to benefit users who have old failing batteries, and that it wasn't for planned obsolescence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Napolitano |first=Elizabeth |date=2023-08-18 |title=Millions of Apple customers to get payments of up to $90 in iPhone "batterygate" settlement. Here's what to know. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-iphone-payment-500-million-settlement-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/hV5ZO |archive-date=2026-02-02 |website=CBS News}}</ref> They later published software updates and an article explaining how users can opt out of this new "performance management" mode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone battery and performance |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618231138/https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |archive-date=18 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

Once a new OS version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to {{Wplink|iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak}} the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vajpai |first=Shreeti |date=24 Jun 2024 |title=iOS Emulators / Simulators vs Real iOS Devices |url=https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519081214/https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |archive-date=19 May 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=ContextQA}}</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update.

===Parts availability ===
Many parts are not available directly from Apple. Those that are available directly from Apple may be more expensive than paying Apple to repair your device. Parts available to certified repair centers are extremely limited. Apple does not stock current generation iPad parts within GSX (See Certified Repair Centers). A limited selection of iPad parts are available from iFixit, however this can exclude some flex PCBs necessary for repairing headphone jacks.

If an Apple iPhone has GPS calibration issues and or {{Wplink|Bluetooth}} connectivity issues, Apple will do their own diagnostics. You explain to the Apple employee how and when the issues occur and you explain in detail your methods to reproduce the issues. The issues occur when your phone is in your pocket while using navigation and when you hold your phone upside down while using your Apple Beats wireless headphones. After Apple runs their diagnostics and they are not able to detect the issues, they will move onto the next step which is fully resetting your device. This is considered a standard troubleshooting procedure. When you ask the Apple store manager if they would be willing to exchange your device for a similar model if they cannot fix your device they respond with "No, because these phones are designed to be fixed". After the software reset fail, Apple will require you to leave your phone with them so they can send it to their offsite repair facility for further diagnostics. After a few days, Apple will come to the conclusion that your phone requires an entire new midsection. When asked what was replaced, Apple will inform you that the entire inside has been replaced — essentially giving you a new phone (with a new IMEI, EID, etc.) apart from the casing and screen. {{CitationNeeded}}

===Diagnostic software availability===
Calibration software for some Apple devices has only recently become available to end users. End user calibration tools have only become accessible in iOS 18. Similar calibration tools have been available to Certified Repair Centers, but are generally limited as many parts are serialized, i.e. lid sensors on MacBooks. {{CitationNeeded}}

===Certified repair centers===
Certified Repair Centers have some limited access to Apple's proprietary backend (GSX2). GSX contains many tools necessary to repair devices such as diagnostic tools, calibration tools, parts catalog, and device repair history. GSX is only accessible to repair centers Apple deems certified. GSX does not stock parts for iPads. It does not allow the calibration of parts such as lid sensors for a device, if that device does not have an open repair and purchased parts. The new iOS 18 calibration tool is very similar to Apple's ASU (GSX's diagnostic/calibration tool). Some videos of GSX can be found online. See: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8bS1AgxcY GSX - How to Gain GSX Apple Access - iOSGenius]

===Advertisements in first party apps===
In 2014, Apple and the band U2 partnered to give all iTunes users a free digital copy of their newest album at the time, ''Songs of Innocence'', which was marketed as "the biggest album release ever in history".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|title=Apple & U2 Release “Songs of Innocence” Exclusively for iTunes Store Customers|date=2014-09-09|work=Apple Newsroom|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405230217/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|archive-date=2025-04-05|url-status=live}}</ref> Many users who didn't want the album couldn't remove it from their iTunes library due to the album being listed as a "past purchase" on their account (however the album could always be "hidden").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|title=Apple's Devious U2 Album Giveaway Is Even Worse Than Spam|date=2014-09-16|first=Vijith|last=Assar|work=WIRED|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530112829/https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|archive-date=2025-05-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Some reports speculated the deal was worth 100 million dollars and was done due to the band's declining popularity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|title=Apple's U2 Album Promotion Backfires|first=Nathan|last=Rott|date=2014-09-15|work=NPR|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601154245/https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|archive-date=2025-06-01|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Bono, a member of U2, wrote in his memoir how Tim Cook reportedly said how "there’s something not right about giving [U2's] art away for free" and "the whole point of what we’re trying to do at Apple is to not give away music free. The point is to make sure musicians get paid".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|title=Apple CEO Tim Cook thought U2 putting its album on your iPhone was ‘not right’—even though he did it anyway|first=Tristan|last=Bove|date=2022-10-24|work=Fortune|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127191141/https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|archive-date=2025-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2025, Apple added a promotional offer for F1 The Movie in their Wallet application.<ref>{{Cite web |title=F1 The Movie - News |url=https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109164811/https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ |archive-date=2025-11-09 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Apple TV+ Press}}</ref> Users have mentioned how this could violate Apple's own policy on advertising, how the high price of Apple devices shouldn't justify first party ads, and the annoyance of seeing it.<ref>{{Cite web |author=u/african-nightmare |date=2025-06-24 |title=Getting ads in Apple Wallet, how to disable? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725194601/https://old.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/ |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-06-25 |work=Reddit}}</ref> For users on the iOS 26 beta, there is an option to disable "Offers & Promotions", with users on iOS 18 needing to disable notifications completely for the Wallet app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|title=iPhone customers upset by Apple Wallet ad pushing ‘F1’ movie|first=Sarah|last=Perez|date=2025-06-24|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624213223/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|archive-date=2025-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

===AirDrop censorship (''2022'')===
As a result of the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Apple was pressured by the Chinese government to set a time limit for the AirDrop "everyone" option for iPhones due to its impact at scheduling protests against the government to avoid censorship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|title=Apple limits AirDrop in China after its use in protests|first=Jess|last=Weatherbed|date=2022-11-10|work=The Verge|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723112204/https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, the setting was applied to all iPhones worldwide to "mitigate unwanted file sharing", meaning users will need to set their airdrop setting manually every ten minutes instead of leaving it on permanently, leaving the only other options as "contacts only" and "receiving off".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|title=Apple globally censoring this iPhone communication feature deserves renewed scrutiny|first=Zac|last=Hall|date=2025-03-17|work=9To5Mac|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723142521/https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==="Peanuts" TV Special Takeover===
In late October of 2020, Apple announced that its Apple TV+ service had become the exclusive home of the library of classic ''Peanuts'' animated specials, including ''A Charlie Brown Christmas'', ''It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown'', and ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving''. For almost 50 years, these beloved specials were shown once a year on free over-the-air TV, but as of 2020, anybody who wishes to watch them is now required to own a device that offers the Apple TV+ service and an active Apple TV+ subscription.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adalian |first=Josef |date=2020-10-19 |title=Apple TV+ Says: Welcome, Great Pumpkin |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/10/its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-streaming-apple-tv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208132132/https://www.vulture.com/2020/10/its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-streaming-apple-tv.html |archive-date=2025-12-08 |access-date=2025-11-05 |work=Vulture}}</ref>

===2024 Antitrust Lawsuit===
In March 2024, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming that the "closed garden" ecosystem Apple creates surrounding its iPhones stifles competition and innovation. The lawsuit alleges that Apple is directly forcing customers to purchase and use iPhones and their accessories and software in several ways:

*Forcing mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to offer its best customer deals exclusively to those who purchase iPhones.
*Restricting the functionality of Super apps such as WeChat.
*Forcing in-app purchases through applications such as Fortnite to be made within the App Store and taking a part of the proceeds as commission pay.
*Restricting the use of third-party digital wallets and requiring users to exclusively use Apple Pay.
*Restricting how third-party message apps can interact with iMessage.
*Restricting their HomeKit home automation system and all compatible devices to work only on Apple's products and issuing cease & desist orders against emulators designed to make HomeKit compatible with third-party products.
*Restricting compatibility of third party smart watches.

Apple is expected to go to trial in early 2027.<ref>{{cite web |last=Liedtke |first=Michael |date=2025-06-30 |title=Judge allows antitrust lawsuit against Apple to proceed |url=https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260205235908/https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf |archive-date=2026-02-05 |access-date=2025-07-14 |work=Associated Press}}</ref>

===European Union USB-C Directive 2022/2380===
As part of Directive (EU) 2022/2380, the EU mandated that all smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, and other portable electronic devices must utilize USB-C as a universal charging standard by the end of 2024, with laptops following by 2026. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-07 |title=Directive (EU) 2022/2380 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 amending Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment (Text with EEA relevance) |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2380 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250817091803/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2380 |archive-date=2025-08-17 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=EUR-Lex}}</ref>

This regulatory measure directly addresses consumer frustration with incompatible chargers types and aims to significantly reduce electronic waste. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=USB-C-Standard: Schluss mit dem Kabelwirrwarr |url=https://www.zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/ladekabel-usb-c-standard-apple-entsorgung-elektroschrott-100.html |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=zdfheute |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260215214259/https://www.zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/ladekabel-usb-c-standard-apple-entsorgung-elektroschrott-100.html |archive-date=15 Feb 2026}}</ref> The legislation allows manufacturers to unbundle chargers from devices, potentially saving consumers money, and ensures charging speed harmonization across compatible devices.

While Apple initially opposed the standardization, arguing that it would "stifle innovation rather than encourage it," the company ultimately conceded defeat, with Apple's head of marketing stating "we have no choice" regarding compliance. <ref name=":2" />

===European Digital Markets Act.===
This law forced many companies including Apple to change the way they operate to create a fairer competition. Read more about this law [[Digital Markets Act|here]].

====Changes Apple introduced iOS and iPadOS to comply with this law:====

*Introduced the ability to install applications from alternative marketplaces
*asks which browser and search engine should be the default one
*Developers now are allowed to publish in the EU browsers that do not use webkit

====Controversies:====

*Apple removed iPhone torrenting app iTorrent from alternative marketplace AltStore PAL, developer said that the access was revoked "without any warning". In a statement to The Verge, Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian said, “Notarization for this app was removed in order to comply with government sanctions-related rules in various jurisdictions. We have communicated this to the developer.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=August 28, 2025 |title=Apple pulls iPhone torrent app from AltStore PAL in Europe |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903102041/https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |archive-date=September 3, 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref>

===Elon Musk Lawsuit===
In August of 2025, businessman Elon Musk accused Apple of engaging in anti-competitive practices by only allowing their AI program OpenAI to reach the top of the sales chart on Apple App Store. He announced his plan to sue Apple for this practice.<ref>{{cite web |last=Durden |first=Tyler |date=2025-08-12 |title=Musk Accuses Apple Of "Unequivocal Antitrust Violation" For Favoring OpenAI In App Store Rankings |url=https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029051235/https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings |archive-date=2025-10-29 |access-date=2025-08-14 |work=ZeroHedge}}</ref> 

<gallery>
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (1).jpg|Notification of the offer
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (2).jpg|Home screen of Wallet app
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (3).jpg|Apple Cash card screen
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (4).PNG|Screen when selecting "learn more"
</gallery>

===Greenwashing===
Apple claims to be environmentally friendly and invests significant amounts of funds in corresponding PR campaigns,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environment {{!}} Mother Nature |url=https://www.apple.com/environment/mother-nature/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250928112101/https://www.apple.com/environment/mother-nature/ |archive-date=2025-09-28 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Apple}}</ref>  but the reality is not quite as green.

Customers are lead to think that their purchases and frequent replacement of their devices do not have a negative impact on the environment, which is not the case.

In autumn of 2025, stricter EU regulations on misleading marketing claims and a lawsuite by German environmental and consumer protection non-profit organization ''Deutsche Umwelthilfe'' have forced Apple to remove their claim of carbon neutrality on several products on their EU websites. Affected products include the Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwan |first=Ben |date=2025-11-26 |title=Wegen EU-Regeln: Apple zieht Klimaneutralitäts-Claim zurück [Due to EU regulations: Apple retracts claim of climate neutrality] |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Wegen-EU-Regeln-Apple-zieht-Klimaneutralitaets-Claim-zurueck-10711532.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260129120129/https://www.heise.de/news/Wegen-EU-Regeln-Apple-zieht-Klimaneutralitaets-Claim-zurueck-10711532.html |archive-date=2026-01-29 |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Heise Online}}</ref>

====Green energy pooling====
Apple shares manufacturing capacity at Chinese/Taiwanese companies FoxConn and Pegatron with other companies. If Apple uses a hypothetical 20% of their manufacturing capacity, and company B, C, D, and E also each take up 20%, and the company doing the manufacturing runs on 20% renewably generated energy, now Apple as well as companies B, C, D, and E will each publicly claim that their manufacturing runs 100% on renewable energy. In other words, each company will claim the 20% renewable energy was used for ''their'' production.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gieselmann |first=Hartmut |date=2023 |title=Von wegen CO2-neutral – Umweltexperten werfen Apple Greenwashing vor |url=https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2023/23/2326512021124424489 |journal=c't Magazin für Computertechnik [Germany] |volume=2023 |issue=23 |pages=49 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251104112550/https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2023/23/2326512021124424489 |archive-date=2025-11-04}}</ref>

====CO2 Certificates and forest projects====
…

====The packaging trick====
Apple, like many companies, regularly emphasises how environmentally friendly their packaging is and highlight advancements in this area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple 2030 – We’ve reduced our emissions by over 60% |url=https://www.apple.com/environment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250910014941/https://www.apple.com/environment/ |archive-date=2025-09-10 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Apple}}</ref>

This deliberately distracts from the fact that only a negligible fraction of the environmental footprint of an electronic device comes from the packaging, as it is made of siginificant amounts or rare earth minerals, metals and mined components and consuming vast amounts of energy, water and fuel in manufacturing and transport.

Some of the environmental advancements touted by Apple could also be argued to be environmentally beneficial side effects of purely economic decisions aimed at maximizing profit, such as shipping iPhones without chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dragan |first=Lauren |date=2023-09-12 |title=iPhones No Longer Come With a Charger or Headphones. Here’s What to Get If You Need Them. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/iphone-12-charger-headphones-options/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731104206/https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/iphone-12-charger-headphones-options/ |archive-date=2025-07-31 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

====Shredding vast amounts of fully functional devices====
In 2020, it came to light that Apple had filed a lawsuit against a recycling company, revealing that 100,000 iPhones had been illegitimately shipped to China to be sold there instead of being shredded as had been agreed with Apple.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lovejoy |first=Ben |date=2024-04-24 |title=100,000 iPhones stolen instead of scrapped; Apple accused of shredding usable devices |url=https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/18/100000-iphones-stolen-instead-of-scrapped/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725022423/https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/18/100000-iphones-stolen-instead-of-scrapped/ |archive-date=2025-07-05 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=9to5mac}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carrique |first=Felicitas |date=2020-10-04 |title=Apple sues recycling partner for reselling more than 100,000 iPhones, iPads, and Watches it was hired to dismantle |url=https://www.theverge.com/apple/2020/10/4/21499422/apple-sues-recycling-company-reselling-ipods-ipads-watches |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101232447/https://www.theverge.com/apple/2020/10/4/21499422/apple-sues-recycling-company-reselling-ipods-ipads-watches |archive-date=2026-01-01 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

These devices were likely trade-in devices from people who received a discount on a new model in exchange. Bloomberg News writes, referring to the contract with the recycler:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Austin |date=2024-04-18 |title=What Really Happens When You Trade In an iPhone at the Apple Store |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-18/apple-iphone-recycling-program-has-secrets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/bfc3Y |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref><blockquote>Even if the iPhones looked good enough for resale, Apple Inc.’s contract with GEEP (said with a hard “g”) explicitly required that every product it sent be destroyed.</blockquote>Used iPhone that are sold on the used market are a direct competition to new sales by Apple.

Apple likely does not want the public to know about these processes, since security seems to be tight around the shredding process:<blockquote>In some cases, Apple hired outside security consultants to escort trucks to its recyclers and monitor the destruction process, which the tech giant could further analyze through data reports charting scrap weights and commodity yields to ensure the input matched the output.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Austin |date=2025-03-17 |title=Apple Drops Lawsuit Against Recycler in Mystery of Missing iPhones |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-17/apple-drops-lawsuit-against-recycler-in-mystery-of-missing-iphones |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250829001416/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-17/apple-drops-lawsuit-against-recycler-in-mystery-of-missing-iphones |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Bloomberg News}}</ref></blockquote>Apple later retreated the lawsuit,<ref name=":1" /> leading to speculation that it wanted to avoid having to disclose how many devices they are really having shredded. 

====iPhone recycling robot mostly a publicity stunt====
The first iteration of Apple's iPhone recycling robot, designed for the iPhone 6, was never more than a publicity stunt, according to an article by Bloomberg:<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>Liam’s precision automation, however, proved a dead end. It could handle just one iPhone model, and not that well. If a device had corroded screws or sticky insides, the robot would glitch. A person familiar with the project estimates Liam could run for about 10 minutes without human intervention. Another person says Apple at times fed the robot still-functioning iPhones and, for media demos, cherry-picked cleaner units so it didn’t crash, suggesting Liam was geared more for promotion than scalability.</blockquote>The same article cites industry insider claiming that the new iteration of the robot is only able to recycle as many devices in a year as Apple sells in just 48 hours.<ref name=":0" /> Thus, it can be assumed that the vast majority of trade-in devices are simply shredded.

==Products==

*[[ICloud]]
*[[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]]
*iPad
*Mac
*Apple Watch
*AirPods
*Apple TV
*Apple Vision
*Apple Pencil

*[[Apple App Store]]
*[[Apple Gatekeeper]]
*[[Xcode]]

==See also==

*[[Google]]
*[[Microsoft]]
*[[Samsung]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Apple]]

Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard

2026-02-20T09:34:20Z

Raster: /* Archive.today weaponising PCs into causing DDoS attacks */ Reply

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-02-20T09:19:17Z

Raster: add some CitationNeeded and trimmed some. need to "get back into the flow"

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, cencorship, digital rights, content moderadion
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}
The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/baPUk |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/lun8S |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref>

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=2025-12-08 |title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/9Lzle |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry Beaty |first=Gloria |last2=Salehuddin |first2=Sufea |date=2024-12-02 |title=The growing threat of online child exploitation |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ |url-status=live |website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref> 

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja Reza |first=Danish |date=2026-02-04 |title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/OErTu |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/ksNvz |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":0" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-28 |title=Communications and Multimedia Commission seeks public feedback on draft Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging Service Providers and Social Media Service Providers |url=https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213040603/https://www.allenandgledhill.com/publication/articles/29429/communications-and-multimedia-commission-seeks-public-feedback-on-draft-code-of-conduct-for-internet-messaging-service-providers-and-social-media-service-providershttps |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Allen & Gledhill}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=Code Of Conduct (Best Practice) For Internet Messaging Service Providers And Social Media Service Providers |url=https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260213041916/https://mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/DRAFT_Code-of-Conduct_211024-RPD.pdf |archive-date=2026-02-13 |access-date=2026-02-13 |website=Malaysian Communications And Multimedia Commission}}</ref>The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 |year=2025 |pages=10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2025-09-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pZcU4 |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Here’s why social media firms may come to love Malaysia’s new Online Safety Act |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201081225/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/07/heres-why-social-media-firms-may-come-to-love-malaysias-new-online-safety-act/204186 |archive-date=2026-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address, including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories. Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> 

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content. Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.{{CitationNeeded|reason=generated citation is irrelevant >}} <ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=[525]\[404] |first= |title= |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements. <ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect |url-status=dead}}</ref>The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025}}</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/24/malaysia-plans-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media |url-status=dead}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-26}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":12" />  Civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information from educational content to mental health resources.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.{{CitationNeeded|reason=which organizations?}}

===Enforcement challenges ===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.{{CitationNeeded|reason=irrelevant citation, only compares to other countries doing the same >}}<ref name=":9" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/15/concerns-over-online-safety-act-broad-definitions |url-status=dead}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This "chilling effect" could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-02-11T10:36:14Z

Raster: some more cite + citationNeededs. by no means finished, but need to rest

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, cencorship, digital rights, content moderadion
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}
The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/baPUk |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/lun8S |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref>

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=2025-12-08 |title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/9Lzle |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry Beaty |first=Gloria |last2=Salehuddin |first2=Sufea |date=2024-12-02 |title=The growing threat of online child exploitation |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ |url-status=live |website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref>, with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material. {{CitationNeeded|reason=Sentence mixes two different sources together?}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicef-malaysia-online-child-safety-report |url-status=dead}}</ref> 

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja Reza |first=Danish |date=2026-02-04 |title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/OErTu |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/ksNvz |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":0" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.{{CitationNeeded}} The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 |year=2025 |pages=10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2025-09-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pZcU4 |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=NapoleonCat}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold.{{CitationNeeded|reason=generated citation is irrelevant >}} <ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |archive-date=2026-01-12 |website=malaymail}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address, including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories. Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":0" /> 

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content. Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.{{CitationNeeded|reason=generated citation is irrelevant >}} <ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=[525]\[404] |first= |title= |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements. <ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect |url-status=dead}}</ref>The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025}}</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/24/malaysia-plans-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media |url-status=dead}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-26}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":11" /> Amnesty International Malaysia and other civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information.<ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.<ref name=":2" />

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.<ref name=":9" />

Critics questioned whether the significant investment in age verification infrastructure would deliver the intended child protection outcomes, given the ease with which such systems can be bypassed and the potential for pushing young users toward less regulated platforms.<ref name=":11" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/15/concerns-over-online-safety-act-broad-definitions |url-status=dead}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This "chilling effect" could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-02-11T09:59:53Z

Raster: More citations, add some citationNeeded

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, cencorship, digital rights, content moderadion
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}
The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/baPUk |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0" /> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/lun8S |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref>

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Bernama |date=2025-12-08 |title=Online scams cost Malaysians over RM2.7bil as of November |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/08/online-scams-cost-malaysians-over-rm27bil-as-of-november |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/9Lzle |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harry Beaty |first=Gloria |last2=Salehuddin |first2=Sufea |date=2024-12-02 |title=The growing threat of online child exploitation |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/12/02/the-growing-threat-of-online-child-exploitation/ |url-status=live |website=The Malaysian Reserve}}</ref>, with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material. {{CitationNeeded|reason=Sentence mixes two different sources together?}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicef-malaysia-online-child-safety-report |url-status=dead}}</ref> 

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Raja Reza |first=Danish |date=2026-02-04 |title=What the Online Safety Act changes, and how it works |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/02/04/what-the-online-safety-act-changes-and-how-it-works |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/OErTu |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Free Malaysia Today}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/ksNvz |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Malay Mail}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":0" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.{{CitationNeeded}} The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework. <ref>{{Cite book |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |title=ONLINE SAFETY ACT 2025 - Act 866 |year=2025 |pages=10 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250911161002/https://lom.agc.gov.my/ilims/upload/portal/akta/outputaktap/2867049_BI/Act%20866-Online%20Safety%20Act%202025.pdf |archive-date=2025-09-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |archive-date=2026-01-12 |website=malaymail}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address, including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=[525]\[404] |first= |title= |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.<ref name=":7" />

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1" /> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements. <ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect |url-status=dead}}</ref>The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025}}</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/24/malaysia-plans-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media |url-status=dead}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-26}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":11" /> Amnesty International Malaysia and other civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information.<ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.<ref name=":2" />

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.<ref name=":9" />

Critics questioned whether the significant investment in age verification infrastructure would deliver the intended child protection outcomes, given the ease with which such systems can be bypassed and the potential for pushing young users toward less regulated platforms.<ref name=":11" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/15/concerns-over-online-safety-act-broad-definitions |url-status=dead}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This "chilling effect" could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-02-11T08:31:51Z

Raster: Corrected background references. | I've never done this before, copy-pasted "reference" tags will need to be manually de-duplicated and properly reused.

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, cencorship, digital rights, content moderadion
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}
The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2026-01-02 |title=Online Safety Act comes into force to protect users |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/02/online-safety-act-comes-into-force-to-protect-users |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/baPUk |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=The Star}}</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance. <ref name=":0" /> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |title=Malaysia: Concerns with the Online Safety Bill 2024 |url=https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/lun8S |archive-date=2026-02-11 |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=Article 19}}</ref>

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/01/rm27bil-lost-to-online-scams-jan-nov |url-status=dead}}</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation, with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicef-malaysia-online-child-safety-report |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/12/30/online-safety-act-to-take-effect-jan-1-service-providers-must-comply/138924 |url-status=dead}}</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=[525]\[404] |first= |title= |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref name=":1" /> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title= |url=https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025}}</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Social Media Users in Malaysia - 2025 {{!}} NapoleonCat |url=https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref name=":6" />
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref name=":6" />

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-01 |title=Enforcement of Online Safety Act takes effect, strengthening online protections for children and families, says MCMC |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112004727/https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923 |archive-date=2026-01-12 |website=malaymail}}</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address, including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101142253/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf |archive-date=2026-01-01 |website=MCMC}}</ref> Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content.<ref name=":1" /> Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.<ref name=":7" />

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref name=":1" /> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements. <ref name=":4" />The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref name=":5" />

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/24/malaysia-plans-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media |url-status=dead}}</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Yusof |first=Iman |date=2025-11-24 |title=Malaysia’s bid to bar under-16s from social media using ID checks stokes privacy fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101084907/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears |archive-date=2026-01-01}}</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Teresa |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Under-16 Social Media Ban Plans and eKYC Age Checks |url=https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207153118/https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/ |archive-date=2025-12-07}}</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Benjamin |last2=Vethasalam |first2=Ragananthini |date=2026-01-28 |title=Age verification system for social media users in the pipeline, Dewan Rakyat told |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130093418/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told |archive-date=2026-01-30}}</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref name=":8" /> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Yeoh |first=Tricia |date=2025-12-11 |title=Malaysia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s: Protection or Overreach? |url=https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121065903/https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/ |archive-date=2026-01-26}}</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance. <ref name=":2" />Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref name=":9" />

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Basha |first=Azdhan |date=2025-11-25 |title=Malaysia Joins Global Push To Restrict Under-16 Users On Social Media, Plans ID-Based Age Verification |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230074110/https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/ |archive-date=2025-12-30}}</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref name=":9" />

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref name=":12" />

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref name=":11" /> Amnesty International Malaysia and other civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information.<ref name=":11" />

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.<ref name=":2" />

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref name=":12" /> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.<ref name=":9" />

Critics questioned whether the significant investment in age verification infrastructure would deliver the intended child protection outcomes, given the ease with which such systems can be bypassed and the potential for pushing young users toward less regulated platforms.<ref name=":11" />

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref name=":2" /> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Malaysia {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260128063103/https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia |archive-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref name=":2" />

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/15/concerns-over-online-safety-act-broad-definitions |url-status=dead}}</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref name=":13" />

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref name=":8" /> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref name=":2" />

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref name=":13" /> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref name=":2" /> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref name=":13" />

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties |url-status=dead}}</ref> This "chilling effect" could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref name=":14" />

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs |url-status=dead}}</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref name=":13" /> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref name=":2" />

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands |url-status=dead}}</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref name=":13" />

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy}}</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref name=":1" /> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref name=":3" />

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref name=":10" /> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-18 |title=BERNAMA - Mic To Set Up Aimst College, Hospital |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226171651/https://bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678 |archive-date=2024-02-26}}</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=[404!] |title= |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Malaysia Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA)

2026-02-09T12:32:31Z

Raster: corrected ref link for MCMC's ONSA FAQ pdf. | I think most references exist, just their URL needs to be checked & corrected. Good starting point for an article though

{{IncidentCargo
|Company=N/A
|StartDate=2026-01-01
|Status=Active
|ArticleType=Service
|Type=Privacy, cencorship, digital rights, content moderadion
|Description=Malaysian law requiring platforms with 8M+ users to remove harmful content. Critics cite censorship concerns; government says it targets platforms, no
}}
The '''Online Safety Act 2025''' ('''Act 866''') is Malaysian legislation that came into force on January 1, 2026, requiring social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million Malaysian users to remove harmful content and implement safety measures.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect</ref> The Act targets nine categories of harmful content including child sexual abuse material and financial fraud, with platforms facing fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance.<ref>https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025</ref> Civil society groups have raised concerns about potential censorship and surveillance, while the government maintains the Act targets platform accountability rather than individual users.<ref>https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-act-threatens-freedom-of-expression/</ref>

==Background==
Between January and November 2025, Malaysian police recorded RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/01/rm27bil-lost-to-online-scams-jan-nov</ref> A UNICEF study identified more than 100,000 children in Malaysia at risk of online sexual exploitation, with police operations uncovering hundreds of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material.<ref>https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/press-releases/unicef-malaysia-online-child-safety-report</ref>

Between January 2024 and November 2025, major platforms removed 92% of 697,061 harmful posts flagged by Malaysian authorities, but 58,104 posts remained accessible online.<ref>https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/12/30/online-safety-act-to-take-effect-jan-1-service-providers-must-comply/138924</ref> These ongoing challenges prompted the Malaysian government to introduce the Online Safety Act 2025 to strengthen platform accountability for harmful content and protect Malaysian internet users, particularly children.<ref>https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025-to-take-effect-1-january-2026</ref>

==Key provision==

===Who it applies to===
The Act applies to licensed service providers under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, specifically Applications Service Providers (ASPs), Content Applications Service Providers (CASPs), and Network Service Providers (NSPs).<ref>https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025-to-take-effect-1-january-2026</ref> Social media or messaging platforms with over 8 million users in Malaysia are automatically deemed licensees and subject to the Act's requirements.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect</ref> The Act has extra-territorial reach, applying to companies outside Malaysia if they provide services within Malaysia and fall under the licensing framework.<ref>https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025</ref>

===Affected platforms===
Based on the 8 million user threshold, major platforms subject to the Act include:

*'''Facebook''': With 31.3 million users (88.2% of population)<ref>https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/</ref>
*'''Instagram''': With 16.3 million users (46% of population)<ref>https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/</ref>
*'''Facebook Messenger''': With 23.8 million users (67.1% of population)<ref>https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/</ref>
*'''LinkedIn''': With 9.9 million users<ref>https://stats.napoleoncat.com/social-media-users-in-malaysia/2025/</ref>

Other major platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Telegram, and WeChat also operate in Malaysia and are understood to exceed the 8 million user threshold.<ref>https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/01/enforcement-of-online-safety-act-takes-effect-strengthening-online-protections-for-children-and-families-says-mcmc/203923</ref>

===Categories of harmful content===
The Act identifies nine categories of harmful content that platforms must address, including child sexual abuse material, financial fraud, harassment, incitement to violence or terrorism, and other harmful categories.<ref name=":0">https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf2/ONSA-FAQ-English.pdf</ref> Child sexual abuse and financial fraud are designated as "priority harmful content" subject to additional regulation and faster response requirements.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025</ref>

===Platform obligations===
Licensed providers must implement measures to reduce user exposure to harmful content, issue safety guidelines, provide online safety tools, provide user support mechanisms, and establish reporting channels for harmful content.<ref>https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025-to-take-effect-1-january-2026</ref> Platforms must submit an Online Safety Plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and make it publicly available.<ref name=":0" />

They must also implement child-specific safeguards including limiting communication between children and adults, regulating recommendation systems to prevent harmful content exposure, addressing addictive design features, and protecting children's personal data.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/31/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-online-safety-act-2025</ref>

===Enforcement===
The Act is overseen by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).<ref>https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025-to-take-effect-1-january-2026</ref> Service providers can face fines up to RM10 million for non-compliance with the Act's requirements.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/01/online-safety-act-2025-comes-into-effect</ref> The Act establishes an Online Safety Appeal Tribunal to handle grievances related to Commission decisions and enforcement actions.<ref>https://lom.agc.gov.my/act-view.php?language=eng&type=act&no=866&year=2025</ref>

==Age verification and under-16 ban==
In November 2025, the Malaysian government announced plans to ban children under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, raising the minimum age from 13.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/11/24/malaysia-plans-to-ban-under-16s-from-social-media</ref> Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that social media platforms would be required to implement electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) identity checks using government-issued identity documents such as the MyKad identity card, passports or the national digital ID.<ref>https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears</ref>

The government also raised the use of biometric authentication as part of identity verification, with platforms expected to adopt a combination of document verification, biometrics, and risk signals to limit minors' access.<ref>https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/</ref> Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching announced a regulatory sandbox process that would allow MCMC to collaborate with platform providers to test age verification mechanisms and AI for the detection of high-risk content.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told</ref>

===Privacy concerns===
Harris Zainul, director of research at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia, warned that the eKYC requirement could compromise user privacy and anonymity, which can be crucial for whistle-blowers and human-rights defenders.<ref>https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears</ref> Critics noted that alternatives such as zero-knowledge proofs could confirm users' eligibility without revealing additional personal information, suggesting the eKYC method might be overly intrusive.<ref>https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/</ref>

Digital rights organizations raised concerns that mandatory identity verification would create comprehensive databases of social media users that could be vulnerable to data breaches or government surveillance.<ref>https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-act-threatens-freedom-of-expression/</ref> Privacy advocates warned that once biometric data is collected, there are limited guarantees about how long it will be retained or whether it could be used for purposes beyond age verification.<ref>https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/</ref>

===Technical accuracy issues===
Experts raised concerns that facial recognition technology-based age verification might not always be accurate and can have racial or gender biases, potentially putting legitimate users at risk of having their accounts deleted.<ref>https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/</ref> Studies have shown that AI age estimation systems perform less accurately on certain demographic groups, raising fairness concerns about who might be disproportionately restricted from accessing social media platforms.<ref>https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/</ref>

Technical researchers noted that age estimation technology remains imprecise, with error margins that could incorrectly flag adults as minors or vice versa, leading to both over-blocking and under-blocking.<ref>https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/</ref>

===Impact on children's rights===
Critics argued that the ban could cut children off from support groups, community support systems, and online opportunities for self-expression through art, music, and other forms.<ref>https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/</ref> Amnesty International Malaysia and other civil society groups advocated for a more nuanced approach that protects children's privacy while prioritizing their rights to expression and access to information.<ref>https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/</ref>

Youth advocacy organizations warned that blanket age restrictions fail to account for the legitimate educational and social benefits that young people derive from social media platforms, including access to educational content, creative communities, and mental health resources.<ref>https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-act-threatens-freedom-of-expression/</ref>

===Enforcement challenges===
International experience suggests enforcement difficulties, with the UK's age verification requirements leading to sharp drops in traffic but users quickly finding workarounds through VPN services, which saw an 1,800% spike in UK sign-ups within three days of implementation.<ref>https://www.medianama.com/2025/11/223-malaysia-under-16-users-social-media-id-based-age-verification/</ref> Technology experts noted that determined users, particularly tech-savvy teenagers, can often circumvent age verification systems through various methods including VPNs, fake IDs, or using accounts registered by adults.<ref>https://facia.ai/news/malaysia-under-16-social-media-ban-plans-and-ekyc-age-checks/</ref>

Critics questioned whether the significant investment in age verification infrastructure would deliver the intended child protection outcomes, given the ease with which such systems can be bypassed and the potential for pushing young users toward less regulated platforms.<ref>https://fulcrum.sg/malaysias-social-media-ban-for-under-16s-protection-or-overreach/</ref>

==Criticism and concerns==

===Freedom of expression===
Civil society groups including the Centre for Independent Journalism, ARTICLE 19, and Sinar Project raised concerns that the Act grants excessive and largely unchecked powers to authorities to decide what content is considered "harmful", risking increased removal of lawful content.<ref>https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-act-threatens-freedom-of-expression/</ref> The groups argued that the broad definition of harmful content could be interpreted subjectively, potentially leading to censorship of legitimate political speech and criticism.<ref>https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/</ref>

Malaysia's position on the World Press Freedom Index dropped from 73rd in 2023 to 107th in 2024, reflecting growing concerns about shrinking civic spaces.<ref>https://rsf.org/en/country/malaysia</ref> Digital rights advocates warned that the Act's implementation occurs against a backdrop of declining press freedom and increasing restrictions on online expression.<ref>https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-act-threatens-freedom-of-expression/</ref>

Critics argued that the definition of harmful content is broadly worded and open to interpretation, potentially leading platforms to over-censor content to avoid penalties of up to RM10 million.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/15/concerns-over-online-safety-act-broad-definitions</ref> Legal experts noted that terms like "harmful to society" lack precise legal definitions, creating uncertainty for both platforms and users about what content is permissible.<ref>https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/</ref>

===Privacy and surveillance===
The government announced plans to require mandatory electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification using government-issued documents for all social media users.<ref>https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3333904/malaysias-bid-bar-under-16s-social-media-using-id-checks-stokes-privacy-fears</ref> Critics argue this would expose users to identification and tracking, making them vulnerable to state surveillance, selective enforcement, and self-censorship.<ref>https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-act-threatens-freedom-of-expression/</ref>

Digital rights organizations warned that mandatory identity verification would eliminate online anonymity, which is essential for whistleblowers, journalists, activists, and marginalized communities to speak freely without fear of retaliation.<ref>https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/</ref> Privacy advocates noted that once identity databases are created, they could be used for purposes beyond their original intent, including political monitoring or targeted enforcement against critics.<ref>https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns</ref>

Civil society organizations criticized the lack of transparency and independent oversight in enforcement, noting the risk of abuse and selective enforcement against government critics or opposition voices.<ref>https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-act-threatens-freedom-of-expression/</ref> The absence of robust judicial oversight or independent appeals mechanisms raised concerns that enforcement decisions could be politically motivated.<ref>https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/</ref>

===Platform over-compliance and economic impact===
Technology policy analysts warned that platforms might over-remove content to avoid hefty fines, leading to excessive censorship beyond what the law technically requires.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/12/20/platforms-may-over-censor-to-avoid-penalties</ref> This "chilling effect" could result in removal of legitimate speech, satire, artistic expression, and political commentary that does not actually violate the Act's provisions.<ref>https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-concerns</ref>

Smaller platforms and Malaysian tech startups expressed concerns about compliance costs, noting that the requirement to submit Online Safety Plans, implement content moderation systems, and provide user safety tools could create barriers to entry that favor large international platforms.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/12/18/local-platforms-worry-about-compliance-costs</ref> Industry representatives warned this could stifle Malaysia's digital economy and innovation in the tech sector.<ref>https://www.medianama.com/2025/12/223-malaysia-online-safety-act-platform-compliance-challenges/</ref>

===Lack of consultation and transparency===
Critics noted that the Act was passed with limited public consultation and without adequate engagement with civil society, digital rights groups, and affected communities.<ref>https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/</ref> Media freedom organizations argued that rushed implementation without proper stakeholder input increased the risk of unintended consequences and ineffective enforcement.<ref>https://www.article19.org/resources/malaysia-online-safety-act-threatens-freedom-of-expression/</ref>

Transparency advocates called for MCMC to publish clear enforcement guidelines, data on content removal requests, and regular reports on how the Act is being implemented to ensure accountability.<ref>https://sinarproject.org/digital-rights/updates/online-safety-act-transparency-demands</ref> The lack of public information about how "harmful content" determinations are made raised concerns about arbitrary or inconsistent enforcement.<ref>https://www.cijmalaysia.net/2025/12/statement-online-safety-act-2025/</ref>

==Public Petitions and Advocacy==

===Stop eKYC Petition===
In November 2025, a Change.org petition titled "Stop eKYC for social media in Malaysia and promote digital literacy" was launched opposing mandatory identity verification requirements for social media users.<ref>https://www.change.org/p/stop-ekyc-for-social-media-in-malaysia-and-promote-digital-literacy</ref> The petition raises several concerns about the eKYC requirement:

'''Data Breach Risks''': The petition cites international examples of age verification data breaches, including Discord's leak of approximately 70,000 users' identification documents in the UK, which exposed children to doxxing risks and enabled predators to attempt purchasing children's IDs for stalking and potential kidnapping.

'''Identity Theft''': Petitioners warn that bad actors could use leaked identification documents to commit identity theft and open false bank accounts in victims' names.

'''Freedom of Expression''': The petition argues that mandatory ID verification could enable government persecution of critics, citing claims that 30 people per day in the UK are imprisoned for social media posts under similar identity verification systems. Petitioners express concern that "power in excess only leads to an eventual abuse of a system and corruption."

The petition advocates for promoting digital literacy and parental education as alternatives to mandatory identity verification, arguing that child safety should not come "at the cost of privacy, freedom of speech and anonymity."

==Government response==
MCMC officials stated the Act was designed to protect the safety of social media users rather than control their freedom of expression.<ref>https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-releases/online-safety-act-2025-implementation</ref> Officials emphasized the Act targets platform providers who fail to filter harmful content, not individual users or their right to express opinions online.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/28/mcmc-online-safety-act-targets-platforms-not-users</ref>

The government defended the Act as necessary to combat significant financial losses from online scams and protect vulnerable users, particularly children. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited police statistics showing RM2.7 billion in reported losses from online scams between January and November 2025 as evidence of the urgent need for platform accountability.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/01/rm27bil-lost-to-online-scams-jan-nov-2025</ref>

Officials maintained that the Act does not create new criminal offenses relating to lawful speech or political expression, and that existing constitutional protections for freedom of speech remain in place.<ref name=":0" /> The government argued that the Act's provisions are consistent with international approaches to online safety and platform regulation in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/12/30/malaysia-online-safety-act-mirrors-international-standards</ref>

Regarding age verification concerns, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized that the regulatory sandbox approach would allow testing of different age verification methods to balance child protection with privacy considerations.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/28/age-verification-system-for-social-media-users-in-the-pipeline-dewan-rakyat-told</ref> She stated that the government remains open to feedback from stakeholders and would consider privacy-preserving alternatives if they prove effective.<ref>https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2245678</ref>

The government rejected characterizations of the Act as authoritarian or censorious, arguing that democratic societies worldwide are grappling with how to balance online safety with free expression, and that Malaysia's approach is proportionate to the harms being addressed.<ref>https://www.bernama.com/en/general/news.php?id=2246789</ref> Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the government welcomes constructive dialogue about implementation but remains committed to protecting Malaysians from online harms.<ref>https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/01/20/fahmi-government-committed-to-online-safety</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

Talk:Mojang shuts down community-run Minecraft servers

2026-02-09T11:55:39Z

Raster: /* Change article name */ Reply

==Change article name==

Considering my previous post on [[Talk:Minecraft enforcing undisclosed server EULA terms]] referring to merging it with this article, it is only fair this also gets a slight rebrand. Here's my idea, however I would like to encourage others to put in their 2 cents, especially if they have a better name post-merge.

"Mojang's illegal EULA enforcements"

Considering most of these shutdowns involve terms that are inadequately disclosed (see the first Kian Brose video), there's significant overlap already.

Additionally, I am considering coverage to expand to how enforcement is unfairly being handled, since lesser offenders (McWar, MCO, GTM) are being more strictly enforced against, while large networks that offend the EULA much worse are left standing, and the few that they do enforce, often just switch domains. [[User:JamesTDG|JamesTDG]] ([[User talk:JamesTDG|talk]]) 10:44, 8 February 2026 (UTC)

:"Illegal" sounds too accusatory. I'd replace it with "biased" or "unfair(ly)" for neutral tone.
:Something like "Mojang enforces EULA unfairly". [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 16:41, 8 February 2026 (UTC)
::For sake of flow, I'd probably aim for "Mojang's unfair enforcements of EULA" [[User:JamesTDG|JamesTDG]] ([[User talk:JamesTDG|talk]]) 10:03, 9 February 2026 (UTC)
:::Good one, that or "Mojang's unfair EULA enforcements" are good to me. English isn't my first language, so I can't say which is more grammatically correct. Up to you.
:::Best of luck on the article! [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 11:55, 9 February 2026 (UTC)

Talk:Mojang shuts down community-run Minecraft servers

2026-02-08T16:41:49Z

Raster: /* Change article name */ Reply

Apple Gatekeeper

2026-02-06T08:27:58Z

Raster: Archived links and replaced Wikipedia citation (No Patrick,Wikipedia is not a valid Citation (source)). Page could use more citations tho

{{ProductCargo
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Security, Software
|Company=Apple
|Description=
|InProduction=Yes
|Logo=Gatekeeper logo.png
|ProductLine=
|ReleaseYear=2012
|Website=https://support.apple.com/guide/security/gatekeeper-and-runtime-protection-sec5599b66df/web
}}
'''[[wikipedia:Gatekeeper_(macOS)|Gatekeeper]]''' is a security technology built into Apple's macOS operating system designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on a user's Mac computer. First introduced in Mac OS X Mountain Lion (10.8) in 2012, Gatekeeper checks applications downloaded from the internet for known malicious content before allowing them to run. While promoted as a security feature to protect users from malware, Gatekeeper has also been criticized for restricting user freedom and reinforcing Apple's control over software distribution.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Gatekeeper and runtime protection in macOS |url=https://support.apple.com/guide/security/sec5599b66df/web |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/G8sdt |archive-date=2026-02-06 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Apple Support}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

===User Freedom===

Gatekeeper restricts users' ability to install and run software of their choice by default, requiring extra steps to run non-Apple-approved applications and creating a closed ecosystem that limits choice.

===User Privacy===

While positioned as protecting privacy, Gatekeeper requires online verification of apps, which involves sending data to Apple's servers about software usage patterns.

===Business Model===

The technology reinforces Apple's walled garden approach, directing users to the App Store ecosystem where Apple collects a 15-30% commission on all software sales.

===Market Control===

By implementing increasingly strict security measures, Apple has gained significant control over which software developers can effectively distribute applications to Mac users, potentially stifling competition and innovation.

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product.

===Hidden "Anywhere" option (2016)===
In macOS Sierra (10.12), Apple removed the "Allow applications downloaded from: Anywhere" option from the Security & Privacy settings, making it harder for users to disable Gatekeeper restrictions. While technically still possible to disable through Terminal commands, this change represents a deliberate effort to obscure user choice and make it more difficult for average users to exercise control over their own computers. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Degtiarenko |first=Igor |date=2025-01-10 |title=Want to allow app downloads from anywhere? Here's how |url=https://macpaw.com/how-to/allow-apps-anywhere |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/wip/5XYcr |archive-date=2026-02-06 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=MacPaw}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-22 |title=How to Allow Opening Apps from Anywhere in MacOS Sequoia, Sonoma |url=https://osxdaily.com/2025/04/22/how-allow-open-apps-anywhere-macos-sequoia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pa5gU |archive-date=2026-02-06 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=OSXDaily}}</ref>

===Mandatory notarization requirement (2019)===
In macOS Catalina (released in 2019), Apple made it mandatory for all software distributed outside the Mac App Store to be "notarized" by Apple to run without Gatekeeper warnings. This controversial move required all developers to submit their applications to Apple for review before distribution, effectively extending Apple's gatekeeping role beyond its own App Store to all Mac software.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stokes |first=Phil |date=11 Sep 2019 |title=What is macOS Notarization? – An Easy Guide 101 |url=https://www.sentinelone.com/blog/maco-notarization-security-hardening-or-security-theater/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/mbeuB |archive-date=2026-02-06 |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=SentinelOne Blog}}</ref> The change gave Apple unprecedented control over third-party software distribution on macOS, forcing developers to comply with Apple's terms or risk their software being blocked by default.

===Achilles vulnerability (2022)===
In December 2022, Microsoft researchers revealed a vulnerability in macOS, dubbed "Achilles" (CVE-2022-42821), that allowed attackers to bypass Gatekeeper security features. This vulnerability exposed the limitations of Apple's security model and raised questions about the effectiveness of its restrictive approach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 Dec 2022 |title=Gatekeeper’s Achilles heel: Unearthing a macOS vulnerability |url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2022/12/19/gatekeepers-achilles-heel-unearthing-a-macos-vulnerability/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/gUouW |archive-date=2026-02-06 |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=Microsoft Security}}</ref> Despite Apple's emphasis on security as the justification for its restrictive Gatekeeper policies, the discovery highlighted that these restrictions hadn't necessarily resulted in an impenetrable system.

===Developer signing requirement barriers (ongoing)===
Since Gatekeeper's introduction, Apple has required developers to pay for an annual Apple Developer subscription ($99/year) to obtain a Developer ID certificate necessary for distributing software outside the App Store that doesn't trigger Gatekeeper warnings. This creates a financial barrier for independent and open-source developers who may not be able to afford or justify this recurring expense.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@vish90 |date=Jul 2019 |title=App notarized but Gatekeeper still shows app as untrusted |url=https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/120016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/zXgiG |archive-date=2026-02-06 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=Apple Developer Forum}}</ref> The requirement effectively monetizes the right for developers to distribute software without their users experiencing security warnings.

===Blocked legacy software (ongoing)===
With each major macOS update, Apple has increased Gatekeeper restrictions, often rendering older software unusable without complex workarounds. Many users have found themselves unable to use legitimately purchased software after OS updates, as Gatekeeper blocks unsigned or un-notarized applications. This has forced users to either avoid system updates (potentially exposing themselves to security vulnerabilities) or repurchase software, effectively devaluing their previous purchases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=@paolo |date=21 Aug 2012 |title=Gatekeeper and the rise of the Total Apple Consumer |url=https://www.molleindustria.org/blog/gatekeeper-and-the-rise-of-the-total-apple-consumer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/Kwmdf |archive-date=2026-02-06 |access-date=8 May 2025 |website=www.molleindustria.org}}</ref>

===Internet connection requirement controversy (ongoing)===
{{Main|macOS Online Verification Requirements}}
Gatekeeper's notarization verification process requires an internet connection, which has caused issues for users in environments without reliable internet access or those who prefer to work offline for privacy reasons. This requirement has been criticized as an unnecessary limitation that treats users' computers as terminals requiring constant verification rather than personal property under the user's control.

==See also==
*[[Right to Repair]]
*[[Walled Garden Ecosystems]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Gatekeeper]]
[[Category:Apple]]

Adobe

2026-02-04T11:45:41Z

Raster: /* Adobe Animate discontinuation */ add archive links (archive.today)

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=American software company popular for programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and Acrobat.
|Founded=1982
|Industry=Software
|Logo=Adobe.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://adobe.com/
}}
[[wikipedia:Adobe_Inc.|'''Adobe''']] is a software company based in San Jose, California, that specializes in creative software, including photo editing, video editing, animation, illustration, web development, and more. Founded in 1982, the company developed the Portable Document Format (PDF) in 1992, along with a comprehensive suite of creative software. Widespread adoption of their products by novices, industry professionals, and nation-states has enabled Adobe to carve out a significant market share in the creative software industry. In FY24, Adobe's Digital Media Segment reported $15.86 billion in revenue to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-29 |title=ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |url=https://www.adobe.com/cc-shared/assets/investor-relations/pdfs/adbe-2024-annual-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430145007/https://www.adobe.com/cc-shared/assets/investor-relations/pdfs/adbe-2024-annual-report.pdf |archive-date=2025-04-30 |access-date=2026-01-23 |website=Adobe}}</ref>

==Consumer impact summary==

===Lack of ownership===
In 2013, Adobe switched from a perpetual license model to a subscription model (Creative Cloud).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Cunningham |first=Andrew |date=2013-05-06 |title=Adobe’s Creative Suite is dead, long live the Creative Cloud |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/05/adobes-creative-suite-is-dead-long-live-the-creative-cloud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cxcNR |archive-date=16 Jun 2013 |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Campbell-Dollaghan |first=Kelsey |date=2013-05-06 |title=Say Goodbye to Creative Suite: Adobe CS Is Now Creative Cloud |url=https://gizmodo.com/say-goodbye-to-creative-suite-adobe-rebrands-cs-as-cre-493155052 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0LcBS |archive-date=16 Jun 2013 |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=Gizmodo}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2013-05-06 |title=Adobe heralds subscription-only future for Photoshop and Creative Suite |url=http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/05/06/Adobe-kills-perpetual-licenses-as-creative-suite-moves-to-creative-cloud-cc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622072403/http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/05/06/Adobe-kills-perpetual-licenses-as-creative-suite-moves-to-creative-cloud-cc |archive-date=2013-06-22 |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=Digital Photography Review}}</ref>

===Proprietary file formats===
Works created in Adobe software come in Adobe-exclusive file formats such as .psd for Photoshop<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Colin |date= |title=Most commonly used file types in Photoshop |url=https://photoshopcafe.com/commonly-used-file-types-photoshop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/0ZT6H |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=Photoshop CAFE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Brendan |date=2023-10-12 |title=File Formats In Photoshop Explained (Complete List) |url=https://www.bwillcreative.com/file-formats-in-photoshop-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/mTNlg |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=Brendan Williams Creative}}</ref> and .indd for InDesign.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Which File Format?: A Guide to INDD, IDML, INX and Everything In-Between |url=https://indesignskills.com/tutorials/open-indesign-files-in-earlier-versions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/SumKq |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-30 |website=InDesign Skills}}</ref>

===Data breaches===
In 2013, Adobe disclosed a data breach affecting approximately 3 million customers. This number was later revised to approximately 38 million. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Finkle |first=Jim |date=29 Oct 2013 |title=Adobe data breach more extensive than previously disclosed |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/adobe-data-breach-more-extensive-than-previously-disclosed-idUSBRE99S1DJ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/rH59d |archive-date=2026-01-23 |website=Reuters}}</ref> This incident resulted in a $1,000,000 settlement and a commitment to implementing new security policies. <ref>{{Cite web |date=15 Nov 2016 |title=Adobe to Pay $1 Million, Update Security Policies to Resolve Multistate Investigation Into Data Breach |url=https://www.mass.gov/news/adobe-to-pay-1-million-update-security-policies-to-resolve-multistate-investigation-into-data-breach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/nSVpL |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |website=mass.gov}}</ref> In 2019, researchers discovered that Adobe's Elasticsearch database was insecure, potentially exposing the information of approximately 7.5 million users. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Khandelwal |first=Swati |date=26 Oct 2019 |title=Unsecured Adobe Server Exposes Data for 7.5 Million Creative Cloud Users |url=https://thehackernews.com/2019/10/adobe-database-leaked.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/UfO7n |archive-date=12 Apr 2020}}</ref> Breaches impacting U.S. federal agencies and Adobe Commerce/Magento stores also occurred in 2023 and 2024, respectively. <ref>{{Cite web |date=5 Dec 2023 |title=Threat Actors Exploit Adobe ColdFusion CVE-2023-26360 for Initial Access to Government Servers |url=https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-339a |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/8g4C3 |archive-date=15 Jan 2024 |website=cisa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sansec Forensics Team |date=1 Oct 2024 |title=Thousands of Adobe Commerce stores hacked in competing CosmicSting campaigns |url=https://sansec.io/research/cosmicsting-fallout |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/vj2if |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |website=sansec.io}}</ref>

==Incidents==

===Transition to subscription-based software===
{{Hatnote|Read More: [[Adobe Lightroom]], [[Adobe Subscriptions]], [[Adobe CS Activation]] and
[[Adobe sued by FTC over hidden fees in subscription plans]]
}}

Adobe initially distributed its software with perpetual licenses, allowing its users to make a one-time payment to own and access a specific application or, through Adobe's Creative Suite, a collection of applications. In 2011, Adobe introduced Creative Cloud, a subscription service that provides users with access to individual applications or multiple applications for a monthly or yearly fee. In 2013, Adobe discontinued Creative Suite.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

As of 2025, the only means to access up-to-date versions of many Adobe applications legally is through Creative Cloud. Additionally, the activation servers for perpetual licenses of previous versions of these applications have been shut down, which prevents consumers from activating the software using a legitimate copy and a serial number.

Creative Cloud offers various subscription options, including monthly plans (with monthly or annual billing) or prepaid yearly plans. There are also plans for individual applications and bundles containing multiple applications. Prices of individual applications range from $22.99 per month or $263.88 prepaid annually. The Creative Cloud Pro subscription, which includes 22 applications and additional extras such as 100 GB of cloud storage, is priced at $69.99 per month or $779.88 per year prepaid.

Plans billed annually but paid monthly have a cancellation fee 14 days after purchase. This fee is set at 50% of the remaining contract balance. For example, if the user cancels the plan in the seventh month of an annual plan that costs $69.99 per month, they will incur a fee of $174.98. Prepaid annual plans do not offer refunds or cancellation options after the 14-day period.

===Alleged use of user data for AI training===
{{main|Adobe's AI policy}}
Adobe has been accused of using user information for the purpose of training artificial intelligence. In 2024, Adobe updated its Terms of Service, granting itself a "non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license" to users' content. This grants Adobe permission to reproduce, distribute, create derivative works from, publicly display, publicly perform, and sublicense their users' content. This change raises concerns over conflicts with existing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and intellectual property rights. Users were required to accept the new Terms of Service to access their previously stored content.

Adobe has stated that it does not use user content to train generative AI, but Adobe may use it for improving its machine learning systems, with an opt-out available. However, no opt-out option was presented during acceptance of the Terms of Service. 

===User documents forced into the cloud with no opt-out===
Some of Adobe's iPad applications, including, but not limited to, the digital painting application Adobe Fresco<ref>{{Cite web |author=PaulaArtist2 |date=2021-12-13 |title=[How To] Save work locally / work offline |url=https://community.adobe.com/t5/fresco-discussions/how-to-save-work-locally-work-offline/m-p/12390252 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/WreAh |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=Adobe Community}}</ref> and the document scanning application Adobe Scan<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tagra |first=Ria |date=2021-06-14 |title=Does Adobe Scan offer a way to not utilize the Adobe Cloud |url=https://community.adobe.com/t5/adobe-scan-discussions/does-adobe-scan-offer-a-way-to-not-utilize-the-adobe-cloud/m-p/12104402 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cO5G1 |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-22 |website=Adobe Community}}</ref>, require an account to access and do not offer any option to opt out of syncing all documents created in these applications with Adobe's cloud servers. Similarly, the new non-Classic versions of Lightroom are fundamentally built around uploading all images to Adobe's cloud.

There is no end-to-end encryption, i.e., Adobe has full access to all of these files. Disabling internet access allows the user to work offline, but any files created in the affected apps will immediately sync to the cloud in the background as soon as the device is connected to a network again.

As an American company, Adobe is subject to the United States Cloud Act, which requires all US companies to grant the US government access to any user data, even if stored on servers outside their jurisdiction, and to comply with requests to help with spy operations upon request.

===Tracking users' eBook reading activities===
In 2014, it was revealed that Adobe Digital Editions, Adobe’s e-book reading application, reported extensive information about users' reading habits back to Adobe. This included several unique identifiers, such as which e-books were added to the application, when each one was opened, and for how long, as well as the percentage read and page navigation information.

All of this information was transmitted completely unencrypted in plain text. This meant that someone else using the same public Wi-Fi as another user would have been able to track their reading activities in real-time, entirely undetected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Sean |date=8 Oct 2014 |title=Adobe’s e-book reader sends your reading logs back to Adobe—in plain text |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/10/adobes-e-book-reader-sends-your-reading-logs-back-to-adobe-in-plain-text/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/gwRVe |archive-date=28 Nov 2024 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[ArsTechnica]]}}</ref>

===User information leaks and data breaches===
In 2013, credit card information and personal data of 38 million users were exposed in a data breach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Maaz |date=26 Mar 2023 |title=The Adobe Attack of 2013: A Cautionary Tale of Cybersecurity Failure |url=https://medium.com/@maazptl240602/the-adobe-attack-of-2013-a-cautionary-tale-of-cybersecurity-failure-1ef4ec74eb64 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/xqXwd |archive-date=11 Jun 2024 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[[Medium]]}}</ref>

In 2019, Adobe left approximately 7.5 million Creative Cloud customer records publicly accessible online due to gross negligence. The database was not protected with a password.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cimpanu |first=Catalin |date=26 Oct 2019 |title=Adobe left 7.5 million Creative Cloud user records exposed online |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/adobe-left-7-5-million-creative-cloud-user-records-exposed-online/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/KDsVc |archive-date=5 Jan 2026 |access-date=16 Mar 2025 |website=[ZDNet]}}</ref>

===Paywalls Pantone colors and changes user files===
Adobe and Pantone change colors in users' existing files in Photoshop and Illustrator to black unless they pay an additional $15/month. <ref>{{Cite web |title=You now have to pay to use Pantone colors in Adobe products |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/1/23434305/adobe-pantone-subscription-announcement-photoshop-illustrator |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/uoPg0 |archive-date=1 Nov 2022 |website=The Verge}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Adobe Just Held a Bunch of Colors Hostage |url=https://www.wired.com/story/adobe-pantone-color-subscription-fee/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/mh7w6 |archive-date=10 Nov 2022 |website=Wired}}</ref>

===Adobe Animate discontinuation===
On February 2, 2026, Adobe announced that Adobe Animate, formerly the Adobe Flash Professional series of apps, was announced to be discontinued starting March 1, 2026. This would have prevented further downloads. This means that users who purchased licenses to use Adobe Animate had the ability to download that software taken from them despite paying for a license to do so. However, after backlash from artists using the software, Adobe backtracked and stated that Animate would be in "maintenance mode". <ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Felecia |date=2026-02-03 |title=Adobe will discontinue its Animate software after 25 years |url=https://www.technobezz.com/news/adobe-will-discontinue-its-animate-software-after-25-years-2026-02-03-zg2t |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/pOiuR |archive-date=2026-02-04 |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=technobezz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Preran |date=2026-02-03 |title=Update on the status of Adobe Animate |url=https://community.adobe.com/announcements-539/update-on-the-status-of-adobe-animate-1548459 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/HQgK0 |archive-date=2026-02-04 |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=Adobe Community}}</ref>

==Products==

===Adobe Creative Cloud===
Adobe's previous line of creative software has been joined into a broader ecosystem called the ''Adobe Creative Cloud.'' The Creative Cloud includes updated versions of the previously purchasable software:

*Photoshop
*Lightroom
*InDesign
*After Effects
*Dreamweaver
*Illustrator
*XD
*and many more

Included with the Creative Cloud, depending on plan options, Adobe also offers cloud-based storage, typefaces, stock photos, and other stock files.

==References==
<references />
*{{cite web |author=((Wikipedia contributors)) |date=2025-02-03 |title=Adobe Inc. |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Adobe_Inc.&oldid=1273676016 |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=Wikipedia}}
*{{cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |title=Adobe roofies all of their customers |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXxMCm941WA |date=2024-06-07 |website=YouTube |access-date=2025-01-15}}

[[Category:Adobe]]

General Data Protection Regulation

2026-02-04T11:31:36Z

Raster: /* Article 17: Right to erasure (‘right to be forgotten’) */ fix spelling

The '''{{Wplink|General Data Protection Regulation}}''' (GDPR) is the European Union's comprehensive data privacy and security law that went into effect on May 25, 2018.<ref>[https://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/ "What is GDPR, the EU’s new data protection law?"] - gdpr.eu - 25 May 2018</ref> The regulation applies to any organization worldwide that processes data related to EU residents, regardless of the organization's location. It represents the world's most stringent approach to data protection, with potential fines for violations reaching up to €20 million or 4% of global revenue, whichever is higher.

The regulation mandates several key requirements for organizations processing EU residents' personal data. These include obtaining explicit consent for data collection, ensuring data minimization and purpose limitation, implementing appropriate security measures, and honoring individuals' rights regarding their personal data. Organizations must also maintain detailed documentation of their data processing activities, report data breaches within 72 hours, and in some cases appoint Data Protection Officers. The regulation defines personal data broadly, encompassing everything from basic identifiers like names and email addresses to more complex data like location information, biometric data, and online identifiers.

The GDPR has established a new global standard for data protection by codifying several fundamental principles, including transparency, accountability, and privacy by design. Organizations must not only comply with these principles but also be able to demonstrate their compliance through documentation and organizational measures. This comprehensive approach to data protection reflects the EU's position that privacy is a fundamental human right, building upon the privacy protections first established in the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights and updated for the digital age.

The United Kingdom still enforces the GDPR,<ref>https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-and-the-eu/data-protection-and-the-eu-in-detail/the-uk-gdpr/</ref> allowing persons physically located within the UK the ability to request data exports and deletions from online services.<ref>https://www.vpaa.uillinois.edu/resources/policies/u_of_i_system_and_international_privacy_laws/the_eu_and_uk_general_data_protection_regulations</ref>

==Summary==

===Chapter 2: Principles===

Chapter 2 of the GDPR addresses personal data, legal ways to process it, and consent of the user.<ref>[https://gdpr-info.eu/chapter-2/ "Chapter 2: Principles"] - gdpr-info.eu - 25 May 2018</ref>

====Article 5: Principles relating to processing of personal data====
''Main wiki: [https://gdprhub.eu/index.php?title=Article_5_GDPR Article 5 GDPR]''

Personal data processing under GDPR mandates that data must be handled lawfully, fairly, and transparently; collected for specific legitimate purposes; kept accurate and up-to-date; minimized to only what's necessary; stored only as long as required; and protected with appropriate security measures.

====Article 7: Conditions for consent====
''Main wiki: [https://gdprhub.eu/index.php?title=Article_7_GDPR Article 7 GDPR]''

When applicable, data subjects must consent to the processing of his or her personal data. Written requests for consent must use clear and plain language. Any portion of a written request violating the GDPR is not considered binding.

The data subject may also withdraw his or consent at any time and it should "be as easy to withdraw as to give consent."

Consent also must be freely given as defined in Recital 43. Consent is not considered freely given when a power imbalance exists between the data collected and the data subject, when consent for different data operations is improperly bundled together, or when access to services is made conditional on consenting to unnecessary data collection.

===Chapter 3: Rights of the data subject===

Chapter 3 of the GDPR covers transparency, information and access to personal data, the right to change, erase, or restrict processing of personal data, and the right to object.<ref>[https://gdpr-info.eu/chapter-3/ "Chapter 3: Rights of the data subject"] - gdpr-info.eu - 25 May 2018</ref>

====Article 17: Right to erasure (‘right to be forgotten’)====
''Main wiki: [https://gdprhub.eu/index.php?title=Article_17_GDPR Article 17 GDPR]''

Data subjects have the right to request erasure of their personal data by the data processor and the data processor is required to erase said data in a timely manner. This includes unnecessarily stored data, unlawfully processed data, and publicly available information.

This article does not cover free of expression and information, public interest, archiving purposes, or legally-relevant information.

====Article 21: Right to object====
''Main wiki: [https://gdprhub.eu/index.php?title=Article_21_GDPR Article 21 GDPR]''

Data subjects have the right to object to processing of their personal data in several key contexts, including when processing is based on public interest or legitimate interests grounds, for direct marketing purposes, or for research purposes - and in the case of direct marketing, this objection must be honored without exception.

When such an objection is made, the controller must cease processing unless they can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds that override the data subject's rights and freedoms, with special provisions requiring that this right to object must be explicitly communicated to data subjects and made easily accessible, particularly in digital contexts.
====Article 22: Automated individual decision-making, including profiling====
''Main wiki: [https://gdprhub.eu/index.php?title=Article_22_GDPR Article 22 GDPR]''

Under Article 22, individuals have the right to not be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing or profiling that have legal or similarly significant effects, with three key exceptions: when the automated decision is necessary for a contract, authorized by law, or based on explicit consent.

When automated decisions are made under contractual necessity or explicit consent, the data controller must implement safeguards including human intervention options, allowing individuals to express their views and contest decisions. Automated decisions cannot be based on special categories of personal data (such as race, health data, or political opinions) unless specific conditions are met and appropriate safeguards are in place.

===Chapter 4: Controller and processor===
Chapter 4 of the GDPR covers general obligations of controllers and processors of data, their security, impact assessments and responsibility.<ref>[https://gdpr-info.eu/chapter-4/ "Chapter 4: Controller and processor"] - gdpr-info.eu - 25 May 2018</ref>

====Article 28: Processor====
''Main wiki: [https://gdprhub.eu/index.php?title=Article_28_GDPR Article 28 GDPR]''

Outsourcing data processing to service providers is no excuse not to comply with GDPR, it is still up to the controller to ensure that the GDPR is complied with.

==See also==
*[[Consent-or-pay]]
*[[Digital Omnibus]]
*https://gdprhub.eu, a wiki summarizing GDPR-related decisions by authorities and courts across Europe

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Pro-consumer articles]]
[[Category:Legislation]]
[[Category:EU legislation]]

Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard

2026-02-04T04:34:18Z

Raster: /* What should this image be licensed under? */ Reply - good enough archive probably

Age verification

2026-02-04T04:33:22Z

Raster: /* Driving users towards smaller and completely unregulated offerings */ update [9] ScienceDirect archive link to IA (abstract only)

{{Incomplete}}
{{See also|Forced identification|De-anonymization}}

'''Age Verification''' (AV), also referred to as '''Age Affirmation''' (AA), is the process in where a business requires some form of identification to verify your age. This is usually done for more explicit or mature content. This practice has been widely spreading since the [[UK Online Safety Act|UK's Online Safety Act (OSA)]] has passed; requiring all individuals to verify themselves before accessing mature content. Ways of checking age include, but are not limited to: checking for a valid credit card, facial age estimation tools, government-issued ID, biometric data, account history behavior, and more.

As of December 2025, 25 US States require websites with mature content to verify age.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State Age Verification Laws - Action Center |url=https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-resources/state-avs-laws/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228121257/https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-resources/state-avs-laws/ |archive-date=2025-12-28 }}</ref>

==How it works==
When accessing a platform or website that may contain content not suitable for all audiences may force you to register for the platform along with verifying your age by one of the methods mentioned previously. Sites that likely don't use any form of account system will probably have a popup instead requiring you to verify your age before even serving the content you were trying to access.

==Why it is a problem==

===Privacy===
Having companies easily able to identify you means they can track you more efficiently and sell that shared profile to other companies such as ad agencies that then start targeting you specifically.

Governments can also more easily track online movements and find out who you are. Saying something that may go against their own agenda may end up with a police raid, heavy interrogation, and prison time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Liu |first=John |date=2025-06-20 |title=China tightens internet controls with new centralized form of virtual ID |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/20/tech/china-censorship-internet-id-hnk-intl#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20a%20state%2Dled,an%20infrastructure%20of%20digital%20totalitarianism.%E2%80%9D |access-date=2025-09-04 |work=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250620233250/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/20/tech/china-censorship-internet-id-hnk-intl |archive-date=2025-06-20 }}</ref>

===Censorship===
Certain topics, such as adult content, politics, and LGBT+ topics, will likely be unfairly censored by the governing body or company that has a say on what platform has the '''potential''' to be inappropriate for minors or other age groups.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-01 |title=Strict Age Verification Laws: Balancing Content Restriction and Educational Rights |url=https://www.thinkacademy.ca/blog/strict-age-verification-laws-impact-k12-education/#:~:text=Impact%20on%20K12,affect%20these%20groups |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Think Academy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018030711/https://www.thinkacademy.ca/blog/strict-age-verification-laws-impact-k12-education/ |archive-date=2025-10-18 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kelley |first=Jason |last2=Mackey |first2=Aaron |last3=Mullin |first3=Joe |date=2024-02-15 |title=Don’t Fall for the Latest Changes to the Dangerous Kids Online Safety Act |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/02/dont-fall-latest-changes-dangerous-kids-online-safety-act |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215234054/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/02/dont-fall-latest-changes-dangerous-kids-online-safety-act |archive-date=2024-02-15 }}</ref>

Platforms that host this type of content may also be more proactive in deleting/hiding posts that may get them in trouble or fined by laws or policies by local governments, leading to a more censored internet where opinions are streamlined to fit a set narrative or outlook.<ref name=":0" />

===Increased inequality and denial of service===
Some stores, such as grocery stores, prohibit young people from viewing their web sites or using [[loyalty cards]], which provide discounts and digital coupons. Age verification means that young people and families where the young person does the shopping pay more for essentials like food.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pell |first=Miranda |date=25 Oct 2024 |title=Tesco, Lidl and Sainsbury's shoppers issued warning over little-known 'age limit' rules |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/tesco-lidl-sainsburys-shoppers-issued-30233318 |access-date=20 Sep 2025 |work=Manchester evening news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251021121644/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/tesco-lidl-sainsburys-shoppers-issued-30233318 |archive-date=2025-10-21 }}</ref> Those who do not have ID, or do not chose to use it (for instance, those who fear domestic violence, or are members of a group subject to persecution) may also be locked out or have to pay more.

===Storage of private and biometric Information by age verification service providers===
A study commissioned by the Australian government found that age verification service providers accumulate a concerning amount of personal information, sometimes even biometric in nature, even when that was not necessary to provide the age verification service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meineck |first=Sebastian |date=2025-09-03 |title=Anbieter von Alterskontrollen horten biometrische Daten [Age Verification Providers are hoarding biometric Data] |url=https://netzpolitik.org/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/ |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=Netzpolitik.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903115436/https://netzpolitik.org/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/ |archive-date=2025-09-03 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meineck |first=Sebastion |date=2025-09-03 |title=Anbieter von Alterskontrollen horten biometrische Daten [Google Translate English Version] |url=https://netzpolitik-org.translate.goog/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=Netzpolitik.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251023063119/https://netzpolitik-org.translate.goog/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp |archive-date=2025-10-23 }}</ref>

===Driving users towards smaller and completely unregulated offerings===
Big platforms can be regulated and forced to comply with applicable laws since they need to have infrastructure such as servers in all major markets. Only these will be affected by the age restriction requirement.

However, users who do not wish to compromise their privacy or who are not of age will then go looking towards smaller niche platforms, often in other regions not affected by the regulation or the darknet.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kaleta |first=Miroslav |date=2025-08-20 |title=The Cost of Data Privacy Negligence (And How to Avoid It) |url=https://countly.com/blog/data-privacy-negligence#:~:text=2.%20Losing%20Customer,IBM%20Report. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/OJSf5 |archive-date=2026-01-06 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Countly Blog}}</ref> With these offerings, there is little to no leverage with regards to removal of illegal content. Increased exposure to illegal content can then lead to both a strengthening of illegal content providers<ref>{{Cite web |last=Branley |first=Dawn |last2=Covey |first2=Judith |date=2016-06-06 |title=Is exposure to online content depicting risky behavior related to viewers' own risky behavior offline? |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563217303357 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403233150/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563217303357 |archive-date=2022-04-03 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=ScienceDirect}}</ref> and significantly increased danger to minors, who may not yet be able to differentiate between legal and illegal content as well as an adult.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Potential risks of content, features, and functions: The science of how social media affects youth |url=https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/youth-social-media-2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416042251/https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/youth-social-media-2024 |archive-date=2024-04-16 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=American Psychological Association}}</ref> 

===Increased damage from data breaches===
Platforms which implement age checks that require sensitive information such as a government-issued ID will likely be more of a target for cyber criminals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-02 |title=Cybercriminals Target These Industries the Most – Here’s Why and How to Stay Safe |url=https://brandefense.io/blog/cybercriminals-target-these-industries/#:~:text=The%20Most%20Vulnerable%20Industries%20to,information%20stored%20within%20their%20networks. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/RTolc |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Brandefense}}</ref> As more platforms comply with the age checks, it becomes more likely that a data breach on at least one of these platforms can reveal extremely sensitive information. In the case of a data breach, it can be catastrophic if users' sensitive information were exposed, which can likely result in identity theft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Popov |first=Cristina |date=2023-03-22 |title=Why breaches can affect you long after they occur |url=https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/why-breaches-can-affect-you-long-after-they-occur#:~:text=%232%3A%20Breaches%20can,for%20online%20accounts. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/yCKkx |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Bitdefender}}</ref>

Platforms already experience major losses and consumer distrust from data breaches that reveal information less sensitive than government-issued IDs or biometric data.<ref name=":1" /> A data breach involving information this sensitive will seriously damage a business, and the users even more so. As stated previously, users who foresee these privacy risks will turn away from platforms which implement the policy, and towards niche platforms.

==Examples==
*[[YouTube]]'s Age verification and account estimation algorithm. (See [[Youtube age verification]] for more information)

*[[Spotify]]'s Age affirmation for MA rated songs and content.

*[[Discord]]'s Age verification for accounts determining what eligible servers are available.

*[[Roblox]]'s Age verification and account estimation algorithm for talking with users of similar age.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]

Xlear

2026-02-02T16:54:47Z

Raster: Added PDFs of court documents (hopefully public domain is correct, if not please correct)

{{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 - [[:File:Xlear filed complaint xlear v jones v.1.pdf|Archived]] from the original on 2026-02-03.</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 - [[:File:Xlear 2123045xleardismissstipulation.pdf|Archived]] from the original on 2026-02-03</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 - [[:File:Xlear COMPLAINT-against-Andrew-N-Ferguson.pdf|Archived]] from the original on 2026-02-02.</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]]

File:Xlear COMPLAINT-against-Andrew-N-Ferguson.pdf

2026-02-02T16:52:53Z

Raster: Archived COMPLAINT Xlear corporation & Nathan Jones v. US FTC and Andrew N. Ferguson. If wrong licensing please correct.

== Summary ==
Archived COMPLAINT Xlear corporation & Nathan Jones v. US FTC and Andrew N. Ferguson. If wrong licensing please correct.
== Licensing ==
{{PD}}

File:Xlear 2123045xleardismissstipulation.pdf

2026-02-02T16:46:01Z

Raster: Archived "STIPULATION OF DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE" USA v. Xlear corporation & Nathan Jones. If wrong licensing please correct.

== Summary ==
Archived "STIPULATION OF DISMISSAL WITH PREJUDICE" USA v. Xlear corporation & Nathan Jones. If wrong licensing please correct.
== Licensing ==
{{PD}}

File:Xlear filed complaint xlear v jones v.1.pdf

2026-02-02T16:39:46Z

Raster: Archived Xlear filing a lawsuit "against the FTC". If wrong licensing please correct

== Summary ==
Archived Xlear filing a lawsuit "against the FTC". If wrong licensing please correct
== Licensing ==
{{PD}}

World of Warcraft

2026-02-02T16:37:54Z

Raster: archive.today chokes on blizzard forums, replaced with IA

{{StubNotice}}
{{ProductCargo
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Video Games, MMOs
|Company=Activision Blizzard
|Description=
|InProduction=Yes
|Logo=World of Warcraft 2002.webp
|ProductLine=
|ReleaseYear=2004
|Website=https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/
}}
'''{{Wplink|World of Warcraft}}''' (colloquially referred to as '''WoW''') is a massively multiplayer online game maintained by [[Activision Blizzard]]. Despite the product's critical acclaim since the 2000s, the treatment of the product has had a historically negative trend, facing anti-consumer affairs at the request of its publisher.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''Forced arbitration:''' Blizzard's [[EULA|End User License Agreement]] contains clauses that [[forced arbitration|mandate arbitration]] and waives the user's right to [[class action]].<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Blizzard End User License Agreement |url=https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/legal/fba4d00f-c7e4-4883-b8b9-1b4500a402ea/blizzard-end-user-license-agreement |website=Blizzard Entertainment |date=1 Jun 2018 |access-date=17 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919091644/https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/legal/fba4d00f-c7e4-4883-b8b9-1b4500a402ea/blizzard-end-user-license-agreement  |archive-date=19 Sep 2018}}</ref>
*'''Ownership:''' Per the EULA, it is stated that the end user is only sold a ''license'' and does not own their copy of the video game.

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Warden anti-cheat (2005)===
In 2005, it came to light that Blizzard Entertainment was utilizing an in-house anti-cheat program when the video game company filed an infringement lawsuit against MDY Industries, LLC, who sold a {{Wplink|Video game bot|botting program}} called {{Wplink|Glider (bot)|Glider}}. The legal filings were the first time that Blizzard acknowledged both the anti-cheat's existence and its official name (Warden). The {{Wplink|Electronic Frontier Foundation}} (EFF) denounced Warden as [[spyware]] due to the lack of transparency and concerns over the privacy and retention of collected data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Mark |title=Warcraft game maker in spying row |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4385050.stm |website=BBC News |date=31 Oct 2005 |access-date=17 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051103043944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4385050.stm |archive-date=3 Nov 2005}}</ref>

Further reading: [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Warden_(software) Warcraft Wiki: Warden (software)], ''{{Wplink|MDY_Industries,_LLC_v._Blizzard_Entertainment,_Inc.}}''

===Real ID (July 2010)===
[[Real ID]] (July 2010): Real ID was a change introduced by Blizzard, where players would use their real first and last name when posting on WoW forums (instead of their preferred WoW character, as it was before). Initially announced as optional, it was quickly changed to obligatory, with Blizzard arguing it to be a vital step for reducing toxicity in gaming community. Community pushback was massive and united, with many citing privacy threats as the main concern. Blizzard initially tried to downplay the danger, even banning several people, but eventually buckled under the pressure. Then-CEO Mike Morhaime declared that, following user feedback, using Real ID to post on the forums would not be required.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=9 Jul 2010 |title=Blizzard scraps Real ID for its forums |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-scraps-real-id-for-its-forums |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/NWiYC |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=14 Apr 2025 |website=EuroGamer}}</ref>

===Major data loss (August 2024)===
When [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Patch_11.0.2 Patch 11.0.2] was released on 13 August 2024, a serious bug caused the contents of some [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Guild_bank guild bank(s)] to go missing to varying degrees of severity (up to everything) regardless of player faction and world region. The only official acknowledgement of the problem at that time was a support article that was created four days later, on 17 August.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blizzard Support - Items Missing from Guild Bank |url=https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/000363630 |website=Battle.net |date=17 Aug 2024 |access-date=19 Sep 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818102435/https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/000363630 |archive-date=18 Aug 2024}}</ref> Except for a Customer Support agent on the European forum,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guild Bank items gone |url=https://eu.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-items-gone/528709/38 |author=Felranys |website=Blizzard.com |date=16 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927065929/https://eu.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-items-gone/528709?page=2#post_38 |archive-date=27 Sep 2024}}</ref> what followed was silence for over a month.

On 20 September 2024, Community Manager [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Linxy Linxy] posted and pinned the following official statement in the General Discussion forum:<ref>{{Cite web |author=Linxy |title=Guild Bank Missing Items Update |url=https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-update/1963451 |website=Blizzard.com |date=20 Sep 2024 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927091046/https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-update/1963451 |archive-date=27 Sep 2024}}</ref>
<blockquote>
About a week after we launched patch 11.0.2 in August, we began receiving reports of an issue where some players were discovering items missing from their guild banks.

As we investigated over the next couple of days, we found the culprit—a technical update that was made to support cross-realm guilds. An unexpected bug caused one of our maintenance processes to make some items disappear. Many of these items were related to professions materials from prior expansions, but it was possible for players to lose other items from their guild banks as well.

For the last few weeks, we've been packing up the missing items that we're able to identify as lost by this process, and we will soon mail those to the guild leader character for each affected guild.

Due to how some of the data was lost, we've reached a point where the result will be an incomplete restoration for some guilds, and we do not have a way to restore the remaining missing items for them.

We apologize for that and for the long wait here. We really appreciate your patience as we've worked through this difficult issue.</blockquote>

The company unlisted the support article the same day and has made no further comments in the matter since, save to answer a couple questions regarding if the guild banks were safe to be used and to confirm whom the recovered contents would be [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Mail mailed] to.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Linxy |title=Guild Bank Missing Items Update |url=https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-update/1963451/26 |website=Battle.net |date=20 Sep 2024 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112223604/https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-update/1963451/26 |archive-date=12 Nov 2024}}</ref>

On 13 November 2024, the pinned thread was renamed to "Guild Bank Missing Items Bug – Aug/Sept 2024" and moved to the Bug Report forum. It was unpinned 26 February 2025, when [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Patch_11.1.0/ Patch 11.1.0] had been released in both the NA and EU regions.

No form of compensation was given to those affected by the {{Wplink|data loss}}. Additionally, an Australian player by the character name of Mordane on the server Dath'Remar shared the following update on 9 February 2025 in regards to their filed complaint with the {{Wplink|Australian Competition and Consumer Commission}}:<ref>{{Cite web |author=Mordane-Dath'Remar |date=9 Feb 2025 |title=Guild Bank Missing Items Bug – Aug/Sept 2024 |url=https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-bug-augsept-2024/1963451/4933 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250708170840/https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-bug-augsept-2024-part-1/1963 |archive-date=2025-07-08 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |website=Blizzard.com}}</ref>
<blockquote>
[...] "Blizzard Australia Pty Ltd has stated "The lost guild bank assets are digital items, and we do not consider those items to hold any monetary real-world value. As such, we would be unable to provide this customer with any refunds in relation to the data that was lost and the items that could not be restored to their account." Based on the above response by Blizzard, we will be closing the Complaint." [...]</blockquote>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Activision Blizzard]]

User talk:JodyBruchonFan

2026-02-02T16:29:00Z

Raster: /* I like your funnies */ new section

==Welcome, and discussion on tone within the wiki==

Hi @[[User:JodyBruchonFan|JodyBruchonFan]],

Welcome to the wiki! It's good to see you here and editing, and I just wanted to clarify some things about the policies regarding tone and voice on the wiki.

[[Consumer Rights Wiki:Wiki content policies|In general]], we strive to be mostly neutral and non-judgemental, and avoid making accusations against *specific* companies practices, or incidents (rather, we cite sources who have made such accusations, and explain why they have reached their conclusions) in the voice of the wiki. This, however, is not exclusively the case as in the case of theme articles, such as the pages you've been working on, we allow for opinions to be voiced in the voice of the wiki, and for the wiki to have a clear point of view, but the language used should still generally try and remain quite calm and measured (the 'senator/granny rule' here kind of covers this: [[Consumer Rights Wiki:Editorial guidelines]]), and should reflect the broad consensus of the community.

Your edit on the smart meter page in particular, felt too strongly worded, and I've reverted it. The other ones need some touching up on the tone front, but I think there's a good case for having them on the wiki, and you make some good points!

As a general point of reference, the guidelines on tone, and making points in the wiki's voice are a bit different for theme and non-theme articles. Essentially, theme articles are much more permissive on that front, but articles about specific incidents or companies have to stick to guidelines that are tighter, and a bit more like Wikipedia's.

In any case, we do appreciate your contributions very much, and hope to see you around!

Best wishes,

Keith [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 15:29, 1 October 2025 (UTC)

:I see. Thank you for the explanation. [[User:JodyBruchonFan|JodyBruchonFan]] ([[User talk:JodyBruchonFan|talk]]) 15:44, 1 October 2025 (UTC)

==Discord==

Mostly just wanted to say I like the bingo card. Do the colors mean anything, or are they just random?

I came here because I saw you mention reservations about discord. I put up a proposal on [[Talk:Main Page#Please add cautions to discord link]], thought it might interest you. Please add to the proposal if you have any suggestions. Thanks. [[User:Drakeula|Drakeula]] ([[User talk:Drakeula|talk]]) 07:12, 19 October 2025 (UTC)

:Thank you :)
:The colours are random.
:Regarding the Discord discussion, thanks for letting me know. Discord is ephemeral and should not be trusted for anything long-term. [[User:JodyBruchonFan|JodyBruchonFan]] ([[User talk:JodyBruchonFan|talk]]) 16:25, 23 October 2025 (UTC)

== I like your funnies ==

I was checking the upload log, and surprised by your submissions. It's hilarious. It describes the feeling I get whenever I tap on that silly notification after Android updates - the feeling like someone spun me in circles, then back just enough to "cancel" out the spin. The proper font is the icing on the cake.

Wish you all the best everytime I see your page <3 [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 16:29, 2 February 2026 (UTC)

Wondershare

2026-02-02T16:07:01Z

Raster: add Preservetube archive

{{CompanyCargo
|Description=Software company known for personal software for tasks like video editing and data recovery.
|Founded=2003
|Industry=Software
|Logo=Wondershare Logo.svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website= https://wondershare.com/
}}
'''Wondershare''' is a company that creates software products for media creation, document manipulation, and data recovery.

==Consumer impact summary==
Wondershare has been accused of '''deceptive advertisement practice''' and '''consumer-detrimental policy'''. The company advertises its Dr.Fone product as a recovery method of recovering phone data damaged by water, termed as being misleading and unattainable. Wondershare has also terminated perpetual licenses to their Filmora movie-making program.

==Controversies==

===Deceptive marketing practices for data-recovery products===
In a 2023 video, Louis Rossmann revealed that Wondershare produces misleading content designed to promote its "Dr.Fone" product. The article shown portrayed the software as a viable data recovery solution to a problem that cannot reasonably be fixed by software: data recovery for water damaged phones.<ref>''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKX0LjGBBqo&t=135s "Filmora/Wondershare is a bad company for more reasons than you think"] - youtube.com - accessed 2025-01-31. [https://preservetube.com/watch?v=eKX0LjGBBqo Archived] from the original on 2023-04-02.''</ref> The article exhibited in Rossman's video is still available on Wondershare's website, and notably, still asserts that the software is "[the] best solution for water damaged iPhone data recovery."<ref>[https://archive.ph/CIwt1 "The Ultimate Guide: How to Recover Data from a Water Damaged iPhone"] - archive.ph - archived from the [https://drfone.wondershare.com/iphone-recovery/water-damaged-iphone-data-recovery.html original] 2025-01-16</ref>

===Limiting of license after purchase (lifetime cancellation)===
{{Main|Filmora lifetime licenses terminated}}
Wondershare sold the product with a lifetime license in early versions of its video editing product - Filmora. However, when it introduced version 12 in December 2022, Wondershare canceled free updates for users with a lifetime license. After loud protests from users, especially after the publication on YouTube of a material publicizing the matter by Daniel Batal,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Batal |first=Daniel |date=22 Dec 2022 |title=Filmora Just CANCELLED our Lifetime Licenses. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm90xW40c3A |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222115513/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm90xW40c3A |archive-date=22 Dec 2022 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=youtube.com |ref=Batal-video-1}}</ref> a long-time user and promoter of the Wondershare product, the company first explained that this time it was an "upgrade" not an "update" and the promise made in the contract was no longer valid. Then the company tried to silence Daniel Batal by copyright strike for his YouTube channel through DMCA claims.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Batal |first=Daniel |date=31 Dec 2022 |title=Filmora Told YouTube To Remove My Video. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMIIwQZMFLE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231162918/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMIIwQZMFLE |archive-date=31 Dec 2022 |access-date=15 Mar 2025 |website=youtube.com |ref=Batal-video-2}}</ref> Finally, Wondershare withdrew its decision and made future versions available to buyers of the lifetime license as well, but continues to use aggressive methods to try to force the purchase of updates or extensions from its customers. For example, the option to disable update checking has been removed. When starting the program, the user first sees an ad for updates. Filters for additional paid content have also been disabled, so that content belonging to the purchased regular license is lost in the mass of paid content. Exiting the program displays another ad encouraging you to purchase an extension subscription.

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

World of Warcraft

2026-02-02T15:03:51Z

Raster: archive links

{{StubNotice}}
{{ProductCargo
|ArticleType=Product
|Category=Video Games, MMOs
|Company=Activision Blizzard
|Description=
|InProduction=Yes
|Logo=World of Warcraft 2002.webp
|ProductLine=
|ReleaseYear=2004
|Website=https://worldofwarcraft.blizzard.com/
}}
'''{{Wplink|World of Warcraft}}''' (colloquially referred to as '''WoW''') is a massively multiplayer online game maintained by [[Activision Blizzard]]. Despite the product's critical acclaim since the 2000s, the treatment of the product has had a historically negative trend, facing anti-consumer affairs at the request of its publisher.

==Consumer impact summary==
*'''Forced arbitration:''' Blizzard's [[EULA|End User License Agreement]] contains clauses that [[forced arbitration|mandate arbitration]] and waives the user's right to [[class action]].<ref>{{Cite web |author= |title=Blizzard End User License Agreement |url=https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/legal/fba4d00f-c7e4-4883-b8b9-1b4500a402ea/blizzard-end-user-license-agreement |website=Blizzard Entertainment |date=1 Jun 2018 |access-date=17 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919091644/https://www.blizzard.com/en-us/legal/fba4d00f-c7e4-4883-b8b9-1b4500a402ea/blizzard-end-user-license-agreement  |archive-date=19 Sep 2018}}</ref>
*'''Ownership:''' Per the EULA, it is stated that the end user is only sold a ''license'' and does not own their copy of the video game.

==Incidents==
This is a list of all consumer protection incidents related to this product. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the [[:Category:{{PAGENAME}}|{{PAGENAME}} category]].

===Warden anti-cheat (2005)===
In 2005, it came to light that Blizzard Entertainment was utilizing an in-house anti-cheat program when the video game company filed an infringement lawsuit against MDY Industries, LLC, who sold a {{Wplink|Video game bot|botting program}} called {{Wplink|Glider (bot)|Glider}}. The legal filings were the first time that Blizzard acknowledged both the anti-cheat's existence and its official name (Warden). The {{Wplink|Electronic Frontier Foundation}} (EFF) denounced Warden as [[spyware]] due to the lack of transparency and concerns over the privacy and retention of collected data.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Mark |title=Warcraft game maker in spying row |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4385050.stm |website=BBC News |date=31 Oct 2005 |access-date=17 Oct 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051103043944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4385050.stm |archive-date=3 Nov 2005}}</ref>

Further reading: [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Warden_(software) Warcraft Wiki: Warden (software)], ''{{Wplink|MDY_Industries,_LLC_v._Blizzard_Entertainment,_Inc.}}''

===Real ID (July 2010)===
[[Real ID]] (July 2010): Real ID was a change introduced by Blizzard, where players would use their real first and last name when posting on WoW forums (instead of their preferred WoW character, as it was before). Initially announced as optional, it was quickly changed to obligatory, with Blizzard arguing it to be a vital step for reducing toxicity in gaming community. Community pushback was massive and united, with many citing privacy threats as the main concern. Blizzard initially tried to downplay the danger, even banning several people, but eventually buckled under the pressure. Then-CEO Mike Morhaime declared that, following user feedback, using Real ID to post on the forums would not be required.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=9 Jul 2010 |title=Blizzard scraps Real ID for its forums |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/blizzard-scraps-real-id-for-its-forums |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/NWiYC |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=14 Apr 2025 |website=EuroGamer}}</ref>

===Major data loss (August 2024)===
When [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Patch_11.0.2 Patch 11.0.2] was released on 13 August 2024, a serious bug caused the contents of some [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Guild_bank guild bank(s)] to go missing to varying degrees of severity (up to everything) regardless of player faction and world region. The only official acknowledgement of the problem at that time was a support article that was created four days later, on 17 August.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blizzard Support - Items Missing from Guild Bank |url=https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/000363630 |website=Battle.net |date=17 Aug 2024 |access-date=19 Sep 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818102435/https://us.battle.net/support/en/article/000363630 |archive-date=18 Aug 2024}}</ref> Except for a Customer Support agent on the European forum,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Guild Bank items gone |url=https://eu.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-items-gone/528709/38 |author=Felranys |website=Blizzard.com |date=16 Aug 2024 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927065929/https://eu.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-items-gone/528709?page=2#post_38 |archive-date=27 Sep 2024}}</ref> what followed was silence for over a month.

On 20 September 2024, Community Manager [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Linxy Linxy] posted and pinned the following official statement in the General Discussion forum:<ref>{{Cite web |author=Linxy |title=Guild Bank Missing Items Update |url=https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-update/1963451 |website=Blizzard.com |date=20 Sep 2024 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927091046/https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-update/1963451 |archive-date=27 Sep 2024}}</ref>
<blockquote>
About a week after we launched patch 11.0.2 in August, we began receiving reports of an issue where some players were discovering items missing from their guild banks.

As we investigated over the next couple of days, we found the culprit—a technical update that was made to support cross-realm guilds. An unexpected bug caused one of our maintenance processes to make some items disappear. Many of these items were related to professions materials from prior expansions, but it was possible for players to lose other items from their guild banks as well.

For the last few weeks, we've been packing up the missing items that we're able to identify as lost by this process, and we will soon mail those to the guild leader character for each affected guild.

Due to how some of the data was lost, we've reached a point where the result will be an incomplete restoration for some guilds, and we do not have a way to restore the remaining missing items for them.

We apologize for that and for the long wait here. We really appreciate your patience as we've worked through this difficult issue.</blockquote>

The company unlisted the support article the same day and has made no further comments in the matter since, save to answer a couple questions regarding if the guild banks were safe to be used and to confirm whom the recovered contents would be [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Mail mailed] to.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Linxy |title=Guild Bank Missing Items Update |url=https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-update/1963451/26 |website=Battle.net |date=20 Sep 2024 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112223604/https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-update/1963451/26 |archive-date=12 Nov 2024}}</ref>

On 13 November 2024, the pinned thread was renamed to "Guild Bank Missing Items Bug – Aug/Sept 2024" and moved to the Bug Report forum. It was unpinned 26 February 2025, when [https://warcraft.wiki.gg/wiki/Patch_11.1.0/ Patch 11.1.0] had been released in both the NA and EU regions.

No form of compensation was given to those affected by the {{Wplink|data loss}}. Additionally, an Australian player by the character name of Mordane on the server Dath'Remar shared the following update on 9 February 2025 in regards to their filed complaint with the {{Wplink|Australian Competition and Consumer Commission}}:<ref>{{Cite web |author=Mordane-Dath'Remar |date=9 Feb 2025 |title=Guild Bank Missing Items Bug – Aug/Sept 2024 |url=https://us.forums.blizzard.com/en/wow/t/guild-bank-missing-items-bug-augsept-2024/1963451/4933 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/NlVdi |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2 Jul 2025 |website=Blizzard.com}}</ref>
<blockquote>
[...] "Blizzard Australia Pty Ltd has stated "The lost guild bank assets are digital items, and we do not consider those items to hold any monetary real-world value. As such, we would be unable to provide this customer with any refunds in relation to the data that was lost and the items that could not be restored to their account." Based on the above response by Blizzard, we will be closing the Complaint." [...]</blockquote>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Activision Blizzard]]

YouTube

2026-02-02T14:05:14Z

Raster: archived links (including replacing a ghostarchive one since that's under maintenance as of writing)

{{ProductLineCargo
|ArticleType=Service
|Category=Streaming, Video
|Company=Google
|Description=
|InProduction=Yes
|Logo=YouTube.png
|ReleaseYear=2005
|Website=https://youtube.com
}}
'''{{Wplink|YouTube}}''', founded in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim, is a global video-sharing platform and one of the most visited websites in the world. Acquired by [[Google]] in 2006, YouTube has since become the dominant platform for sharing videos on the internet.

YouTube's business model is built around advertising revenue, with creators earning money through ad views, subscriptions, and other monetization options. The platform hosts a wide range of content, including music videos, tutorials, news, vlogs, and live streams. YouTube has also begun offering subscription services, such as YouTube Premium and YouTube TV, for ad-free experiences, exclusive content, and live television.<ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201032636/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube |archive-date=1 Feb 2025 |access-date=30 Jan 2025 |website=Wikipedia}}</ref>

YouTube has faced criticism and regulatory scrutiny on multiple fronts. Concerns have been raised about content moderation policies, the platform's role in the spread of misinformation, and its impact on user privacy, particularly in relation to data collection practices. Additionally, YouTube has been under fire for its algorithms, which some argue promote harmful or divisive content to maximize engagement.

==Consumer Impact Summary==

*'''User Freedom''': Questionable; rampant bots and [[Elsagate]] suggest negligent moderation.
*'''User Privacy''': Poor; Since August 2025, accessing mature content without identification is a gamble. User data is also sold to advertisers and the site is owned by [[Google]].
*'''Business Model''': [[Advertising overload|Excessive advertising]], YouTube Premium, YouTube Premium Lite
*'''Market Competition''': Despite several platforms that follow its niche, such as Odysee, PeerTube, and DailyMotion, they provide no significant competition.

==Incidents==

===Restricting users that don't share their personal information===
{{Main|Youtube age verification}}

On July 30, 2025, in response to the [[UK Online Safety Act]], YouTube announced a verification update that asks for either a government-issued ID, a photo, or credit card, otherwise they could not access content.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingram |first=Michael |date=30 Jul 2025 |title=YouTube is Rolling Out A New Controversial Feature |url=https://gamerant.com/youtube-new-age-verification-feature-id-recognition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250730234131/https://gamerant.com/youtube-new-age-verification-feature-id-recognition/ |archive-date=30 Jul 2025 |access-date=14 Aug 2025 |website=GameRant}}</ref>

YouTube will estimate the age of a user from various sources, including the videos watched, and will ask for previously mentioned personal information when it believes that the user falls below 18.

===Advertising overload on YouTube===
{{Main|Advertising overload}}

Advertisements are YouTube's primary source of revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=How YouTube Works |url=https://www.youtube.com/howyoutubeworks/our-commitments/sharing-revenue/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101140008/https://www.youtube.com/howyoutubeworks/creator-economy/ |archive-date=1 Jan 2026 |access-date= |website=YouTube}}</ref> This has led to advertisements becoming more pervasive on the platform<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Jordan |date=20 Jan 2024 |title=Why YouTube Has So Many Ads (and Why There Will Probably Be More) |url=https://www.33rdsquare.com/software-app/why-youtube-has-so-many-ads-and-why-there-will-probably-be-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/0x7Q3 |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=33rd Square}}</ref> such as an increasing number of spaces for static ads, longer ad breaks (which some users have documented being longer than the videos they watch,<ref>{{Cite web |first=Aamir |last=Siddiqui |title=Frustrated YouTube viewers seek explanation for hour-long unskippable ads (Updated: Clarification) |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-long-unskippable-ads-problem-3519957/ |website=Android Authority |date=27 Jan 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128162022/https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-long-unskippable-ads-problem-3519957/ |archive-date=28 Jan 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Hans-Christian |last=Dirscherl |first2=Joel |last2=Lee |title=Hours-long unskippable ads spotted on YouTube. What’s going on? |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2590352/hours-long-unskippable-ads-spotted-on-youtube-whats-going-on.html |website=PCWorld |date=28 Jan 2025 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129183554/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2590352/hours-long-unskippable-ads-spotted-on-youtube-whats-going-on.html |archive-date=29 Jan 2025}}</ref> and most prevalent on YouTube TV, <ref>{{Cite web |last=Adegbola |first=Anu |date=16 Aug 2024 |title=YouTube tests longer CTV ad breaks |url=https://searchengineland.com/youtube-tests-longer-ad-breaks-ctv-445248#:~:text=YouTube%20is%20increasing%20the%20duration,ads%20over%20shorter%2C%20dispersed%20slots. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816143812/https://searchengineland.com/youtube-tests-longer-ad-breaks-ctv-445248 |archive-date=16 Aug 2024 |access-date=16 Aug 2025 |website=Search Engine Land}}</ref>) increased ad frequency in videos,<ref>{{Cite web |first=Arol |last=Wright |title=YouTube is Adding Even More Ads |url=https://www.howtogeek.com/youtube-is-adding-even-more-ads/ |website=How-To-Geek |date=26 Apr 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426192258/https://www.howtogeek.com/youtube-is-adding-even-more-ads/ |archive-date=26 Apr 2024}}</ref> and poorer quality ads.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |author=@T3rr0r |date=17 Oct 2021 |title=BAD Mobile Game Ads |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRjGn54O4Zg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=dRjGn54O4Zg |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |first=Max |last=Knoblauch |title=Why are mobile game ads so weird and bad? |url=https://sherwood.news/business/mobile-game-ads-industry-fake-misleading/ |website=Sherwood News |date=14 Jun 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614151756/https://sherwood.news/business/mobile-game-ads-industry-fake-misleading/ |archive-date=14 Jun 2024}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |author=@Saberspark |date=18 Sep 2021 |title=The DISGUSTING State of Mobile Game Ads (and why YouTube LOVES IT) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsKlfN9phAs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=KsKlfN9phAs |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Practices are also put into place in order to force non-paying users into seeing these ads as well, such as subscription-gating playing videos in the background.<ref>{{Cite web |title=YouTube Premium |url=https://www.youtube.com/premium?ybp=Sg0IBhIJdW5saW1pdGVk4AEC |website=[[YouTube]] |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Furthermore, even if a user pays for YouTube premium, they do not necessarily receive an ad-free experience<ref>{{Cite web |author=CaptainMystery_123 |title=I have YouTube premium, why am I getting adds. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=18 Dec 2023 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219183511/https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18ll7y6/i_have_youtube_premium_why_am_i_getting_adds/ |archive-date=19 Dec 2023
}}</ref> — they may still see ads within the video they watch, such as sponsored segments.{{Citation needed}} YouTube has added a "skip" feature, but it has been reported that this does not work consistently.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Anurag |last=Singh |title=YouTube now lets you skip sponsored segments — but you’ll have to pay for it |url=https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/youtube-now-lets-you-skip-sponsored-segments-but-youll-have-to-pay-for-it-2872784/ |website=Dexerto |date=22 Aug 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822211151/https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/youtube-now-lets-you-skip-sponsored-segments-but-youll-have-to-pay-for-it-2872784/ |archive-date=22 Aug 2024}}</ref>

====Refusal to handle malicious ads====
A common phenomenon on YouTube's advertisements is content that is mature and/or malicious in nature.<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Beyond The Internet |date=22 Feb 2025 |title=YouTube Ads are a Disgrace… |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B2KdIoRVo8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=_B2KdIoRVo8 |archive-date=23 Feb 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |first=Adamya |last=Sharma |title=Explicit ads are plaguing YouTube, and it’s only getting worse |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-explicit-ads-problem-3520285/ |website=Android Authority |date=27 Jan 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127062033/https://www.androidauthority.com/youtube-explicit-ads-problem-3520285/ |archive-date=27 Jan 2025}}</ref> The content of these advertisements include pornography,<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Saberspark |date=31 Mar 2025 |title=YouTube's Ads Have Hit A New Low...(it's literally p*rn) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW4On_gWAvI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=cW4On_gWAvI |archive-date=2 Apr 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":8" /> false advertising,<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /> scams,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Jakob_G |title=YouTube doesn't want to take down scam ads |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18gjiqy/youtube_doesnt_want_to_take_down_scam_ads/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=12 Dec 2023 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217144248/https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18gjiqy/youtube_doesnt_want_to_take_down_scam_ads/ |archive-date=17 Dec 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=@JerryRigEverything |date=9 Mar 2023 |title=I CAUGHT THE YOUTUBE SCAMMER - $1000 dollars EVERY DAY?! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iROF9Dd7FXA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=iROF9Dd7FXA |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|author=LoganAH |title=Why does YouTube run blatant scams as advertisements? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18osjs6/why_does_youtube_run_blatant_scams_as/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=22 Dec 2023 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250713054442/https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/18osjs6/why_does_youtube_run_blatant_scams_as/  |archive-date=13 Jul 2025}}</ref> and far more. Rather than working towards clearing these ads, or acknowledging this advertising content that has been harming consumers on the platform, YouTube moderation has only cut the revenue for these videos that attempt to call out these ads,<ref>{{Cite web |author=@Deep Humor |date=24 Feb 2025 |title=Watch This Before YouTube Deletes It. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRpECEQ0-hg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=QRpECEQ0-hg |archive-date=26 Feb 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> which has been known to make said videos be less-showcased.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |author=@Sealow |date=29 Nov 2017 |title=Extensive evidence of algorithm censorship of demonetised videos |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3H8D2LrLHc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=n3H8D2LrLHc |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |author=Karlaplan |title=Monetisation analysis / research |url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/155yNpfR7dGKuN-4rbrvbJLcJkhGa_HqvVuyPK7UEfPo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jou9rc5d49jl
|website=[[Google]] |date=20 Nov 2017 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319182149/https://docs.google.com/document/d/155yNpfR7dGKuN-4rbrvbJLcJkhGa_HqvVuyPK7UEfPo/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.jou9rc5d49jl  |archive-date=19 Mar 2025}}</ref>

===Demonetization and censorship===
Since at least 2016, YouTube has had an extensive record of censoring content that is demonetized.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1" /> Within understandable circumstances, legitimately malicious or offensive videos would be demonetized and should not be shown on the platform; however, how videos are considered to be demonetized has had a harmful impact upon both viewers and content creators. Transgender creators on YouTube, for example, have experienced unfair censorship via demonetization since 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Malia |last=Disney |title=Trans YouTubers Say They Are Being Censored. Is It The Algorithm? |url=https://archive.yr.media/journalism/outloud/trans-youtubers-say-they-are-being-censored-and-an-algorithm-may-be-to-blame/ |website=archive.yr.media |date=4 May 2018 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130035845/https://archive.yr.media/journalism/outloud/trans-youtubers-say-they-are-being-censored-and-an-algorithm-may-be-to-blame/ |archive-date=30 Jan 2023}}</ref> Content creators affected by this unfairly balanced moderation via algorithms<ref>{{Cite web |first=Randy |last=Cantz |title=Adpocalypse: How YouTube Demonetization Imperils the Future of Free Speech |url=https://bpr.studentorg.berkeley.edu/2018/05/01/adpocalypse-how-youtube-demonetization-imperils-the-future-of-free-speech/ |website=Berkeley Political Review |date=1 May 2018 |access-date=5 Apr 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424095310/https://bpr.studentorg.berkeley.edu/2018/05/01/adpocalypse-how-youtube-demonetization-imperils-the-future-of-free-speech/ |archive-date=24 Apr 2024}}</ref> have dubbed these events as "adpocalypses".<ref>{{Cite web |first=Julia |last=Alexander |title=YouTubers fear looming ‘adpocalypse’ after child exploitation controversy |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/20/18231561/youtube-child-exploitation-predators-controversy-creators-adpocalypse |website=The Verge |date=20 Feb 2019 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220205927/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/20/18231561/youtube-child-exploitation-predators-controversy-creators-adpocalypse |archive-date=20 Feb 2019}}</ref>

====Irresponsibly automated moderation====
When YouTube integrated the ability to take down videos via the [[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]] (DMCA), they decided to often handle take-down requests in an automated manner.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |first=Chuck |last=Jines |title=ABUSE – How DMCA automated takedown notices violate free speech |url=https://www.chuckjines.com/abuse-dmac-automated-takedown-notices-and-free-speech/ |website=Chuck Jines |date=4 Mar 2025 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250303201747/https://www.chuckjines.com/abuse-dmac-automated-takedown-notices-and-free-speech/ |archive-date=3 Mar 2025}}</ref> This automation has led to an excess in fraudulent DMCA take-downs of content,<ref>{{Cite web |author=itanshi |title=I'd like to talk about the problem with anonymous DMCA take down notices. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/5zzr9c/id_like_to_talk_about_the_problem_with_anonymous/ |website=[[Reddit]] |date=27 Mar 2017 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606184354/https://old.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/5zzr9c/id_like_to_talk_about_the_problem_with_anonymous/ |archive-date=6 Jun 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=@The Last Civil Rights Lawyer |date=21 Jul 2021 |title=“Lackluster” Gets a Fraudulent Copyright Strike for Dashcam Footage and Now We Sue |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPqtT88PT9Y |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=rPqtT88PT9Y |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> even going so far as to have [[Bungie]] call out YouTube in a legal case for their negligence.<ref>{{Cite web |first=John |last= Brodkin |title=Bungie slams YouTube’s DMCA system in lawsuit against ''Destiny'' takedown fraudsters |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/03/bungie-slams-youtubes-dmca-system-in-lawsuit-against-destiny-takedown-fraudsters/ |website=Ars Technica |date=28 Mar 2022 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329203809/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2022/03/bungie-slams-youtubes-dmca-system-in-lawsuit-against-destiny-takedown-fraudsters/ |archive-date=29 Mar 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Andy |last=Maxwell
|title=Digital Trails: How Bungie Identified a Mass Sender of Fake DMCA Notices |url=https://torrentfreak.com/digital-trails-how-bungie-identified-a-mass-sender-of-fake-dmca-notices-220624/ |website=TorrentFreak |date=24 Jun 2022 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624070824/https://torrentfreak.com/digital-trails-how-bungie-identified-a-mass-sender-of-fake-dmca-notices-220624/ |archive-date=24 Jun 2022}}</ref> These take-down requests have ranged from users impersonating corporations, to users impersonating other users.<ref name=":3" />

===Crackdown against ad-blockers===
The prevalence of advertising on the platform, coupled with the repeated appearance of harmful and deceptive ads within YouTube's advertising system, has led a significant number of users to employ ad-blocking tools to facilitate their viewing experience.

In response, Google has initiated technical countermeasures to limit the functionality of these tools. This has resulted in an ongoing cycle where ad-blocker developers adapt to new restrictions, and the platform subsequently implements further detection methods. A key strategy in this effort involves the implementation of advanced code integrity checks designed to ensure ad content is delivered to viewers.

However, these measures typically exhibit limited efficacy before ad-blocking tools develop new methods of circumvention,<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Flaherty |first=Kate |date=20 Jun 2024 |title=YouTube’s Ad Blocker Ban Just Got Even Bigger |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2024/06/20/youtubes-ad-blocker-ban-just-got-even-bigger/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240620123932/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2024/06/20/youtubes-ad-blocker-ban-just-got-even-bigger/ |archive-date=20 Jun 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |website=Forbes}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Scharon |last=Harding |title=YouTube’s ad blocker crackdown escalates, aggravating users |url=https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/11/youtube-tries-to-kill-ad-blockers-in-push-for-ad-dollars-premium-subs/ |website=Ars Technica |date=1 Nov 2023 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101170643/https://arstechnica.com/google/2023/11/youtube-tries-to-kill-ad-blockers-in-push-for-ad-dollars-premium-subs/ |archive-date=1 Nov 2023}}</ref><ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMaFH4KzOVg YouTube blocks adblockers; will this be their downfall?]</ref> a dynamic that some analysts suggest exemplifies the<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brave no longer blocking youtube ads as of March 27, 2024 |url=https://community.brave.com/t/brave-no-longer-blocking-youtube-ads-as-of-march-27-2024/540032 |website=Brave |date=27 May 2024 |access-date=12 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801101510/https://community.brave.com/t/brave-no-longer-blocking-youtube-ads-as-of-march-27-2024/540032 |archive-date=1 Aug 2024}}</ref><nowiki> </nowiki>{{Wplink|Streisand effect}}.<ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GARcKCaUfI YouTube's adblock war is backfiring in the worst way possible 🤣]</ref>

Additional strategies have involved the integration of advertisements directly into video streams. This approach has impaired the functionality of certain browser extensions, including SponsorBlock, a community-driven tool designed to skip sponsored segments within videos. The extension relies on user-submitted timestamps to identify these segments; its effectiveness is significantly reduced when personalized advertisements, which vary in duration and placement for each viewer, are embedded into the stream itself.<ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weP62wPEjRw Youtube is dedicated to making this website worse; destroys sponsorblock with ad injection changes]</ref>

Google has publicly acknowledged implementing code that degrades the user experience for individuals using ad blockers. This includes introducing artificial latency, which has been documented to slow page load times, a measure that also affected users of the Firefox browser.<ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMLMQRS3Krk Youtube confirms intentional slowdown of adblock users 🤦‍♂️]</ref><ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x7NSw0Irc0 Is Youtube making firefox load slow on purpose?]</ref>
Further viewing:
<ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://youtube.com/watch?v=fcXTlobPCQw Youtube goes to war with ad blockers - how companies die]</ref><ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://youtube.com/watch?v=ALvky_4mJpM Youtube adblocker gives Google the finger on their own platform]</ref><ref group="Rossmann Video">[https://youtube.com/watch?v=PTmZv7-eMrE Youtube's war on adblockers continues, sends cease & desist to invidious.io - you know what to do 😉]</ref>

====Offline video DRM====
The YouTube Mobile application permits users with a YouTube Premium subscription to download videos for offline viewing. However, the downloaded content is protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) that requires the application to establish an online connection with YouTube's servers at least once every 48 hours to maintain playback functionality. This requirement is not prominently featured on the primary YouTube Premium marketing page and is detailed instead within the platform's support documentation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=YouTube Premium |url=https://www.youtube.com/premium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/u9yLW |archive-date=2025-11-11 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch videos offline on mobile in selected countries and regions |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719175650/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6141269 |archive-date=19 Jul 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=[[Google]]}}</ref>

Saved videos are forcibly deleted after 29 days. [[Data_lock-in#Videos_downloaded_inside_the_YouTube_app|Data lock-in and proprietary encoding]] prevents the user from making permanent copies of videos, even those licensed under Creative Commons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santos |first=Noel |date=2024-12-07 |title=Warning: Youtube Premium "Downloads" aren't MP4 Files |url=https://www.virtualcuriosities.com/articles/3383/warning-youtube-premium-downloads-arent-mp4-files |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/eeX0J |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Virtual Curiousities}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mental Outlaw |title=Google is Locking Down Android |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1S0SiBuJN8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=L1S0SiBuJN8 |archive-date=2025-08-29 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

====Universal DRM testing and violation of Creative Commons licences====
YouTube on TV is an HTML5 web interface from Google to allow supported devices — such as game consoles which do not have a native YouTube app — to view content via YouTube. An A/B experiment has begun which protects all video and audio content regardless of bitrate or format via the YouTube on TV platform with DRM.<ref>{{Cite web |author=coletdjnz |title=[YouTube] DRM on ALL videos with tv (TVHTML5) client #12563 |url=https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/issues/12563 |website=GitHub |date=8 Mar 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330031529/https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/issues/12563 |archive-date=30 Mar 2025}}</ref> One {{Wplink|Xbox 360}} user reported that the YouTube on TV functionality stopped working as a result of the DRM implementation{{Citation needed|date=18 Aug 2025}}. A number of content creators license their work uploaded to YouTube via the {{Wplink|Creative Commons}} licenses. The universal implementation of DRM to restrict a users ability to exercise their rights granted by the license is a violation of the aforementioned licenses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=License Versions
|url=https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/License_Versions#Application_of_effective_technological_measures_by_users_of_CC-licensed_works_prohibited |website=Creative Commons |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250101062938/https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/License_Versions#Application_of_effective_technological_measures_by_users_of_CC-licensed_works_prohibited |archive-date=1 Jan 2025}}</ref>

===Paywalling standard browser features===
Another premium feature of the YouTube mobile app is the ability to play videos in the background.<ref name=":0" /> Without a premium subscription, neither the app nor a web browser will play YouTube videos in the background. However, the default HTML5 video player supports this with no extra effort needed from the developer.{{Citation needed}}

===Removal of the dislike count on videos===
On 10 November 2021, YouTube removed the public dislike count from all of its videos. Creators are still be able to view dislike counts on their videos through the YouTube Studio website and app.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=An update to dislikes on YouTube |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/update-to-youtube/ |website=YouTube Official Blog |date=10 Nov 2021 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110173333/https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/update-to-youtube/ |archive-date=10 Nov 2021}}</ref>

According to YouTube, this was implemented after user testing revealed that users were less likely to feel incentivized to actively try and manipulate the dislike count on videos if the dislike count was not visible to them.<ref name=":2" /> This spurred the creation of "Return YouTube Dislike" by Dmitry Selivanov, a third-party web browser extension to expose the dislike count again. YouTube discontinued the related API, upon which the extension relied, on 13 December 2021. From thereon "Return YouTube Dislike" switched "to using a combination of archived dislike stats, estimates extrapolated from extension user data and estimates based on view/like ratios for videos whose dislikes weren't archived and for outdated dislike archives."<ref>{{Cite web |first=Michael |last=Can |title=Browser Extension Brings Back Dislike Count to YouTube Videos |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/browser-extension-brings-back-dislike-count-to-youtube-videos
|website=PC Mag |date=29 Nov 2021 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130001311/https://www.pcmag.com/news/browser-extension-brings-back-dislike-count-to-youtube-videos |archive-date=30 Nov 2021}}</ref>
===Anti-features and dark patterns to trick the user into staying longer===
YouTube's algorithm was engineered to make the user watch more videos than they intended, to earn more ad revenue.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicas |first=Jack |date=7 Feb 2018 |title=How YouTube Drives People to the Internet’s Darkest Corners |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-youtube-drives-viewers-to-the-internets-darkest-corners-1518020478 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208091112/https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-youtube-drives-viewers-to-the-internets-darkest-corners-1518020478 |archive-date=8 Dec 2018 |access-date=29 Jan 2026 |website=The Wall Street Journal |quote=YouTube engineered its algorithm several years ago to make the site “sticky”—to recommend videos that keep users staying to watch still more, said current and former YouTube engineers who helped build it. The site earns money selling ads that run before and during videos.}}</ref> On top of a feature called Autoplay, which queues another video (chosen by Youtube's algorithm) and plays that automatically after a short delay so you keep watching more. Especially children will through this mechanism have their attention extracted for several hours.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=2 Nov 2018 |others=NPR/TED Staff |title=James Bridle: What Do Kids' Videos on YouTube Reveal About the Internet's Dark Side? |url=https://www.npr.org/transcripts/662612151 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250620234159/https://www.npr.org/transcripts/662612151 |archive-date=20 Jun 2025 |access-date=29 Jan 2026 |website=NPR |quote="And also, on the other side of the screen, there still are these little kids watching this stuff - right? - their full attention grabbed by these weird mechanisms. And so there's autoplay, where it just keeps playing these videos over and over and over on a loop, endlessly, for hours and hours at a time. And there's so much weirdness in the system now that autoplay takes you to some pretty strange places. This is how within, like, a dozen steps, you can go from a cute video of a counting train to masturbating Mickey Mouse."}}</ref>

<blockquote>This is how within, like, a dozen steps, you can go from a cute video of a counting train to masturbating Mickey Mouse — James Bridle<ref name=":9" /></blockquote>By default, this feature is enabled.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 Apr 2025 |title=Autoplay videos - YouTube Help |url=https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6327615?hl=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401080124/https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6327615?hl=en |archive-date=1 Apr 2025 |access-date=13 Jul 2025 |website=[[Google]]}}</ref> Another feature like this is the inclusion of irrelevant videos in search results, which are marked as "related".{{Citation needed}} If the user searches for something and scrolls down the list too far, the likelihood of them finding what they were looking for decreases since results are generally sorted by what the platform deems relevant to the search query. Hence, if the user scrolls down too far, it is likely that they give up and leave the site. Therefore YouTube started to add random videos out of its recommendation list for the user into the search results, increasing the probability that they see something they will click and watch.{{Citation needed}} This makes it much harder and more inconvenient to find relevant search results since the user has to scroll past all the noise that is designed to distract them. Since unrelated videos are promoted in search in its place, it means that a low engagement video that is actually relevant is less likely to be discovered.{{Citation needed}}

===High number of bots===
Upon the initial publication of a video, the comment section is frequently targeted by coordinated automated accounts.{{Citation needed}} These accounts often engage in disruptive activities, including attempts to direct users to external scams or artificially inflate engagement.{{Citation needed}}

These accounts commonly employ identifiable tactics, such as:

*Utilizing profile pictures of popular public figures or suggestive imagery.
*Reposting highly-liked comments from the same video, sometimes with minor edits if the comment gains significant traction.
*Posting generic comments that are irrelevant to the video's content or the channel's focus.

Despite consistent feedback from content creators and the broader community, effective platform-level measures to automatically detect and mitigate this activity appear limited.{{Citation needed}} Consequently, content creators and their moderation teams are often required to manually review and remove these comments on a per-video basis to maintain the quality and safety of their community interactions.{{Citation needed}}

===Crackdown against third-party front-ends===
Since the beginning of 2025, users have been reporting issues with 3rd-party frontends accessing the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 Feb 2025 |title=Youtube changed something, again! |url=https://nadeko.net/announcements/invidious-02-20/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816014757/https://nadeko.net/announcements/invidious-02-20/ |archive-date=16 Aug 2025 |access-date=16 Aug 2025}}</ref> For FreeTube, there has been a heightened amount of people receiving [[wikipedia:HTTP_403|403 errors]] associated with IP blocks when attempting to view videos via this frontend.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gevaarlijk |date=Jan 31, 2025 |title=[Bug]: [BAD_HTTP_STATUS: 403] Potential causes: IP block or streaming URL deciphering failed #6701 |url=https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube/issues/6701 |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cPHsx |archive-date=21 Feb 2025 |access-date=Aug 30, 2025 |website=[[GitHub]]}}</ref>

===AI filtering without consent===
YouTube is testing an experiment on Shorts content that enhances a video's detail without the creator's consent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reisner |first=Alex |date=August 22, 2025 |title=YouTube’s Sneaky AI ‘Experiment’ |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/08/youtube-shorts-ai-upscaling/683946/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250822194955/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/08/youtube-shorts-ai-upscaling/683946/ |archive-date=22 Aug 2025 |access-date=August 26, 2025 |website=The Register}}</ref> The resulting output tends to look plastic. This change has been observed as early as June 27, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |author=Ulincsys |date=June 27, 2025 |title=YouTube Shorts are almost certainly being AI upscaled |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1lllnse/youtube_shorts_are_almost_certainly_being_ai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/01yrZ |archive-date=2025-08-07 |access-date=August 26, 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> and affects creators who especially intend the video to be viewed in a certain way, such as the "VHS look".<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2025 |title=YouTube Shorts are becoming AI upscaled without consent from creators |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1m5y7zu/youtube_shorts_are_becoming_ai_upscaled_without/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/i2Ej3 |archive-date=18 Aug 2025 |access-date=August 26, 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Rhett Shull, in his video, opines such a change "will inevitably erode viewers trust in my content [...] or any of the other creators on this platform that we all watch and we all follow" due to implications that the creator may be using AI, and "also erodes my trust in the platform."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shull |first=Rhett |date=2025-08-14 |title=YouTube Is Using AI to Alter Content (and not telling us) |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=86nhP8tvbLY |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=86nhP8tvbLY |archive-date=16 Aug 2025 |access-date=August 26, 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

Artist Sam Yang uploaded a video on the August 30th, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Sam |date=30 Aug 2025 |title=Youtube is Using AI on Your Shorts Without Consent.. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjnQ-s7LW-g |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=tjnQ-s7LW-g |archive-date=26 Jan 2026 |website=Youtube}}</ref> following up on the issue using his own work for comparison, testing the claims that this is merely compression scaling, adding an artist's eye and commentary to the issue.

Users complained about a dangerous flickering that happens under some videos. Some forwarded this issue to YouTube scientist Anton Petrov, to which he replicated the issue and showed it under a video uploaded October 25, 2025, noting it happens on one of his devices, more specifically a mobile phone.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Petrov |first=Anton |date=2025-10-25 |title=YouTube AI Filter Is Making My Videos Dangerous To Watch |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HY-nREvVu4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=2HY-nREvVu4 |archive-date=26 Oct 2025 |access-date=October 30, 2025 |website=YouTube}}</ref>

===2025 channel terminations wave===
On November 2025, multiple YouTube channels, including Enderman, Scratchit Gaming, and 4096 are reportedly terminated in a massive banwave under false reasons, such as association with a Japanese-language channel "椛のスターレイル遊び" which translates roughly as "Momiji plays Honkai: Star Rail Adventures," a reference to a Japanese role-playing game. Some have blamed the banwave on the malfunctions of YouTube's AI-powered moderation system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Binder |first=Matt |date=2025-11-04 |title=Big YouTube channels are being banned. YouTubers are blaming AI. |url=https://mashable.com/article/big-youtube-channels-terminated-creators-blame-ai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/IHzZU |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2026-02-02 |website=Mashable}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Relevant Rossmann Videos===
<references group="Rossmann Video" />

[[Category:YouTube]]

Better Way Electronics

2026-02-02T13:14:59Z

Raster: Added archive links (thanks, past PreserveTube users!)

{{Cite web |last=Rossmann|first=Louis|date=11 May 2025|title=BwE: Enjoy and learn from the master 👊🇺🇲🔥|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFe5LiACN9k|access-date=12 May 2025|website=[[YouTube]]|archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qFe5LiACN9k|archive-date=2025-05-12|url-status=live}}

'''Better Way Electronics''' (BWE) is an Australian company founded in 2018 by Louie Tahiri,{{CitationNeeded}} formerly known as Luan Muharrem Tahiraj.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-05-12 |title=ABN History for Louie Tahiri |url=https://abr.business.gov.au/AbnHistory/View?id=63008860471 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512123652/https://abr.business.gov.au/AbnHistory/View?id=63008860471 |archive-date=12 May 2025 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=Australian Business Register}}</ref> It is focused around technology repair, and its tech diagnostic software was widely used by both tech repair shops and consumers doing personal repairs globally, especially for modern {{Wplink|PlayStation}} devices.

==Consumer-impact summary==
*'''User freedom:''' Software distributed by BWE could easily and did have product support and function access revoked due to arbitrarily-enforced terms.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=25 Apr 2024 |title=This is informative & unfortunate; BwE Bans Legit Customers of repair software with NO REFUND! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_ftVGN-09I |archive-url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We7G1g9X3Tg  |archive-date=8 May 2025 |access-date=16 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
*'''User privacy:''' Known to [[spyware|spy on devices]] of individuals and users of software distributed by BWE. The owner of the company has previously been criminally convicted for offenses involving malicious hacking and exploitation of sensitive user data.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=11 May 2025 |title=BwE: Enjoy and learn from the master 👊🇺🇲🔥 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFe5LiACN9k |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=qFe5LiACN9k |archive-date=2025-05-12 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
*'''Business model:''' Repairing electronics and selling software that can be used by other repair shops.
*'''Market control:''' Controls portions of the tech repair market with software; may be nullified should a bounty<ref name=":0" /> be cashed in.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TheCode3r |date=6 May 2025 |title=#F*ckBwE Because My Tool Is FREE! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDANyCe3wAA |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=dDANyCe3wAA |archive-date=2025-05-12 |access-date=16 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</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]].

===Use of diagnostic software as spyware===
The software produced by BWE has been shown to perform invasive monitoring of users' PCs,<ref name=":2" /> and cease functioning if it detects any kind of 'undesirable' behavior.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=17 May 2025 |title=The FINAL nail in BwE's coffin: eyewitnesses speak out. This is him. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfL4p8JvZ4s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=VfL4p8JvZ4s |archive-date=2025-05-17 |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Due to Louie Tahiri's history of cyber-crime, as well as his aggressive tendencies during customer support interactions, and pride in, rather than remorse for his crimes,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Renee |first=Viellaris |date=20 August 2013 |title=Hacker blackmailed NSW girl to strip |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/online-predator-luan-muharrem-tahiraj-sentenced-to-12-years-jail-for-grooming-lonely-nsw-teen/news-story/619ac3804357f2fd740cc0548e598b7b?amp&nk=636d0ea36d8954fbe15b00b436d47246-1747023043 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/JUqyn |archive-date=2025-05-12 |work=The Daily Telegraph |quote=Justice Fryberg :"You have shown no contrition for your offending. You continue to deny responsibility for it.""You are proud of what you did and your own cleverness in doing it. There is no evidence this has changed.''}}</ref> serious concerns have been raised surrounding the monitoring and access to data and remain the subject of scrutiny and concern.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />

===Attempting to cover-up criticism (''2025'')===
On multiple occasions, BWE has been implicated in attempts to remove content critical of its business practices and its owner<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> abusing YouTube's Privacy Complaint Process.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rossmann |first=Louis |date=8 May 2025 |title=BwE tried to take down my videos, so I'm taking down his business |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEMR6zKP9l8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=fEMR6zKP9l8 |archive-date=2025-05-08 |access-date=16 May 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref> Since its owner's criminal history became a matter of public discussion, BWE has removed its public presence from the internet, including its [https://betterwayelectronics.com.au/ website], [https://x.com/BwE_Dev X account], [https://www.youtube.com/@betterwayelectronics/videos YouTube channel], and [https://github.com/BetterWayElectronics/BetterWayElectronics GitHub page].

==Products==
;Playstation (PS) repair tools
*PS4 NOR Validator<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |author=BwE |title=BwE PS4 NOR Validator & BwE SerialReader Script by BetterWayElectronics |url=https://www.psxhax.com/threads/bwe-ps4-nor-validator-bwe-serialreader-script-by-betterwayelectronics.6139/ |website=PSHAX |date=27 Nov 2018 |access-date=12 Nov 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408175450/https://www.psxhax.com/threads/bwe-ps4-nor-validator-bwe-serialreader-script-by-betterwayelectronics.6139/ |archive-date=8 Apr 2025}}</ref>
*SerialReader Script<ref name=":3" />
*PS5 NOR Tool<ref name=":1" />

==See also==
[[Cami Research|CAMI Research]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

Apple

2026-02-02T06:16:50Z

Raster: add cbsnews & german magazine archive link

{{CompanyCargo
|Founded=1976
|Industry=Electronics
|Logo=Apple logo (black).svg
|ParentCompany=
|Type=Public
|Website=https://apple.com/
|Description=Tech company known for hardware, software, and operating systems. Has repeatedly restricted device repairs and ability for users to downgrade their OS
}}

{{Wplink|Apple Inc.|'''Apple'''}} is an American technology company that was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. It is best known for its consumer electronics, software, and services.

Apple's current product lineup includes hardware such as the [[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]], iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple Vision Pro, [[Airpods|AirPods]], and Apple TV; operating systems such as iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, and macOS; and various software and services including Apple Pay, iCloud, Apple Arcade, and multimedia streaming services like Apple Music and [[Apple TV+]].

==Incidents==

===Repairability of Apple products in the 2000s===
Since the 2000s, Apple has focused on reducing the weight of its products as technology has advanced and become increasingly complex. This shift has contributed to challenges in repairing and upgrading their devices.

===Hardware design issues in the 2010s===
Apple had numerous hardware design issues in the 2010s, often poorly acknowledged by the company and frequently charging exorbitant amounts for repair.

*High-cost GPU failures on early 2010's MacBooks<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-10-28 |title=Apple faces class-action lawsuit over 2011 MacBook Pro GPU issues |url=https://9to5mac.com/2014/10/28/apple-class-action-lawsuit-2011-macbook-pro-gpu-graphics-issues/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/dOfPg |archive-date=2025-06-06 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=9to5mac}}</ref>
*the 2016-'17 MacBook Pro's screen cable skimping scandal<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Jon |date=2019-05-05 |title=Apple quietly addressed ‘Flexgate’ issue with MacBook Pro redesign |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/5/18251264/macbook-pro-2018-flexgate-fix-display-cable-2mm-longer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/fbtWU |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*2016-2019 MacBooks butterfly keyboards<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=2020-05-04 |title=The saga of Apple’s bad butterfly MacBook keyboards is finally over |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/5/4/21246223/macbook-keyboard-butterfly-magic-pro-apple-design |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/D8U0I |archive-date=2021-10-08 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Verge}}</ref>
*the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro's SSD failures<ref>{{Cite web |last=digilloyd |date=2020-04-03 |title=2019 MacBook Pro Seems to Have a High Failure Rate |url=https://macperformanceguide.com/blog/2020/20200403_1024-MacBookPro2019-repairs.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/9a3yL |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Mac Performance Guide}}</ref>
*The announcement and cancellation of Apple AirPower<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple cancels AirPower product, citing inability to meet its high standards for hardware |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/apple-cancels-airpower-product-citing-inability-to-meet-its-high-standards-for-hardware/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401040644/https://techcrunch.com/2019/03/29/apple-cancels-airpower-product-citing-inability-to-meet-its-high-standards-for-hardware/ |archive-date=2019-04-01 |website=TechCrunch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Clover |first=Juli |date=2018-09-12 |title=After No Sign of AirPower at Today's Event Apple Wipes Most Mentions From Website |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/no-sign-of-airpower-at-september-event/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211124170507/https://www.macrumors.com/2018/09/12/no-sign-of-airpower-at-september-event/ |archive-date=2021-11-24 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=MacRumors}}</ref> due to overheating{{CitationNeeded|reason=no archived article mentioning overheating specifically}}

====Recent attempts to do better====
Recently, Apple has made efforts to improve its products, though some observers feel that its pro-consumer practices still do not match those of certain other manufacturers. This shift is thought by some to be influenced by evolving legislation.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hern |first=Alex |date=2022-10-26 |title=Apple to put USB-C connectors in iPhones to comply with EU rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/26/iphone-usb-c-lightning-connectors-apple-eu-rules |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/3qwt5 |archive-date=2022-10-31 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> 

This includes:

*Opening an online [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] parts store.
*Making the back glass of iPhones removable starting from iPhone 14.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiens |first=Kyle |date=2022-09-16 |title=Inside Apple’s Secret iPhone 14 Redesign |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/64865/iphone-14-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/ggFoJ |archive-date=2022-09-20 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=iFixIt}}</ref>
*Allowing alternative app stores in an update to iOS 17, in compliance with new EU legislation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Installing apps through alternative app distribution in the European Union |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/117767 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/lEKMA |archive-date=2024-10-03 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref>
*Calibration tools for newly installed used parts in iOS 18,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Use Repair Assistant to finish an iPhone or iPad repair |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/120579 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/uI8Qc |archive-date=2024-09-20 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref> which sometimes work.{{CitationNeeded}}
*An upgradeable, swappable SSD in the 2024 Mac Mini - albeit you cannot swap these units between M4 and M4 Pro units due to the internal casing's design being different without much good reason.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sorrel |first=Charlie |date=2024-11-12 |title=All Hail the Return of Upgradeable Storage! Mac mini 2024 Teardown |url=https://www.ifixit.com/News/104302/all-hail-the-return-of-upgradeable-storage-mac-mini-2024-teardown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/r8hpm |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=iFixit}}</ref>
*A battery removable with just a 9V battery in the 2024 iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone 16 Plus Battery |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/trT1j |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=support.apple.com}}</ref>
Many of these items have sparked allegations of [[Malicious Compliance]] and being introduced purely to make stricter right for repair legislation appear unnecessary to legislators while not doing much to improve the situation for consumers. 

For instance, pricing for parts on the [[Apple Self Service Repair|Self Service Repair]] store is virtually identical to having the part replaced by Apple themselves (including both the price of the part and labor), alternate app installation options are limited to users in the EU, still require developers to be registered with Apple, have them approve the apps and in many cases paying them fees, and the upgradeable SSDs do not use common standards such as M.2 NVME. Unlike standard SSDs, they are also not always swappable between different models and require access to a second Apple computer to provision after installation.

===Operating system downgrades===
It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade an iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, etc. to an Operating System (OS) version that is no longer signed by Apple. In most cases, only the most recent version is signed. Some exceptions exist, such as certain Apple TV models and Apple Silicon Macs. Downgrading the Apple TV 4K series is not possible at all due to the lack of a USB port. On Macs with a T2 chip, the user can select from three modes of secure boot:<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Startup Security Utility on a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250607083624/https://support.apple.com/en-us/102522 |archive-date=7 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

*No Security: Allow any OS to run (same as turning off secure boot on a PC).
*Medium Security: Allow any OS that is signed with a secure boot certificate (default, same as turning on secure boot on a PC).
*Full Security: Only allow the latest version of macOS, do not allow any other OS.

On Macs with Apple Silicon, the user can select from two modes of secure boot:

*Permissive Security: Accessible only via recovery Terminal tools (and still enforces Apple’s secure chain for much of the boot). This is the lowest available security policy on Apple silicon but does not remove secure boot entirely in the way “No Security” used to.
*Reduced Security: Allows booting older versions of macOS trusted by Apple but still enforces signed OS policy.
*Full Security: Only the currently signed macOS version trusted by Apple can boot.

iOS devices only support Full Security mode. The device checks for a cryptographic "ticket,"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=APTicket |url=https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/APTicket |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/jTHEl |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=theapplewiki.com}}</ref> which are tied to the OS version and CPU serial number. These are provided by a server, which only provides them for the latest version (with very specific exceptions). The device refuses to boot if the ticket does not match. Workarounds exist, but with major caveats that are not viable for most users,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-27 |title=Firmware rendering |url=https://theapplewiki.com/wiki/Firmware_downgrading |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/uT2aI |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=theapplewiki.com}}</ref> see the technical details on [[wikipedia:SHSH_blob|SHSH blobs]].

===Class action lawsuit===
Apple was the defendant of a class-action lawsuit with claims dating back to 2017 where users noticed their phones were being artificially slowed down. Apple agreed to settle the lawsuit for up to $500 million USD.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Gael |date=9 Jan 2024 |title=Apple Starts Sending Out iPhone 'Batterygate' Settlement Payments. What to Know |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321051703/https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-starts-sending-out-iphone-batterygate-settlement-payments-what-to-know/ |archive-date=21 Mar 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=CNET}}</ref> Apple claimed that this change was to benefit users who have old failing batteries, and that it wasn't for planned obsolescence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Napolitano |first=Elizabeth |date=2023-08-18 |title=Millions of Apple customers to get payments of up to $90 in iPhone "batterygate" settlement. Here's what to know. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-iphone-payment-500-million-settlement-what-to-know/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/hV5ZO |archive-date=2026-02-02 |website=CBS News}}</ref> They later published software updates and an article explaining how users can opt out of this new "performance management" mode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=iPhone battery and performance |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618231138/https://support.apple.com/en-us/101575 |archive-date=18 Jun 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=Apple}}</ref>

Once a new OS version is installed, there is no opportunity to go back. This also restricts the user's choice to {{Wplink|iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak}} the device, as the latest version naturally has patches for the latest jailbreak exploits. App developers also require access to earlier iOS versions to test that their app works correctly. The alternative, Xcode's iOS Simulator, is not a complete replacement for real hardware, as it does not have all features of a physical device.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vajpai |first=Shreeti |date=24 Jun 2024 |title=iOS Emulators / Simulators vs Real iOS Devices |url=https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519081214/https://contextqa.com/test-on-ios-emulators-simulators/ |archive-date=19 May 2025 |access-date=22 Jun 2025 |website=ContextQA}}</ref> Instead, app developers are forced to purchase several test devices, and remember to ''never'' allow them to update.

===Parts availability===
Many parts are not available directly from Apple. Those that are available directly from Apple may be more expensive than paying Apple to repair your device. Parts available to certified repair centers are extremely limited. Apple does not stock current generation iPad parts within GSX (See Certified Repair Centers). A limited selection of iPad parts are available from iFixit, however this can exclude some flex PCBs necessary for repairing headphone jacks.

If an Apple iPhone has GPS calibration issues and or {{Wplink|Bluetooth}} connectivity issues, Apple will do their own diagnostics. You explain to the Apple employee how and when the issues occur and you explain in detail your methods to reproduce the issues. The issues occur when your phone is in your pocket while using navigation and when you hold your phone upside down while using your Apple Beats wireless headphones. After Apple runs their diagnostics and they are not able to detect the issues, they will move onto the next step which is fully resetting your device. This is considered a standard troubleshooting procedure. When you ask the Apple store manager if they would be willing to exchange your device for a similar model if they cannot fix your device they respond with "No, because these phones are designed to be fixed". After the software reset fail, Apple will require you to leave your phone with them so they can send it to their offsite repair facility for further diagnostics. After a few days, Apple will come to the conclusion that your phone requires an entire new midsection. When asked what was replaced, Apple will inform you that the entire inside has been replaced — essentially giving you a new phone (with a new IMEI, EID, etc.) apart from the casing and screen.

===Diagnostic software availability===
Calibration software for some Apple devices has only recently become available to end users. End user calibration tools have only become accessible in iOS 18. Similar calibration tools have been available to Certified Repair Centers, but are generally limited as many parts are serialized, i.e. lid sensors on Mac Books.

===Certified repair centers===
Certified Repair Centers have some limited access to Apple's proprietary backend (GSX2). GSX contains many tools necessary to repair devices such as diagnostic tools, calibration tools, parts catalog, and device repair history. GSX is only accessible to repair centers Apple deems certified. GSX does not stock parts for iPads. It does not allow the calibration of parts such as lid sensors for a device, if that device does not have an open repair and purchased parts. The new iOS 18 calibration tool is very similar to Apple's ASU (GSX's diagnostic/calibration tool). Some videos of GSX can be found online. See: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy8bS1AgxcY GSX - How to Gain GSX Apple Access - iOSGenius]

===Advertisements in first party apps===
In 2014, Apple and the band U2 partnered to give all iTunes users a free digital copy of their newest album at the time, ''Songs of Innocence'', which was marketed as "the biggest album release ever in history".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|title=Apple & U2 Release “Songs of Innocence” Exclusively for iTunes Store Customers|date=2014-09-09|work=Apple Newsroom|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405230217/https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2014/09/09Apple-U2-Release-Songs-of-Innocence-Exclusively-for-iTunes-Store-Customers/|archive-date=2025-04-05|url-status=live}}</ref> Many users who didn't want the album couldn't remove it from their iTunes library due to the album being listed as a "past purchase" on their account (however the album could always be "hidden").<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|title=Apple's Devious U2 Album Giveaway Is Even Worse Than Spam|date=2014-09-16|first=Vijith|last=Assar|work=WIRED|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250530112829/https://www.wired.com/2014/09/apples-devious-u2-album-giveaway-even-worse-spam/|archive-date=2025-05-30|url-status=live}}</ref> Some reports speculated the deal was worth 100 million dollars and was done due to the band's declining popularity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|title=Apple's U2 Album Promotion Backfires|first=Nathan|last=Rott|date=2014-09-15|work=NPR|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601154245/https://www.npr.org/2014/09/15/348612823/apples-u2-album-promotion-backfires|archive-date=2025-06-01|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Bono, a member of U2, wrote in his memoir how Tim Cook reportedly said how "there’s something not right about giving [U2's] art away for free" and "the whole point of what we’re trying to do at Apple is to not give away music free. The point is to make sure musicians get paid".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|title=Apple CEO Tim Cook thought U2 putting its album on your iPhone was ‘not right’—even though he did it anyway|first=Tristan|last=Bove|date=2022-10-24|work=Fortune|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127191141/https://fortune.com/2022/10/24/tim-cook-said-free-u2-album-itunes-was-not-right/|archive-date=2025-01-27|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2025, Apple added a promotional offer for F1 The Movie in their Wallet application.<ref>{{Cite web |title=F1 The Movie - News |url=https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/f1/news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/pQCP7 |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=Apple TV+ Press}}</ref> Users have mentioned how this could violate Apple's own policy on advertising, how the high price of Apple devices shouldn't justify first party ads, and the annoyance of seeing it.<ref>{{Cite web |author=u/african-nightmare |date=2025-06-24 |title=Getting ads in Apple Wallet, how to disable? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1ljfs7u/getting_ads_in_apple_wallet_how_to_disable/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/dNE2S |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-06-25 |work=Reddit}}</ref> For users on the iOS 26 beta, there is an option to disable "Offers & Promotions", with users on iOS 18 needing to disable notifications completely for the Wallet app.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|title=iPhone customers upset by Apple Wallet ad pushing ‘F1’ movie|first=Sarah|last=Perez|date=2025-06-24|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2025-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624213223/https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/iphone-customers-upset-by-apple-wallet-ad-pushing-f1-movie/|archive-date=2025-06-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

===AirDrop censorship (''2022'')===
As a result of the 2019 Hong Kong protests, Apple was pressured by the Chinese government to set a time limit for the AirDrop "everyone" option for iPhones due to its impact at scheduling protests against the government to avoid censorship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|title=Apple limits AirDrop in China after its use in protests|first=Jess|last=Weatherbed|date=2022-11-10|work=The Verge|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723112204/https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/10/23450967/apple-airdrop-limited-china-goverment-protests|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, the setting was applied to all iPhones worldwide to "mitigate unwanted file sharing", meaning users will need to set their airdrop setting manually every ten minutes instead of leaving it on permanently, leaving the only other options as "contacts only" and "receiving off".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|title=Apple globally censoring this iPhone communication feature deserves renewed scrutiny|first=Zac|last=Hall|date=2025-03-17|work=9To5Mac|access-date=2025-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723142521/https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/17/apple-globally-censoring-this-iphone-communication-feature-deserves-renewed-scrutiny/|archive-date=2025-07-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==="Peanuts" TV Special Takeover===
In late October of 2020, Apple announced that it's Apple TV+ service had become the exclusive home of the library of classic ''Peanuts'' animated specials, including ''A Charlie Brown Christmas'', ''It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown'', and ''A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving''. For almost 50 years, these beloved specials were shown once a year on free over-the-air TV, but as of 2020, anybody who wishes to watch them is now required to own a device that offers the Apple TV+ service and an active Apple TV+ subscription.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adalian |first=Josef |date=2020-10-19 |title=Apple TV+ Says: Welcome, Great Pumpkin |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/10/its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-streaming-apple-tv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/oJJHC |archive-date=2020-10-19 |access-date=2025-11-05 |work=Vulture}}</ref>

===2024 Antitrust Lawsuit===
In March 2024, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Apple claiming that the "closed garden" ecosystem Apple creates surrounding its iPhones stifles competition and innovation. The lawsuit alleges that Apple is directly forcing customers to purchase and use iPhones and their accessories and software in several ways:

*Forcing mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to offer its best customer deals exclusively to those who purchase iPhones.
*Restricting the functionality of Super apps such as WeChat.
*Forcing in-app purchases through applications such as Fortnite to be made within the App Store and taking a part of the proceeds as commission pay.
*Restricting the use of third-party digital wallets and requiring users to exclusively use Apple Pay.
*Restricting how third-party message apps can interact with iMessage.
*Restricting their HomeKit home automation system and all compatible devices to work only on Apple's products and issuing cease & desist orders against emulators designed to make HomeKit compatible with third-party products.
*Restricting compatibility of third party smart watches.

Apple is expected to go to trial in early 2027.<ref>{{cite web |last=Liedtke |first=Michael |date=2025-06-30 |title=Judge allows antitrust lawsuit against Apple to proceed |url=https://apnews.com/article/apple-antitrust-case-justice-department-664c187d7d09d57460076c7aa2f0c0bf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/wip/2sRIS |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-07-14 |work=Associated Press}}</ref>

===European Union USB-C Directive 2022/2380===
As part of Directive (EU) 2022/2380, the EU mandated that all smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, and other portable electronic devices must utilize USB-C as a universal charging standard by the end of 2024, with laptops following by 2026. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-07 |title=Directive (EU) 2022/2380 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 November 2022 amending Directive 2014/53/EU on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment (Text with EEA relevance) |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2380 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/eYlnR |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=EUR-Lex}}</ref>

This regulatory measure directly addresses consumer frustration with incompatible chargers types and aims to significantly reduce electronic waste. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-28 |title=USB-C-Standard: Schluss mit dem Kabelwirrwarr |url=https://www.zdfheute.de/wirtschaft/ladekabel-usb-c-standard-apple-entsorgung-elektroschrott-100.html |access-date=2025-09-02 |website=zdfheute}}</ref> The legislation allows manufacturers to unbundle chargers from devices, potentially saving consumers money, and ensures charging speed harmonization across compatible devices.

While Apple initially opposed the standardization, arguing that it would "stifle innovation rather than encourage it," the company ultimately conceded defeat, with Apple's head of marketing stating "we have no choice" regarding compliance. <ref name=":2" />

===European Digital Markets Act.===
This law forced many companies including Apple to change the way they operate to create a fairer competition. Read more about this law [[Digital Markets Act|here]].

====Changes Apple introduced iOS and iPadOS to comply with this law:====

*Introduced the ability to install applications from alternative marketplaces
*asks which browser and search engine should be the default one
*Developers now are allowed to publish in the EU browsers that do not use webkit

====Controversies:====

*Apple removed iPhone torrenting app iTorrent from alternative marketplace AltStore PAL, developer said that the access was revoked "without any warning". In a statement to The Verge, Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian said, “Notarization for this app was removed in order to comply with government sanctions-related rules in various jurisdictions. We have communicated this to the developer.”<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weatherbed |first=Jess |date=August 28, 2025 |title=Apple pulls iPhone torrent app from AltStore PAL in Europe |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903102041/https://www.theverge.com/news/767344/apple-removes-itorrent-altstore-pal-ios-marketplace |archive-date=September 3, 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref>

===Elon Musk Lawsuit===
In August of 2025, businessman Elon Musk accused Apple of engaging in anti-competitive practices by only allowing their AI program OpenAI to reach the top of the sales chart on Apple App Store. He announced his plan to sue Apple for this practice.<ref>{{cite web |last=Durden |first=Tyler |date=2025-08-12 |title=Musk Accuses Apple Of "Unequivocal Antitrust Violation" For Favoring OpenAI In App Store Rankings |url=https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/musk-accuses-apple-unequivocal-antitrust-violation-favoring-openai-app-store-rankings |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/G7191 |archive-date=2025-09-20 |access-date=2025-08-14 |work=ZeroHedge}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (1).jpg|Notification of the offer
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (2).jpg|Home screen of Wallet app
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (3).jpg|Apple Cash card screen
File:Apple Wallet F1 sponsored ad (4).PNG|Screen when selecting "learn more"
</gallery>

===Greenwashing===
Apple claims to be environmentally friendly and invests significant amounts of funds in corresponding PR campaigns,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Environment {{!}} Mother Nature |url=https://www.apple.com/environment/mother-nature/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/gHV3A |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Apple}}</ref>  but the reality is not quite as green.

Customers are lead to think that their purchases and frequent replacement of their devices do not have a negative impact on the environment, which is not the case.

In autumn of 2025, stricter EU regulations on misleading marketing claims and a lawsuite by German environmental and consumer protection non-profit organization ''Deutsche Umwelthilfe'' have forced Apple to remove their claim of carbon neutrality on several products on their EU websites. Affected products include the Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwan |first=Ben |date=2025-11-26 |title=Wegen EU-Regeln: Apple zieht Klimaneutralitäts-Claim zurück [Due to EU regulations: Apple retracts claim of climate neutrality] |url=https://www.heise.de/news/Wegen-EU-Regeln-Apple-zieht-Klimaneutralitaets-Claim-zurueck-10711532.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/d2VmA |archive-date=7 Jan 2026 |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=Heise Online}}</ref>

====Green energy pooling====
Apple shares manufacturing capacity at Chinese/Taiwanese companies FoxConn and Pegatron with other companies. If Apple uses a hypothetical 20% of their manufacturing capacity, and company B, C, D, and E also each take up 20%, and the company doing the manufacturing runs on 20% renewably generated energy, now Apple as well as companies B, C, D, and E will each publicly claim that their manufacturing runs 100% on renewable energy. In other words, each company will claim the 20% renewable energy was used for ''their'' production.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gieselmann |first=Hartmut |date=2023 |title=Von wegen CO2-neutral – Umweltexperten werfen Apple Greenwashing vor |url=https://www.heise.de/select/ct/2023/23/2326512021124424489 |journal=c't Magazin für Computertechnik [Germany] |volume=2023 |issue=23 |pages=49 |archive-url=https://archive.is/5QFDL |archive-date=2026-02-02}}</ref>

====CO2 Certificates and forest projects====
…

====The packaging trick====
Apple, like many companies, regularly emphasises how environmentally friendly their packaging is and highlight advancements in this area.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apple 2030 – We’ve reduced our emissions by over 60% |url=https://www.apple.com/environment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/Cor7F |archive-date=2025-09-10 |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Apple}}</ref>

This deliberately distracts from the fact that only a negligible fraction of the environmental footprint of an electronic device comes from the packaging, as it is made of siginificant amounts or rare earth minerals, metals and mined components and consuming vast amounts of energy, water and fuel in manufacturing and transport.

Some of the environmental advancements touted by Apple could also be argued to be environmentally beneficial side effects of purely economic decisions aimed at maximizing profit, such as shipping iPhones without chargers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dragan |first=Lauren |date=2023-09-12 |title=iPhones No Longer Come With a Charger or Headphones. Here’s What to Get If You Need Them. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/iphone-12-charger-headphones-options/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/p33vb |archive-date=2025-10-26 |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

====Shredding vast amounts of fully functional devices====
In 2020, it came to light that Apple had filed a lawsuit against a recycling company, revealing that 100,000 iPhones had been illegitimately shipped to China to be sold there instead of being shredded as had been agreed with Apple.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lovejoy |first=Ben |date=2024-04-24 |title=100,000 iPhones stolen instead of scrapped; Apple accused of shredding usable devices |url=https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/18/100000-iphones-stolen-instead-of-scrapped/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/oLvMZ |archive-date=2024-08-28 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=9to5mac}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carrique |first=Felicitas |date=2020-10-04 |title=Apple sues recycling partner for reselling more than 100,000 iPhones, iPads, and Watches it was hired to dismantle |url=https://www.theverge.com/apple/2020/10/4/21499422/apple-sues-recycling-company-reselling-ipods-ipads-watches |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/YRqdf |archive-date=2020-10-04 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=The Verge}}</ref>

These devices were likely trade-in devices from people who received a discount on a new model in exchange. Bloomberg News writes, referring to the contract with the recycler:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Austin |date=2024-04-18 |title=What Really Happens When You Trade In an iPhone at the Apple Store |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-04-18/apple-iphone-recycling-program-has-secrets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/bfc3Y |archive-date=2024-08-05 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Bloomberg}}</ref><blockquote>Even if the iPhones looked good enough for resale, Apple Inc.’s contract with GEEP (said with a hard “g”) explicitly required that every product it sent be destroyed.</blockquote>Used iPhone that are sold on the used market are a direct competition to new sales by Apple.

Apple likely does not want the public to know about these processes, since security seems to be tight around the shredding process:<blockquote>In some cases, Apple hired outside security consultants to escort trucks to its recyclers and monitor the destruction process, which the tech giant could further analyze through data reports charting scrap weights and commodity yields to ensure the input matched the output.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Carr |first=Austin |date=2025-03-17 |title=Apple Drops Lawsuit Against Recycler in Mystery of Missing iPhones |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-17/apple-drops-lawsuit-against-recycler-in-mystery-of-missing-iphones |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.ph/2LdNE |archive-date=2025-05-17 |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Bloomberg News}}</ref></blockquote>Apple later retreated the lawsuit,<ref name=":1" /> leading to speculation that it wanted to avoid having to disclose how many devices they are really having shredded. 

====iPhone recycling robot mostly a publicity stunt====
The first iteration of Apple's iPhone recycling robot, designed for the iPhone 6, was never more than a publicity stunt, according to an article by Bloomberg:<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>Liam’s precision automation, however, proved a dead end. It could handle just one iPhone model, and not that well. If a device had corroded screws or sticky insides, the robot would glitch. A person familiar with the project estimates Liam could run for about 10 minutes without human intervention. Another person says Apple at times fed the robot still-functioning iPhones and, for media demos, cherry-picked cleaner units so it didn’t crash, suggesting Liam was geared more for promotion than scalability.</blockquote>The same article cites industry insider claiming that the new iteration of the robot is only able to recycle as many devices in a year as Apple sells in just 48 hours.<ref name=":0" />

Thus it is safe to assume that the vast majority of trade-in devices are simply shredded.

==Products==

*[[ICloud]]
*[[:Category:Apple IPhones|iPhone]]
*iPad
*Mac
*Apple Watch
*AirPods
*Apple TV
*Apple Vision
*Apple Pencil

*[[Apple App Store]]
*[[Apple Gatekeeper]]
*[[Xcode]]

==See also==

*[[Google]]
*[[Microsoft]]
*[[Samsung]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Apple]]

Consumer Rights Wiki talk:Moderators' noticeboard

2026-02-02T02:59:24Z

Raster: /* What should this image be licensed under? */ new section

Age verification

2026-02-01T18:27:00Z

Raster: Added archive for rest of links (ScienceDirect screamed and kicked away archive services, so archive is a File: screenshot.)

{{Incomplete}}
{{See also|Forced identification|De-anonymization}}

'''Age Verification''' (AV), also referred to as '''Age Affirmation''' (AA), is the process in where a business requires some form of identification to verify your age. This is usually done for more explicit or mature content. This practice has been widely spreading since the [[UK Online Safety Act|UK's Online Safety Act (OSA)]] has passed; requiring all individuals to verify themselves before accessing mature content. Ways of checking age include, but are not limited to: checking for a valid credit card, facial age estimation tools, government-issued ID, biometric data, account history behavior, and more.

As of December 2025, 25 US States require websites with mature content to verify age.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State Age Verification Laws - Action Center |url=https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-resources/state-avs-laws/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-12-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251228121257/https://action.freespeechcoalition.com/age-verification-resources/state-avs-laws/ |archive-date=2025-12-28 }}</ref>

==How it works==
When accessing a platform or website that may contain content not suitable for all audiences may force you to register for the platform along with verifying your age by one of the methods mentioned previously. Sites that likely don't use any form of account system will probably have a popup instead requiring you to verify your age before even serving the content you were trying to access.

==Why it is a problem==

===Privacy===
Having companies easily able to identify you means they can track you more efficiently and sell that shared profile to other companies such as ad agencies that then start targeting you specifically.

Governments can also more easily track online movements and find out who you are. Saying something that may go against their own agenda may end up with a police raid, heavy interrogation, and prison time.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Liu |first=John |date=2025-06-20 |title=China tightens internet controls with new centralized form of virtual ID |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/20/tech/china-censorship-internet-id-hnk-intl#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThis%20is%20a%20state%2Dled,an%20infrastructure%20of%20digital%20totalitarianism.%E2%80%9D |access-date=2025-09-04 |work=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250620233250/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/20/tech/china-censorship-internet-id-hnk-intl |archive-date=2025-06-20 }}</ref>

===Censorship===
Certain topics, such as adult content, politics, and LGBT+ topics, will likely be unfairly censored by the governing body or company that has a say on what platform has the '''potential''' to be inappropriate for minors or other age groups.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-01 |title=Strict Age Verification Laws: Balancing Content Restriction and Educational Rights |url=https://www.thinkacademy.ca/blog/strict-age-verification-laws-impact-k12-education/#:~:text=Impact%20on%20K12,affect%20these%20groups |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Think Academy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018030711/https://www.thinkacademy.ca/blog/strict-age-verification-laws-impact-k12-education/ |archive-date=2025-10-18 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kelley |first=Jason |last2=Mackey |first2=Aaron |last3=Mullin |first3=Joe |date=2024-02-15 |title=Don’t Fall for the Latest Changes to the Dangerous Kids Online Safety Act |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/02/dont-fall-latest-changes-dangerous-kids-online-safety-act |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215234054/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/02/dont-fall-latest-changes-dangerous-kids-online-safety-act |archive-date=2024-02-15 }}</ref>

Platforms that host this type of content may also be more proactive in deleting/hiding posts that may get them in trouble or fined by laws or policies by local governments, leading to a more censored internet where opinions are streamlined to fit a set narrative or outlook.<ref name=":0" />

===Increased inequality and denial of service===
Some stores, such as grocery stores, prohibit young people from viewing their web sites or using [[loyalty cards]], which provide discounts and digital coupons. Age verification means that young people and families where the young person does the shopping pay more for essentials like food.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pell |first=Miranda |date=25 Oct 2024 |title=Tesco, Lidl and Sainsbury's shoppers issued warning over little-known 'age limit' rules |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/tesco-lidl-sainsburys-shoppers-issued-30233318 |access-date=20 Sep 2025 |work=Manchester evening news |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251021121644/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/tesco-lidl-sainsburys-shoppers-issued-30233318 |archive-date=2025-10-21 }}</ref> Those who do not have ID, or do not chose to use it (for instance, those who fear domestic violence, or are members of a group subject to persecution) may also be locked out or have to pay more.

===Storage of private and biometric Information by age verification service providers===
A study commissioned by the Australian government found that age verification service providers accumulate a concerning amount of personal information, sometimes even biometric in nature, even when that was not necessary to provide the age verification service.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meineck |first=Sebastian |date=2025-09-03 |title=Anbieter von Alterskontrollen horten biometrische Daten [Age Verification Providers are hoarding biometric Data] |url=https://netzpolitik.org/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/ |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=Netzpolitik.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903115436/https://netzpolitik.org/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/ |archive-date=2025-09-03 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meineck |first=Sebastion |date=2025-09-03 |title=Anbieter von Alterskontrollen horten biometrische Daten [Google Translate English Version] |url=https://netzpolitik-org.translate.goog/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=Netzpolitik.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251023063119/https://netzpolitik-org.translate.goog/2025/australisches-gutachten-anbieter-von-alterskontrollen-horten-biometrische-daten/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp |archive-date=2025-10-23 }}</ref>

===Driving users towards smaller and completely unregulated offerings===
Big platforms can be regulated and forced to comply with applicable laws since they need to have infrastructure such as servers in all major markets. Only these will be affected by the age restriction requirement.

However, users who do not wish to compromise their privacy or who are not of age will then go looking towards smaller niche platforms, often in other regions not affected by the regulation or the darknet.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Kaleta |first=Miroslav |date=2025-08-20 |title=The Cost of Data Privacy Negligence (And How to Avoid It) |url=https://countly.com/blog/data-privacy-negligence#:~:text=2.%20Losing%20Customer,IBM%20Report. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/OJSf5 |archive-date=2026-01-06 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Countly Blog}}</ref> With these offerings, there is little to no leverage with regards to removal of illegal content. Increased exposure to illegal content can then lead to both a strengthening of illegal content providers<ref>{{Cite web |last=Branley |first=Dawn |last2=Covey |first2=Judith |date=2016-06-06 |title=Is exposure to online content depicting risky behavior related to viewers' own risky behavior offline? |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563217303357 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://consumerrights.wiki/w/File:ArchiveScreenshot-www.sciencedirect.com_S0747563217303357.png |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=ScienceDirect}}</ref> and significantly increased danger to minors, who may not yet be able to differentiate between legal and illegal content as well as an adult.<ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Potential risks of content, features, and functions: The science of how social media affects youth |url=https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/youth-social-media-2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416042251/https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/youth-social-media-2024 |archive-date=2024-04-16 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=American Psychological Association}}</ref> 

===Increased damage from data breaches===
Platforms which implement age checks that require sensitive information such as a government-issued ID will likely be more of a target for cyber criminals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-02 |title=Cybercriminals Target These Industries the Most – Here’s Why and How to Stay Safe |url=https://brandefense.io/blog/cybercriminals-target-these-industries/#:~:text=The%20Most%20Vulnerable%20Industries%20to,information%20stored%20within%20their%20networks. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/RTolc |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Brandefense}}</ref> As more platforms comply with the age checks, it becomes more likely that a data breach on at least one of these platforms can reveal extremely sensitive information. In the case of a data breach, it can be catastrophic if users' sensitive information were exposed, which can likely result in identity theft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Popov |first=Cristina |date=2023-03-22 |title=Why breaches can affect you long after they occur |url=https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/why-breaches-can-affect-you-long-after-they-occur#:~:text=%232%3A%20Breaches%20can,for%20online%20accounts. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/yCKkx |archive-date=2026-02-02 |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Bitdefender}}</ref>

Platforms already experience major losses and consumer distrust from data breaches that reveal information less sensitive than government-issued IDs or biometric data.<ref name=":1" /> A data breach involving information this sensitive will seriously damage a business, and the users even more so. As stated previously, users who foresee these privacy risks will turn away from platforms which implement the policy, and towards niche platforms.

==Examples==
*[[YouTube]]'s Age verification and account estimation algorithm. (See [[Youtube age verification]] for more information)

*[[Spotify]]'s Age affirmation for MA rated songs and content.

*[[Discord]]'s Age verification for accounts determining what eligible servers are available.

*[[Roblox]]'s Age verification and account estimation algorithm for talking with users of similar age.

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Common terms]]

Projects talk:Archive everything

2026-02-01T18:12:35Z

Raster: /* Should we archive videos? */ new section

==Note on this==

There are two main places to archive things, the Internet Archive, and archive.today if the IA says no (from my understanding). Would like to incorporate this into the article but have no clue how to lol. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:26, 19 November 2025 (UTC)

:Also, there is an IA extension which I use, it makes archiving extremely easy. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 07:29, 19 November 2025 (UTC)
::Thanks! I'll add this into the 'What you need to do' bit [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 08:52, 19 November 2025 (UTC)
::Which extension do you use in particular? addons dot mozilla dot org has several and it would be useful to have a recommendation.
::By the way, Archive.today has a "Install Firefox Extension" button which leads to its github repo and the user can install it by Releases (right side), downloading the .zip and installing it through Manage your Add-Ons > Install from file. The explanation may be helpful for less tech-savvy wiki people. [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 08:32, 4 December 2025 (UTC)
:::Firefox: [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/wayback-machine_new/]
:::Chrome (ew): [https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/waybackmachine/fpnmgdkabkmnadcjpehmlllkndpkmiak?hl=en-US]
:::Rest can be found at bottom left of https://web.archive.org/ [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 16:01, 4 December 2025 (UTC)
:::worryingly, it looks like archive.today is down at the moment. I'm hoping this is not a permenant thing, as I think they were getting into some legal squabbles recently [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 17:46, 4 December 2025 (UTC)
::::nvm, might just be a firefox thing? [[User:Keith|Keith]] ([[User talk:Keith|talk]]) 17:57, 4 December 2025 (UTC)
::::up for me right now and I'm using LibreWolf (a fork of firefox). [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 17:58, 4 December 2025 (UTC)
:There's also https://preservetube.com/ and https://ghostarchive.org/ both of which I saw used to archive a few references, and had added to the list but unfortunately my edit updating the list entries all the way up to and including F was lost in a merge error. [[Special:Contributions/185.230.125.6|185.230.125.6]] 00:11, 23 January 2026 (UTC)
::Worth looking at for other options. [[User:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|'''''AnotherConsumerRightsPerson''''']] ([[User talk:AnotherConsumerRightsPerson|talk]]) 06:38, 23 January 2026 (UTC)

==LIES!==

a lot of the ones that say "Yes" are not infact very yes.

[[1Password#cite_note-14]]

[[4k_Video_Downloader%2B#cite_note-4KVD-1]], [[4k_Video_Downloader%2B#cite_note-4KDL-2]]

[[Activision_Blizzard#cite_note-6]]

[[Adobe#cite_note-1]], [[Adobe#cite_ref-8]] [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 19:04, 23 January 2026 (UTC)

:please update before I call the police [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 19:05, 23 January 2026 (UTC)
::Archived em and updated the list accordingly, thanks for pointing them out since some of the older entries like those might be less accurate, cheers! (pls don't call the cops) [[User:Tempo123|Tempo123]] ([[User talk:Tempo123|talk]]) 22:48, 23 January 2026 (UTC)
:::I nearly placed the call but the situation's resolved itself. good work people keep it up [[User:SinexTitan|SinexTitan]] ([[User talk:SinexTitan|talk]]) 09:43, 24 January 2026 (UTC)

== Should we archive videos? ==

I was looking through the [[Amazon]] page and noticed there's nearly two dozen video references. Video files are way bigger than webpage snapshots, and it shows by PreserveTube being the only one listed on this page (implying that if there's another archive for that purpose, it's not too popular).

For references leaning more on video, would it be better for one to work toward finding non-video references as well? e.g. finding websites that Louis shows in his videos? It would be a mountain of work, but as the saying goes we can't put all our archive (eggs) in one basket (host). [[User:Raster|Raster]] ([[User talk:Raster|talk]]) 18:12, 1 February 2026 (UTC)